Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The First Night with the Duke, which became KBS2’s most enchanting fantasy romance of 2025, combining the popular isekai concept with royal palace intrigue and passionate romance that had viewers completely captivated.
The First Night with the Duke aired on KBS2 from June 11 to July 17, 2025, every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:50 KST, with 12 episodes running approximately 70 minutes each. Based on the web novel “Namjuui Cheotnalbameul Gajeobeoryeodda” by Hwang Dotol, this fantasy romance stars Seohyun as Cha Seon-chaek and Ok Taecyeon as Prince Lee Beon. The series is available internationally on Viu and Rakuten Viki with English subtitles, making it accessible to global K-drama fans who love fantasy romance.
What makes The First Night with the Duke extraordinary is its perfect blend of modern sensibility with historical fantasy elements, creating a unique viewing experience that appeals to both traditional K-drama lovers and fans of contemporary fantasy storytelling. The series explores themes of destiny, second chances, and how love can transcend the boundaries between fiction and reality.
A Modern Girl’s Journey Through Her Favorite Novel
The series chronicles the story of K, an ordinary college student who mysteriously awakens inside her beloved historical romance novel as Cha Seon-chaek, a minor noblewoman. Her knowledge of the story’s plot becomes both an advantage and a complication as she tries to navigate palace politics while avoiding changing the original storyline too dramatically.
Each episode reveals new challenges as K/Seon-chaek discovers that being inside a book is far more complex than reading it from the outside. Her modern mindset clashes with historical expectations, creating both comedic moments and genuine emotional conflicts that drive the narrative forward.
Cha Seon-chaek: Seohyun’s Charming Dual Identity Performance
Seohyun delivers a delightful performance as both the modern student K and the noblewoman Cha Seon-chaek, showcasing her versatility as she navigates between contemporary sensibilities and historical mannerisms. Her character represents the fish-out-of-water experience that resonates with viewers who have ever felt displaced in unfamiliar situations.
Seohyun’s portrayal brilliantly captures the internal struggle of someone trying to maintain their true identity while adapting to completely different social expectations. Her comedic timing and emotional depth make the fantastical premise feel grounded and relatable.
Prince Lee Beon: Ok Taecyeon’s Cold Duke with Hidden Warmth
Ok Taecyeon brings charisma and complexity to his role as Prince Lee Beon, the cold and mysterious duke who slowly reveals his vulnerable side through his interactions with Seon-chaek. His character follows the classic cold-male-lead archetype but adds layers of genuine emotion and character development that elevate the performance.
Taecyeon’s chemistry with Seohyun creates the romantic tension that drives the series, showing how two people from completely different worlds can find connection through understanding and genuine care. His portrayal demonstrates growth from distant royal to someone capable of deep emotional intimacy.
The Night That Changes Everything Forever
The pivotal episodes occur when the consequences of Seon-chaek’s presence begin to alter the novel’s original timeline, forcing her to choose between trying to preserve the story she knows or embracing the new reality she’s created. These game-changing moments showcase the series’ exploration of fate versus free will.
These breakthrough episodes demonstrate that sometimes the greatest adventures come from embracing the unknown rather than trying to control outcomes, and that love can bloom even in the most impossible circumstances.
Success on KBS2
The First Night with the Duke achieved remarkable success for KBS2, breaking the network’s ratings slump with a 3.3% viewership rating for its premiere episode, sparking hope for KBS primetime drama revival. The 12-episode format allowed for complete story development while maintaining viewer engagement throughout its run. Critics praised the series’ elegant costumes, enchanting cinematography, and the natural romantic development between the leads. The First Night with the Duke stands out in KBS2’s programming for successfully combining fantasy elements with traditional romance, creating appointment television for fantasy romance enthusiasts.
Perfect Fantasy Romance for Isekai Lovers
If you love fantasy romance with isekai elements, royal palace settings, and charming chemistry between leads, The First Night with the Duke is the perfect series to binge on Viu and Rakuten Viki. This series proves that sometimes the best love stories happen when you least expect them, even inside your favorite book.
Must-Watch Fantasy That Makes Dreams Come True
The First Night with the Duke creates a magical viewing experience that combines the wish-fulfillment fantasy of entering your favorite book with genuine romantic storytelling. This series reminds viewers that love can transcend any boundary, even the line between fiction and reality.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 12 episodes (Completed)
Platform: KBS2, Viu, Rakuten Viki
Year: June 11 – July 17, 2025 (Completed)
Current IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Historical
Status: Completed series
Protagonists: Seohyun (Cha Seon-chaek/K), Ok Taecyeon (Prince Lee Beon)
Supporting Cast: Kwon Han-sol, Seo Bum-june