The King's Affection

When the crown prince is killed, his twin sister assumes the throne while trying to keep her identity and affection for her first love a royal secret.

The King's Affection (2021) is a South Korean historical romance series from KBS2, set in the Joseon dynasty and shaped by the conventions of the k-drama tradition. Park Eun-bin plays Lee Hwi, a princess who must step into the throne after her crown prince brother's death, and Rowoon plays Jung Ji-woon, the first love whose bond with her must stay hidden inside a rigid royal court. Nam Yoon-su and Bae Yoon-kyung round out the cast as figures tied to the palace power struggle. The engine of the series is a constant balancing act: the heroine must rule convincingly while protecting her secret and the affection that could expose her. Court intrigue, tense audience scenes and quieter private moments alternate across one continuing story. Palace halls, court etiquette and factional politics shape every choice. The tone is wistful and emotionally charged, mixing romantic longing with dread about discovery. Viewers who enjoy Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo or Mr. Sunshine will find the same palace romance, gender disguise and aching distance between two people who cannot openly love each other.

Audiences rated the drama positively, praising its romance and lead performances while the sprawling royal intrigue draws mixed reactions.

• Mr. Sunshineshared historical palace romance with gender disguise and hidden identity
• Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeoshared joseon court romance and royal intrigue with a female lead
• Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youthshared cross dressing and hidden identity romance in a historical setting

Created by

Han Hee-jung

Release Date

2021-10-11

Episode runtime

70 min

Rating

8.0 / 10 (308)

What is The King's Affection about?

After the crown prince's death, his twin sister takes the throne while secretly guarding her identity and her first love.

What is The King's Affection like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The King's Affection as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is The King's Affection violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The King's Affection as mild.

What did critics think of The King's Affection?

Audiences rated the drama positively, praising its romance and lead performances while the sprawling royal intrigue draws mixed reactions.

Which shows are like The King's Affection?

Shows with a similar feel include Mr. Sunshine, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.

How long is The King's Affection?

The King's Affection: 1 season, 20 episodes.

Is The King's Affection still running?

No, The King's Affection has ended.

Where can I watch The King's Affection?

In United States, The King's Affection streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.