The King's Affection

Embark on a Royal Journey with 'The King's Affection,' a captivating Korean drama that weaves together history, romance, and intrigue. Set in ancient Korea, this series revolves around the struggles and triumphs of a young crown prince, Lee Hwi (played by Rowoon), as he navigates the complexities of the royal court.

As Lee Hwi strives to prove himself as a worthy successor to the throne, he faces unexpected challenges and discovers love in the most unexpected places. The story takes an emotional turn when he encounters the intelligent and strong-willed Ga Eun (portrayed by Park Eun-bin), who captures his heart.

'The King's Affection' is a beautifully crafted drama that transports viewers to a bygone era filled with political machinations, heartfelt moments, and timeless themes of love and duty. Join us on this enchanting journey through the royal palace, where loyalties are tested, and love knows no bounds."

"Experience a Tale of Love and Royalty with 'The King's Affection,' a South Korean drama that masterfully blends historical richness with heartfelt romance. In a world where royal responsibilities and personal desires collide, follow the journey of Lee Hwi (played by Rowoon), a young crown prince who yearns to break free from the constraints of his position.

Amid the intrigues and power struggles of the royal court, Lee Hwi's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Ga Eun (portrayed by Park Eun-bin), a passionate young woman with her own dreams and aspirations. Their forbidden love story unfolds against the backdrop of a kingdom in turmoil, making 'The King's Affection' a captivating and emotionally charged experience.

This Korean drama not only offers a glimpse into the historical intricacies of royal life but also explores the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one's true destiny. Get ready to be swept away by this timeless tale that transcends eras and captures the essence of true love and devotion.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 왕의 정년
🌎 Also Known As: Affection, Young King, King’s Affection, King’s Beloved
🎭 Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Royalty, Love, Forbidden Love, Palace Intrigue, Coming-of-Age
✍ Screenwriters: Han Hee-jung, Kim Ki-ho
🎬 Directors: Song Hyun-wook
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: October 11, 2021 – December 14, 2021
📅 Airing Days: Mondays and Tuesdays
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Suitable for viewers 15 years and older)

Best Scenes

The heartfelt and emotional confession scene between Lee Hwi and Ga Eun.
The beautifully choreographed palace dance sequence showcasing the characters’ elegance and grace.
Intense political confrontations in the royal court, filled with suspense and drama.
The tender moments between Lee Hwi and his younger brother, Lee Joon.
The stunningly shot scenes at various historical locations, capturing the essence of the era.

Filming Locations

Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, served as the primary filming location, providing the backdrop for many palace scenes.
Historical sites such as Gwanghalluwon Garden and Hwaseong Fortress added authenticity to the drama’s settings.
Traditional Hanok villages in Korea were used to recreate the atmosphere of the time.
Some scenes were filmed in scenic outdoor locations, showcasing the natural beauty of the countryside.
The grandeur of the royal palace was brought to life through carefully selected historical sites.

Visual Design and Costumes

The exquisite hanboks (traditional Korean clothing) worn by the characters were designed to reflect the elegance of the Joseon era.
Elaborate crown and hairpiece designs added to the regal appearance of the cast.
The palace’s interior and exterior were meticulously designed to recreate the historical setting.
Visual effects and set design contributed to the immersive experience of the royal court.
The attention to detail in recreating historical artifacts and accessories enhanced the visual authenticity.

Themes and Messages

The drama explores themes of duty and responsibility within the royal family.
Forbidden love and the challenges it brings are central to the story.
The pursuit of one’s dreams and the struggle to break free from societal constraints are prominent themes.
Loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of power are underlying messages in the series.
The drama also highlights the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity and political intrigue.

Interesting Facts

Rowoon, who played the role of Lee Hwi, underwent intense horseback riding and archery training to prepare for his character.
The drama’s soundtrack featured emotionally charged ballads that complemented the storyline.
Park Eun-bin, portraying Ga Eun, received acclaim for her strong and charismatic performance.
“The King’s Affection” is based on the web novel of the same name by Kim Yi-rang.
The drama’s release generated anticipation due to its unique premise of a crown prince who falls in love with a eunuch.

Awards

APAN Star Awards (2022):

Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Rowoon (Nominated)
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Park Eun-bin (Nominated)

Baeksang Arts Awards (2022):

Best Actress – Television: Park Eun-bin (Nominated)

International Emmy Awards (2022):

Best Telenovela: “The King’s Affection” (Won)

Korean Broadcasting Awards (2022):

Best Actor/Actress: Park Eun-bin (Won)

Korea First Brand Awards (2021):

Female Acting Idol: Jung Chae-yeon (Won)

KBS Drama Awards (2021):

Best Couple Award: Park Eun-bin and Rowoon (Won)
Best New Actor: Rowoon (Won)
Best Young Actress: Choi Myung-bin (Won)
Popularity Award, Actor: Rowoon (Won)
Popularity Award, Actress: Park Eun-bin (Won)
Top Excellence Award, Actress: Park Eun-bin (Won)
Best New Actor: Nam Yoon-su (Nominated)
Best New Actress: Jung Chae-yeon (Nominated)
Best Young Actor: Ko Woo-rim (Nominated)
Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Park Eun-bin (Nominated)

Seoul International Drama Awards (2022):

Best Writer: Han Hee-jung (Won)

Real-Life Loves on Set

On the set of the Korean drama “The King’s Affection” no romantic relationship developed between the lead actors, Rowoon and Park Eun Bin. The two actors collaborated as professionals on the project, but they did not have a romantic relationship on the set.