
Goong S
Goong S (Prince Hours) tells a modern royal fairytale set in an alternate South Korea where monarchy still exists. The story revolves around Kang Hoo (Se7en), an ordinary young man working at a Chinese restaurant, who suddenly discovers that he is the long-lost grandson of the royal family. His simple life turns upside down when he is thrust into palace life as a crown prince candidate, navigating royal duties and high-society expectations he never imagined. As Kang Hoo struggles to adapt to royal etiquette, he finds himself entangled in a complicated love triangle. Yang Soon Ae (Heo Yi Jae), his childhood friend with a strong, caring personality, becomes his emotional anchor amidst palace chaos. Meanwhile, Shin Sae Ryung (Park Shin Hye), a graceful and ambitious noblewoman, sees Kang Hoo as both a rival and a potential partner in her own quest for power within the palace walls. Their intertwined destinies create emotional tension, heart-fluttering moments, and fierce rivalry. Adding to the complexity is Lee Joon (Kang Doo), another contender for the throne who carries the burden of living up to royal expectations. The power struggles between Kang Hoo and Lee Joon escalate as secrets about lineage, family honor, and political alliances are revealed. The palace becomes a battlefield where love, ambition, and loyalty are constantly tested. With its blend of royal romance, palace intrigue, hidden identity, and love triangles, Goong S offers a fresh twist on classic K-drama themes. The series captivates viewers with its unique alternate monarchy setting, strong performances from its popular cast, and a compelling narrative that keeps audiences invested. Perfect for fans of romantic K-dramas, royal love stories, and political drama, Goong S remains a beloved gem in the Korean drama world.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 궁 S
🌎 Also Known As: Prince Hours, Goong Special, Imperial Prince
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Political
🏷 Tags: Hidden Royalty, Love Triangle, Palace Intrigue, Crown Prince, Alternate Monarchy, Family Secrets
✍ Screenwriters: In Eun Ah
🎬 Directors: Hwang In Roe
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea 🇰🇷
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: January 10, 2007 – March 15, 2007
📅 Airing Days: Wednesdays & Thursdays
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 60 min
🔞 Content Rating: 15+
Best Scenes
-
Kang Hoo’s Royal Entrance
The moment Kang Hoo (Se7en) first enters the palace as a hidden prince delivers shock, humor, and sets the stage for the entire story. -
Kang Hoo and Soon Ae’s Rooftop Confession
Their emotional conversation under the night sky showcases the growing romance and vulnerability between Kang Hoo and Yang Soon Ae (Heo Yi Jae). -
Sae Ryung’s Manipulation Unfolds
Park Shin Hye as Shin Sae Ryung delivers a powerful scene as her ambitions and strategic moves to secure her place in the palace are revealed. -
Kang Hoo vs. Lee Joon Showdown
The intense competition between Kang Hoo and Lee Joon (Kang Doo) during royal training sessions highlights power struggles and royal expectations. -
Emperor’s Emotional Speech
The Emperor (Lee Jong Goo) delivers a heartfelt speech about duty and family, creating one of the most touching moments in the series.
Filming Locations
-
Korean Folk Village
Traditional palaces and architecture were filmed here to replicate the fictional royal setting. -
MBC Dramia Historical Set
A frequently used location for historical K-dramas, providing authentic palace scenery. -
Seoul’s Modern Streets
Scenes showing Kang Hoo’s humble beginnings were filmed across bustling city locations in Seoul. -
Palace Gardens and Courtyards
The elegant outdoor palace spaces served as key backdrops for many royal and romantic scenes. -
Royal Banquet Halls
Lavish indoor set designs created opulent backdrops for royal ceremonies and formal events.
Visual Design and Costumes
-
Modernized Hanbok Designs
The drama blended traditional hanboks with modern fashion influences, making costumes visually unique. -
Vibrant Color Schemes
Costume colors reflect character status and emotional tone — bright for royalty, soft tones for commoners. -
Detailed Palace Interiors
Richly decorated royal chambers and meeting halls added authenticity to the fictional monarchy. -
Elegant Jewelry and Hair Accessories
Royal women wore elaborate hairpieces and jewelry symbolizing their status. -
Symbolic Use of Lighting
Lighting design enhanced the emotional contrasts between public royal life and private struggles.
Themes and Messages
-
Hidden Identity and Unexpected Destiny
Kang Hoo’s discovery of his royal bloodline explores themes of self-discovery and fate. -
Love vs. Duty
The tension between following personal desires and fulfilling royal responsibilities drives much of the drama. -
Power Struggles and Palace Politics
Complicated power plays reflect the darker side of monarchy and court life. -
Friendship and Loyalty
The strong bond between Kang Hoo and Soon Ae emphasizes enduring friendship amidst chaos. -
Ambition and Manipulation
Shin Sae Ryung’s ambition showcases how power can corrupt and create personal conflicts.
Interesting Facts
-
Se7en’s Acting Debut
Goong S marks K-pop singer Se7en’s first major acting role, drawing global attention. -
Spin-off of the Original Goong
This series is a spin-off of the highly popular Goong (Princess Hours), set in an alternate universe. -
Park Shin Hye’s Rising Popularity
This role contributed to Park Shin Hye’s rise as one of Korea’s most recognized actresses. -
Unique Blend of Modern & Historical Elements
Combining a modern-day monarchy with historical aesthetics created a fresh twist for viewers. -
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While Goong S didn’t achieve the same massive success as Goong, it developed its own loyal fanbase over time.
Awards
The Korean drama Goong S (also known as Prince Hours) did not receive any major awards during its original broadcast period in 2007. While the series featured notable performances by actors such as Se7en, Heo Yi Jae, Kang Doo, and Park Shin Hye, there are no official records of it winning awards at prominent ceremonies like the MBC Drama Awards or Baeksang Arts Awards.
Real-Life Loves on Set
No real-life romance developed among the cast members of Goong S.
Despite the strong on-screen chemistry between Se7en, Heo Yi Jae, Park Shin Hye, and Kang Doo, there have been no confirmed reports of any off-screen romantic relationships between the actors. Their emotional performances were purely professional, showcasing their acting skills without leading to real-life romance.