Captivating the KingThe one who messed up the world, the one who messed up the heart.
Amid a royal and political power struggle, a king entangles with an intriguing woman — whose hidden desire for revenge transforms into unintended love.
CreatorsCho Nam-guk, Kim Seon-deok
Episode 1
Jan 21, 2024
After a Qing-mandated exile, Grand Prince Jinhan returns to a hostile palace. He later encounters an intriguing baduk player who proves to be elusive.
Episode 2
Jan 21, 2024
After facing Yi In in a game of baduk, Kang Hee-soo develops feelings for him. Meanwhile, Yi Seon grows increasingly ill, creating a succession crisis.
Episode 3
Jan 27, 2024
Kim Myung-ha urges Hee-soo to stop her ruse. When a royal crisis arises, Kang Hang-soon performs a selfless act — but Kim Jong-bae schemes against Yi In.
Episode 4
Jan 28, 2024
After a confrontation with Yi Seon, Yi In ascends to the throne — but not without opposition. In the process, he cruelly turns a blind eye to Hee-soo.
Episode 5
Feb 2, 2024
Yi In summons Myung-ha to the palace and appoints him to a special role. To get the attention of the king, Hee-soo takes part in the baduk examination.
Episode 6
Feb 3, 2024
Hee-soo receives a stern warning from Yi In upon becoming his official baduk companion, later becoming entangled in a political ploy by the queen dowager.
Episode 7
Feb 8, 2024
Yi In begins to suspect a suspicious relationship between Myung-ha and Hee-soo. Later, Hee-soo joins the Grand Prince on a royal trip with the King.
Episode 8
Feb 9, 2024
After rumors of Yi In's affection toward Hee-soo spread like wildfire, the palace arranges a royal night of intimacy for him — despite true feelings.
Episode 9
Feb 10, 2024
After a night of intimacy, Yi In and Hee-soo navigate their complicated feelings. In an attempt to oust Hee-soo, Park Jong-hwan wages a bet with Yi In.
Episode 10
Feb 10, 2024
The Qing makes a contentious demand, and Yi In's decision in the matter forces Hee-soo to carry out her own plan — but last-minute complications arise.
Episode 11
Feb 17, 2024
As Jong-hwan gets close to catching the faux-princess, Hee-soo puts her faith in Yi In — struggling with her growing feelings for him.
Episode 12
Feb 18, 2024
After lightning ignites a fire, Yi In sees it as a sign from above. As Queen Oh's health falters, Hee-soo strives to protect the Grand Prince's fate.
Episode 13
Feb 24, 2024
A last-minute change of heart gravely injures Hee-soo — prompting questions around her gender. Later, Yi In reveals the fate of her father to her.
Episode 14
Feb 25, 2024
In a vulnerable moment, Yi In shares the secret of his ascension with Hee-soo. Jong-hwan plans a counterattack for Yi In's investigation of past events.
Episode 15
Mar 2, 2024
After Senior Court Lady Dong's tragedy, Yi In aims to punish the one responsible. Queen Dowager Park finally learns the truth about Hee-soo's gender.
Episode 16
Mar 3, 2024
Despite Yi In’s opposition, Hee-soo embarks on a dangerous journey to visit her father. But as months pass, their reunion remains uncertain.
For_What_It_Be
@For_What_It_Be
Excellent introduction to historical k-drama genre. The korean acting style is a bit more broad than in the west, as are the plot points, but if you are able to get past it, then this one will captivate you. Timelines can feel a bit rushed as well. At the core, it is about what it means to do good in a world where power takes on a life of its own. The consequences of your choices that cascade around you. The performances of the two leads ground the story, as Choi Jun Seok has the presence of a king, while Shin Se-Kyung is beautiful and charming enough to believably have him fall for her, the weakest part being the cross dressing, as she is too pretty for it and a strong suspension of disbelief is required here. Rest of the acting is above average. Plot can get a bit convoluted, as key points can be single sentences without emphasis, but overall the tension is maintained through to the end. Writing overall is good and crafted to reflect the audience feelings of wanting to overcome the trials so the couple can just have a happily ever after. Watch when you're in the mood to cheer for a bittersweet love in the face of political pressures.
