The King: The Eternal Monarch : A must watch for Overseas K-Drama and Non K-Drama fans

The King : The Eternal Monarch (더 킹: 영원의 군주) is a South Korean TV series which aired in April 2020. This 16 episode romantic-fantasy drama has captured the hearts of thousands of overseas viewers especially the Filipinos as it premiered in SBS TV and Netflix. The Philippines had been on a nationwide lockdown beginning the second week of March with noted cities’ status shifting from ECQ to GCQ after three months. During the quarantine period, one of the past times of Filipinos is binge-watching NETFLIX series especially Korean Dramas and movies which were released early this year.

The following are list of things to appreciate in this much loved Korean drama:

1. Theoretical topics sparks curiosity

Korean TV series are known for being well-researched in the professional field especially medicine, law and etc. The hit TV series discussed several topics on math and physics such as Einstein’s Quantum Mechanics, the existence of an alternate/parallel universe, the importance of Leonhard Euler’s number 2.71828, and time travelling. It also depicted how it would’ve been like if Korea’s government is currently being governed by the King and the royal family. Definitely, this drama dwells on theories which made viewers curious, conceptualize theories themselves, ask questions, and brainstorm with friends about how the series will turn out with these topics on hand. This being one of the reasons why Filipino fans continue to appreciate Korean TV series since it discusses interesting topics which we don’t usually talk about on a daily basis unless we work in the same field.

2. Life’s Lessons in an alternate universe

Goblin, W: The Two Worlds, My Love from the stars, Abyss and more Korean TV series to mention brought a lot of lessons for viewers to learn from. Truly, The King: The Eternal Monarch has its own life’s lessons, to mention:

First, the parallel universe and our parallel selves symbolized as our “what-ifs” or “what could’ve been” if we lived or acted differently with some characters of the drama seeking a better situation in life from what they currently have. It’s natural to seek for happiness, a silver lining or a rainbow after the rain whenever we face struggles in life.

Second, it did not hide the fact that it’s human nature to be greedy in working for a brighter tomorrow. Who wouldn’t wish to wake up in a reality with a comfortable and hassle-free life? However, it also did not hide the fact that too much greed will hurt the people around us even if we don’t mean to when we become too selfish in achieving our goals. In the drama, it became chaotic as more and more people continue to cross the parallel universe, kill their alternate selves and replace them permanently to live a better life than what they previously had.

Third, if time travelling is possible, there are people who would go after the time machine and choose to go back in time to change life’s events like Lee Lim and Prime Minister Koo. It could be to change the decisions which we currently regret we’ve made, to change history, to relive a moment that we miss or meet the people who has already passed this lifetime. However, will there be people like Lee Gon who would choose to turn back the clock and save not himself but the people around him?

Fourth, being united for a greater cause is difficult but it is not impossible. The yoyo kid is shown as being only one in both worlds. The kid needs to cross both universe to maintain balance and dreams to someday become one. The character somehow symbolized Korea being the only divided country in the world split into the North and the South and is continually making efforts to someday become one. Also, this includes the kind of love that breaks boundaries, may it be time or space that Lee Gon and Jeong Tae Eul had in their lifetime. With this drama's famous line " No matter what kind of a door opens before us in life, and even in the moments we share makes us sad at times, I wish to be able to love tirelessly. Just like that, we decided to love the fate that chose us. Just for today and only today."

Fifth, the church is the only constant place in both universe shown in the scene where Lee Gon and Jeong Tae Eul passed by and took their first photo together. Whether or not we believe in the existence of God and deities, faith and fate exists. There are things that are well-explained by science but there are mysteries that reason cannot comprehend. As what Albert Einstein’s advice to the youth says, “Never Lose a Holy Curiosity.”

The King: The Eternal Monarch has brought lessons for viewers to appreciate, think about and reflect on.

3. Episode endings are cliff-hangers

The King: The Eternal Monarch left viewers hanging in every episode with thrilling plot twists, major revelations, and unpredictable next episode’s previews that excited viewers with them wanting to time travel to the day in which the next episode is aired. The feeling of suspense and unpredictable storyline got even non K-drama fans hooked with the series. Indeed, it was written and portrayed very well that it’s exciting to watch it for the second time.

 4. Ensemble Cast

As the storyline progressed, it highlighted the talented actors who played the roles in the drama. Each actor was given enough screen time to let the viewer know who they are acting as, what decisions they have made and are planning to make as the story runs, what is their importance and contribution in making the viewer understand the story as a whole. Definitely, the main and supporting actors has made this drama a must watch. Also, a lot of viewers were satisfied with how the story of each character ended.

5. Eye-catching Cinematography and strong OST

One of the things that really caught the viewer’s attention is the drama’s cinematography. It’s indeed very appealing and eye-catching.  Also, who wouldn’t forget the songs that made viewers cry and thrilled at the scenes where plot twists were dropped?

Truly, The King: The Eternal Monarch became the plot twist that we needed in 2020. <3 

Congratulations TKEM actors, staff and the entire team who made this drama a success!

(c) photo credits to the rightful owner of this drama