The King: Eternal MonarchKorean emperor Lee Gon tries to close the doors to a parallel world which was opened by demons; a detective tries to protect the people and the one she loves.
DirectorsBaek Sang-Hoon, Jung Jee-hyun, Yu Je-won
WriterKim Eun-sook
Episode 1
Apr 17, 2020
Lee Gon mourns the tragic death of his father. Lee Lim goes on the run — and finds escape when he comes across a door to a parallel universe.
Episode 2
Apr 18, 2020
Gon insists he is an emperor from another world. An incredulous Jeong Tae-eul takes him to the police station, where he sees a familiar face.
Episode 3
Apr 24, 2020
Though Tae-eul finds Gon's story difficult to believe, some things about him are completely inexplicable. At work, she gets busy with a murder case.
Episode 4
Apr 25, 2020
When Tae-eul loses her police badge, she can't help but think about Gon. Meanwhile, Kang Sin-jae has had it with his mother's bad habits.
Episode 5
May 1, 2020
Being introduced to Gon's world is a lot to process for Tae-eul, who's taken to the palace. A disgruntled Jo Yeong keeps an eye on her.
Episode 6
May 2, 2020
A potential military conflict threatens the kingdom. Gon promises Tae-eul he will return to her, and steps forward to take care of the situation.
Episode 7
May 8, 2020
Gon brings Yeong along on his trip back to Tae-eul. He has a favor to ask of her, while she's found something troubling to share with him.
Episode 8
May 9, 2020
In Corea, Luna is set free. In Korea, Gon and Yeong run into a man who recognizes them, and Sin-jae experiences childhood flashbacks.
Episode 9
May 15, 2020
Gon draws closer to tracking down Lim, and asks Jo Eun-sup to trade places with Yeong. Mail from an unknown sender bothers Koo Seo-ryeong.
Episode 10
May 16, 2020
On Lunar New Year, Gon and Lim come face-to-face in a public standoff. Tae-eul opens up to Sin-jae about the other world and her ongoing case.
Episode 11
May 22, 2020
A compelling offer finds its way to Luna. Gon's investigation into a devastating murder leads him to an old traitor and a clearer idea of Lim's schemes.
Episode 12
May 23, 2020
Frightening circumstances land Tae-eul back in Gon's arms. When Yeong runs into a woman who looks strikingly familiar, he follows her.
Episode 13
May 30, 2020
Knowing Seo-ryeong is up to no good, Gon throws her in a tight spot. Upon returning to her world, Tae-eul realizes Luna is there, too.
Episode 14
Jun 5, 2020
Gon and Tae-eul are separated when he sets out to fulfill what's been his fate all along. Sin-jae makes a startling discovery.
Episode 15
Jun 6, 2020
Lim plots his next meeting with Gon. Understanding there's only one thing he can do to right wrongs, Gon comes to a heart-wrenching decision.
Episode 16
Jun 12, 2020
A final attempt to put a stop to Lim's ambitions comes with profound consequences. Gon travels far and wide in search of Tae-eul.
Yohan Yukiya Sese Cuneta 사요한
@YourOnlyOne
**_The Greatest Science Fiction Romance in the last 40 years_** "더 킹: 영원의 군주" or "The King: Eternal Monarch" (2020) was the best science fiction and romance of the 2010 decade. I would say that this show has gained the number one (#1) spot in my list of "Top 10 Overall Best Sci-fi TV Show" pushing down "Fringe" (2008) which held that rank for 12 years. **I. Story** The writer, Kim Eun Sook of the "Lovers in Paris" (2004); "Descendants of the Sun" (2016); "Goblin" (2016); and "Mr. Sunshine" (2018) fame, once again showed us her amazing talent in creating stories that truly captures the imagination and heart of the audience. In "The King: Eternal Monarch" (2020), Kim Eun Sook has woven beautifully the "parallel world" trope into her memorable romance plots. She did not leave it simply as a literary device then forgotten, she placed it in the center of the series, and the drama and romance unfolded through it. Each episode was more or less one hour and ten minutes, and no episode was boring, no episode was dragging, no episode was a repeat of previous ones. In every episode there is a fresh plot, a new story to tell which added to the development of the characters, the relationships between them, and the tension and clashes when worlds and ambitions collide. **II. Acting/Cast** What an amazing cast--Lee Min Ho, Kim Go Eun, Woo Do Hwan, Kim Kyung Nam, Jung Eun CHae, Lee Jung Jin, Kim Yong Ji, Kang Hong Suk--they picked the right people for the roles. Their unique acting styles made their characters fully alive and their interaction with each other natural. The show was not only about "Yi Gon" (Lee Min Ho) and "Jeong Tae Eul" (Kim Go Eun), everyone were key persons in creating the world of the "Kingdom of Corea". They all brought their best and created a masterpiece. **III. Production** While there were a few noticeable errors, the editing and sequence of the scenes covered it all. I especially like how they did not present the stories, in each episode, in a linear fashion; instead they kept scenes for the next episodes and did flashbacks at the right time. The mixing of historical with the modern in the fictional "Kingdom of Corea" were seamless. There were no out-of-place moments. Where there are modern things, the room was designed to fit these modern gadgets. Where there should be a historical look and feel, the room either did not have any modern materials or the few blended with the environment. Not an easy task to achieve. It was not only the interior designers but it was also the directors and cameramen who did great shots in creating a seamless mix of historical and the modern environments. **IV. Conclusion** I highly recommend "더 킹: 영원의 군주" or "The King: Eternal Monarch" (2020) especially if one is a fan of "parallel world" type of science fiction. Think of this show as "Fringe" (2008) but with touchy romance and intense family rivalry. Overall score of 9.5 out of 10 stars.
