Watch The King's Face

2014
1 Season
6.9 (144)

The King's Face is a Korean historical drama that aired on KBS from November 2014 to February 2015. Set in the Joseon dynasty, the show tells the story of Crown Prince Gwanghae (played by Seo In-Guk), the second son of King Seonjo (played by Lee Sung-jae). Gwanghae is known for his striking appearance, particularly his unique mole on his face that resembles the face of a king, hence the title âThe Kingâs Faceâ.

The central conflict of the show is that Gwanghae is in constant danger of being replaced as the heir to the throne by his younger half-brother, the ambitious and ruthless Prince Imhae (played by Jo Yoon-hee). As Gwanghae struggles to maintain his status as Crown Prince and protect himself from those who wish to see him fall from grace, he begins to uncover a plot against the royal family and is forced to confront the dualities of power, loyalty, and love that define the Joseon Dynasty.

Throughout the 23-episode series, Gwanghae experiences many trials and tribulations on his journey to secure his position as Crown Prince. He must navigate the treacherous politics of the royal court, deal with betrayal and assassination attempts, and even face his own father's favouritism towards Imhae. However, Gwanghae is not alone in his fight - he is supported by his loyal childhood friend and bodyguard, Moo-yeon (played by Lee Jun), the beautiful and enigmatic Seo Ji-dam (played by Jo Yoon-hee), and the wise and just Prime Minister, Kim Jeong-ho (played by Shin Sung-rok).

The King's Face is a captivating historical drama that explores the intricate and often deadly political landscape of the Joseon Dynasty. The show's central protagonists are multifaceted and well-rounded, and the relationships between the characters are the highlight of the show. Seo In-Guk gives an excellent performance as Crown Prince Gwanghae, capturing the character's desperation, vulnerability, and unwavering determination.

The show's other performances are also top-notch. Lee Sung-jae is electrifying as the troubled King Seonjo, who struggles with his love for both of his sons and his loyalty to the royal throne. Jo Yoon-hee is the perfect foil to Seo In-Guk's Gwanghae, portraying Imhae as a cold, calculating villain who will stop at nothing to claim the throne. Shin Sung-rok's portrayal of Kim Jeong-ho is also noteworthy, as the Prime Minister is a figure of moral and political authority, who is willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good.

The direction and cinematography of The King's Face are also impressive, with sweeping shots of the palace, beautiful traditional Korean costumes, and atmospheric lighting adding to the show's period setting. The political intrigue is also well-developed, with the show's writers crafting a complex and engaging storyline filled with twists and turns.

Overall, The King's Face is an exciting and more nuanced take on the traditional Korean historical drama. The show's fantastic performances, beautiful production design, and intricate writing make it a must-watch for any fans of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned viewer or new to Korean historical dramas, The King's Face is a show that should not be missed.

The King's Face is a series that ran for 1 seasons (23 episodes) between November 19, 2014 and on KBS

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Seasons

23. Episode 23

February 5, 2015

Gwanghae defends the throne from Kim Do Chi.

22. Episode 22

February 4, 2015

The new Queen has given the king a rightful heir to the throne. Gwanghae finds himself trying to defend his position as crown prince from his three-year old half brother and the cunning wiles of the Queen.

21. Episode 21

January 29, 2015

Do Chi's longing for power overwhelms his rationality. Gwanghae and Eunuch Im plot on how to overthrow Do Chi from his seat of power.

20. Episode 20

January 28, 2015

Gwanghae sees through Do Chi's manipulations and allies with Gwiin Kim to counter Do Chi's power over the king.

19. Episode 19

January 22, 2015

While the Jurchens become an increasing threat, Do Chi takes the opportunity to frame Gwanghae as a traitorous and power-hungry crown prince so that he can help Gwiin Kim get closer to the throne.

18. Episode 18

January 21, 2015

Gwanghae meets Heo Gyun for the first time, and learns of an assassination plot against the king.

17. Episode 17

January 15, 2015

With Gwanghae's enemies growing stronger by the day, Ga Hee finally decides to enter the palace as a concubine.

16. Episode 16

January 14, 2015

It's a year after the war has ended, and Seonjo's hallucinations become worse. Do Chi takes advantage of the king's weakness and manipulates the insecure king to turn against Gwanghae.

15. Episode 15

January 8, 2015

Gwanghae plans to reclaim the capital from the Japanese, which means breaking a treaty that his father made with the Japanese and Chinese. Ga Hee's faith in Do Chi diminishes further when she learns of his traitorous actions.

14. Episode 14

January 7, 2015

Gwanghae manages to fight back the Japanese troops, but the king is delivered a different message. To prevent a treaty being made between the Japanese and the Chinese, he must do something that could cost him the throne.

13. Episode 13

January 1, 2015

Seonjo names Gwanghae the Crown Prince in time to leave him with the troubles of the advancing Japanese troops.

12. Episode 12

December 26, 2014

The Japanese invasion has begun, and King Seonjo's actions at this time of crisis forces Daedong Society and Gwanghae to take action on the matter of succession.

11. Episode 11

December 23, 2014

Gwanghae survives his brother's attack with the help of Ga Hee, but it forever creates a divide between the two brothers. The Japanese who live in Seoul begin to act suspiciously, worrying Gwanghae and the king that war may be imminent.

10. Episode 10

December 18, 2014

Gwanghae is restored to his status as prince, and it hardens his resolve to become the crown prince. But he must sacrifice his love and marry another woman who will help him politically.

9. Episode 9

December 17, 2014

Gwanghae presents a plan for tax reform that has unforeseen results, including putting the Queen Majesty in danger and threatening his romance with Ga Hee.

8. Episode 8

December 11, 2014

Gwanghae makes a bet with Gong Ryang that possibly will turn the court upside down, and make Gwiin Kim's position even more unstable in court.

7. Episode 7

December 10, 2014

King Seonjo refuses to give up on searching for Daedong Society, and puts a tail on Gwanghae to get more clues. Do Chi lands a position in court just as Kim Gong Ryang becomes more distrustful of him and Ga Hee.

6. Episode 6

December 5, 2014

Gwanghae's investigations lead him right to Daedong Society and Ga Hee, but will he betray the woman he loves to secure his position in the palace?

5. Episode 5

December 4, 2014

Do Chi does not pass the exam as expected, and finds another powerful ally within the palace to help land him a government position. Gwanghae falls victim to Gwiin Kim's machinations in ensuring her son is named crown prince.

4. Episode 4

November 27, 2014

Kim Do Chi takes the lead over Daedong Society and changes Ga Hee's fate. Gwanghae leaves the palace and leads a low-profile life as a face reader in town.

3. Episode 3

November 26, 2014

When Ga Hee's father is arrested for treason, she turns her back to Gwanghae and decides to save her parents' life by becoming a concubine. King Seonjo's reliance on face reading overpowers his ability to judge objectively.

2. Episode 2

November 20, 2014

Gwanghae learns more about Yoon Hae's true identity. Seonjo unsettles the city by investigating his most loyal followers and accusing them of treason

1. Episode 1

November 19, 2014

King Seonjo, who as a youth was told by a face reader that he will be an unfit king, faces plague and starvation in his kingdom. Thieves break into the palace library searching for the book that will prove Seonjo does not have a 'King's Face.'

Description

Where to Watch The King's Face

The King's Face is available for streaming on the KBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The King's Face on demand at Amazon Prime and Viki.