Ji-un and Yi Hwi’s mutual care for each other heighten in the 8th episode of The King’s Affection.
As the Ming guest continues to cause trouble, the fated couple’s feelings for one another develop as a result of the prince’s repeated mishaps. But Ji-un is always there to ensure Yi Hwi’s protection and well-being.
Whereas more affections continue to flow for Prince Jaeun and Kim Ga-on, similar to Ji-un, they also desire Yi Hwi’s safety as someone remains to attempt to harm her.
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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 8 Key Moments
“I put my faith in you. Yet, you disappoint me.”
The King is dissatisfied with Yi Hwi for beating the Chief Eunuch of Ming, a valuable guest for His Majesty. Ji-un locates the heartbroken and sobbing Yi Hwi, consoles her with a hug, and then tends to her wounds.
Following this, Yi Hwi visits a distraught Court Lady Kim to check on her.
Chief Hong conveys a word to the prince’s quarters that Tae-gam’s subordinate has invited her, the Vice Minister of Rites, and Royal Tutor Jung to a drink. Despite being baffled, Yi Hwi proceeds, unconcerned about bringing any palace guards, as she did not wish to cause any disturbance.
When Yi Hwi arrived, neither Ji-un nor anyone else was present; instead, Chief Eunuch pledges his peace through a duel between both of their bodyguards. Given that his guard is not present to protect him, the Ming guest desired that Yi Hwi witness her guard being beaten to a pulp as well.
Appalled Yi Hwi does everything she can to put an end to the fight. While the guard tries to harm her, Ga-on deflects the attack with his back.
Attempting to hurt both Ga-on and Yi Hwi, Ji-un swept in, explicitly stating that if he laid a finger on the prince, he would kill Tae-gam’s guard.
“I hear that the Emperor has high expectations for you. The higher they are, the harder they will fall.”
Wondering about the hug between Ji-un and Yi Hwi, Jaeun’s thoughts were cut to his thoughts as a royal servant notifies him of what has just transpired. He instantly inquires about Yi Hwi’s well-being and is relieved to find that she is safe.
Afterwards, Prince Jaeun speaks with Tae-gam and inquires as to why he continues to do absurd things, including hurting Ga-on and cutting off the hair of Court Lady Kim. He returns to why Jaeun is making such a fuss over his subordinates.
Prince Jaeun follows, stating that he heard an intriguing story about someone the Emperor holds in high regard taking offerings from the Emperor. Additionally, he has heard that the individual in question is stealing the Emperor’s private property. Tae-gam then inquires as to whether Jaeun is seeking to threaten him with those baseless rumors.
With enormous expectations from the Emperor, Jaeun advises Tae-gam to behave appropriately throughout the duration of his trip to his homeland, remarking that the bigger the expectations, the harder they will fall.
“Where else? Are there any more wounds?”
After observing a mysterious man earlier at Tae-gam’s room, Jaeun seeks Ji-un’s assistance in investigating that individual.
Meanwhile, Yi Hwi is taken aback when she learns that they must double their tributes and volunteers to talk with Tae-gam about the situation. Unfortunately, King Hyejong warns her not to become further involved. Yi Hwi is adamant about doing this herself and begs the king to re-establish his trust in her.
Correspondingly, upon agreeing to assist his friend, Ji-un begins tailing Tae-gam, who is suspiciously leaving. Yi Hwi captures a masked Ji-un, who is eventually apprehended by Tae-gam’s guards. During the epic sword duel, a masked Yi Hwi meddles to assist the injured Ji-un at precisely the right moment.
Tae-gam seems to be selling something to the unknown man. On the other hand, when Yi Hwi and Ji-un fight, Jaeun arrives with a swarm of guards and orders them to arrest everybody who has caused a commotion.
Yi Hwi administers first aid to Ji-un’s wounds. Her concern for the repeated cuts has an effect on Ji-un. She then requests that he lean on her while they return.
“You two must have gone through a lot of pain to protect your love.”
Ji-un, Yi Hwi, and Jaeun devise a plan to apprehend and question the mysterious man in Tae-gam’s room upon obtaining information about him. As they gathered everything they required, they once again found a wounded Ji-un. Yi Hwi attends to his wounds once more.
Thereafter, knowing Tae-gam’s secrets from the mysterious man, Yi Hwi reveals that she is well acquainted with him, including his past and relationship with the Ming concubine. However, she takes a gentler approach to resolving the situation.
That is, she apologizes as the Crown Prince of Joseon for Tae-gam’s life, in which even his own country abandons him and he seeks refuge and solace from the concubine.
Yi Hwi promises him that she will take their affair to the grave and that she realizes how difficult it must have been for him to go through all of this simply to protect his love.
The King’s Affection Episode 8 Musings
The bond between Ji-un and Yi Hwi continues to grow in this episode, and we can’t help wondering how this heartwarming palace romance will unfold.
Evidently, Yi Hwi is concerned about her care for Ji-un. Similarly, Ji-un, who cannot stop smiling and thinking about Yi Hwi’s female chuckle, as well as fantasizing about the Crown Prince being a woman. This results in Ji-un irresistibly leaving a peck on Yi Hwi’s cheek at the episode’s conclusion, and viewers couldn’t wait for more!
Furthermore, Yi Hwi’s accomplishment in managing the Ming envoy in a kinder manner earns him points not just from the king, but also from the viewers. This demonstrates Yi Hwi’s deliberate approach to managing the palace’s affairs without resorting to violence or injuring anyone.
Besides this, it’s painful to watch how much deeper the fated couple’s connection is, as well as the one-sided affection Jaeun has for the prince, as he witnessed both of them caring for one another several times throughout this episode.
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