This drama has three elements that catch a bucket of love. I won’t talk much about the (AMAZING) plot, I only want to stay in the realness of the character and how a glimpse of life can be so well captured in this series.
Firstly, I noticed this drama portrays how the role of husband and wife should be (at least from my view). Jae-ha carries the most responsibility of his country. He has to be tough and smart and wise and professional in hiding his personal problem. He is the face of the country. On the other hand, he is just a human.
At some points in his life, he falls apart- physically, mentally, or both. Then it is the righteous time when a woman ‘catches’ him and makes him stand. There is no talking of gender issue here, I am just pointing out the role of male and female in a relationship. Their case’s difference between common people is only the weight of responsibility that the male has to carry on his shoulder.
Hang-ah is a perfect match for Jae-ha in many ways. Regardless they are the main leads in this drama which I personally put that fact aside, their character just complete each other. They have their own unique similarities which equal with their differences. Many dramas out there is trying to only focus on the leads’ differences and try to make them fall in love, while Hang-ah and Jae-ha have the same amount of reason to hate or to love each other. *I don’t know how to describe them anyway. Lols. Because they are just my favorite brainy-brawn-bad-ass characters (yeay!)
Back to Hang-ah and her role as how any wife should be. And I just want to emphasize things happening in one episode which turns me into Jae-ha fans, Hang-ah fans, the royal family fans (the mother/queen, Jae-shin, Jae-Kang who are so welcoming Hang-ah), and Jae-ha-Hang-ah’s chemistry fans. Hang-ah is the most tough woman I’ve ever seen – in dramaland by far. She is not just advanced in martial art because she is so damn lovely and cute at the same time. Mostly, her feminism side is shown when she is being with Jae-ha. This is just realistic! errr yeah, I've seen Hang-ah girl type in real life.
So.... I’ve just explained the first element – the main subtle message for me which is about the role of man and woman in the world of how to rule a country, now, lets take a look to the second elements: politics.
I never interested to any part of political issue that any drama brings out – I still don’t care. However, The king 2 Hearts brings me to a whole new level of getting involved in political issue because I like how the main leads rule it. Its Jae-ha who wins over my heart, steals every adorable moment in my imagination to belong to his character, and he is such a witty-and-brainy person. His stepping up to become the king is precious and that is his best charm. Oh not to mention he is just the most romantic and sweetest king ever – or can I say he is just a portrait for every king in the world who adores his queen so much?. Hang-ah has the same equal role in ruling or steering the politics except she comes from north, a female, and she is not the throne. Those parts strengthen her legal to be on Jae-ha side. If she has the same power with him, I think the story would turn out differently. Maybe when Jae-ha ‘fell’, she overtook it and seemed more powerful than Jae-ha and it would hurt my fangurl side to team up with the king (lol, what? Ok just ignore my random thought). So the strength in Hang-ah makes them perfect to combine their power.
The third element is how the romance doesn’t interrupt nor is awkwardly inserted in the middle of the tense in the drama because it has its own way to win viewer's heart. It is there from the beginning, you know. Comparing to the other shows, the king and queen love story in this drama is the real winner. It does not make me all whinny when the threatening moment comes, but the story is intriguing, gripping, and entertaining. Moreover, a small caring gesture either from Jae-ha or Hang-ah just gives me a whole butterflies to my stomach. Them teaming up to confront the bad guy is the best thing.
To conclude, this is just a perfect drama for you if you're looking for a modern-setting korean royal story with badass female lead (who is so RARELY found in dramaland) and an adorable king. Also, you might enjoy the King's journey from him being a scaredy cat to be a powerful (and the sweetest) king like I did. And I know, I will love it all over again when I re-watch this for nth times :')
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Outstanding, marvellous, really engaging and sympathizing style of directing.
In addition, I don’t think I’ve ever warmed up to characters so quickly like I did here. The chemistry of all the leads was really good.Even though the focus changed twice, my heart was always moved. I also started liking actors and actresses that I never did like before.
Although there were some cliches, they did manage to turn into surprising events.
The only downturn for me was the villains. Their part was so overdone. (Maybe it was 2012’s style.)
The foreigner’s acting was unpleasant, otherwise the main actors’ acting was 100/10! For example, Ha Ji Won’s acting has totally won me over for her portrayal of the lovely Kim Hang Ah.
Anyways, I tend to stay away from fiction, but this one was too good to let go. Really good. It even gets really emotional. I loved it.
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Lee Jae Ha, played by Lee Seung Gi, had one of the best character developments in the drama. He went from a spoiled, rich, entitled, bratty prince to a strong, responsible and respectable King. His relationship with Kim Hang Ah, played by Ha Ji Won, was amazing. They both brought out the best in each other. She taught him how to grow and mature into a King that she and the people can respect. They were a power couple but couldn't have made it without A LOT of trust and respect in each other. They had amazing chemistry right from the beginning. I mean that kiss in the kitchen on the floor was ???? because so much tension had been built up already.
The side characters were amazing. I don't have any complaints about them. Some of my favorites were Eun Shi Kyung, the princess and the infamous John Mayer, even though I despised him for the things he did the actor playing him did an amazing job at portraying his character. But I think one character in particular deserves a shoutout: Lee Jae Kang. He was my favorite because of how supportive he was of his brother. He had such a kind heart and you could tell he really wanted the best for Lee Jae Ha. He wanted peace between both nations and just I loved his character. I don't want to get into his character too much because I might spoil some things but he's the type of brother I think everyone wants/needs in their life.
The storyline is unique to the other kdramas that I've watched and after all these years (7 years to be exact) it still remains one of my favorites and one of the most unique, amazing, gut-wrenching, and heart turning dramas I've watched. Every episode I was on the edge of my seat not knowing what to expect because there were so many twists and turns. While I disliked Lee Jae Ha's attitude at the beginning of the drama he really redeemed himself as the drama went on. The way he knew how to push John Mayer's buttons got me hollering at my phone screen saying, "YES!" "The password is one word. It's something I have but you don't..." and the message inside the box. *jaw dropping* But John Mayer's retaliation/s got me on the edge of my seat and I think once you watch this you'll never look at another villain the same. John Mayer almost puts other villains to shame. (Gah, what he did to the royal family though).
I cried like no other. It was a cry of agony, pain, and loss, something that I was shocked about how a kdrama could have such a strong impact on my emotions. I think that's why this drama was so good. They did an amazing job at getting you to connect and sympathize with the characters so when something dramatic happened you were right there with them crying when they were crying and laughing when they were laughing and cheering right along with them. A lot of events happened that when I look back I'm surprised they fit all of the events in just 20 episodes and STILL make it good.
Overall, if you like dramas that have fictional hints to it along with politics thrown in and some romance and comedy on the side I think you'll really enjoy this one. I do believe the romance was stronger than some believe but it wasn't the central part of the storyline and that's what makes it watchable. Politics is thrown in but it's understandable and you kind of get what's going on without understanding much about politics. I give this drama a 10/10. I knocked off half a point in the acting/cast only because of the foreigners they casted. Some of them were cringey and some of them were supposed to be American but had a foreign accent. However, overall, that wasn't enough to keep me from watching this drama. Seriously, give this drama a try!
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The most appreciated thingh of this drama was the capacity to' take you breath away.. How says jae ha... STRESS.. But at the and everytihng is perfect match. There Are love, justice, war, political conflict, and very deeply emotions involved in the plot.
In one word: welldone!
And my special appreciation for the king jae ha... One of the best character aver seen. Congratulations with all the actors, a great performance for everyone.
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This review may contain spoilers
I find it really hard to review this drama without giving any spoiler at all. I’ve tried my best but am afraid that it may contain minor spoilers. The reason I started this drama was because of my favorite actor Lee Seung Ki. I watched 'Myung Wol the Spy' and that alone was sufficient to make me turn away from similar plot-lines in the future. However, I have loved all the previous works of Lee Seung Ki and decided to put my confidence in his choice of dramas once again.
The story was very addictive and intense. It was not flawless though. There were a few sub-plots incorporated into the main story and a few characteristics attributed to some minor characters not with the purpose of making it richer rather with the purpose of making the main characters cooler which I couldn’t appreciate. I know it’s a drama but the reason we feel emotionally attached to the events and characters despite knowing it’s only a drama because the credibility of the story has attained a certain level. The writers are commendable for focusing on the international politics and issues but there were also times when I became a bit skeptical as to the drastic actions taken by some characters and events happening in some places.
Again, I also hate it when additional characters are inserted and significant ones are disposed of for the sole purpose of giving an emotional blow to the audience, which happened in this particular drama. One particular tragedy can be interpreted in favor of the writers but for me it was very much avoidable and thus unacceptable.
I loved the positive characters, all of them- Lee Jae Ha being the most favorite one of course. Although the soft-hearted and kind Kim Hang Ah, who gets in tears in every single episodes wasn’t very convincing for me as a soldier with special assassination training, I loved her nonetheless as a strong-willed North-Korean-soon-to-South-Korean-queen girl. Her contribution and support in the ‘journey to become the ideal king’ of Lee Jae Ha was certainly memorable. I didn’t care for the negative characters. I know I’m not supposed to either but Kim Bong Goo and his magic tricks were so surprisingly ridiculous that I couldn’t even hate him, let alone finding him scary. The only times I watched him seriously and attentively were at his confrontations with Jae Ha. Although his character was supposed to act as a huge stimulator in the main story, for me, he was the most insignificant one.
The cast didn't look very impressive to me at first. I was a bit worried about the age gap between the main leads and wondered how they would look together. However, the chemistry between Lee Seung Ki and Ha Ji Won was excellent. I have never been a fan of ‘hate-turned-love’ relationship in Kdramas but I enjoyed their sweet bickering here. The performance by the entire cast(again Lee Seung Ki being the most magnificent one for me)was outstanding.The Jae Ha-Jae Gang brotherly love, the Jae Ha- Eun Kyung cute bromance and the Queen-Hang Ah emotional bonding were epic.
The direction and editing of the drama were not very satisfying. There were moments very poorly executed and even an amateur like me could see that. It’s a drama and serious-life-altering moments are supposed and expected to be dramatic with the help of music and camera work…at least that’s how it goes for me.
My most favorite episode would be the very last one. Although the main character had to go through the pain of several separations, I never felt for them so much as I did in the last episode. The North-South reconciliation meeting (or should I say marriage meeting?! :P) was one of my most favorite moments in a drama.
Overall, I am glad that I watched this drama.
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This story is not like any other kdrama story. It's unique n reasonable. It's believable yet it's not real. How we all wish is could happen tho, peace between north n South Korea. Maybe one day they could love each other like how the main leads fought w their lives for each other. Story was fabulous. They bicker n fight each other but fall for each other. Gahhhh too amazing!! They go thru training, they hate each other, they were forced to marry each other n they truly love one another. They protect, save, love, pretend to not love, sacrifice!! They deserve to be together.
Need i say more, Lee seung gi n ha ji won are the most talented Korean actors out there. They are capable of making u laugh like a clown or bawl your eyes out like crazy!!
Ost always makes the drama more intense, lovely n FEELSSSSSSS!!!!!!
If you are reading this, that means you are wasting your time not watching this drama. That means u will regret it if you don't press play right now. Cuz I believe it's time to watch this drama!!
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Lee Seung GI, just love this actor, his acting abilities are so on point! Something about his eyes and when he smiles, I smile, when he cries I cry when he laughs I laugh... his demeanor is just that way. He throws everything of himself into the character he plays. Does SK have a fountain of youth? Ha Ji Won could pass for a teenager but instead, she is a strong woman! I loved her in Secret Gardens as well, she is now on my top Korean Actress list.
Thank you to the rest of the team and cast! Y'all did great even the fake Americans. lol
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Some say that they don’t get the chemistry between the leads but it wouldn’t have worked if Hang Ah was always shown with stars in her eyes and rainbows coming out of her ears (and other places) Jae Ha had a wonderful rotation of his character that was never stuck in one place. On his first side he’s an ass. Then it turned, he was a coward, and again he changed to a man learning hard truths and finally became who he was meant to be. In the end I think this was the best written male character in a leadership role. (I do admit that I’ve watched Seung Gi’s roles in random order this being my third and I already know this is my favorite of his. Looking forward to Vagabond)
Before I watched this I was a fan of Jong Suk from Oh My Ghost but this was my favorite. And even though I saw his character taking that path, I enjoyed watching this serious character unlike the funny and awkward chef.
I was glad Jae Shin’s character had her hardships. If she went through this story unscathed the ending wouldn’t have been worth it. Even though she was only a side character, Jae Shin helped the audience understand the desperation of a family and friends who have no clue how to help a situation none of them have ever faced. Hang Ah’s compassion and hard love helped move the others to keep her going.
Bravo to the writers and cast. I will be looking for more of their work.
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Don’t miss this amazing piece of cinema
I cannot express how amazing this series is. From beginning to end there is laughter, action, drama and all around boldness and sweetness. I have watched this series at least three times already and it never fails to amaze me. Honestly after watching it for the third time I saw things that I might’ve missed the first two times around but it was just that good and worth the watch.What I love most about this series is that it surrounds royalty in a more modern time. Usually when you see anything about Kings and Queens, it’s all historical but this one is more current and upbeat and truthfully more connected to events that we see today. The acting was absolutely amazing and I must admit that this male lead would look good even if he was wearing a trash bag. He’s acting skills continue to be top notch and I absolutely cannot forget a female lead. We all know her and the quality of her work but she shines even brighter in this. The supporting cast were just as good. The second female lead in the series I had to see that literally brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure if you watch it the same will happen to you as well. Overall I feel that this series embodies family, commitment, love, loyalty and unity. All of which are shown at its finest quality.
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Thrilling plot (not over the top)
The plot of this was fantastic. It was riveting with good twists and turns without becoming ridiculous like so many fast-paced, thriller-type kdramas. Toward the end, I started thinking that the show was going on for 2-3 episodes too long, but I liked where they took the plot in the end. What keeps me from rating this 5/5 stars is the women in this show. Hang Ah was great when she was being a soldier, but as soon as she was dressed in civilian clothes, she became the most annoying, chipper, 1950s housewife. I found the princess character annoying too. Thankfully, the male characters made up for the women, and I loved the plot.Was this review helpful to you?
