Netizens express concern over Kim Eun Sook's fantasy drama 'The King'

Source: Hankyung

Netizens are expressing concern over Kim Eun Sook's new fantasy drama 'The King'.

Because the drama reunites top cast members like Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun, producer Baek Sang hoon and writer Kim Eun Sook, the production cost per episode for 'The King' reportedly ranges from 2-2.5 billion won for a total production cost of over 32 billion won for its 16 episodes.

The drama also lined up brands wanting to place ads even though most dramas nowadays operate at a deficit with each broadcast.

Cast of SBS drama 'The King' at production conference

But the drama is currently under criticism by viewers due to the writer Kim Eun Sook's world view that "doesn't fit into the world today." Netizens are opposed to the "cinderella" type setting, female character and "Prince Baekmatan." Moreover, with gender sensitivity emerging as a hot issue in Korea and portraying "emperor" and "working class detective" is just not fitting.

Viewers are also criticizing Kim Eun Sook for having the female prime minister wear a lace dress in the drama, saying words like "wires don't support the chest" and is jealous of the emperor's love affair. This is not attractive to viewers living in 2020 and is even more regrettable due to SBS predecessor drama 'Hyena' that was praised for breaking customs of its female characters.

Excerpt from 'The King' - Lee Min Ho (left), Jung Eun Chae (right)

Other viewers feel like the production cost was not wasted to various note worthy attractions in the drama including the white horse galloping through Daehan imperial palace and the city.

Excerpt from 'The King' - Lee Min Ho on white horse (left), Kim Go Eun (right)

In the meantime, sources in the securities industry believe 'The King' will garner more than 30% margins considering broadcasting rights to SBS, Netflix copyrights, and PPLs. Studio Dragon is also reportedly considering purchasing rights to air the drama as well.

Netizens shared mixed reactions in online communities writing,

[+5,167, -882] Kim Go Eun is just not attractive to male or female viewers. Goblin was successful because of Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook. Honestly, Kim Go Eun's face and acting just makes it hard to focus on the drama...she's good enough for a supporting role but absolutely not as the main lead..

[+3,475, -130] These days there are many melodramas that are way more interesting to watch with a variety in plots both real and cheesy ones but with push and pull that keep your interest. 'The King' is just cringy. It's a story that just doesn't work anymore..Goblin was the best!

[+2,810, -104] First off the plot is just boring..

[+332, -8] Kim Go Eun looks even uglier since Goblin..I don't know if its because of her hair curls but her freshness is just gone. I thought she was really pretty in Goblin but she just reminds me of a gag woman ahjumma now..I just don't understand how the male lead falls in love with her at all..

[+329, -3] First off I don't like the female lead and supporting cast...especially Lee Min Ho...just too weak as lead...the casting is a huge fail

[+267, -5] The two main leads acting is so blah...just not much progress in the drama...Jung Eun Chae and Woo Doo Hwan's acting is sh** too

[+248, -18] Why did Kim Eun Sook cast Kim Go Eun anyway? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Both the male and female lead's acting is just terrible ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[+185, -16] I don't trust Lee Min Ho's acting anymore so I don't watch any of his dramas..

[+184, -6] These days what woman thinks a prince on a white horse is cool...exactly who are these women that Kim Eun Sook thought of when she wrote that..

[+148, -5] Ah ~Lee Min Ho's pronunciations too...I just can't understand anything he says..