The King: Eternal Monarch is a 2020 South Korean romantic-fantasy television series that aired from April 17 to June 12, 2020, on SBS and was also available on Netflix. Directed by Baek Sang-hoon and written by Kim Eun-sook, the series stars Lee Min-ho as Emperor Lee Gon and Kim Go-eun as Detective Jeong Tae-eul.
The plot centers around two parallel worlds: the Kingdom of Corea, a fictional monarchy, and the Republic of Korea. The story begins in 1994 when Lee Gon witnesses the assassination of his father, the king, at the hands of his uncle, Lee Lim. During this traumatic event, he encounters a mysterious figure who saves him, leaving behind a police badge. Years later, as the modern-day emperor, Lee Gon discovers a portal that allows him to cross into the Republic of Korea. There, he meets Detective Jeong Tae-eul, who is connected to his past through the badge.
As Lee Gon navigates both worlds, he seeks to stop his uncle Lee Lim from carrying out his nefarious plans while trying to understand the nature of their shared reality. The series explores themes of love, duty, and the complexities of fate as Lee Gon and Tae-eul's relationship develops amidst the backdrop of political intrigue and danger.
The King: Eternal Monarch received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While it was praised for its high production values, stunning visuals, and strong performances—particularly from Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun—it faced criticism for its complex plot and pacing issues in later episodes. Despite this, it achieved significant viewership ratings during its premiere and maintained popularity on streaming platforms, becoming one of the most-watched Korean dramas in several countries.
The series features a notable soundtrack with contributions from various artists and has been recognized for its engaging storytelling and character development. Overall, The King: Eternal Monarch stands out as an ambitious project that combines fantasy elements with a romantic narrative, appealing to fans of both genres.