Watch Taming of the Heir

"Taming of the Heir" is a compelling South Korean television drama that satirized class struggles, wealth inequalities, and the drama of elite family life. The series, which ran from 2009 to 2010, was broadcast on KBS2 and showcased a phenomenal mix of comedy, romance, and family intrigue.

The storyline follows the life of Hyun Joon, the estray black sheep of a wealthy conglomerate family. Hyun Joon, the ostensible heir to the PJ Group, is an eccentric, thrill-seeking young man who’s taken it upon himself to experience all the luxuries his family's affluence affords him. However, his carefree, extravagant lifestyle comes to a screeching halt when his grandfather, the chairman of PJ Group, decides that he must learn the ropes of the family business and learn to behave responsibly.

Hyun Joon's life takes an even more drastic turn when his grandfather devises a plan to instill him with a sense of responsibility. He orchestrates an ingenious plot that forces Hyun Joon to work in one of the PJ Group's companies. The catch is that he must do so without revealing his true identity, to understand the trials and tribulations faced by ordinary employees in his company, a world he is completely oblivious to.

"Jae Hee," a bright, determined young woman who works in Hyun Joon's company, becomes the beacon of change in his life. She hails from a modest background and has landed the job after consistently overcoming odds stacked against her due to her family's financial struggles. Her resilience, wit, and indomitable spirit charm, Hyun Joon who is used to being surrounded by the trappings of wealth and entitlement.

This light-hearted drama is a whirlwind of emotions, with elements of humor, romance, and drama brilliantly intertwined. The unfolding love story of Hyun Joon and Jae Hee is the highlight of the soap, but it also portrays the challenges faced by Hyun Joon as he struggles to manage his dual life - one of a wealthy heir apparent, and the other, that of an ordinary employee.

On the other side of the spectrum, Taming of the Heir smartly compares and contrasts the lavish lifestyle of the elite with the struggles of the working class. Jae Hee’s life starkly opposes Hyun Joon’s privileged yet suffocating existence. Through her, the audience gets to experience the trials and tribulations of ordinary people trying to make ends meet, all the while balancing their dreams and ambitions against the ruthless nature of the corporate world.

“Taming of the Heir” further explores a more profound theme of the relationship dynamics between family members in a power-driven, aristocratic household, where human emotions often get overshadowed by wealth and status. In highlighting this contrast, the drama provides a meaningful, thought-provoking perspective on human values, family ties, and the concept of 'home,' challenging the stereotypical notions tied to wealth and happiness.

Brilliantly acted, the show boasts a talented ensemble cast. The chemistry between the lead actors, especially, elevates the series to a whole new level, making it engaging on multiple fronts. Each character is etched out with precision, not only driving the storyline but also beautifully adding to each frame's emotional quotient.

On a technical front, the series incorporates aesthetic cinematography with well-set locations, reflecting both the indulgent world of glitz and glamour as well as the austere, simple lives led by ordinary individuals. The well-written script, brilliant dialogues, and smartly crafted emotional scenes that resonate with the audience make the series stand out among many Korean dramas.

The show’s soundtrack is another aspect to rave about. Uplifting and emotional at the same time, the music reflects the spirit of the show and adds depth to the scenes, enhancing the overall viewer experience.

A particular strength of Taming of the Heir is its ability to blend intense moments with light-hearted, comedic ones. The witty banter and the humorous situations generated from Hyun Joon’s journey are as much a part of this drama as the poignant moments touching on love, loss, and the harsh realities of life.

Ultimately, Taming of the Heir is an engaging soap opera that incites laughter, touching viewers' hearts, and inviting them into a narrative that’s bound to leave a profound message behind. The journey of a wayward, privileged young man tamed by the complexities of life and love, underpinned by rich character dynamics, and a humor-laden script, makes Taming of the Heir a must-watch Korean drama.

Taming of the Heir is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between November 9, 2009 and on KBS2