Captivating The King” is a riveting Korean drama that intertwines love, loyalty, and political intrigue in the backdrop of the Joseon Kingdom’s tumultuous era. The story follows Grand Prince Jin-han, who finds himself torn between duty and desire as he navigates the treacherous waters of palace politics and external threats. Alongside him is Hee-soo, a skilled baduk player with a mysterious past, whose fate becomes intertwined with Jin-han’s as they confront their secrets and loyalties. As power struggles and betrayals unfold, “Captivating The King” promises a gripping tale of romance, ambition, and sacrifice in pursuing power and love.
Main Cast:
- Jo Jung-suk as Yi In / Grand Prince Jinhan
- Shin Se-kyung as Kang Hee-soo / Kang Mong-woo
Supporting Cast:
- Lee Shin-young as Kim Myung-ha
- Choi Dae-hoon as Yi Seon
- Lee Gyu-hoe as Park Jong-hwan
- Yang Kyung-won as Yoo Hyun-bo
- Jo Sung-ha as Kim Jong-bae
- Son Hyun-joo as Kang Hang-sun
Episode 1: The Baduk Player
The episode opens with a tense atmosphere as the Joseon Kingdom finds itself at the mercy of the Qing forces. Grand Prince Jin-han, torn between loyalty to his kingdom and the pressure of the invading Qing army, attempts to ease the situation by showing kindness to the locals. However, his efforts are met with hostility, and the situation escalates when Qing demands Jin-han as a hostage and names him as the successor.
King Lee Sun reluctantly surrenders his brother to Qing, leading to a heart-wrenching farewell between the two brothers. Meanwhile, Queen Dowager, Jin-han’s mother, seethes angrily over the King’s decision. At the same time, the Queen sees it as an opportunity to strengthen her position and diminish the influence of her rivals.
As Jin-han finds himself working from within Qing to aid Joseon, he forms an unlikely friendship with Prince Rui, using his strategic prowess in Baduk to negotiate to release other Joseon hostages. Despite his efforts, Jin-han is coldly received by the King upon his return, who has been poisoned against him by the Queen’s brother, Kim Jong-bae.
While political machinations unfold within the palace, Jin-han’s exile leads him to cross paths with a mysterious baduk player who intrigues him with her skill and determination. Their encounter is interrupted by the arrival of Hyun-bo, Jong-bae’s spy, leading to a confrontation that showcases Jin-han’s bravery and loyalty.
The baduk player is revealed to be Hee-soo, Kang’s daughter, who supports herself by playing baduk to ransom Joseon hostages. Myung-ha, Jong-bae’s son, falls for Hee-soo but is rejected, leading to a tense family dynamic. Despite her independence, Hee-soo’s impending marriage hangs over her as a reminder of her past and uncertain future.
As tensions rise within the court and outside its walls, Jin-han’s loyalty to his kingdom and his growing feelings for Hee-soo set the stage for a complex and gripping tale of love, loyalty, and political intrigue in “Captivating The King.”
When Hee-soo heads out, Hong-jang reveals that Jin-han has been waiting for her every day but she is embarrassed and avoids him. She leaves, but Hong-jang notices Hyun-bo’s men follow Hee-so. They surround her in an alley, but Jin-han shows up after Hong-jang tells him. He defends Hee-so and is cut. She worries, and he is glad he took the knife for her at the end of Captivating the King Episode 1.
Episode 2: The Rain
The second episode of “Captivating The King” delves deeper into the intricate web of relationships and political maneuvering within the palace and beyond.
As Jin-han recuperates from his injury, Hee-soo finds herself drawn to him, despite her attempts to maintain distance. Their shared passion for baduk sparks a connection between them, leading to moments of intimacy and vulnerability. However, their budding relationship is threatened by the political tensions surrounding them.
Meanwhile, Jin-han confronts Jong-bae, expressing his disinterest in the throne and urging him to cease spreading rumors of his ambition. Jin-han’s intentions for peace and stability within the kingdom clash with Jong-bae’s thirst for power, setting the stage for a confrontation that will shape the future of Joseon.
In the palace, the King’s health deteriorates, and the Queen’s attempts to assert her influence are met with resistance from the Queen Dowager. Amidst the turmoil, Jin-han’s genuine concern for his brother bridges the divide between them, leading to a tentative truce born out of mutual understanding and forgiveness.
As Jin-han and Hee-soo navigate their feelings for each other, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous game of secrets and betrayal. With Jong-bae’s machinations threatening to destabilize the kingdom, Jin-han must navigate a treacherous path to protect his family and his people.
Outside the palace walls, Hee-soo grapples with her identity and loyalties, torn between her growing affection for Jin-han and her secrets. Her encounters with Chu Dal-ha, a loyal ally working to rescue hostages, shed light on the sacrifices made in the name of duty and honor.
As tensions escalate and alliances shift, Jin-han and Hee-soo find themselves at the center of a brewing storm that threatens to engulf them both. With danger lurking in every shadow and betrayal lurking behind every smile, they must rely on each other to navigate the dangerous waters of palace intrigue and emerge victorious in the game of thrones.
Myung-ha’s friend, Min Sang-hyo wants to beat the baduk player and Myung-ha accompanies him. He is shocked to see Hee-soo and runs off. She pretends to lose to Sang-hyo upon seeing mongwoo and runs off. She is disappointed to see that Jin-han hasn’t come. But he does arrive and they are happy to see that the other came. Myung-ha suddenly shows up and declares he knows Mong-woo at the end of Captivating The King Episode 2.