Captivating the King directed by famous director, Jo Nam-gook who is known for his top hit series The Good Detective has finally ended. Starring top-notch actors like Jo Jung-suk, Shin Sae-kyeong, and Lee Shin-young, the series promised and gave all the fun, sadness and spice, making the viewers sit back and watch throughout. Both Netflix and TV have distributed the series, and it is still globally watched.
The three main roles are done by Jo Jung-suk as Lee In, Shin Sae-kyeong as Kang Hee-soo/ Kang Mong-woo and Lee Shin-young as Kim Myung-ha. Jo Jung-suk’s previous hit was Hospital Playlist (2020 – 2021), Shin Sae-kyeong’s last venture was Run On (2020 – 2021) and Lee Shin-young was last seen in CEO-dol Mart (2023).
Captivating the King Plot
Lee In is a prince with a caring older brother, King Lee Sun. Pledging loyalty to his brother, Lee In is taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty. Unfortunately, King Lee Sun misinterprets this loyalty as betrayal, leading to a strained relationship. Lee In suffers emotionally due to his brother’s resentment.
During his time as a hostage, Lee In encounters an unknown baduk player who captivates him with her skills. Eventually, circumstances unfold, and Lee In ascends to the throne as the king. Despite holding a powerful position, he grapples with internal sadness and vulnerability.
Kang Hee-soo, previously known as a skilled but unknown baduk player, crosses paths with Prince Lee In and falls in love with him. However, fate takes a twist as she becomes a spy with a mission for revenge. Her journey involves approaching King Lee In, adding complexities to their intertwined destinies.
5 Similar Shows like Captivating the King
If you loved the series and want more such historical period dramas, we’ve got you. Here are some of the top-rated gems that are still loved today.
Mr. Queen – 2020
Mr. Queen, a 2020 historical K-drama infused with comedy, presents a unique storyline that blends the past and present. The narrative unfolds as an aspiring chef experiences an accident, transporting him into the Joseon era. The twist? He wakes up not only at a different time but also in the body of the Queen.
Since he is a man from the present generation, his ideologies are completely different from those of the Joseon people. With him in the Queen’s body discovering the secret of the King who seems like a sweetheart, it’s in his hands to ensure the people are safe. The series became a super hit especially when it presented a female lead with masculine properties. Its unconventional approach and exploration of gender dynamics contribute to its distinctiveness in the realm of historical K-dramas.
Also read: Captivating the King Ending Explained: Did Hee-soo Plan on Leaving the King?
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung – 2019
Shin Sae-kyeong has pretty much more periodical dramas and this is one of them. Starring K-Pop Idol Cha Eun-woo and Shin Sae-kyeong in the main lead, the rich historical set will make one wish to time travel. The plot unfolds with the intertwining stories of a free-spirited woman aspiring to be a female historian and a prince leading a secret life as a romance writer.
The K-drama earned nominations for eight awards at the MBC Drama Awards, securing four wins, including one for Best Couple. This series provides a well-rounded mix of romance, comedy, and historical insights, making it an accessible choice for those new to the genre.
Love in the Moonlight – 2016
Love in the Moonlight is very similar to Captivating the King as the female lead in this series also disguises herself as a man and the King falls in love with her/him. Hong Ra On embarks on a unique venture to offer dating advice to men in her kingdom, assuming the guise of a man. A twist of fate occurs when she writes a love letter for a client, setting the stage for an unexpected encounter with Crown Prince Hyo Myeong. Unbeknownst to each other, Ra On’s true identity as a woman and Hyo Myeong’s noble status remain concealed.
The Crown Prince becomes captivated by Ra On, initiating a series of events that lead his political eunuchs to consider recruiting her as one of their own. The unfolding narrative explores the complexities of their relationship, weaving together elements of romance, intrigue, and the challenges posed by their divergent social statuses. As Ra On and Hyo Myeong navigate their connection, the storyline takes unexpected turns, creating a captivating tale of love, identity, and the intricate dynamics of the royal court.
Royal Secret Agent – 2020
The main three leads are very much loved in the K-industry and so will you. Yes, the Gwenchana-Gwenchana guy is the third lead and that’s more than enough to promise you that the series will make you laugh. Sung Yi-gyum, the top scorer in the state examination, finds himself entangled in a gambling incident, resulting in punishment and reassignment from his government office position.
Now, he takes on the role of a secret royal inspector, tasked with investigating corruption among public officials. Working alongside the female inspector Hong Da-in and his assistant Park Chun-sam, Yi-gyum delves into various cases, unraveling mysteries throughout the series. By mysteries, it’s not only thrilling but also cool!
The King’s Affection – 2021
Here’s another series where the female lead disguises herself as a man and falls in love with a man. The best part of this series is that the story is centered on the female lead who disguises herself as the King. Back in the Joseon era, twins were considered a curse in the town and so the female child is always sent away or even worse killed. At the palace, the Queen gives birth to twins and they send the female child away to live.
When the male twin passes away, the daughter is asked to return and pretend as the Crown Prince to keep the bloodline growing. However, as days pass, the impersonating King develops her feelings for her teacher who is none other than her first love! Starring Rowoon and Park Eun-bin, one cannot miss out on this series.
Which series are you choosing to watch first? Let us know in the comment section!
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