Summary
While the political drama isn’t abandoned, humour and romance come to the forefront in these two episodes through a surprisingly novel angle.
Thanks to the Korean New Year, fans of Captivating the King have been blessed with Episodes 7, 8, and 9 airing back to back to back. It’s an unusual decision for such a dense show since it isn’t necessarily well suited to a more binge-oriented model. Episodes are long and in no hurry to get where they’re going, so an extra installment in one weekend can feel like too much rather than a fun treat. That said, fans of historical K-drama are famously happy to stick with a show for the long haul, and the seventh and eighth episodes of Season 1 reward that investment with some of the better character drama the show has produced thus far.
The latest developments might not be for everyone. The long-anticipated reveal of Moo-wong’s real identity is framed with a welcome but surprising LGBTQ+ subplot that sees the King’s reputation tarnished by rumors and his feelings complicated by his potential love for what he believes to be a man. There’s also an uptick in lighter, more slapstick humor, which isn’t always appreciated in a show like this. Mileage may vary.
These two episodes do an excellent job of focusing on the King’s public-facing life and interiority, though, which is the recurring theme throughout. In the seventh episode, we see what is basically a PR drive, with the King trying to dispel popular rumors of him having killed his brother by cozying up to his son. If he’s seen to be on good terms with the Grand Prince, that’s a start.
It’s Mong-woo who is pulling these political strings, which infuriates court officials and, of course, a vengeful Hyun-bo. But the King’s pretty happy with it, since the more time he spends with Mong-woo the more he likes him, and the more comfortable he feels expressing that sentiment – crucially, where it can be overheard. And thus, rumors about the King being gay begin to spread like wildfire, only further worrying the court officials.
Rumors begin to spread
This creates an interesting push-pull dynamic since it’s all ostensibly part of Mong-woo’s long-game plan, but there’s also genuine sincerity in the relationship. This, and the political consequences are at least partly unintended, with all the officials voting to expel Mong-woo for the interference and the principle director using this as leverage over the King.
The idea is that Mong-woo won’t be expelled if the King will simply sire children with the court lady, a wish of hers granted by the Queen Dowager, though much to the chagrin of the King himself and, understandably, his sick wife, in whom he has never really show any interest in the first place. This particular detail was not part of Mong-woo’s plan at all.
Neither, to be fair, was the King falling for Mong-woo in the way that he does, and it can’t be understated how novel of a turn it is that this is happening while the King still believes that Mong-woo is a man. The King doesn’t just feel like he’s developing feelings for someone, but that he’s discovering his own sexuality. And, crucially, he’s willing to risk his reputation to embrace his authentic feelings. He makes a point that “if Mong-woo was a woman” he’d marry him, but he still makes his interest clear, which worries those around him, especially since the rumors spreading are of particular concern.
Does the King sleep with the court lady?
After agreeing to spend the night with the court lady, the King almost goes through with it, getting as far as the room at least, but ultimately he does not sleep with her and leaves promptly to search for Mong-woo.
The King and his retinue find Mong-woo drunk under a tree, and take her/him to Sang-hoon’s place for privacy, not quite realizing the irony. Of course, Sang-hwa makes it clear that not a word of the King and Mong-woo being in a room together is to be breathed anywhere, to anyone.
Episode 8 ends with the long-awaited moment when the King discovers that Mong-woo is really Hee-soo. Trying to undress Mong-woo so that he can sleep the booze off, Hee-soo, in her usual voice, lets out a startled and very feminine noise that tips the King off.
Initially, he’s in disbelief, and understandably feels very betrayed. However, the two suddenly kiss, and presumably spend the night together. It’s hard to imagine what the King’s feeling at this point – relief, probably – but it’ll surely be a matter of some concern in Episode 9.
What did you think of Captivating the King Season 1, Episodes 7 & 8? Let us know in the comments.
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