Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The King: Eternal Monarch (더 킹: 영원의 군주), which has been captivating Netflix audiences worldwide with its ambitious blend of parallel universe fantasy, royal romance, and the epic journey of an emperor who discovers that love transcends dimensional boundaries.
The King: Eternal Monarch aired from April 17 to June 12, 2020, as a South Korean romantic fantasy television series featuring Lee Min Ho, Kim Go Eun, Woo Do Hwan, Kim Kyung Nam, Jung Eun Chae, and Lee Jung Jin. Written by Kim Eun Sook and produced by Hwa&Dam Pictures, this SBS and Netflix exclusive consists of 16 episodes, each running approximately 70 minutes. The series achieved an impressive 8.1 rating on IMDb, showcasing the ambitious storytelling that made it one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2020.
The series explores themes of fate, parallel dimensions, and the power of love to transcend reality itself. A modern-day Korean emperor passes through a mysterious portal and into a parallel world, where he encounters a feisty police detective. In 1994, the Kingdom of Corea encounters severe upheaval when the King is murdered by his brother Lee Lim, who seeks to possess the legendary Manpasikjeok flute that holds supernatural powers. What makes this drama particularly compelling is how it creates an intricate mythology around parallel worlds while grounding the fantasy elements in genuine human emotion and political intrigue.
Lee Gon’s Journey Between Worlds
Lee Min Ho delivers a commanding performance as Lee Gon, the third Korean emperor of his generation who appears perfect to his citizens but harbors deep loneliness and the trauma of his father’s murder. Lee Min Ho brings both regal authority and vulnerable humanity to the role, creating a character who feels genuinely royal while remaining emotionally accessible. His portrayal captures the weight of leadership and the isolation that comes with absolute power.
The series effectively shows how Lee Gon’s discovery of parallel worlds becomes both adventure and escape from the pressures of his royal duties. Lee Min Ho demonstrates how even an emperor can feel trapped by circumstances, making his journey through dimensions feel like both literal and metaphorical liberation. His character development explores themes of duty versus personal happiness in ways that feel both epic and intimate.
Jung Tae Eul’s Grounded Strength
Kim Go Eun brings fierce authenticity to Jung Tae Eul, a detective in the Republic of Korea who becomes Lee Gon’s anchor in the parallel world. Kim Go Eun creates a character who is both skeptical of Lee Gon’s incredible claims and gradually drawn into his extraordinary reality. Her performance balances the detective’s practical nature with the wonder of someone discovering that impossible things can be real.
The chemistry between Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun develops beautifully across dimensional boundaries, creating a romance that feels both destined and earned. Their relationship transcends typical romantic tropes by grounding their connection in mutual respect and shared purpose, making their love story feel epic without losing emotional authenticity.
When Evil Crosses Dimensions
Lee Jung Jin delivers a chilling performance as Lee Lim, the traitorous uncle whose quest for power extends across parallel worlds. The series builds compelling tension around his ability to manipulate both realities, creating stakes that extend far beyond personal relationships. His character represents the corruption of power and the danger of unchecked ambition, making him a worthy adversary for Lee Gon’s heroic journey.
The climax effectively brings together elements from both worlds, forcing characters to make choices that will determine the fate of multiple realities. The resolution respects the complexity of the mythology while delivering emotional satisfaction for the romantic elements.
Exceptional Supporting Performances
Woo Do Hwan delivers standout dual performances as Jo Eun Seob and Jo Young, showcasing his remarkable range by playing completely different characters in parallel worlds. Jung Eun Chae, Kim Kyung Nam, and the entire supporting cast create believable worlds that feel distinct yet connected, adding depth to the parallel universe concept.
Success on Netflix
The King: Eternal Monarch achieved significant international success on Netflix, though it received mixed critical reception due to its complex mythology and ambitious scope. The series demonstrated writer Kim Eun Sook’s willingness to push boundaries beyond her previous successes like Goblin and Descendants of the Sun. Production values were exceptional, with stunning cinematography and elaborate set pieces that brought both the Kingdom of Corea and Republic of Korea to vivid life. While some critics found the parallel world mechanics confusing, many viewers appreciated the series’ visual spectacle and the chemistry between the lead actors.
Perfect for Fantasy Romance Enthusiasts
If you love stories about parallel dimensions and epic royal romance, The King: Eternal Monarch is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show delivers both the grandeur of fantasy adventure and the intimacy of genuine love stories that transcend reality itself.
Why This Ambitious Fantasy Captivates Despite Complexity
Positive Aspects:
- Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun deliver strong performances with compelling chemistry
- Stunning production values and cinematography that create visually spectacular worlds
- Woo Do Hwan’s exceptional dual role performance showcasing remarkable acting range
- Ambitious mythology that attempts something truly unique in K-drama landscape
- Beautiful exploration of love transcending dimensional boundaries and royal duties
Negative Aspects:
- Complex parallel world mechanics may confuse viewers preferring simpler storylines
- Pacing issues in middle episodes during world-building and mythology establishment
- Some fantasy elements feel underdeveloped despite the series’ ambitious scope
- Supporting romantic storylines feel overshadowed by the main epic narrative
- Ending resolution may feel rushed given the complexity of parallel world consequences
The King: Eternal Monarch proves that Netflix’s Korean content can deliver visually stunning and emotionally ambitious storytelling, making it essential viewing for fans of epic fantasy romance who appreciate bold creative risks.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 16 episodes
- Platform: Netflix (worldwide), SBS (South Korea)
- Release Year: 2020
- Current IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
- Production Type: Korean drama (K-drama)
- Status: Completed series (aired April 17 – June 12, 2020)
- Protagonists: Lee Min Ho (Lee Gon), Kim Go Eun (Jung Tae Eul)
- Supporting Cast: Woo Do Hwan (Jo Eun Seob/Jo Young), Jung Eun Chae, Kim Kyung Nam, Lee Jung Jin (Lee Lim)