Gender-bender Korean dramas hold a special place in my heart. I find the whole gender-swapping thing very entertaining and I love the moment when the true gender of the lead protagonist is revealed. That’s why I couldn’t miss a new historical K-drama called Captivating the King, which aired on Netflix in January 2024. I’ve finished all 16 episodes, what are my impressions?
It was my first time to watch Korean actor Jo Jung-suk who plays Yi-in, the brother of the king and then the new king after his brother was murdered. I immediately fell for his voice, eyes, and expression. Jung-suk is just irresistible and I can’t wait to see other K-dramas with him, like the Hospital Playlist. The female lead, Kang Hee-soo, is played by Shin Se-kyung. You could see her in K-dramas like Arthdal Chronicles, Run On, and Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung. Hee-soo disguises herself as a man, being an expert in the game of baduk. The chemistry of the two main characters is breathtaking. Of course, they have to overcome a lot of obstacles. Their fragile, fledgling bond is interrupted by Yi-in’s ascension to the throne, and with it a change in his behavior. Hee-soo is sent to death and vows revenge on him. When she returns to the palace years later, her heart is wracked with conflicting feelings. Will love triumph over revenge?
Of course, I wished for a happy ending. But the storyline was overlooked for me by the quality of the acting. And I mean Jo Jung-Suk’s acting. Don’t get me wrong, other actors did an amazing job too, but Jung-suk mesmerized me. His charisma was incredible as well as his acting skills. I was hooked on every word of his. At every glance of his. I couldn’t help myself. His character was, moreover, insanely wise which is very rare and it completed the whole audience experience perfectly. This time I was the one who was completely and without a doubt captivated.
