K-Drama Review:  “The King In Love” Vividly Sketches Beautiful Historical Story Enhanced By Arresting Bromance and Cinematography

The King in Love contrives a quaint friendship and love story befitting its picturesque stage and remarkable character portrayal.

Though the emotional connection is not that absorbing for this historical romance drama, the uncluttered writing brings out the charm of the story as it unravels. The mesmerizing lead men combined resonating roles fit to counter the antagonists, who are motivated to induce the story conflicts.

It is expected for a period drama to dig into political struggle, betrayals, and a painstaking love plot. So, it is impressive how viewers can comfortably finish The King in Love without feeling frustrated. Even if it did not give plenty of ecstatic highs, the relaxing spectacle flowing smoothly while giving essential unpredictable bends is worth appreciating.

• Main Leads: Im Si Wan | Im Yoon Ah | Hong Jong Hyun |
• Thrill/Romance Meter:
• Overall Rating:
• Rewatch Value:
• Dramas of Similar Vibe: Tale of Nokdu | Warrior Baek Dong Soo | Moonlovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | The King: Eternal Monarch |

The King in Love Series Highlights

Stunning Cinematography that Blends to Well-Contrived Narrative

Down to the smallest detail, the striking set design and wardrobe lead the viewers to a time-warp machine in feeling the Goryeo period ambiance. The audience basks on the beautiful camera movements, amplified by the stunning setting, thereby enhancing the fullness of the narrative’s trajectory. Watching The King in Love gives you a visual tour of the scenic places in Korea, leaving you with a complete dose of therapeutic TV travel experience.

As historical dramas tend to be emotionally exhausting, the salient plot contributes to how the followers easily connect the puzzle pieces of the chronicle, without easily anticipating the ruse to keep the flow exciting. It is notable how the story kept the heroes and villains set to a minimum number so that viewers can all remember their functions in the story.

Additionally, it is worth appreciating they did not drown the story with plot predicaments since they focus on two conflicts: the prince’s journey to become a King, and the love contention with his best friend in the latter part of the story.

Charismatic Male Leads

What would most linger about The King in Love is the bromance between Won and Rin. With that, the closing made viewers happy even if it ended with any of the boys not getting the girl. Correspondingly, the trio’s friendship to be honest is more enjoyable than the conflicting romantic sketch.

Won and Rin provide the driving point of the story. I could not think of better actors that would make the cut for the two characters except Im Si Wan and Hong Jong Hyun. The latter is a surprise revelation since he is known to play best as a villain, so it is amusing to see him in a different light.

Im Si Wan, as expected, brings the cream of his acting prowess in showing different faces and moods as the main character. Thus, the ending made me want to cradle him in his arms like how I felt for the 4th Prince So in Scarlet Heart Ryeo.

The King in Love Series Musings

Two best friends who fall in love with the same girl is always an inviting love premise. However, since The King in Love works on the discords that involve the hero’s path in becoming a Goryeo King to protect the people he cares about, the faint surges of romance in the narrative feel unsupportive of the whole picture.

Interestingly, it is actually the first time I felt there is no need for love fulfillment in a romance drama.

But then again, the storyline revolves around two men, who are willing to risk everything for the woman they both love with their lifelong friendship at stake. So, the downside of the romantic plot is how the writing is spot on to almost everything in the drama, except the heroine’s heart.

Eun San is depicted to have an emotional attachment to Rin and a comfortable relationship with Won for the most part of the story, before the climactic reveal of his brother’s involvement in her mother’s demise. From there, the tides shifted, drawing a clear picture of the love line, which I felt it has lost its timing since it showed up in the dying chapters of the story.

Clever and sassy, The King in Love shapes up to a conventional period chronicle thriving on political conflicts. But the spirited writing and role portrayals soften the usual heavy tone, which does not saturate the viewers like how usual thickly-plotted historical dramas are.

I want to say that this drama is a tribute to second leads and one-sided romance because as much as I have enjoyed the whole picture, I am dissatisfied with the lack of romantic love gratification. Sans the gap in living up to its title, everything is fairly conceived for the breathtaking chronicle. The ending broke my heart in many ways as I put blind faith in the romance fulfillment that never happened, and the hero’s disheartening tale which remained one-dimensional.

The King in Love is beautiful without love seasonings.  It is a case where the writing hesitated if it would go romantic or just plain drama, yielding a lack of a strong finishing kick on its end game. Nonetheless, if you want a relaxing period drama with the right amount of conflict and superb story-telling, Won, Rin and So-hwa’s story is a worthy bet.

Photos: MBC Drama

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