So last week wasn’t just a some K-dramas ending, it was also the premiere of tvN weekend sageuk drama Captivating the King. The drama stars Jo Jung Seok as the King and Shin Se Kyung as the spy captivating him if we take the drama title literally but as cheesy as the title is the drama itself is a classic sageuk with politics, intrigue, backstabbing, and lots of baduk to start. The ratings are decent to start with 3.089% and going up to 3.977% with this being a 16-episode drama so enough time for a slow burn but not too long for padding. The initial reviews are really good so if this type of crown prince and his lover/enemy story is up your alley this should be worth a watch.
Now this one interests me, I plan to start once there are a few more episodes in.
My only thought is…. That last poster would have been a big commotion if it was a Chinese poster. The leading man’s fan would be making a fuss that he is the veteran and more popular but why is she in front.
LOL let me try analysing the posters via the C-ent way, seems like fun.
So…hmmm…from the posters, seems like Jo Jung Seok is 1st billing since his name is in front. But as you’ve said, Shin Se Kyung is in front and she occupies a larger area in both posters.
Conclusion: It’s obvious this drama is using Jo Jung Seok to propel Shin Se Kyung!1!!!1 (/s)
lmaoo now I can only see this🤣😭
They would also say that Jo Jung Seok doesn’t have sageuk visuals… which is true, but he’s such a good actor. I can’t wait for his smexy facial hair phase.
Hmmm? He looks suitable for sageuk to me though. His features scream calm gentle nobleman to me.
Since she started in the entertainment business in 1998 (kdrama 2004) and he started his stage career 2004 (kdrama 2011), she would be considered the veteran here. She has also more projects under her belt than him.
Except she is the veteran, not him.
I like this actor…he is good actor. Will enjoy this drama..
The first 2 episodes were good. I’m not fond of SSK but she’s not bad. JJS always is good. It’s nice to see him in a sageuk more positive than Nokdu Flower.
The plot sounds intriguing and I really liked the writer’s previous work but the couple combination is unappealing to me. Sorry I am shallow and I don’t find JJS attractive at all. The supporting cast looks really good though and SSK is usually quite decent in sageuks IMO.
Same tbh. I’m not asking for an actor with Cha Eun Woo-level visuals but I wish the male lead had more… sex appeal? Think young Jo In Sung. Because I think the story has a potential to be really hot with a lot of sexual tension lol. I like Jo Jung Suk but he just looks goofy to me 😭
Jung Il Woo, never seen anyone who could do sageuk crown prince better than him.
Agreed! JJS has never been visually appealing to me. For a drama not focused on romance, it’s fine. But if the plot is romance-heavy, then I won’t be able to root for him with any actress. SSK has kept improving her acting even she’s a veteran and she’s been regarded as one of the Korean beauties in hanbok. I like her drama Arthdal Chronicles II so much. She has strong chemistry with all her costars in AC II including Lee Joon-gi.
It is okay.
We know how looks are deceiving. You can a have Rowoon, Song Kang or CEW act in a drama, but the ratings can remain low.
Lol glad to see so many agree! Someone manly, tall and sexy like Jo In Sung for an intense brooding King; Nam Goong Min who makes up for lack of height with acting and charisma or my personal underrated favourite, Kim Jae Wook. Not saying JJS isn’t a good actor but as a romantic hero he is so short, lacks sex appeal and looks like some random guy on the street which is OK for modern comedic roles but not for a Joseon king
Yes for Kim Jae Wook! That man is a work of art 😍
JJS is a fine actor. Sorry girls hard to believe every Josean king looked like a movie star. I enjoyed so far and can’t wait for more episodes. I think he has great sex appeal and is a good foil for her grace and beauty.
Except no one is saying he Joseon kings should look like movie stars, the other commenter even said she’s not asking for someone like Cha eunwoo. but it’s a romance drama, the male lead should be swoon-worthy even if he’s not conventionally handsome. jo jung seok is a good actor but not the type that will have the majority of female viewers swooning. let people have preferences without implying they’re shallow for having preferences
SSK can’t act yet she always in new drama. Her agent really great i guess. With her stiff expression and mediocre acting, she keeps getting offer for drama. Impressive
I’ve been a fan of SSk ever since Deep Rooted Tree and she has grown leaps and bounds as an actress.
Yay another sageuk to add to the Khitan-Gorye War and Knight Flower.
JJS is a good actor. Not a fan of SSK and her bulging forehead looks scary in the poster. But I will still check this drama out for JJS sake. In terms of height to be a Joseon King, I do not believe height matters, it is the aura an actor can display. Lee Junho is an excellent example of a great actor suitable for a king’s role, he has won an award and he is not that tall (1.78m).
It must be hard to not be conventionally beautiful or handsome in Korea. Most of these comments are on looks and not on the acting prowess or not of the leads.