Secrets were beginning to be unveiled in the latest episode of The King’s Affection!
Providing us with the king’s point of view, The King’s Affection episode 12 delves not only into Prince Yi Hwi’s secret but also the truths behind the other characters as well.
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Episode Recaps: 01 & 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | Finale + Review |
The King’s Affection Episode 12 Key Moments
“I resented you as someone who had been born in this palace. Because I was only a kid who wanted to be loved by her parents just like everyone else.”
Declaring the decision of the king to dethrone Yi Hwi, she asks her father if his desire to dethrone her is related to what happened to her uncle. His majesty responds that it is not the reason she considers, but rather the fact that he has known all along that she is a woman.
When questioned if she resented her father, Yi Hwi replies solemnly that she has never resented the king in his role as Crown Prince. However, she resented him as someone born in the palace. For the reason that she was still a child, yearning for her parents’ love just like everyone else.
Yi Hwi consequently inquires of her father whether he would make the same choice if he could go back to the day she was born. The king answers solely by requesting that Prince Hwi depart from the palace and live her own life. Yi Hwi respects her father’s decision despite the fact that she has never lived her own life.
Afterwards, Ji-un returns to the palace to learn of Yi Hwi’s dethronement. He stood there watching Yi Hwi enter the secret garden that only they were aware of.
Setting their eyes on one another takes them back to all the times they spent together, from their first encounter to bidding their farewells. Ji-un then embraces Yi Hwi with a sorrowful smile.
Correspondingly, Ji-un tells her that he was wrong to leave her alone again and that he will never do it again, regardless of what she says.
“However, I was wrong to worry about you. You were much stronger than I thought.”
In the midst of Prince Hwi’s departure from the palace, Yi Hwi looks up at the trees, where Ji-un has tied ribbons to the branches, causing her to smile. When Jaeun calls a halt to the procession to allow Yi Hwi to rest, Seok-jo objects to his request owing to the prospect of several bandits approaching and posing a threat to the Prince’s safety.
On the other hand, Prince Jaeun worked with Commander Yoon to transport Yi Hwi under the king’s command.
Pursuing after Yi Hwi and Commander Yoon, Seok-jo fires his arrows at Yoon but is immediately stopped by Ji-un’s sword.
Following that, Yi Hwi reads the letter her father handed her through Commander Yoon after successfully evading Seok-jo’s pursuit. Included in the letter is a notice that said there would be an uproar in the palace by the time she reads it.
According to the letter, the king remains a father who disobeys his daughter’s wishes, but it is the only way to ensure her safety. He was opposed to her appointment as Crown Prince for that reason, and he also admits that he was mistaken in being concerned about her since she was stronger than he imagined.
Subsequently, the king confesses in the letter his response to Yi Hwi’s question about whether he made the same decision, which is that he regretted it for a very long time. Additionally, the king vows that he will not make the same mistake again.
Concluding his words, His Majesty informs her that Yi Hwi is her brother’s name, but it has become hers for him. That is, she was the Crown Prince of Joseon and she is his only daughter.
The King’s Affection Episode 12 Musings
This episode is notable since it depicts the different definitions of affection in a non-romantic way through the love of families.
Whereas the king was well aware that Yi Hwi was a woman, it makes perfect sense that he opposed her crown because he desired Yi Hwi to live her own life and to be protected in every way he could.
Moreover, this episode foretold Yi Hwi revealing her true identity to Ji-un, as she was severely injured following the chase and required medical attention. She eventually works up the courage to reveal to Ji-un that she is a woman.
We witness a preview of episode 13, which demonstrates that regardless of Yi Hwi’s attempts to flee the palace and live a normal life, her fate is entwined with assuming the throne as she returns.
Similarly, viewers can only speculate that the palace is in sorrow following the king’s death. That is why, despite the fact that several people are acquainted with her secret, Prince Yi Hwi returns to live her life for the kingdom.
Take a poignant journey with Yi Hwi as she reclaims her throne in the latest episodes of The King’s Affection on Netflix!
Photos/Videos: KBS | 1theK | Theswoon
