The Crowned Clown (2019) 왕이 된 남자
Directed by Kim Hee-won, starring Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Se-young, Kim Sang-kyung, Jeong Hye-young, Jang Gwang.
Watched 22 November 2023 - 24 April 2024 — 16 episodes (DRAMACOOL/VIKI PASS)
The story takes place at a time in Joseon history, when upheaval and power struggles surrounding the throne had reached extreme levels. In order to escape those who plan to assassinate him, the king puts a clown, who looks exactly like him, on the throne. (Synopsis: Letterboxd)
Directed by Kim Hee-won, starring Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Se-young, Kim Sang-kyung, Jeong Hye-young, Jang Gwang.
Watched 22 November 2023 - 24 April 2024 — 16 episodes (DRAMACOOL/VIKI PASS)
The story takes place at a time in Joseon history, when upheaval and power struggles surrounding the throne had reached extreme levels. In order to escape those who plan to assassinate him, the king puts a clown, who looks exactly like him, on the throne. (Synopsis: Letterboxd)
*Finally finished this show which I started in November last year but for some reason didn't binge-watch because other shows kept interfering and I didn't prioritise this. I did like it from the beginning but wasn't completely wrapped up in the story. And I prefer contemporary series. Also, dealing with so many court politics and intrigues can become a bit too much for me.
*Praise for the entire cast and good performances (especially Yeo Jin-goo in a double role as the clown Ha Sun/king Lee Hun and Kim Sang-kyung as Chief Royal Secretary Lee Kyu), the well-crafted story, the high production values, the beautiful instrumental music and costumes, and the gorgeous cinematography.
*From episode 8 on I got totally hooked and finished the rest of the episodes in a couple of days. So much is happening, even in the last episodes. I almost couldn't keep up. Every time you think the bad guys are down, they pick themselves up again, continuing to do bad things.
*From episode 8 on I got totally hooked and finished the rest of the episodes in a couple of days. So much is happening, even in the last episodes. I almost couldn't keep up. Every time you think the bad guys are down, they pick themselves up again, continuing to do bad things.
*Show delivers twists continuously, some I didn't see coming, e.g. the poisoning of the real king (ep. 8, beach scene ending). I was shocked. Though the real king wasn't a good person, I felt for him. He was crazy and violent (partly because of his drug addiction) but I had hoped he would redeem himself.
*The elimination of the king opened up a range of possible plot developments. I thought immediately, if the clown wants to back out now, Chief Royal Secretary Lee won't let him. By the way, Lee is a very interesting character. Not good in a moral sense, a bit shady, he wants what's best for the country and goes to great lengths to achieve his goal. Kim Sang-kyung portrays Lee very well and makes him likeable. I really like the actor.
*The elimination of the king opened up a range of possible plot developments. I thought immediately, if the clown wants to back out now, Chief Royal Secretary Lee won't let him. By the way, Lee is a very interesting character. Not good in a moral sense, a bit shady, he wants what's best for the country and goes to great lengths to achieve his goal. Kim Sang-kyung portrays Lee very well and makes him likeable. I really like the actor.
*I liked the sweet romance between the fake king Ha Sun and the queen So-woon but at the same time I felt a bit uncomfortable about it because he was an imposter and betraying the real king. The moment the queen discovers the truth is an important plot point. I felt so sorry for her. I love the actress Lee Se-young and she's great in this role, she made her hurt really palpable. Love her character, such a sweet and gentle soul but also strong and determined.
*Love the side characters who are in favour of Ha Sun and stand by his side: eunuch Jo (Jang Gwang), Joo Ho-geol, the Minister of Taxation (Lee Gyu-han) and Officer Jang (Yun Jong-seok). The court lady of the queen, Ae-young, is also very sweet.
*I love Woon-sim (Jung Hye-young) and Secretary Lee together and the scene where he admits his feelings for her. I would have loved to see more of them together, having their relationship blossom into a real romance, but that never happened. I was so sad when Secretary Lee died. I saw it coming, his fate was unavoidable, but it really gives an emotional heartwrenching punch and I shed some tears. Still, at one point I asked myself whether he really could be trusted, and I think I'd rather have him die than turn out to be untrustworthy.
*I really loved the bond between Ha Sun and Lee. The scene from episode 14 where the Chief Royal Secretary hands over his letter of resignation to the king is such a beautiful display of trust, respect and companionship.
*I also love the bond between Ha Sun and eunuch Jo. The eunuch is so adorable. The scene where he has to pretend the real king has gone crazy and is tossing furniture around had me laughing out loud.
*I really loved the bond between Ha Sun and Lee. The scene from episode 14 where the Chief Royal Secretary hands over his letter of resignation to the king is such a beautiful display of trust, respect and companionship.
*I also love the bond between Ha Sun and eunuch Jo. The eunuch is so adorable. The scene where he has to pretend the real king has gone crazy and is tossing furniture around had me laughing out loud.
*I didn't really understand the court politics. First Shin Chi-soo (played by Kwon Hae-hyo) is imprisoned and almost beheaded, then he escapes prison and is suddenly holding all the cards and it looks like they can't do anything against it. It seems like everyone can be in command and give orders.
*The rebellion/border issue didn't interest me that much, and with Chief Royal Secretary Lee dead, I was less invested in the last episode. But there were some heartfelt moments: Woon-sim crying over her beloved Lee (how could you leave me when we finally could be together?), the goodbye scene between eunuch Jo and Ha Sun, and the death of Officer Jang, another favourite character of mine. Sob sob sob.
*The rebellion/border issue didn't interest me that much, and with Chief Royal Secretary Lee dead, I was less invested in the last episode. But there were some heartfelt moments: Woon-sim crying over her beloved Lee (how could you leave me when we finally could be together?), the goodbye scene between eunuch Jo and Ha Sun, and the death of Officer Jang, another favourite character of mine. Sob sob sob.
*I liked the fact that Ha Sun abdicated and chose the simple life. I couldn't imagine him continue being a king for much longer. He already accomplished what he wanted.
*It was a bit coincidental that Ha Sun and the queen ran into each other in the field. Some commenters online believe they meet in the afterlife. I can believe that Ha Sun really died (though it's also possible someone found him and nursed him back to health) but how did the queen end up dead? Anyway, life or afterlife, it's a happy ending and they both look very happy.
*It was a bit coincidental that Ha Sun and the queen ran into each other in the field. Some commenters online believe they meet in the afterlife. I can believe that Ha Sun really died (though it's also possible someone found him and nursed him back to health) but how did the queen end up dead? Anyway, life or afterlife, it's a happy ending and they both look very happy.
(Photo is a collage made by me, with screenshots taken by me.)