The King: Eternal Monarch

The King: Eternal Monarch (Korean: 더 킹: 영원의 군주; Hanja: 더 킹: 永遠의 君主; RR: Deo King: Yeongwonui Gunju) is a 2020 romantic-fantasy South Korean television series starring Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan, Kim Kyung-nam, Jung Eun-chae and Lee Jung-jin.[5][6][7][8] Written by Kim Eun-sook and produced by Hwa&Dam Pictures and its parent company Studio Dragon, the series premiered on SBS TV and Netflix for the global audience on April 17, 2020.[9]

The King: Eternal Monarch
Promotional poster
Hangul더 킹: 영원의 군주
Hanja더 킹: 永遠의 君主
Genre
Written byKim Eun-sook
Directed by
  • Baek Sang-hoon
  • Jung Ji-hyun
  • Yoo Je-won
Starring
Country of originSouth Korea
Original language(s)Korean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producer(s)
  • Jinnie Choi
  • Yoon Ha-rim
Camera setupSingle camera
Running time70 mins
Production company(s)
Distributor
Budget>30 billion Won[3][4]
Release
Original networkSBS TV[2]
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
Audio formatDolby Digital
Original releaseApril 17 (2020-04-17) –
June 12, 2020 (2020-06-12)
External links
Website
Production website

Hailing as one of the most anticipated series in the first half of 2020 due to its ensemble cast, screenwriter, extensive publicity and more than 30 billion Won (US$25 million) production budget,[10][11] the series set a record for SBS’s highest Friday-Saturday drama premiere ratings following the release of the first episode and maintained the No.1 spot on the weekly Wavve drama chart for eight consecutive weeks,[12][13] with GMA News Online terming it a "hit Netflix drama" due to its popularity overseas.[14] On the other hand, it received lower-than-expected domestic TV viewership ratings due to criticism of its screenplay, directing, editing and various controversies.[15][16][17]

Synopsis

Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), a modern-day Emperor of the Kingdom of Corea, attempts to cross the barrier into an alternate reality where the Republic of Korea exists in the Kingdom's stead. He comes across detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), whom he recognizes from an identity card he obtained during the turning-point of his childhood, his father's assassination.[18] Lee Gon's half-uncle, Lee Lim (Lee Jung-jin), who assassinated the previous king, Lee Ho (Lee Gon's father), is in hiding and assembling armies whilst traversing back and forth between the two parallel worlds.

Cast

Main
  • Lee Min-ho as Lee Gon / Lee Ji-hun[19]
    • Jung Hyeon-jun as young Lee Gon (Kingdom of Corea) and young Lee Ji-hun (Republic of Korea)
The third king of the Kingdom of Corea. He is a mathematician and a rower. He is a compulsive and reticent person. He is sensitive when touched by others and does not easily let go of his skepticism towards someone. He often leaves the palace grounds to wander around, either to tend to his curious mind or to escape the palace life. For him, the Royal Palace represents the safety of home, but it is also his most deadly battleground. When he was eight years old, he witnessed the assassination of his father by his half-uncle, Lee Lim. While he was being choked to death, he was saved by an unknown person with Jeong Tae-eul's identity card.
  • Kim Go-eun as Jeong Tae-eul / Luna / Koo Seo-gyeong[20]
    • Kim Si-woo as young Jeong Tae-eul
Jeong Tae-eul: A police officer ranked Inspector (equivalent to Lieutenant in the Korean Armed Forces) in the Violent Crimes Squad Three of the National Police Agency of the Republic of Korea. She has a strong will and concrete personality. As a child, she was interested in crime tv shows which led her to become a detective.
Luna: A criminal in the Kingdom of Corea. Shortly after her birth, she was abandoned in a slum in Busan. With no parents and no identification, no official records document her existence. As she grew older, her arrest record expanded to include burglary, breaking and entering, assault and forgery. Her imprisonment lead to her being legally documented as Luna, a name she gave herself after a stray cat that had survived in the slum. Moreover, she suffers from terminal cancer resulting in organ failure and has only few months left to live.
Jo Yeong: Captain of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Corea, and childhood friend of Lee Gon. He exudes a sharp image and stoic professionalism. Jo Yeong first met Lee Gon at his coronation ceremony, when he was four years old. They share a bond of friendship and brotherhood. Jo yeong treats Lee Gon as his country and his law, which he must always protect.
Jo Eun-sup: A member of the National Police Agency of the Republic of Korea, and the parallel universe counterpart of Jo Yeong. He is humorous, free-willed and joyous. Currently serving his mandatory military duties, his wish is to get discharged soon. He deeply cares for his younger twin siblings, Eun-bi and Kka-bi, and often helps his parents in looking after them. He also has a crush on his childhood friend, Myeong Na-ri.
  • Kim Kyung-nam as Kang Shin-jae / Kang Hyeon-min[22]
    • Moon Woo-jin as young Kang Shin-jae/ young Kang Hyeon-min
A detective in the Violent Crimes Squad Three of the National Police Agency of the Republic of Korea. Although he had an ideal childhood at first, his father was imprisoned for embezzlement and his mother soon fell prey to gambling, leading to a tense relationship between them. He has had a crush on Jung Tae-eul since their high school days.
The youngest and first female prime minister of the Kingdom of Corea. Though born into a broken family having a drunkard father and a hardworking mother who runs a fish cake shop, she went on to study hard and became an announcer. Although elegant, confident and independent, she is also extremely ambitious and greedy. She married Chairman Choe of KU Group, before divorcing him for alimony. She became a diplomat and then Prime Minister. Her ambition knowing no bounds, she next wants to become the Queen of the Kingdom of Corea.
Illegitimate brother of King Lee Ho and half-uncle of Lee Gon. He wishes to obtain the Manpasikjeok, a mythical flute which he believes would allow him to attain eternity. He assassinates the former King and takes hold of the flute before young Lee Gon breaks the flute into two halves with the four tiger sword. With one half of the flute, he escapes to the parallel universe after committing treason and kills his counterpart in the alternate reality. He aims to retrieve the second half of the flute, which is now in Lee Gon's possession.

Supporting
Head Court-lady of the Imperial Household.
  • Jeon Bae-soo as Jeong Do-in[26]
Jeong Tae-eul's father. He owns and runs the Hero Academy for taekwondo as the head instructor.
Lee Ji-hun's mother.
Chief detective of Violent Crimes Squad Three.
  • Kim Yong-ji as Myeong Na-ri/Myeong Seung-ah
Myeong Na-ri: Jeong Tae-eul's landlady and friend. She runs a cafe by the taewondo centre.
Myeong Seung-ah: New staff at the Royal Public Affairs Office.
Jang Michael: New recruit of the Violent Crimes Squad Three.
Jang Mi-reuk: Trainee at the Royal guard.
Second-in-line to the throne after Lee Gon. He is a professor and doctor by profession.
  • Lee Hae-young as Yoo Kyung-moo
Lee Lim's assistant. He runs the Eosu bookstore in Kingdom of Corea.
Min Hwa-yeon: Kang Shin-jae's mother. After her husband is jailed for embezzlement, she falls prey to gambling. This leads to a tense relationship between her and Shin-jae.
Park Sook-jin: Worker at the Imperial Household.

Special appearances
  • Kwon Yul as Lee Ho, Lee Gon's father
  • Heo Jae-ho as Kim Bok-man, murder suspects
  • Joo Ye-rim as Min-ji
  • Jeon No-min as Captain Choe Gi-tae (Ep. 4 and 6)
  • Ha Seung-ri as Jang Yeon-ji
  • Jo Jae-yoon as an arcade-worker in-charge of the shooting game
  • Tae In-ho as Chairman Choe Min-heon
  • Kim Bo-min as the mysterious boy with a yo-yo who controls the parallel universes

Production

The series was directed by Baek Sang-hoon and Jung Ji-hyun.[28] On May 8, 2020, it was announced that director Yoo Je-won will join the production.[29] The series total production cost was reported to be over 30 billion Won (US$25 million),[7][8] which the production company was able to recoup from the broadcast deal with SBS and the overseas licensing agreement with Netflix before the premiere of the first episode.[30][31]

Casting

On May 7, 2019, Hwa&Dam Pictures confirmed that Lee Min-ho would star as the male lead,[32] reuniting with writer Kim Eun-sook, with whom he had collaborated previously on SBS hit series, The Heirs (2013).[33] On the 20th, it was announced that Kim Go-eun would play the role of the female lead,[34][35] also reuniting the actress with Kim, with whom she had collaborated previously on tvN hit series, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016).[36] On June 3, Woo Do-hwan confirmed on taking dual roles as Jo Eun-sup and Jo Yeong.[37][38] On June 10, Son Seok-gu and Jung Eun-chae were offered roles in the series,[39][40] with Son deciding not to appear in the series and Jung confirming her role.[41][42] A week later, Kim Kyung-nam confirmed his role.[43]

This series also serves as a reunion for Lee Min-ho and Kim Young-ok, who had a similar on-screen relationship in the KBS hit series, Boys Over Flowers (2009).[44]

Filming

The first script reading took place on September 17, 2019,[45] while the Principal photography began on October 23, 2019,[46] and ended on May 28, 2020, after seven months.[47] Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun filmed their first scene together at the Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, which is a popular tourist spot in the capital city of South Korea and where Lee previously filmed for the action-drama City Hunter (2011).[48] The temple scenes, showing Lee Jung-jin painting, were shot at Saseongam Temple located in Mt. Osan, Gurye. The Busan train station which is shown in Kingdom of Corea is not the real Busan Station, instead it was filmed at Yeosu Exposition after the production team changed the labelling of the building.

The rowing competition scene was filmed at Misari Regatta, a boat racing track and park in Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, about 20 km east of Seoul, which had been constructed for the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Summer Olympics. The scene where Lee Min-ho chases after the 'white rabbit' barefoot was filmed at Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO). Horse-riding scenes were filmed at Mungwang Reservoir, Goesan and Dadaepo Beach, Busan. Scenes were also shot at Sono Felice Vivaldi Park Equestrian Club. Vivaldi Park is a part of Damyeong Resort with a ski field in winter, where scenes from Legend of the Blue Sea were shot.

One of the major filming locations of the series is the bamboo forest, where the door to either of the two worlds is located. The related scenes were shot at Ahopsan Bamboo forest, Busan; Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, 100 Days My Prince and Ruler: Master of the Mask were previously filmed there. Some scenes were filmed at Taepyeong Salt Farm in Jeungdo Island in Sinan. An autumn-themed park scene was filmed at Jungri Sports Park, Daegu. Scenes were also filmed at Woljeonggyo Bridge located in the city of Gyeongju, one of the most popular touristic cities of the country for its cultural heritage. A scene where Lee Min-ho attends a funeral in episode 4 was filmed at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Daegu, a Catholic Cathedral in Gyesan in the city of Daegu which was built in 1902. Some scenes of the series were shot in Munsan Cathedral Complex in Jinju.[49] Scenes were also filmed at Busan National Gugak Center and Chungmu Traditional Market.[50]

Original soundtrack
The King: Eternal Monarch OST
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedJune 12, 2020
GenreSoundtrack
Language
Label

The original soundtrack features popular artists such as Hwasa, Davichi, and Gummy,[51] along with songwriter Gaemi, who produced music for 7 of the singles and penned lyrics for 4 out of the 13 singles featured in the series. The complete soundtrack album was released on June 12, 2020, on the same day as the airing of last episode.[52]

Part 1 of the original soundtrack was released on April 18, 2020 with the single "I Just Want To Stay With You" by Zion.T,[53][54] followed by the single "Orbit" by Mamamoo's Hwasa (Part 2), which was released the following day.[55] At the end of the second week of airing, the singles, "Gravity" by Kim Jong-wan (Part 3) and "Maze" by Yongzoo (Part 4), were released at 6 pm KST, 4 hours prior to the episode's broadcast.[56][57] The following week saw the release of "I Fall In Love" by Ha Sung-woon (Part 5) and "Please Don't Cry" by the duet Davichi (Part 6).[58][59]

Initially, Part 12 and 13 were supposed to be released on May 29 and 30, but were pushed back because of the postponement of episode 14 from May 29 to May 30.[60]

Original soundtrack (Part 1-13)

Part 1

Released on April 18, 2020 (2020-04-18)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."I Just Want To Stay With You"
  • DOKO
  • Son Jae-min
  • DOKO
  • Son Jae-min
Zion.T3:28
2."I Just Want To Stay With You" (Inst.) 
  • DOKO
  • Son Jae-min
 3:28
Total length:6:56

Part 2

Released on April 19, 2020 (2020-04-19)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Orbit"
  • Park Woo-sang
  • Sora
Park Woo-sangHwasa (Mamamoo)3:07
2."Orbit" (Inst.) Park Woo-sang 3:07
Total length:6:14

Part 3

Released on April 24, 2020 (2020-04-24)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Gravity" (연)
  • Ra.L
  • Naomi
GaemiKim Jong-wan (Nell)3:12
2."Gravity" (Inst.) Gaemi 3:12
Total length:6:24

Part 4

Released on April 25, 2020 (2020-04-25)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Maze"
  • Okya
  • Charles
GaemiYongzoo3:43
2."Maze" (Inst.) Gaemi 3:43
Total length:7:26

Part 5

Released on May 2, 2020 (2020-05-02)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."I Fall In Love"
  • Noheul
  • Gaemi
  • Noheul
  • KRAZY PARK
Ha Sung-woon (Hotshot)3:50
2."I Fall In Love" (Inst.) 
  • Noheul
  • KRAZY PARK
 3:50
Total length:7:40

Part 6

Released on May 3, 2020 (2020-05-03)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Please Don't Cry"
  • Dinner Coat
  • Dong Woo-seok
  • Dinner Coat
  • Dong Woo-seok
  • Yoo Jung-hyun
Davichi3:56
2."Please Don't Cry" (Inst.) 
  • Dinner Coat
  • Dong Woo-seok
  • Yoo Jung-hyun
 3:56
Total length:7:52

Part 7

Released on May 9, 2020 (2020-05-09)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."You Can't Stop It From Blooming" (꽃이 피는 걸 막을 순 없어요)DONNA
  • DONNA
  • CuzD
Sunwoo Jung-a3:33
2."You Can't Stop It From Blooming" (Inst.) 
  • DONNA
  • CuzD
 3:33
Total length:7:06

Part 8

Released on May 10, 2020 (2020-05-10)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Dream"
  • Gaemi
  • Paul Kim
Paul Kim4:03
2."Dream" (Inst.) 
  • Gaemi
  • Paul Kim
 4:03
Total length:8:06

Part 9

Released on May 15, 2020 (2020-05-15)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Heart Break"
  • Noh Sung-eun (Chansline)
  • Gaeko
  • Gaemi
  • Gaemi
  • Hwang Chan-hee
3:13
2."Heart Break" (Inst.) 
  • Gaemi
  • Hwang Chan-hee
 3:13

Part 10

Released on May 16, 2020 (2020-05-16)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."My Day is Full of You" (나의 하루는 다 너로 가득해)
  • Gaemi
  • Zico
  • Heo Sung-jin
Gaemi
3:41
2."My Day is Full of You" (Inst.) Gaemi 3:41
Total length:7:22

Part 11

Released on May 23, 2020 (2020-05-23)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."My Love"HanaGaemiGummy4:19
2."My Love" (Inst.) Gaemi 4:19
Total length:8:38

Part 12

Released on May 30, 2020 (2020-05-30)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."The Night When Everyone Is Asleep" (모두 잠든 밤)
  • Taebongie
  • December 32nd
  • Llwyd
  • Taebongie
  • December 32nd
Hwang Chi-yeul4:13
2."The Night When Everyone Is Asleep" (Inst.) 
  • Taebongie
  • December 32nd
 4:13
Total length:8:26

Part 13

Released on June 6, 2020 (2020-06-06)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."You're My End and My Beginning" (너는 나의 시작이자 마지막이다)Im Han-byeol
  • Im Han-byeol
  • Choo Dae-kwan (MonoTree)
  • Gaemi
4:10
2."You're My End and My Beginning" (Inst.) 
  • Im Han-byeol
  • Choo Dae-kwan (MonoTree)
  • Gaemi
 4:10
Total length:8:20
OST Special Album
Disc 1:
No.TitleArtistLength
1."I Just Want To Stay With You"Zion.T3:28
2."Orbit"Hwasa3:06
3."Gravity"Kim Jong-wan3:09
4."Maze"Yongzoo3:43
5."I Fall In Love"Ha Sung-woon3:50
6."Please Don't Cry"Davichi3:55
7."You Can't Stop It From Blooming"Sunwoo Jung-a3:32
8."Dream"Paul Kim4:04
9."Heart Break"
3:11
10."My Day Is Full Of You"
3:41
11."My Love"Gummy4:19
12."Quiet Night"Hwang Chi-yeul3:41
13."You're My End and My Beginning"
4:11
Disc 2:
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Title of The King"
  • Park Jung-hwan
  • Gaemi
0:52
2."The King"Park Yun-seo3:38
3."The Fantasia of Another Dimension"Park Jung-hwan2:00
4."Empire"Lee Seong-gu3:58
5."Another World"Yoo Min-ho3:28
6."The King Slayer"Park Yun-seo2:50
7."Imperial"Park Mi-sun2:55
8."Empire Theme"Lee Seong-gu3:22
9."Prime Minister"Park Mi-sun2:55
10."King's Story"
  • Park Jung-hwan
  • Gaemi
2:50
11."Into The Fantasy"Park Jung-hwan2:17
12."Not Dead"Park Yun-seo3:23
13."My Love and..."
  • Park Jung-hwan
  • Gaemi
2:56
14."Progress"Lee Seong-gu3:38
15."The Day"
  • Lee Geon-yeong
  • Gaemi
3:57
16."Where Has She Been?"Park Jung-hwan2:33
17."Hydrangea"Lee Geon-yeong3:19
18."Fury"Park Jung-hwan2:21
19."Hold On"Park Yun-seo3:18
20."Luna"Lee Seong-gu2:44
21."Parallel World"Park Mi-sun2:53
22."The War Is Over"
  • Park Jung-hwan
  • Gaemi
2:26

Reception

The series set a record for SBS’s highest Friday-Saturday drama premiere ratings when it premiered with a TV viewership rating of 11.4%,[61] and went up to its highest recorded rating of 11.6% on the second episode.[62] The rating hit it lowest at 5.2% on the 11th episode,[63][64] and hovered around the 6-8% viewership ratings on later episodes,[65][66] with International Business Times explaining that the development of the plot, the editing and the forced scenes were the reasons the series failed to increase its ratings.[67] The Korean Herald claimed that the series failed to present adequate explanation of the parallel universe to the audience who complained of the similarity of the two different worlds,[68] with cultural critic Ha Jae-geun describing, "The story unfolds at a relatively slow pace and the parallel world is too complex to understand. It's hard to find some clever, creative conversations and catchy soundtracks in 'The King'."[68] William Schwartz from Hancinema commented on the directing saying, "The lack of coherent direction has also dampened enthusiasm for the drama,” and expressed that, “Viewers have taken issue with the inconsistent intuitive intelligence shown by the main character .... particularly the unapologetic extent to which characters from the fantasy universe play on uncomfortable gender tropes," [69] while Cinemaescapist stating, "Others may find themselves disappointed as the ensemble cast swim in a sea of cliche."[70] The series also faced criticized for the excessive use of product placement, with one episode featuring 7 product placement ads,[71] which was seen as undermining the series's content and artistry.[72][73][74]

While the TV viewership ratings were generally low in Korea and the series saw smaller domestic popularity compared to previous works by writer Kim Eun-sook,[75] it has maintained the No.1 spot on the weekly Wavve drama chart for eight consecutive weeks since its first airing.[76] The series also has ranked in the top 10 programs most talked about according to the results of a survey on internet reactions to TV programs in the first half of 2020 conducted by the government agency Korea Communications Commission measuring online posts, online comments, number of views on related video and news articles.[77] On August 6, Studio Dragon announced their financial performance over the second quarter with a record-breaking 135 million dollars in total sales,[78] a 25.9% increase over the same period of time last year,[79] accrediting the boost to license sales of works such as Crash Landing on You, The King: Eternal Monarch, and It's Okay to Not Be Okay,[80] and according to Hancinema, "'The King: Eternal Monarch' likely deserves most of the credit, as it is the only one of these dramas to have aired entirely during the second quarter."[81] Business Korea also reported, "Studio Dragon's TV series sales climbed 9.3% year-over-year on average amid the growing popularity of K-dramas, particularly The King: Eternal Monarch."[82]

Arab News praised the series commenting, "In a world of mainstream K-dramas filled with cliches and reoccurring themes, 'The King: Eternal Monarch' stands unique and absolutely mind-blowing,"[83] while Actor Sebastian Roché tweeted, "The King: eternal monarch on netflix, yet another brilliantly imaginative Korean drama written by Kim Eun Suk, as well as Mr Sunshine, Goblin, Descendants of the sun etc, i'm totally addicted, why can't we make romantic dramas anymore, Koreans are the masters of it."[84] The Philippine Cosmopolitan reviewed it saying, "The drama was smart and ambitious. It's commendable that screenwriter Kim Eun-suk aspired to attract a wider audience by choosing to veer away from tried and tested drama tropes."[85]

Historical inaccuracy and broadcast warnings

Following its premiere, an online controversy erupted as Korean viewers noticed that the architecture of the fictional world of the Corean Empire resembled that of Japanese temples, in particular, the Japanese temple complex Tōdai-ji and the temple of Kōfuku-ji. As the series was aired during a time when Korean-Japanese relations were uneasy, the production team issued an apology and stated that the buildings in question would be corrected.[86][87][88][89] As the series progressed into its sixth episode, another controversy occurred as the episode depicted a naval war between Japan and the Corean empire. The viewers noticed that the Japanese warships had the design of present Korean warships. The producer admitted that the production team used open source and stock images as reference material for the Japanese fleet as they were restricted from filming overseas due to COVID-19 and that they should have consulted experts to review the material.[90]

Another controversy also surfaced in the sixth episode about the image of the dragon in the royal robe and the crown of the King. According to the viewers, Emperor Lee Gon's golden crown was similar to crowns used in the Silla Dynasty and his royal robe with the image of the dragon was mainly used in the Joseon Dynasty, and though the series states that it is not set in any particular dynasty in Korea and is a fantasy, they considered this mistake as a massive mix-up.[91][92]

On May 14, the Korea Communications Standards Commission issued an advisory warning against the series for scenes that challenged gender equality after viewers complained that those scenes promote fixed gender stereotypes.[93][94] The scenes in question featured the female prime minister saying, “Bras without wires can’t support the chest,” as well as the scene portraying a boat race where a female spectator said, “Men need to wear less and move around lots.”[95] On the same day, the Korea Communications Standards Commission also issued a warning to the production when the advertising review subcommittee took issue with the indirect advertising seen in episodes 8, 9, and 12 stating that it violated article 47 of the broadcasting regulations.[96][97]

Ratings
  • In this table below, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • NR denotes that the series did not rank in the top 20 daily programs on that date.
  • N/A denotes that the rating is not known.
Ep. Part Original broadcast date Average audience share
Nielsen[98] TNmS[99]
Nationwide Seoul Nationwide
1 1[lower-alpha 1] April 17, 2020 10.1% (7th) 11.4% (5th) 9.2% (12th)
2 11.4% (4th) 12.9% (4th) 9.9% (7th)
2 1 April 18, 2020 8.4% (7th) 9.7% (5th) 6.8% (17th)
2 11.6% (3rd) 12.9% (3rd) 9.3% (5th)
3 1 April 24, 2020 7.8% (11th) 8.2% (12th) 8.1% (12th)
2 9.0% (7th) 9.4% (5th) 8.9% (9th)
4 1 April 25, 2020 8.0% (9th) 8.8% (6th) 7.3% (16th)
2 9.7% (4th) 10.1% (4th) 9.5% (6th)
5 1 May 1, 2020 7.6% (11th) 8.2% (6th) 6.2% (14th)
2 8.6% (6th) 9.3% (4th) 8.0% (8th)
6 1 May 2, 2020 7.4% (8th) 7.9% (6th) 6.4% (15th)
2 10.3% (4th) 10.5% (3rd) 8.5% (6th)
7 1 May 8, 2020 7.0% (11th) 7.3% (10th) 6.4% (16th)
2 8.1% (7th) 8.7% (7th) 6.9% (13th)
8 1 May 9, 2020 6.1% (17th) 6.8% (13th) N/A
2 8.1% (9th) 8.5% (5th)
9 1 May 15, 2020 5.8% (17th) 6.3% (15th)
2 6.3% (14th) 7.0% (13th) 5.8% (18th)
10 1 May 16, 2020 6.4% (16th) 7.3% (10th) N/A
2 7.8% (8th) 8.7% (5th) 7.3% (16th)
11 1 May 22, 2020 5.2% (20th) 5.6% (19th) N/A
2 6.6% (12th) 6.8% (11th) 6.6% (14th)
12 1 May 23, 2020 6.1% (15th) 6.6% (13th) N/A
2 8.1% (6th) 8.5% (5th) 8.6% (5th)
13 1 May 30, 2020[lower-alpha 2] 5.6% (NR) N/A N/A
2 7.7% (8th) 8.2% (8th) 8.2% (9th)
14 1 June 5, 2020 5.7% (15th) 6.5% (12th) N/A
2 6.7% (11th) 7.5% (10th) 6.1% (11th)
15 1 June 6, 2020 5.9% (16th) 6.8% (11th) 5.8% (19th)
2 8.1% (7th) 8.5% (7th) 7.2% (14th)
16 1 June 12, 2020 5.8% (14th) 6.2% (12th) 5.5% (17th)
2 8.1% (8th) 8.7% (6th) 7.2% (11th)
Average 7.7% 8.4% —[lower-alpha 3]

Notes
  1. In order to circumvent Korean laws that prevent commercial breaks in the middle of an episode, what would previously have been aired as single 70-minute episodes are now being repackaged as two 35-minute episodes, with two episodes being shown each night with a commercial break between the two.
  2. The telecast of episode 13, which was initially set to air on May 29, was postponed and rescheduled to air on Saturday, May 30, at 10 p.m. KST for the broadcast of the 2011 American thriller film, Contagion. The broadcasting channel revealed that this special arrangement was made in hopes of increasing the safety awareness of people in the country about novel coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made on May 28, 2020 in the view of the rapid increase in newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea during the previous two days.[100]
  3. Due to some ratings not recorded, the exact average rating is unknown.

References
  1. Dong, Sun-hwa (April 26, 2020). "'The King: Eternal Monarch' yet to impress viewers". The Korea Times. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  2. "이민호X김고은 '더 킹 : 영원의 군주', 2020년 SBS 방송 확정 [공식입장]". Xports News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  3. Seo, Byung-ki (May 28, 2020). "[서병기 연예톡톡]'더 킹'이 얻은 것과 잃은 것". Herald New (in Korean). Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  4. Lee, Da-kyum (May 16, 2020). "[MK초점] '도깨비'엔 있고, '더 킹'엔 없는 '김은숙 센스'". Star Today (in Korean). Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  5. "'더 킹 : 영원의 군주' 김은숙 작가, 배우 이민호와 다시 만난다…'상속자' 이후 두번째(공식)". Sports Seoul (in Korean). May 7, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  6. "[공식입장] 정은채, 김은숙 작가 신작 '더 킹' 확정…이민호·김고은과 호흡". 뉴스1 (in Korean). June 21, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  7. "김고은·이민호, 김은숙 작가 '더 킹:영원의 군주' 캐스팅→설레는 '첫 만남'[종합] - 스타투데이". mk.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  8. "[단독] 이정진, 김은숙 사단 합류…'더 킹 : 영원의 군주' 캐스팅". Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  9. "'더킹 영원의 군주 이민호, 김고은 끌어 안았다…'방영일은 언제?'". Top Star News (in Korean). Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  10. "Young actors move to online platforms as TV producers woo bankable veterans". Korean Herald. May 22, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  11. "[단독] 이정진, 김은숙 사단 합류…'더 킹 : 영원의 군주' 캐스팅". Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  12. "The King: Eternal Monarch Breaks Premiere Records Despite Local Controversy". Elle Magazine, Singapore. April 22, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  13. "'놀면 뭐하니', 주간웨이브 예능 1위 최초 달성···'예능 왕좌 등극'".
  14. "Did Lee Min Ho just post a major 'The King: Eternal Monarch' spoiler?". GMA News Online. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  15. "[E!시청률] '더 킹' 8.5% 기록, 2049는 5.1%…두 자릿수 못넘고 '시들'". sports.hankooki.com (in Korean). Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  16. "[SC초점] '더킹' 부진은 다 김은숙 탓? 디테일 부족→연출도 한몫했다". 스포츠조선 (in Kanuri). May 22, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  17. "Star screenwriter struggling with lower-than-expected popularity of 'The King'". Korea Herald. May 18, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  18. "김고은, 김은숙 작가 차기작 '더 킹' 출연 확정, 이민호와 호흡(공식)". Newsen (in Korean). May 20, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  19. "Lee Min-ho Poised for New Soap After Release from Military". The Chosun Ilbo. May 8, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  20. "Kim Go-eun to Star in Upcoming TV Series". The Chosun Ilbo. May 25, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  21. "[공식] 우도환, 김은숙의 남자 됐다…'더 킹:영원의 군주' 출연 확정". hankyung.com (in Korean). June 20, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  22. "김경남, 새 김은숙 드라마 합류···'더 킹 : 영원의 군주'". Newsis (in Korean). June 17, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  23. "정은채 '더 킹: 영원의 군주' 캐스팅…이민호·김고은 사이 긴장감 형성(공식)". Herald Pop (in Korean). June 21, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  24. Go, Kyu-dae (September 4, 2019). [단독] 이정진, 김은숙 사단 합류…'더 킹 : 영원의 군주' 캐스팅. Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  25. Hwang, Hye-jin (April 5, 2020). ‘더킹’ 이민호 김고은만 있나? 김영옥→박원상 조력자 5인방 극강 활약. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  26. Na, Geum-joo (May 30, 2020). "ko: "나였구나"…'더 킹' 이민호, 25년 전 자신 구한 사람 깨달았다 [전일야화]". Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  27. Kim, Jong-eun (April 19, 2020). "ko: '더 킹' 이정진에 '구함' 받은 서정연, 25년 만에 돌아왔다 [TV온에어]". TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  28. Choi, Young-joo (April 18, 2020). 김은숙 작가 '더 킹: 영원의 군주', 첫방부터 흥행 조짐. No Cut News (in Korean). Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  29. Song, Chi-hoon (May 8, 2020). [공식입장] ‘더킹-영원의 군주’ 제작사 측 “유제원PD 추가 투입”. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  30. "See what's next: Netflix reshapes Korean TV industry trends". m.koreatimes.co.kr. July 31, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  31. 수정: 2020.06.23 15:09, 입력: 2020 06 23 15:06 (June 23, 2020). "[리뷰] 국내선 비아냥만 산 '더킹', 동남아선 훨훨…제작사 '함박 미소'". sports.khan.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  32. OSEN (May 7, 2019). "이민호, 김은숙 작가 '더킹'으로 복귀 확정..'상속자들' 이후 6년만의 재회 [공식입장]". mosen.mt.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  33. "[공식]이민호, 김은숙 작가 '더킹' 출연 확정…'상속자들' 이후 6년만 재회". 스포츠조선 (in Kanuri). May 7, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  34. "김고은, 김은숙 작가 '더킹' 여주인공 확정…형사·범죄자 1인 2역 [공식]". TV리포트. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  35. Hong, Se-young (May 20, 2019). 김고은, 김은숙 신작 ‘더 킹’ 출연확정…이민호와 호흡 [공식입장]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  36. "Kim Eun Sook's New Drama Starring Kim Go Eun And Lee Min Ho Shares Broadcasting Details". Soompi. August 12, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  37. 조성경 (June 3, 2019). "[단독]우도환, 김은숙 작가의 새로운 남자..'더킹' 캐스팅". 스포츠서울. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  38. "우도환, 김은숙의 남자 될까…'더킹' 캐스팅 물망". 이데일리 (in Korean). June 3, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  39. "[단독] 정은채 '더킹 : 영원의 군주' 물망..김은숙 사단 합류". 스포츠조선 (in Kanuri). June 10, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  40. POP, 헤럴드 (June 10, 2019). "손석구, 김은숙 작가 '더킹' 주연 물망‥"제안 받아 검토 중"[공식입장]". pop.heraldcorp.com (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  41. "[단독] 손석구, 김은숙 작가 '더킹: 영원의 군주' 출연 최종 불발". TV리포트. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  42. OSEN (June 21, 2019). "정은채, 김은숙 작가 '더킹' 최종 합류..이민호x김고은과 호흡 [공식입장]". mosen.mt.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  43. "김경남 측 "김은숙 신작 '더 킹: 영원의 군주' 출연 확정" [공식입장]". yhnews (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  44. Mar 12, Lily Grace Tabanera |; 2020 (March 12, 2020). "Lee Min Ho Will Be Reuniting With His 'Boys Over Flowers' Halmoni For 'The King: Eternal Monarch'". COSMO.PH. Retrieved June 8, 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  45. "[단독] 이민호X김고은X김은숙 작가 '더킹', 오늘(17일) 대본 리딩 '대작의 서막'". Naver (in Korean). September 17, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
  46. "김은숙 작가 차기작 '더 킹', 이르면 10월에 촬영 돌입". Naver (in Korean). July 17, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  47. "[단독] '더킹' 이민호♥김고은, 오늘(28일) 논산서 촬영 종료..7개월 여정 끝". Naver (in Korean). May 28, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  48. "Gwanghwamun Square [광화문광장] – Korean Dramaland". Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  49. Schwartz, William (May 25, 2020). "[HanCinema's News] "The King: Eternal Monarch" Filming Location Revealed But Closed Down". HanCinema. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  50. "SBS "더킹:영원의군주" 속 그 장면…"부산에서 찍었어요"". 일간리더스경제신문 (in Korean). April 21, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  51. "자이언티·화사, '더 킹' OST 참여…이민호·김고은 로맨스 극대화". www.xportsnews.com (in Korean). April 18, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  52. "더 킹 : 영원의 군주 OST". www.melon.com (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  53. 한국경제티브이 (April 20, 2020). "도코, 자이언티 가창 '더 킹 : 영원의 군주' OST Part1 프로듀싱 참여". www.wowtv.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  54. "자이언티 ´더킹´ OST 첫번째 목소리 ´로맨스 극대화´". isplus.live.joins.com (in Korean). June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  55. "자이언티-마마무 화사, ´더킹´ OST 라인업". isplus.live.joins.com (in Korean). August 16, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  56. 한국경제티브이 (April 23, 2020). "넬 김종완 더 킹 영원의 군주 새 OST 연Gravity 가창 참여". www.wowtv.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  57. "용주, ´더 킹´ OST ´메이즈´ 오늘(25일) 발표···이민호 테마곡". isplus.live.joins.com (in Korean). August 16, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  58. 입력: 2020.04.30 12:54 (April 30, 2020). "다비치·하성운 '더 킹' OST 참여… 평행세계 로맨스 몰입도 높인다". sports.khan.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  59. 입력: 2020.04.30 12:54 (April 30, 2020). "다비치·하성운 '더 킹' OST 참여… 평행세계 로맨스 몰입도 높인다". sports.khan.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  60. "'더 킹-영원의 군주' 결방에 OST 발매 일정 변경". hankyung.com (in Korean). May 28, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  61. "The King: Eternal Monarch Breaks Premiere Records Despite Local Controversy". Elle Magazine, Singapore. April 22, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  62. Kim, Soo-jung (May 23, 2020). "'더 킹' 시청률 부진 계속…11.6%로 시작해 6.6% 기록". No Cut News (in Korean). Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  63. Lee, Jung-ho (May 23, 2020). "'더킹' 또 시청률 하락..6.6% 기록 부진ing". Star Newa (in Korean). Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  64. Kim, So-yeon (May 23, 2020). "'더 킹' 이민호 숨 멎 엔딩? 속 터지는 엔딩…이유있는 몰락". Ten Asia (in Korean). Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  65. 김보람 (June 26, 2020). "Return of 3 'hallyu' actors fail to give TV dramas a boost". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  66. Yoo, Sung-woon (June 2, 2020). "코로나19 때문에 결방? '더 킹' 대신 외화 편성에 "이해 안 돼" [출처: 중앙일보] 코로나19 때문에 결방? '더 킹' 대신 외화 편성에 "이해 안 돼"". JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  67. Priya Mendonca, Suman (May 2, 2020). "3 reasons why Lee Min Ho starrer The King: Eternal Monarch has failed to increase ratings". International Business Times. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  68. "Star screenwriter struggling with lower-than-expected popularity of 'The King'". Korea Herald. May 18, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  69. Schwartz, William (May 26, 2020). "[HanCinema's News] "The King: Eternal Monarch" Marks New Low Points for Fantasy Dramas". HanCinema. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  70. Soriano, Jianne (April 25, 2020). "Review: "The King: Eternal Monarch" Stars Lee Min-ho In A Ritzy Cross-Universe Fantasy". Cinema Escapist. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  71. ""1시간 짜리 광고인 줄"… 방심위, 노골적인 PPL '더킹'에 경고". news.chosun.com (in Korean). July 14, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  72. Kim, Yoo-rim (May 30, 2020). ""드라마인가 광고인가"… PPL로 욕 먹는 '더킹'" (in Korean). Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  73. Park, Jung-min (May 16, 2020). "'더킹' 또 PPL 덩어리 입방아‥시청률도 처참한 쪽박행 [TV와치]". Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  74. Choi, Ji-yeon (May 19, 2020). "[최지연의 TV파보기] '더 킹'은 어쩌다 PPL 왕국이 되었나". Hanseu Kyungje (in Korean).
  75. "Star screenwriter struggling with lower-than-expected popularity of 'The King'". Korea Herald. May 18, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  76. "'놀면 뭐하니', 주간웨이브 예능 1위 최초 달성···'예능 왕좌 등극'".
  77. "'Crash Landing on You,' 'The World of the Married' are most talked about K-dramas online".
  78. "스튜디오드래곤 2분기 매출액 1614억원·영업이익 169억원…역대 최고매출". www.munhwa.com. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  79. "스튜디오드래곤, 하반기가 더 기대된다-대신증권". inews24 (in Korean). Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  80. "스튜디오드래곤 2분기 영업익 56.3%↑, 드라마 국내외 판매성장". it.chosun.com (in Korean). August 6, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  81. "Studio Dragon Posts Best Ever Second Quarter Earnings Off of Strong Drama Performances". HanCinema. August 2, 2020. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  82. "CJ ENM: Profitability-focused Strategy Paying off". BusinessKorea. August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  83. "What We Are Watching Today: 'The King: Eternal Monarch'". Arab News. August 1, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  84. "https://twitter.com/sebroche/status/1281629299259273216". Twitter. Retrieved August 7, 2020. External link in |title= (help)
  85. Jun 22, Jacinda A. Lopez |; 2020. "An Honest Review Of 'The King: Eternal Monarch'". COSMO.PH. Retrieved August 11, 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  86. "[공식입장] '더 킹-영원의 군주' 측, 왜색 논란…"명백한 실수, 디자인 즉시 수정할 것"". Naver (in Korean). April 20, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  87. "왜색 논란 '더킹'…제작사가 직접 해명에 나섰다". Wikitree (in Korean). April 20, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  88. "'더 킹' 제작사, '왜색 논란' 사과 "명백한 제작진 실수"". Sports Khan (in Korean). April 21, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  89. "'더킹' 측 "日사찰 부분적 특징 사용, 명백한 실수…즉시 교체할 것"[공식입장 전문]". Naver (in Korean). April 20, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  90. "'더킹' PD, 왜색 논란 사과…"日 군함 유사성, 안일하게 생각"". Naver (in Korean). May 6, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  91. "The King: Eternal Monarch: Lee Min Ho drama in dragon, crown controversy after seal and pagoda row". International Business Times, Singapore Edition. May 4, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  92. "Controversies spoil 'The King: Eternal Monarch'". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  93. Schwartz, William (May 14, 2020). "[HanCinema's News] Korea Communications Standards Commission Recommends Stricter Editorial Standards for Television Programming". HanCinema. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  94. Lee, Seung-gil (May 14, 2020). "방심위 "'부부의 세계'·'더킹'·'한번 다녀왔습니다', 양성평등 저해"". My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  95. Ji, Dong-hyun (May 14, 2020). ""남자는 적게 입고 많이 움직여야 한다"···'양성평등 저해' 논란 불거져 권고 결정 받은 '더 킹'". Insight (in Korean). Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  96. NEWSIS (July 15, 2020). ""이거 하나면 다 돼" 대놓고 PPL '더 킹' 법정제재". newsis (in Korean). Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  97. 수정 2020.07.14 21:07, 입력 2020 07 14 20:45 (July 14, 2020). "대놓고 PPL한 김은숙 드라마 '더 킹', 방심위 경고 받는다". 중앙일보 (in Korean). Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  98. "Nielsen Korea". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  99. TNmS ratings:
    • "Ep. 1". Break News (in Korean). April 18, 2020.
    • "Ep. 2". Break News (in Korean). April 19, 2020.
    • "Ep. 3". Break News (in Korean). April 25, 2020.
    • "Ep. 4". Break News (in Korean). April 26, 2020.
    • "Ep. 5". Break News (in Korean). May 2, 2020.
    • "Ep. 6". Break News (in Korean). May 3, 2020.
    • "Ep. 7". Break News (in Korean). May 9, 2020.
    • "Ep. 9". Break News (in Korean). May 16, 2020.
    • "Ep. 10". Break News (in Korean). May 17, 2020.
    • "Ep. 11". Break News (in Korean). May 23, 2020.
    • "Ep. 12". Break News (in Korean). May 24, 2020.
    • "Ep. 13". Break News (in Korean). May 31, 2020.
    • "Ep. 14". Break News (in Korean). June 6, 2020.
    • "Ep. 15". Break News (in Korean). June 7, 2020.
    • "Ep. 16". Break News (in Korean). June 13, 2020.
  100. Lee, Woo-joo (May 28, 2020). "'더킹', 29일 영화 '컨테이젼' 특별 편성으로 결방...SBS "경각심 환기 위해" [공식]". Sports Chosun. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.