Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have taken the world by storm with their captivating storylines, emotional depth, and impeccable acting. Among these gems is The King: Eternal Monarch*, a 2020 fantasy romance drama that stands out for its ambitious storyline, stunning visuals, and high-profile cast. Written by the famous screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, known for hits like Goblin and Descendants of the Sun*, this series had high expectations from the get-go.
With the impeccable acting of Lee Min-ho in the lead role and Kim Go-eun playing a central character, The King: Eternal Monarch drew attention internationally. The show intertwines elements of parallel universes, love, revenge, and fate, creating a complex and layered narrative that holds viewers' attention from start to finish. Let’s dive into what makes this drama stand out, and why it’s worth watching.
Overview of The King: Eternal Monarch
The King: Eternal Monarch is a fantasy romance set across two parallel universes: the Kingdom of Corea, where monarchy rules, and the Republic of Korea, a modern-day democratic society. The plot centers on Emperor Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), who rules the Kingdom of Corea, and Detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun) from the Republic of Korea. Their paths cross when Lee Gon discovers a portal between the two worlds, setting in motion a series of events that unravel political conspiracies, long-lost secrets, and personal connections.
The primary conflict stems from Lee Gon’s mission to uncover the truth behind his father’s assassination. He realizes that the culprit, his uncle Lee Rim (Lee Jung-jin), has been hiding in the parallel world and manipulating events to seize power. With the aid of the "Manpasikjeok," a mystical flute that controls the gates between dimensions, Lee Gon must protect both worlds from the chaos that ensues.
The Cast: Stellar Performances That Shine
One of the primary reasons for the show's success is its talented cast. Lee Min-ho's portrayal of Emperor Lee Gon is charismatic and regal, showcasing his ability to command the screen with grace and intensity. This marked his return to television after completing his military service, and fans were excited to see him in such a dynamic role. Lee Gon's character oscillates between his royal duties and the romantic relationship he forms with Tae-eul, making his character multifaceted and engaging.
Kim Go-eun, playing Jung Tae-eul, delivers a strong performance as a no-nonsense detective who finds herself tangled in a web of intrigue across two worlds. Tae-eul is not just a romantic interest; she is vital to the narrative as someone who anchors Lee Gon in the real world and helps him in his mission to restore balance between the two dimensions. Her chemistry with Lee Min-ho is undeniable, adding emotional depth to the series.
The supporting cast also excels, with Woo Do-hwan taking on dual roles as Jo Yeong, Lee Gon's loyal bodyguard in the Kingdom of Corea, and Jo Eun-seob, a playful public service worker in the Republic of Korea. His portrayal of these two contrasting characters brings comic relief and emotional nuance to the series. Additionally, Lee Jung-jin’s menacing performance as the villainous Lee Rim elevates the stakes, adding a sense of urgency to Lee Gon’s mission.
Themes: Love, Fate, and the Nature of Reality
At its heart, The King: Eternal Monarch* explores themes of love, destiny, and the consequences of power. The love story between Lee Gon and Tae-eul is not your typical romance. It transcends time, space, and the laws of physics, as the characters come from two different worlds. Their relationship develops slowly, giving viewers time to invest in their emotional connection. This love is a key motivator for many of the characters’ actions, showing how personal relationships can influence the course of history.
Fate and destiny play significant roles in the narrative. Lee Gon believes that his life was saved by a mysterious figure when he was a child, and his quest to find that person leads him to Tae-eul. The idea that their meeting was predestined adds a mystical layer to the romance and makes their bond feel more profound. The recurring motif of the "parallel universe" suggests that the choices one makes in life can ripple across different dimensions, affecting not only one's own world but also others.
The show also questions the nature of reality. The two parallel worlds, while similar, have key differences, and the characters' movement between them forces them to confront what is real and what is illusion. This blurring of boundaries between reality and fantasy keeps viewers engaged, as they are constantly questioning the nature of the worlds Lee Gon and Tae-eul inhabit.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Feast for the Eyes
One of the most talked-about aspects of The King: Eternal Monarch is its stunning cinematography. The show's visual effects, especially when portraying the transitions between the two parallel worlds, are top-notch. The grandeur of the Kingdom of Corea, with its majestic palaces and historical architecture, contrasts beautifully with the modern cityscape of the Republic of Korea. This juxtaposition adds a visual complexity to the show, emphasizing the stark differences between the two worlds while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
The scenes featuring the "Manpasikjeok" flute, which can open the door between the two worlds, are particularly mesmerizing. The use of slow-motion shots and detailed visual effects makes these moments feel magical, adding to the show's overall mystique. Director Baek Sang-hoon has skillfully used lighting, colors, and camera angles to evoke different moods, whether it’s the high-stakes political drama in the Kingdom of Corea or the quieter, more intimate moments between Lee Gon and Tae-eul.
Pacing and Plot Complexity: A Double-Edged Sword
While The King: Eternal Monarch excels in many areas, one of the criticisms it faced was its pacing and plot complexity. The show's storyline is intricate, with multiple timelines, characters, and parallel universe dynamics at play. For some viewers, this complexity was a double-edged sword—on one hand, it made the show intellectually stimulating and unpredictable, but on the other, it could be confusing and hard to follow at times.
The plot takes a while to gain momentum, with the first few episodes laying the groundwork for the complex narrative that follows. As the series progresses, the pacing picks up, but some viewers might feel that the show could have benefitted from a tighter narrative structure. Despite this, the show’s ability to tie up most of its loose ends by the finale is commendable, leaving viewers with a sense of closure while still allowing for some ambiguity.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Fantasy and Romance Fans
The King: Eternal Monarch is a unique and ambitious K-drama that pushes the boundaries of the genre with its complex narrative, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances. While its intricate plot and slow start might not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate fantasy, romance, and political intrigue will find much to love in this series.
The show succeeds in creating a world where love, destiny, and the nature of reality are explored in fascinating ways. It offers a compelling love story between two characters from different worlds while also weaving in themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. For fans of K-dramas looking for something that challenges the conventional storytelling of the genre, The King: Eternal Monarch is a must-watch.
