The King's Affection 연모 [2021]

mademoiselle · October 24, 2021

2021.10.24 Episode 4 Stills

Spoiler

abs-oluteM · October 24, 2021

Pre released with translations

So funny! I like their bickering

mademoiselle · October 24, 2021

2021.10.22 Exclusive: Rowoon and Nam Yoon-Su On Being the Leading Men of Netflix’s ‘The King’s Affection’

Actors Rowoon and Nam Yoon-su chats with Tatler about their roles in Netflix’s new historical K-drama, The King’s Affection

Netflix’s newest K-drama, The King’s Affection is different from the noir action series, My Name or the survival show, Squid Game. But it surely has its own charm. It will be a refreshing gender-bender story about a woman (Park Eun-bin) disguised as a crown prince. Besides the funny and heartwarming plot, we can also look forward to the two dashing leading men—Rowoon and Nam Yoon-su.

Rowoon—a member of the K-pop group SF9—captured the hearts of viewers in Extraordinary You. Since then, he’s been on a steady rise as one of the most charming leading stars in the industry. Meanwhile, for Nam, his performance in Netflix’s Extracurricular put him on the map and immediately gained another role in Beyond Evil, a Baeksang Arts Award Best Drama winner.

Their roles in The King’s Affection prove to be a challenge but the two are determined to entice viewers. In this exclusive interview with Tatler, Rowoon and Nam talk about their roles, what makes the drama different from others and what we can look forward to.

Are there any funny moments while filming to share with viewers? How was it like to work with the co-stars in The King’s Affection?

Rowoon: The funny episode question is a question that I get a lot when I work on a project. In The King’s Affection, there is a montage scene where Ji-un and Hwi have a drink. It was supposed to be a scene with no spoken dialogues. But we ad-lipped our conversation for about two minutes. It was fun and possible because we were well prepared in terms of analysing our own characters and the setting of the scene.

Nam Yoon-su: I had some lines where I had to speak in Chinese. I worked really hard to get the intonation and pronunciation right, but they suddenly changed the scripts. So, that was a moment when I was quite taken aback. We didn’t have much time to prepare and shoot the new scene, and I remember praying real hard for that scene to work out as intended. But, the overall shooting experience was fun and nice thanks to my co-stars, who are also my peers. We helped each other out and became good friends through this project.

Spoiler

Which scene in The King’s Affection is your favourite?

Rowoon: I can’t say much about the scene, because it might give some spoilers away. But, what I can say is that the emotions of the characters are augmented in the scene. Also, there were many scenes where the stars showed tears even when it wasn’t part of the script.

Nam: Personally, the scene where Yi Hyun gives Hwi a pair of shoes embroidered with flowers and says, “Let’s leave together, I will protect you” was awe-inspiring, because Yi Hyun is a daddy-long-legs type of character, who always stands by your side.

It’s a scene where Yi Hyun, a character who knows his place, expresses his long-hidden feelings to Hwi. I liked it when Yi Hyun said, “I will protect you in the future as well.” You can see that he is sincere about his feelings for Hwi. I’m sure that this will be a memorable scene for the viewers as well.

What kind of message did you want to bring out through the story or your character?

Rowoon: I’d say Ji-un is a character that wants to send the message: live and feel today to the fullest.

Nam: The forms of affection of the characters in The King’s Affection are all different. However, if you have ever liked someone and wanted to protect that someone, you will be able to relate to the characters of this show. As for the people who have loved someone in a way similar to my character Yi Hyun, I would like to cheer you up and say that I will root for you.

What is the reason why fans should not miss The King’s Affection?

Rowoon: Intertwined relationships and romance blooming despite different status in a historical setting are the main points viewers should look forward to. In short, I'd say it's about love over class.

Nam: Romance blooming amidst uncontrollable fate and tragic situations is the biggest point that the fans should look forward to. The King’s Affection is going to be a series that will demonstrate the remarkable acting of seasoned stars in the perfect narrative. Also, you will be able to see the various charms of young actors and actresses. The fact that people of all ages can enjoy the traditional beauty of South Korea is one reason why The King’s Affection is a must-watch series.

In your previous drama Extraordinary You, you have some scenes that were set in the past but this time is a sageuk (historical) drama. How do you feel and are there any differences in preparing for your role?

Rowoon: At first, I thought there were typical acting skills required for a sageuk drama. But then I thought nothing is set in stone because no one living today has ever lived in that era. In that regard, the degree of freedom that I had in terms of portraying Ji-un gave me a good opportunity to try a new voice and new type of acting for the series.

This is your first sageuk drama. How was it to play a character in a historical theme for the first time?

Nam: Because this is my first go at a sageuk drama, I promised myself that I would do my best in terms of preparation. And as expected, while I was preparing, I did recognize that this series is different from my other previous projects. Ranging from the outfit, hairstyle and makeup to the tone and the unique way of speaking in historical dramas, there were many things that made it look difficult to get adjusted to.

I had to put in a lot of effort to get used to these new things. Also, I got the feeling that the lines of a historical drama aren’t always about the written scripts, but the underlying meaning. Thus, I focused on trying to express those hidden messages.

There’s plenty of gender swap stories out there. What makes The King’s Affection different from other dramas?

Rowoon: I think it’s unique that a woman in disguise became the king in this historical setting. There were many subjects who loved their king, the absolute monarch. But, this is the first time a subject falls in love with a woman king, and I am waiting for and looking forward to the moment for the relationship to evolve between the characters in the series.

We heard that you’re the mood maker on set, so what do you normally do to lighten the atmosphere? And do you think that you’re similar to your character Ji-un?

Rowoon: I’m not sure about me being the mood maker. Rather the overall on-set atmosphere was bright and cheery. So, no, it’s not me who’s the mood maker. As for Ji-un, I’m not quite sure as to how similar I am with the character. I think I have various personalities, and some of them are shown via Ji-un. So, I don’t think I can tell how similar I am to Ji-un.

Lee Hyun holds a special person in his heart but hesitates to act on his feelings. Would you also do the same as Nam Yoon-su?

Nam: I think I would have acted similar to Yi Hyun. For most things, I do what I want to do, but if it came to the same situation as in the series, I don’t think I would be able to fully express my feeling of “affection.” I’d rather choose to remain best friends.

As it will be broadcasted through Netflix globally, do you have any messages for K-drama fans?

Nam: I think you’ll be able to see a different type of traditional Korean beauty. We’ve been all working hard since Spring to deliver a good show for our viewers, and still are. So, I hope you can all enjoy and stay interested in The King’s Affection as well as Yi Hyun.

source

Edited October 24, 2021 by mademoiselle

mademoiselle · October 24, 2021

2021.10.21 Exclusive: ‘The King’s Affection’ Star Park Eun-Bin on Playing a Crown Prince in Disguise

Ever since debuting in 1996, South Korean actress Park Eun-bin has transformed from child star to leading star. Her latest K-drama, The King’s Affection is a new challenge and Park tells Tatler all about it

With a 25-year-long career under her belt, Park Eun-bin has taken on various roles across a variety of genres. The former child actress has continuously evolved since then and is now a full-fledged leading star and one of South Korea’s most recognisable faces. It seems there’s not a character she can’t do.

But for Park, her role in the new historical K-drama on Netflix, The King’s Affection is a new challenge. There, she plays a woman disguised as a prince which marks a new era in her career. In this exclusive interview with Tatler, Park gets candid about coming back to the seaguk (historical) genre, how she prepared for her role and what makes it different from anything she’s ever taken on.

Can you describe your character in The King’s Affection?

I play the role of Yi Hwi, who becomes a crown prince in her twin brother’s place. To me, Hwi resembles a blue flame that burns quietly at an even higher temperature than a typical red flame—she looks cold but hides burning emotions inside. She’s desperate enough to bury her real identity in order to protect her secret. This forces her to become stronger and more cold-hearted. Her life is lonely and she has to be watchful at all times, so I felt compassion for her.

Spoiler

Were there any funny moments while filming? How was it like to work with the co-stars in The King’s Affection?

I was excited about the project since I got to film a period piece with castmates of a similar age. They turned out to be even kinder, cuter, cooler, and funnier friends than I had expected so we had a lot of fun on the set. Everyone would focus on acting when it was their turn to shoot, but start joking once they went off-screen, so I remember having a good time.

Which scene in is your favourite and want the audience to look forward to?

It’s very hard to pick one scene because I enjoyed every second of filming and cherish every single scene. We travelled all around the country to find the best locations that encapsulate South Korea’s beauty, so I think you can look forward to seeing breathtaking landscapes and time-honoured traditions in each and every episode. Personally, I loved every single scene. Also, I recommend that you try to feel the heartbreaking emotions in the poignant scenes. That way, you would be able to have a more intense experience.

How will you describe your offscreen bond and onscreen pairing?

We would never stop talking unless we had to go into a shoot. Since we’re all around a similar age, everyone’s interested in the same things and it’s much easier to talk to each other about our concerns about acting. The chemistry [with Rowoon and the cast] couldn’t have been better, and I think this really shows how comfortable we look in front of the camera. I feel very grateful to everyone.

What kind of message did you want to bring out through the story or your character?

I think every drama has to carry a message. The viewers should be able to learn something through the drama and the characters. Hwi’s life is turned upside down all of a sudden due to external factors. It seems like she has everything, but none of that is actually hers—even her own life isn’t hers, and she’s given a lot of things to protect and take responsibility for instead. However, she will not be swayed by this pressure or give in to it but will remain strong, standing her ground and trying her best to overcome her limits.

I think the ultimate message that the show conveys will be in the form of a world that Hwi envisions, and aspires to build. I hope that you will understand what the writer is trying to say through Hwi about the world that she believes in. Personally, I cannot wait to see how this story is going to end.

We’ve seen a different side of you in your last drama. Having a lot of experience in acting and always trying out different roles, why did you choose to star in The King’s Affection? What attracted you to the role of Yi Hwi?

I thought that the story itself was very fascinating—that it was set in the past, and was centred around a woman who ascended to the throne. This woman king, Yi Hwi, seemed like a role that I had always dreamt of, and one that would not come along easily. I didn’t hesitate one bit in deciding to join the project, because I wanted to wear a dragon robe that belonged to me, and only me. I think this is going to be an invaluable, one-of-a-kind show that we will not be able to see for quite a while.

Since your character has a secret and has to undergo a lot of issues to hide her identity, what kind of preparations did you do?

Even if the idea of a woman becoming king started from one’s imagination, I thought it was my responsibility as an actor to make the character believable. Rather than drawing a straight line between Hwi as a man and Hwi as a woman, I felt it was more important to make Hwi convincing as a person. So I’m trying not to pretend to be a guy, but to show how natural it was for Hwi to grow up as a man. I’m also trying to give off a genderless vibe.

It’s very important for the narrative that no matter how hard she tries, she can’t hide her feminine qualities and that this leads to suspicion and danger. I hope that the audience will not focus on whether she’s a guy or a girl, but just naturally embrace that Hwi has this side to her, but also has that side. My hope is that me on-screen would really come across as Hwi to the viewers.

Yi Hwi is skilled at literary and martial arts, so do you face any challenges when shooting those action scenes which require you to play swords, archery, or do martial arts?

Although her figure is small, Hwi excels in swords, archery, and martial arts. That meant that I also had to train a lot in order to become true king material. I practised horseback riding and martial arts, and I’m trying hard to look like someone who was raised as a man. Sometimes it’s very physically draining, but Hwi is a person that has to overcome her limits every time, so I’m working to show you my best performance.

You started off as a child actor and have evolved since then. While many would become complacent with sticking to a particular genre, you have constantly hustled and tried different things. What inspires you to take those risks?

You may think that I’m taking risks, but I’ve just literally taken on new challenges. I’ve worked on one project after another ever since debuting in 1996 and I think what drove me forward all this time was the urge to try something different, something new rather than making safe choices.

It’s always scary and nerve-wracking to try something new, but I can feel that I’m becoming more mature every time and this is a very fulfilling experience. I put a lot of thought into what I can do, learn lessons through trials and errors, and find what I have to improve. I’m trying to take one step at a time, looking for what makes my heart sing.

Since the series is coming on Netflix, the reach is wider. Following the success of Squid Game, there’s a lot of anticipation for Korean dramas. How do you feel about that?

I think it is truly mind-blowing that Korean content is receiving so much love from all over the world. Also, I’m very grateful and happy that as an actor, I can present various Korean titles to the global audience at this important point in time. I definitely think that Korean content deserves to receive love and support internationally, so I hope that more Korean shows get to reinforce their preeminence on the global stage.

The King’s Affection will also be brought to the global audience through Netflix. This is a show that is packed with lots of excitement and tears, as well as Korea’s traditional beauty which I know many of you are interested in. I hope you guys look forward to it.

source

mademoiselle · October 24, 2021

Child Actor Kim Geom's IG Updates

Spoiler

Edited October 24, 2021 by mademoiselle

Tofu · October 24, 2021

I'm starting on this today, and for episode one, that's such a cheap shot by Bae Soo Bin's character. He really had to pull a civilian into the fight so he could win? :niu:

Wow, I thought that the prince died because of health issues (no idea why I was thinking that), but he was actually killed?! And Eun Bin's character is going to fall in love with the killer's son?! :scaredpanda2:

Ok, on to episode 2 now.

Edit:

OMG! They really going to take every family member away from Dam-I?! :letalQQ:

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

2021.10.25 Episode 5 New Stills

I worry for Ji Woon's life that he might get thrown off these walls for giving Hwi/Dam-i flowers xD

Oh no!! Someone is in trouble!

Spoiler

Edited October 25, 2021 by mademoiselle

Tofu · October 25, 2021

I finished watching all four episodes and how do you choose? I want Park Eun Bin to end up with all of them!! :BulbaOWO:

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

2021.10.25 NamooActors IG Update

Jang Hyun Tae's IG Update

Edited October 25, 2021 by mademoiselle

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

2021.10.25 Nam Yoon Su's IG Update

6 hours ago, Tofu said:

I finished watching all four episodes and how do you choose? I want Park Eun Bin to end up with all of them!!

Including the girls? :laugh: She needs to leave some (or share with us) too!

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

2021.10.25 FNC Naver Update on Rowoon

Beautiful long eye-lashes :heart:

I totally didn't realise at the time of watching that the archery target is that big. Rowoon is already 190 cm and this thing is bigger than him.

More pictures, including shirtless (I'm still in disbelief he really agreed to take it off, hahaha!) → here

Last minute work-out to show the abs and achieve big biceps appease the viewers kekeke

Spoiler

Edited October 25, 2021 by mademoiselle

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

2021.10.25 Park Eun Bin's IG Update

Oh yay, I knew she would update ^ ^

2021.10.25 Rowoon's IG Update

Spoiler

Edited October 25, 2021 by mademoiselle

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

Spoiler

source

abs-oluteM · October 25, 2021

okay , so it wasn't BL sort of affection :heiboi:

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

13 minutes ago, abs-oluteM said:

okay , so it wasn't BL sort of affection

Yup, it's not BL! 🥳

...which means SLS will be severe for some people 😅 and I already feel sorry for him (and like him more because he's protective of her).

abs-oluteM · October 25, 2021

3 minutes ago, mademoiselle said:

and like him more because he's protective of her).

How can you do this to your main oppa? :brb: hehehehe...

See how cute he is...

Tofu · October 25, 2021

5 hours ago, mademoiselle said:

Including the girls? She needs to leave some (or share with us) too!

Haha, yeah! Even the girl she bumped into because I just think she matches well with everyone. :lmao2:

1 hour ago, abs-oluteM said:

How can you do this to your main oppa?

Hyun is so adorable though! And like @mademoiselle says, he goes out of his way to protect her.

I am also not surprised that he knows about her identity. You can almost tell from the way the story has been told that he knows something about her. I feel like when someone is unsure, the script, acting, and even camera work will tell us that they are unsure (like with the uncle). It was different with Hyun -- he always looked at her with so much devotion. I'm going to really have a hard time not having SLS.

It also doesn't help that both boys are soulmates too, right? :laugh:

abs-oluteM · October 25, 2021

@Tofu You think he senses she is a girl here? Or maybe he is like mighty confused why his own heart is racing for the Prince? LOL

Tofu · October 25, 2021

1 minute ago, abs-oluteM said:

You think he senses she is a girl here? Or maybe he is like mighty confused why his own heart is racing for the Prince? LOL

Next week, we will find out that he's always known the Crown Prince is a girl. :lmao2:

Mouse · October 25, 2021

So just as we suspected, Hyun is aware that Hwi is a woman!!!! Woot Woot!!! :jinbtsyes:

I can't tell you how happy this makes me because it explains the major heart eyes he gives her and how protective he is of her. It also explains why he bought her the ring! Now this is giving me major SLS. Although of course I am still rooting for Ji-un with Dam-i, I wouldn't be sad if Dam-i ended up with Hyun. I love that he is always protecting her.

As for Ji-un, I like his "lessons" and clearly, Dam-i is so jaded and wary of people so she needs Ji-un to teach her how to be warm again.

And I find it cute that Ji-un can't stop looking at her! LOL the way he slaps himself when he realizes he's been staring is so funny.

@mademoiselle thank you for posting the character map. I was the one looking for it. It looks like we have yet to see one more lady appear who will eventually fall for Hwi.

I am unclear as to who the bodyguard really is... so far it's implying that he is the assassin but is he really out to kill Hwi? And if yes, for what reason? Could he be related to Hwi's former teacher who was killed?

By the way, I'm also crushing on royal guard ahjussi :lol: just because he is so good at his job of protecting Hwi! He's quiet but quick to spot assassins and run after them. I wonder if there's more to his backstory than what we have seen so far.

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

9 hours ago, abs-oluteM said:

How can you do this to your main oppa? hehehehe...

Hahaha my main Oppa is safe in the heart. I'm not liking Hyun in a swooning way (yet). Although I give myself this week to see if any other handsome flutters my heart (that's why I haven't cast my vote) xD

No wonder the young actors are still actively posting wefies, it's coz they are making appearances in flashbacks still. Hyun is a nice fella, a unique one too, because normally these things they would already go running tattle-telling on the adults and Hwi/Dam-i would be executed. But he protected her secret until now (else he'd have had to die too) and didn't even query how the switch happen. In that, I'll acknowledge his good-will character. In that I also hope he plays the crucial part in helping both Ji Woon and her out later on... but... just don't die this time (side-eyeing MDBC). Though I still am compelled to warn those with SLS to guard your heart and be prepared.

5 hours ago, Mouse said:

I am unclear as to who the bodyguard really is... so far it's implying that he is the assassin but is he really out to kill Hwi? And if yes, for what reason? Could he be related to Hwi's former teacher who was killed?

Me too! He shot her sharp death stare when Dam-i dismisses all of them so I thought he was gonna visit her. Instead he went to run an errand outside. He did protected her at the bathroom so hmm. I like they keep this a mystery and I'm not in a hurry to find out yet. The guard ahjussi is onto him anyway. I am wondering if he is a family member of someone Dam-i's mother had to kill... it has to be some revenge plot for his family.

You know I thought of you when both Ji Woon's father and the ahjussi guard appear in one screen xDDD I was like, "Hmm, I hope Mouse is no longer confused now." xD

Edited October 25, 2021 by mademoiselle

Tofu · October 25, 2021

1 hour ago, mademoiselle said:

I am wondering if he is a family member of someone Dam-i's mother had to kill... it has to be some revenge plot for his family.

Agreed! I would not be surprised if he's family was wrongfully killed by the royal family in some ways and now he's there to seek revenge.

Look at how small Park Eun Bin is compared to Rowoon. I LOL'd when I watched this scene. :lmao2:

mademoiselle · October 25, 2021

Damnit @Tofu now you make me jelly she gets to have skinship with Rowoon AND sit on top of him :wow: :pandasadspoon:

P.S. I honestly don't know if it is intentional that the PD/writer cast all the actors this tall. It can't be because Rowoon is tall like the PD said so he wanted to cast everyone else taller too. Surely they intended it this way as to showcase Hwi is still too petite as a male and feminine as s/he gets older, that's why people are beginning to suspect.

Mouse · October 26, 2021

Honestly though, how does one get so lucky being cast in a role surrounded by gorgeous men?!

I wouldn’t be surprised if Ga-on is related to the former tutor who was killed. I’m not sure whether Ga-on is good or bad at this point..

mademoiselle · October 26, 2021

2021.10.26 Episode 6 Pre-release Preview

Hahahahahahaha Ji Woon is falling for Hwi and he can't helped it but swoon at her 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Edited October 26, 2021 by mademoiselle

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