Il Re e la Spia

Yes, you have to get over the petite fairy looking female lead being accepted as a man just because she wears male clothes. That part is always hard to swallow in similar K dramas. BUT, ignoring the gender bending trope, this series is very entertaining. Nothing truly unique about the storyline, but the quality of the acting drew me right in. Almost completely due to Jo Jung Suk's acting. He has charisma to spare. I also like that they feature the game of baduk (Go), which adds to the cultural atmosphere. There are the expected political struggles and evil ministers aplenty. But the young crown prince is so delightful and such a super actor as well. Shin Se-Kyung as FL does a fine job, though I would love to see the writer allow her to yell and scream once in awhile. I love Lee Shin Young as Myung Ha, (basically second male lead) who got a lousy break from the get go. Also loved Ha So-hoon, who played the very ill queen with subtlety and a heart-rending sadness.

I'm an African American and I love Korean time dramas. This movie, Captivating the King, has captivated me. I look forward to every episode. I could watch one episode after the next. I also think the lead male and female actor and actress are top notch. I have never watched the male actor before but find his acting and presence of great quality. His charisma just seems to jump off the screen. Also, he is quite attractive. The female actress has graced the screen in a lot Korean dramas I watch and I love her acting. She is the reason I decided to watch this drama and I'm glad I did. Kudos to whoever wrote this drama and to the director. I wish there was more time dramas that are suspenseful and romantic like this one. The only other drama that comes close to this is The Princess Weiyoung.

2 episodes in - the biggest plot twist is so definitively written in that self-explanatory title, and it's no doubt that this romance drama will be gut-punching the audiences to tears in the latter episodes. Yes, it's that obvious.

However, the main casts, production, script and directing has been great so far. I just hope that it didn't include too many gap-filler mini-dramas with minor casts, like other could-have-been-great series as long as they maintained the main track of storytelling.

2 main casts are doing their great job, as expected as usual but surprisingly well set in this between them, which is so overwhelming to watch.

When picked this drama to watch, I hadn't realized that the male lead was Jo Jung Suk. I smiled like a teenager in love for the first time. I immediately thought of "Oh My Ghost!" and "Hospital Playlist" (they owe us a third season, by the way). What a difference between these lead roles, however, his performances were super each and every time. I don't recall seeing the female lead acting before, therefore, I can only applaud her performance. The match between them was delightful. I must finish saying that I was expecting the same historical drama that I have previously watched. It is far from the truth! From episode 1 until the last one, this drama catches all your attention an heart. It is a "must watch".

What can I say, this K-Drama had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns of the love between the king and his subject was beautifully executed, I even wished to be kissed by the king. I was willing the weekend to come so I could see the next episodes.

I love the way the characters brought out the barbarity of truth and lies and the plots to control each court faction.

Definitely let there be a series 2. I wait with bated breath. Let's see the blossom of love between the maid and the kings main guard, definitely something to entice us audiences with. Don't let us wait!!!!!!!!.

Us audiences want to see the possibilities of a child between the king and the love of his life. A Queen is born and a son, by god this king needs to have a happy ending. We want to see that this king who has a brilliant mind and ability to lead korea to victory over the impeding menace of the outside political forces.

The king has changed the system to be a worthy kingdom with zero tolerance for rich hording riches and food. He will be strong to keep his people safe and secure in the new Korea he will build with his Queen and Son by his side and adopted late brother's son.

Well done, I am rewatching the episodes again.