
The King of Dramas
The King of Dramas offers a witty and satirical look behind the scenes of Korea’s cutthroat television industry. The story follows Anthony Kim (played by Kim Myung Min), a brilliant but ruthless CEO of a drama production company, whose sole focus is making successful dramas, no matter the cost. His sharp business instincts and willingness to bend the rules make him both admired and feared in the industry. His world collides with Lee Go Eun (played by Jung Ryeo Won), an idealistic rookie screenwriter who believes that great stories should come from the heart, not just from profit-driven motives. Their opposing views on creativity and business spark constant clashes, but also set the stage for unexpected collaboration and growth. Adding more tension and comedy is Kang Hyun Min (played by Choi Si Won), a self-absorbed top Hallyu star whose diva antics bring plenty of humor and chaos to the set. As the three navigate constant production crises, egos, and financial battles, they slowly form an unlikely alliance, trying to create a drama that will touch viewers while surviving the behind-the-scenes drama. The King of Dramas brilliantly combines comedy, satire, romance, and industry insight into a unique K-drama experience. With standout performances, sharp dialogue, and a clever take on the entertainment world, it appeals to fans looking for Korean dramas about the drama industry, strong female leads, and corporate battles with a comedic twist.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 드라마의 제왕
🌎 Also Known As: The Lord of the Drama, Drama King
🎭 Genres: Business, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Satire
🏷 Tags: Entertainment Industry, Drama Production, CEO, Screenwriter, Hallyu Star, Behind-the-Scenes
✍ Screenwriters: Jang Hang-jun, Lee Ji-hyo
🎬 Director: Hong Sung-chang
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 18
🗓️ Aired: November 5, 2012 – January 8, 2013
📅 Airing Days: Mondays & Tuesdays
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Anthony’s Redemption Arc: In the finale, Anthony Kim chooses the integrity of the drama over personal gain, showcasing his character growth and delivering an emotionally resonant moment.
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Go Eun’s Script Pitch: Lee Go Eun passionately defends her script to skeptical producers, highlighting the challenges faced by aspiring writers in the entertainment industry.
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Hyun Min’s On-Set Tantrum: Kang Hyun Min’s comedic meltdown during filming offers a satirical look at celebrity egos and the pressures of stardom.
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Behind-the-Scenes Chaos: A montage of production mishaps provides a humorous yet realistic glimpse into the complexities of drama production.
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Unexpected Romance: The subtle development of feelings between Anthony and Go Eun adds depth to their professional relationship, culminating in a heartfelt confession.
Filming Locations
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SBS Broadcasting Center, Seoul: Many scenes were shot at the actual SBS headquarters, lending authenticity to the portrayal of the broadcasting world.
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Ilsan Lake Park: This picturesque location served as a backdrop for several reflective moments between characters.
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Gyeonggi-do’s Drama Sets: Various indoor scenes were filmed on constructed sets in Gyeonggi Province, designed to replicate production offices and studios.
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Seoul’s Urban Streets: The bustling cityscape of Seoul provided dynamic settings for on-location shoots, emphasizing the fast-paced nature of the industry.
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Traditional Korean Houses (Hanok): Some character residences were filmed in hanok villages, offering a contrast between modern industry and traditional living.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Corporate Attire: Anthony Kim’s sharp suits reflect his ambitious and meticulous personality, reinforcing his role as a powerful producer.
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Casual Chic for Go Eun: Lee Go Eun’s wardrobe combines comfort with professionalism, illustrating her journey from novice writer to industry insider.
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Flashy Fashion for Hyun Min: Kang Hyun Min’s extravagant outfits mirror his flamboyant and self-absorbed character traits.
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Set Design Authenticity: The drama’s production sets were meticulously crafted to mirror real-life studios, enhancing the series’ realism.
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Color Palette Usage: The series employs a strategic color scheme, using warm tones during personal moments and cooler hues in professional settings to convey mood shifts.
Themes and Messages
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Ambition vs. Integrity: The narrative explores the tension between achieving success and maintaining personal ethics within the cutthroat entertainment industry.
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The Power of Storytelling: Emphasizes how compelling narratives can influence audiences and the importance of authentic storytelling.
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Satire of Industry Practices: The series critiques the often absurd and unethical practices behind drama production, using humor to shed light on serious issues.
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Personal Growth: Characters undergo significant development, learning from failures and evolving through their experiences in the drama world.
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Collaboration and Teamwork: Highlights the necessity of cooperation among diverse personalities to create successful productions.
Interesting Facts
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Meta-Narrative: The series offers a self-referential look at drama production, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
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Cameo Appearances: Features guest appearances by real-life actors and industry figures, adding authenticity to the storyline.
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Industry Accuracy: Praised for its realistic depiction of the challenges and inner workings of the Korean drama industry.
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Character Inspirations: Some characters are believed to be inspired by actual industry professionals, providing an insider’s perspective.
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Critical Acclaim: Received positive reviews for its sharp writing, strong performances, and insightful commentary on the entertainment business.
Awards
🏆 Awards & Nominations for The King of Dramas
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2012 SBS Drama Awards:
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🏅 Top Excellence Award for Miniseries, Actress – Jung Ryeo-won (Won)
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🌟 Top 10 Stars Award – Jung Ryeo-won (Won)
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🏅 Top Excellence Award for Miniseries, Actor – Kim Myung-min (Nominated)
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🏅 Excellence Award for Miniseries, Actress – Oh Ji-eun (Nominated)
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Real-Life Loves on Set
A real-life romance blossomed from the set of The King of Dramas. Actors Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon, who both appeared in the series, began dating in 2017. Their relationship culminated in marriage on January 22, 2022, and they welcomed their first child, a son, later that year. Their journey from co-stars to life partners has been celebrated by fans and the media alike.










