Watch The King's Face

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 ‘The King’s Face’.

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