El afecto del rey

Don't let the title fool you, so far this one is a hidden gem. Like the story already. I wasn't expecting this show to be this good through the first two episodes. Strong female lead, longing and waiting for more to come!

There are many historical instances of women living their lives as men, but the unbelievability of such a beautiful and petite woman successfully doing so could well have been an obstacle to enjoying this series. Somehow it did not seem to matter. There are so many compensations with the usual Korean high standard of acting, skillful and propulsive plotting, believable relationships and rounded characters. No cardboard baddies here. Great!

I have seen several KDramas and to this date, this is now my #1 tv series...edging my erstwhile favorites Crash Landing On You and Vagabond. This show has everything from Romance, Action, Suspense, Treachery, Humor and Tragedy. It's a Tear-jerker too from episode 2 up to the end of episode 20...You would need a lot of tissue or better a towel since there's a lot of crying for 19 episodes. The OSTs are so emotional and touching that whenever I hear IF I and I BELIEVE in a scene, my tears begin to fall..The show has the Greatest Love Story and the best last episode and ending..It's the first time I've seen all the cast but I immediately fell in love with them all, such a good chemistry and acting by the whole ensemble..You feel as if you are swayed and a part of the royal court....some of them you love, some you hate and a combination of both....but if I will surely protect my "HIS" Majesty the Crown Prince Lee Hwi...EUN-BIN PARK became one of my instant favorites and hearthrob.... she's so charming...I hope there will be another good show like this. LOVE IT..

I love the cast and most of the series. It is true that at some points its narrative pace weakens, and there are some transition issues perhaps from time constraints. However, when this 20-episode drama is good, it's very good. Some scenes are delightfully hilarious, others charming or deeply moving: the makers did a great job of developing characters and relationships. I think if it had been tightened and trimmed into 16 eps, with a less hurried writer, the series would have been gold. Still, the story and characters are strong, and the themes of loyalty, protectiveness, devotion, and love are explored tenderly. The series never is boring unless one views the dark sides of historical sexism, homophobia, classism, jealousy, abuse of power, political intrigue, assassination, murder, and struggles for position or justice through combat and power plays as boring. Or one never finished the series at all. For me, the real excellence of the series is its belief in friendship, loyalty, and love that "sees" and embraces the beloved, no matter the shifts and even threats. It is the series' greatest theme, and the actors deserve praise for their gifted performances in telling their characters' often tragic but also triumphant stories. And the most important take-away is that "Yes, she can."

Very well thought out. I always look forward to watching this serie. It wasn't easy for anyone those days.such things did happen at this time. Not human at all, but power and status still come first.

I think Eun-bin Park had to get used to her own voice again. I do think that if you're in your role with a different voice, it's a bit of a switch. I enjoyed your acting!