The King 2 Hearts (2012)
The King 2 Hearts blends romance, politics, and action in a captivating tale of a South Korean prince and a North Korean officer navigating love and political intrigue.
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Info
| Original Title | 더킹 투하츠 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 20 |
| Duration | 65 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2012 |
| First Air Date | March 21, 2012 |
| Last Air Date | May 24, 2012 |
| Broadcast Day | wednesday, thursday |
| Network | MBC |
Trailer
Synopsis
Set in the constitutional monarchy in an imaginary South Korea, South Korea's Crown Prince Lee Jae Ha is forced to join the World Officers Competition, WOC, by his brother. There, he meets North Korea's strongest female devil instructor Kim Hang Ah.
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Editor's Review
“The King 2 Hearts” is a unique South Korean drama that aired in 2012, seamlessly blending romance, politics, and action. This 20-episode series is set in an alternate universe where South Korea is a constitutional monarchy. It explores the unlikely romance between the arrogant South Korean prince, Lee Jae Ha (played by Lee Seung-gi), and a disciplined North Korean special forces officer, Kim Hang Ah (played by Ha Ji-won).
Plot and Characters
The story begins with an inter-Korean military collaboration, setting the stage for a series of events that intertwine the destinies of Jae Ha and Hang Ah. Initially portrayed as a carefree playboy, Jae Ha undergoes significant character development, evolving into a responsible and loving king. Hang Ah’s character, on the other hand, is strong, skilled, and principled, making her an admirable counterpart to Jae Ha. Their chemistry is palpable and drives much of the series’ emotional core.
Themes and Execution
One of the standout aspects of “The King 2 Hearts” is its ambitious exploration of political themes. It navigates the complexities of inter-Korean relations with sensitivity and insight, making it more than just a romantic drama. The series balances this political backdrop with personal relationships, ensuring that neither aspect overshadows the other.
The drama’s antagonist, John Mayer, is a compelling and unsettling villain, whose presence adds tension and intrigue. However, some viewers found the foreign actors’ performances distracting, and Mayer’s character arc somewhat underdeveloped by the series’ end.
Production Quality
The production quality of “The King 2 Hearts” is noteworthy. The cinematography uses light and shadow effectively to enhance the storytelling, and the soundtrack, particularly the song “Missing You Like Crazy” by Taeyeon, is both beautiful and emotionally resonant. The action scenes are well-executed, adding to the drama’s intensity and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The drama excels in its character development and storytelling. The leads, Lee Seung-gi and Ha Ji-won, deliver outstanding performances, making their characters’ growth and relationship believable and engaging. The supporting cast, including Jo Jung Suk as Eun Shi Kyung, also adds depth to the story.
However, the series is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, particularly during the World Officers Contest (WOC) segments, which some viewers found dragged out. Additionally, while the series offers a mostly satisfying conclusion, the handling of certain plot points, such as Shi Kyung’s death, left some fans wanting more closure.
Conclusion
Overall, “The King 2 Hearts” is a masterfully crafted drama that offers a unique blend of romance, political intrigue, and action. It stands out for its ambitious themes, strong performances, and high production values. Despite some minor flaws, it is a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas looking for a series that offers both substance and entertainment.