Anticipating its broadcast, “Captivating the King” unfolds against the historical tapestry of the Joseon era, weaving a tale centered on the love story between a monarch and a woman disguised as a man. Similar narratives have graced the screen in various series, notably exploring the dynamic of a monarch entangled with a woman in disguise, a theme previously brought to life in the 2016 series “Love in the Moonlight.”
The stakes are high for “Captivating the King,” as acclaimed actors Cho Jung-seok and Shin Se-kyung have chosen to lend their talents to the series, heightening the sense of anticipation.
“Captivating the King” is scheduled to air on tvN from January 21, 2024. The broadcast will take place every Saturday at 09:20 PM. This 16-episode series will also be available for streaming on TVING and Netflix.
Official trailer of “Captivating the King”
synopsis of “Captivating the King”
It’s about King Lee In, who rules a kingdom but feels lonely. Kang Hee-soo, a determined woman, becomes a secret agent to challenge him. The story involves a mix of deception, justice, love, and revenge as they cleverly trick each other. It’s like a strategic game, where they face off like players in a Baduk or Go game, placing stones on the board to uncover the truth.
casting of “Captivating the King”
Jo Jung-suk as Lee In/Grand prince Jinhan
He is the King of Joseon, known as Grand Prince Jinhan during his youth, and a remarkable Go player. Despite being born as the second son to the late king, he was groomed as the heir by his mother. His older half-brother, Lee Seon, cared for him, leading him to swear lifelong loyalty.
During the Qing Dynasty invasion, he became a hostage, sending updates to his mentor Kang Hang-soon. However, his loyalty was misunderstood, sparking jealousy in his brother Lee Seon. Tormented, Lee In nearly gave up until a mysterious figure appeared.
A humble Go gambler, this person defended Lee In and won his heart. Lee In, deeply captivated, even took a knife wound for this enigmatic friend. Their bond strengthened over a game of Go, and Lee In gladly give up his nickname “Mongwoo.” Inseparable, Lee In defied his brother Lee Seon for the first time to protect Mongwoo. He offered his life, believing it would save Mongwoo and free his brother from confusion.
Ironically, it was Lee Seon who ended up covered in blood, collapsing to the ground.
Shin Se-kyung as Kang hee-su/Kang Mong-woo
She is Kang Hee-soo, the daughter of Kang Hang-soon, a skilled Go player and secret agent.
Kang Hee-soo faced an unusual upbringing, losing her mother early in life and relying on her father’s dedication to serving the kingdom. Raised without meticulous parental care, she leaned on her own strength and resourcefulness, guided by a handmaid instead.
Mastering the game of Go under her father’s tutelage, Kang Hee-soo emerged as a formidable player. Defying societal norms, she adopted male attire and fearlessly explored the world, earning a reputation that surpassed the mysterious Go players in the market. Utilizing the wealth gained from her victories, Kang Hee-soo secured funds for the return of people taken to Qing Dynasty.
Disliking defeat and detesting monotony, Kang Hee-soo lived by the belief that placing a stone meant no possibility of losing, and once she defeated someone, she wouldn’t engage with them again. This principle extended to her views on marriage. However, her unwavering beliefs were effortlessly shattered by Lee In, Grand Prince of Jinhan, a noble figure. Unbeknownst to Kang Hee-soo, she found herself irresistibly drawn to him. Despite the world’s suspicions and condemnation of Lee In, Kang Hee-soo steadfastly believed in his strength and unwavering character. This belief endured even when Lee In faced conspiracy accusations, and Kang Hee-soo risked not only her life but also her friend Hong Jang’s life to proclaim Lee In’s innocence with unyielding strength.
Lee Shin-young As Kim Myung-ha
He is the son of the external relative, Kim Jong-bae, and the cousin of Prince Munseong.
A remarkable man who excelled in both scholarly pursuits, mastering the Four Books and Five Classics, and martial arts, including archery and swordsmanship. Despite his abilities, he maintained a humble demeanor, stood against injustice, and endeavored to view the world without prejudice. His upright character led him to maintain a distance from Yoo Hyeon-bo, who served under his father Kim Jong-bae, and maintain a close relationship with Min Sang-hyo, the brother of a political opposer his father, Min Ji-hwan.
Originally born into a humble family with no notable background, the family’s fortune changed when his father’s sister, his aunt, was chosen as the queen. Thanks to Kim Myung-ha’s outstanding performance in the civil service exams and the family’s virtuous conduct, he secured a position as a high-ranking officer. Drawn to Kang Hang-soon’s integrity and the fraternal bond with Lee In during their joint service in Shenyang, Kim Myung-han concealed this connection from his father, Kim Jong-bae, and visited Kang Hang-soon’s house. There, he discovered Kang Hee-soo, Kang Hang-soon’s daughter, and harbored feelings for her. Though he harbored a liking for Lee In, upon realizing Kang Hee-soo’s unique feelings towards Lee In, he saw him as a rival and approached him with caution. Nevertheless, when Kim Jong-bae, his father, attempted to eliminate Lee In by labeling him as a secret agent, Kim Myung-ha found himself in a difficult position. Despite everyone’s suspicions, he firmly believed that Lee In could not harbor rebellious intentions.
Choi Dae-hun as Lee Seon
He is Lee In’s step-brother and the reigning King of Joseon.
Following his mother’s demise, Lee Seon was raised by his stepmother, Queen Park. At the tender age of 13, he assumed the role of Crown Prince, yet the absence of maternal support or a loyal faction left him feeling lonely. The void was filled by his younger brother, Lee In, born to Queen Park. Initially, Lee In was cherished as an adored younger brother, but as he showcased superior intelligence, courage, and political acumen, he evolved into a source of discomfort for the older sibling. The anxiety and fear gradually transformed into a complex mix of self-blame and resentment during tumultuous times. Eventually, Lee Seon developed delusions, blaming Lee In and his stepmother, Queen Park, for all his suffering and torment.
At this critical juncture, Lee Seon made a fateful decision as a monarch—one that should never have been taken.
He played the role of Yoon Se-ri’s amiable older brother in “Crash Landing on You,” portrayed by actress Son Ye-jin. The character in this role is entirely distinct from his portrayal in “Crash Landing on You.”
Lee Kyu-hoe as Park Jung Hwan
He holds the position of Wanju Provincial Governor and is the brother of Queen Park.
A master strategist skilled in situational maneuvering, he excels at identifying the weaknesses of others to achieve his goals. His exceptional ability lies in discerning when to maintain a low profile and when to assert dominance.
The Park family, with its history of producing queens, has enjoyed power as maternal relatives of the king. However, he deems it a disgrace to the family that his nephew, Lee In, cannot ascend to the throne. Despite Lee In’s meritorious service justifying a significant government position, he stubbornly clings to a role with only honor and no real power. This is a deliberate move to conceal the true influence of this powerful external relative.
Leveraging the prestige of being the Queen’s brother-in-law and the advisor to his nephew Lee In, he wields significant influence over court affairs and beyond.
Yang Kyung-won as Yu Hyun-bo
He serves as a subordinate to Kim Jong-bae and is the brother of Hong Jang.
Presenting himself as a dignified elder with a position in Yesjo, an administrative body, he emphasizes etiquette and propriety. However, in reality, he is a treacherous individual willing to do anything for wealth and glory, giving little importance to etiquette and propriety.
During times of upheaval, he abandoned his duty to the king, citing the preservation of his own life as the head of the family. Later, upon his younger sister Hong Jang’s return from Qing Dynasty, he subjected her to various forms of harassment, accusing her of disgracing the family. Once harboring resentment, he stops at nothing, using all means at his disposal to torment his adversaries.
In the hit drama “Crash Landing on You,” he appeared like a comet and received much love. This time, he takes on a completely different villain character from his previous role in “Crash Landing on You.” His performance in this series is expected to be a significant milestone in his career.
Jo Sung-ha as Kim Jong-Bae
He is the father of Kim Myung-ha and the brother of Queen Kim.
Known for his stern disposition and formal way of speaking, he carries an air of suspicion. Despite being a maternal relative, he stands out for not pursuing personal gain and glory, deviating from the norm. Instead, he leans towards being a loyal subject genuinely concerned about the country and its people. His steadfast loyalty to Lee Seon has resulted in a bias against Lee In, suspecting him of harboring rebellious intentions.
Son Hyun-ju as Kang Hang-sun
He serves as Younguijeong, a sort of prime minister, and is Kang Hee-soo’s father, as well as Lee In’s mentor.
A dedicated subject and an excellent mentor, though not necessarily a good father. His unwavering commitment to national affairs often leaves him with a sense of guilt toward his daughter, Kang Hee-soo, as he prioritizes the country. Consequently, he refrains from pressuring her into marriage, vowing to let her lead a life of her choosing. When faced with a crisis due to the Qing Dynasty invasion triggered by the secret agent incident, he feels compelled to fulfill his duty as Younguijeong.
Kang Dong-suk as Ju Sang-hwa
He serves as Lee In’s personal guard, holding a unique military position.
Originating from a royal bodyguard background, he possesses exceptional martial arts skills coupled with unwavering loyalty. Having fought alongside General Lee In during turbulent times, he assumes the role of Lee In’s personal guard. Following Lee In’s rise to the throne, he takes up a distinctive military position responsible for safeguarding the king and investigating potential conspiracies within the military. Displaying the wisdom to step back and await Lee In’s commands before taking action, he not only comprehends the events of Lee In’s reign but also discerns the subtle currents within his heart. His vigilance is particularly directed towards Kang Mong-woo and Kang Hee-soo.
Park Ye-young as Chief Maid Dong
She serves as Lee In’s personal maid. Originally a maid for Lee In’s mother, she carried unspoken affections for General Lee In. However, upon becoming the personal maid to King Lee Seon, she suppressed these emotions. Recognized for her contributions when Lee Seon unexpectedly died, she assumed the role of Lee In’s personal maid. In contrast to Lee In’s personal guard, Ju Sang-hwa, they often engage in heated arguments whenever they cross paths.
Considered a wielder of true power within the palace, she holds knowledge of Lee In’s concealed secret, making her the sole witness to a truth unknown to others.
Na Hyun-woo as Chu Dal-ha
He is a former military officer, leader of the rebellion, low-ranking commoner, and Kang Hee-soo’s ally.
In his earlier role as a subordinate to Kang Hee-soo’s father, Kang Hang-soon, he held the position of a ninth-grade officer. Acting under Kang Hang-soon’s orders, he has been involved in covert activities as a secret agent, transcending both Qing and Ming dynasties. Secretly assisting Kang Hee-soo, he played a crucial role in redeeming powerless people who were taken to Qing and Ming dynasties, helping them return by paying their body prices. While carrying out this mission, he discovered Hong Jang, the sister of Yu Hyeon-bo, and fell in love with her.
Under Kang Hang-soon’s orders, he carried the secret royal decree from King Lee Seon to Ming dynasty but was ambushed by Qing military forces on his way back. After enduring severe torture, he lost one eye. Returning as a survivor, he becomes a humble commoner in Bancheon and aids Kang Hee-soo in her efforts to pull down Lee In.
Han Dong-hee as Hong Jang
As a courtesan, she is both a friend to Kang Hee-soo and the sister of Yu Hyeon-bo.
Originally a noblewoman, she was taken to Qing during the chaos of war and faced rejection from her family upon her return due to the disgrace of being redeemed. With the assistance of Kang Hee-soo and Chu Dal-ha, she chose the path of a courtesan, dedicating herself to supporting Kang Hee-soo. Despite enduring coercion and violence from her brother Yu Hyeon-bo, she remains a strong-willed woman who courageously speaks and acts.
Jung Suk-Yong as Sedong
A shoemaker in Bancheon and a secret agent, he serves as Kang Hee-soo’s father and Kang Hang-soon’s confidant. Renowned as the most skilled and resourceful shoemaker in Joseon, he is quick-witted and agile. Their first encounter transpired when Kang Hang-soon was a country scholar in Hanyang, and he, subsequently, became Kang Hang-soon’s landlord. As time unfolded amid significant changes, he naturally assumed the role of a secret agent. Possessing a sincere and upright character, he shares a brotherly bond with Chu Dal-ha and takes care of Kang Hee-soo.
Jang Yung-Nam as Qeen Park
She is Dowager queen of the late King, the birth mother of Lee In, and Park Jong-hwan’s sister.
She has a fiery temperament and is impatient. She possesses excellent skills in manipulating and persuading others for her own desires. Rising to the palace with the prestige of a family that has produced queens before, she enters the palace at the age of sixteen with a beautiful face, giving birth to Lee In. Determined to make her son the heir to the throne, she allies with Park Jong-hwan and works towards educating and building influence for Lee In. However, her son, Lee In, who appears obedient on the surface, doesn’t understand his mother’s heart.
production of “Captivating the King”
Under the direction of Jo Nam-gook PD, renowned for his contributions to seires such as “The Chaser,” “Empire of Gold,” “Last,” “Untouchable,” and “The Good Detective,” and penned by Kim Sun-deok, the esteemed screenwriter behind “The Crowned Clown.”
behind the scenes of “Captivating the King”
- The Korean title “Sejak” translates to “spy” or “agent.” The official website refers to “People of Kang Hee-soo” as the “Sejak network,” which may appear slightly awkward. As more detailed information becomes available upon the series’ airing, nuances might become clearer. It’s worth noting that the term “Sejak” originally implies a spy operated by an owner, so labeling it a network of spies might seem unusual. A more comprehensible phrasing could be referring to it as a network of the owner of Sejak.
- The subtitle of the series, “Enchanted People,” certainly piques curiosity. “Sejak” appears more apt for those doing the enchanting rather than those being enchanted. It’s possible that the production team has a unique intention or twist, which may become clearer once the series begins airing.
- Looking at the cast list, several actors from the drama “Crash Landing on You” are involved in the new series. Lee Sin-young, Choi Dae-hoon, Lee Kyu-ho, and Yang Kyung-won are among the cast, and all of them played significant roles in the previous drama.
Another highly anticipated historical drama https://triviaaboutkorea.com/knight-flower-starring-honey-lee/
The official website of “Captivating the King” https://tvn.cjenm.com/ko/sejak/
