Sejak

I've liked Jo Jung-suk from 'Oh my ghost' and 'Don't dare to dream', so I was easily drawn to this drama. What do I like about him the most... it's those intense loaded looks he gives his female leads that make my heart skip a beat.... and he didn't disappoint in this drama with 'Shin Se-kyung'.

There was a point in one of the episodes where I didn't realise how much I had been holding my breath in great anticipation of a certain meeting.

I've just finished watching episode 5 and have a WHOLE day to wait for the next episode (how will I cope? Lol) The acting has been superb with no dull moments in my opinion. There are so many of the supporting cast that I have been endeared to which is a credit to them bringing their characters to life. I'm not sure why it's been rated lower than I would have expected but the characters are bringing to our present world the cut-throat and back stabbing behaviours of those who wanted power back in the day, which at times is hard to watch. I am hoping and praying that the next 11 episodes don't disappoint.

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".

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.

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.

Everything about this drama screamed total perfection of execution. The chemistry between the main leads was top-notch and insane, the acting is... WOW... AWARD WINNING!!! Plus the plot never lets you get bored, neither every episode. People who haven't watched this drama is missing out on a masterpiece! Watching this whole series had put me into an insane roller coaster of emotions and high level of tension! TRULY A GEM AND GREATEST KDRAMA OF ALL TIME! You can never go wrong with Captivating The King, plus the ending is so ethereal and well executed. LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE CAPTIVATING THE KING!!!!