The King: Eternal Monarch

The King: Eternal Monarch is one of the most awaited kdrama in 2020 because it is the comeback of Lee Min Ho after his military enlistment and Kim Go Eun is his partner in this drama. Fans had high expectations on both actors. There are criticisms with the story and how Kim Eun-suk (Goblin, Secret Garden, Descendants of the Sun) did it but there are also a lot of people who loved it. I have a mixed review about this drama actually. 

Title: The King: Eternal Monarch

Original release‎: ‎April 17, 2020 – June 12, 2020

Genre‎: ‎: Romance, Fantasy

No. of episodes‎: ‎16

Synopsis

Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), a modern-day Emperor of the Kingdom of Corea, attempts to cross the barrier into an alternate reality where the Republic of Korea exists in the Kingdom's stead. He comes across detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), whom he recognises from an identity card he obtained during the turning-point of his childhood, his father's assassination.[16] Lee Gon's half uncle, Lee Lim (Lee Jung-jin), who assassinated the previous king, Lee Ho (Lee Gon's father), is in hiding and assembling armies whilst traversing back and forth between the two parallel worlds.

KDRAMA REVIEW

The first two episodes will make you hooked because it will leave you with questions regarding the story. It started amazing and exciting. Both the protagonist and antagonist started strong. And since it is awaited by many, it had the most highest rating among all of its episodes. 

And then, there's our new favorite bromance..

I actually watched TKEM because of Lee Min Ho, but sorry oppa. I really fell in love with Woo Do-hwan as Jo Eun-seob / Jo Yeong here! The duality! Haha. Super love! Admit it, you also fell in love with him! Haha.

However, the story slowed down on the succeeding episodes. I was kinda disappointed because the story started out strong, right? I also read a few criticisms online regarding the drama.

But even though the story got a little bit boring to me.. The kissing scenes were intense! Well, what do we expect with Lee Min Ho? Haha! However, I don't think they have that chemistry as a couple to make me "kilig" enough. Just my perspective. Sorry! 

I also appreciate Kim Go Eun's acting especially she also did two different roles here. She's really a versatile actress and she does her job really well. Love the badass Luna vibes though! Haha.

The story got interesting again on the last five episodes. This is where they reveal everything about what happened to the young Lee Gon and who really saved him. Medyo mawiwindang ka talaga sa story nito! Haha. The plot twists are mind blowing! The last two episodes are intense! 

The fantasy story is extraordinary and enthralling but I don't think the execution did justice to it. Given the parallel universe situation, I think it is hard to regulate the flow of the story with this genre. Small plot holes can be distinguished all throughout the drama. The antagonist started really strong so I expected more of him on the climax and ending with him. As for the romance part, it is well served though! At least it is seen on the ending that they have a happy ending. 

Overall, it is not that bad but I just think it could've been better. The casting and cinematography did not disappoint. They all did great. It's just the story and execution that I have comments on. I love Lee Min Ho since high school and college. Please don't get me wrong! This is just my perspective as a kdrama enthusiast. I think I've watched too many kdramas that my standard is different now. Haha. 

P.S. Not all the photos and gifs are mine. Credits to the owners.