Captivating the King (2024)
A gripping Korean historical drama where palace espionage, political power, and forbidden romance collide in the Joseon royal court.
Captivating the King - Series Information
- Original Title: 세작, 매혹된 자들
- First Air Year: 2024
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Cho Nam-guk, Kim Seon-deok
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 70 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: January 21, 2024 (United States - TV-PG), January 21, 2024 (United Kingdom - 12), January 21, 2024 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Alternative Titles: Sejak (US), 细作,魅惑之徒 (CN), Sejak, Maehokdwen Jadeul (KR), Sejak: Mê hoặc quân vương (VN)
- Production Companies: Studio Dragon, CJeS Studios
- Production Countries: South Korea
Captivating the King - Plot
Amid a royal and political power struggle, a king entangles with an intriguing woman — whose hidden desire for revenge transforms into unintended love.
Captivating the King - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the intrigue of the royal court unfold.
The one who messed up the world, the one who messed up the heart.
Where to Watch Captivating the King
Looking for where to watch Captivating the King?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Captivating the King - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Cho Nam-guk
- Kim Seon-deok
Main Cast
- Cho Jung-seok
- Shin Sae-kyeong
- Lee Sin-young
- Park Ye-yeong
- Cho Seong-ha
- Choi Dae-hoon
- Lee Gyu-hoe
- Jeong Seok-yong
- Na Hyun-woo
- Yang Kyung-won
Writers
- Kim Seon-deok
Captivating the King - FAQs
Where can you stream Captivating the King?
Captivating the King is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Both options give you access to all 16 episodes of this Korean historical drama. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date regional availability in your country.
Who are the lead actors in Captivating the King?
The series stars Cho Jung-seok as King Lee In and Shin Sae-kyeong as Kang Hee-Soo, the woman who infiltrates the palace under a hidden identity. The supporting cast includes Lee Sin-young, Park Ye-yeong, Cho Seong-ha, Na Hyun-woo, and Yang Kyung-won, among others.
Is Captivating the King based on a true story?
Captivating the King is a work of historical fiction, not a retelling of specific real events. While it draws on the atmosphere of Joseon-era royal court politics, the central characters and their espionage-driven romance are original creations by writer Kim Seon-deok, crafted for dramatic effect.
What is the ending of Captivating the King explained?
By the finale, Hee-Soo's mission of revenge gives way to genuine love for the king, and the two navigate the deadly consequences of court intrigue together. The ending resolves the central power struggle while offering an emotional payoff for the romance, though not without significant sacrifice along the way.
How many episodes does Captivating the King have?
Captivating the King ran for a single season of 16 episodes, each averaging around 70 minutes in length. The series aired on tvN in South Korea beginning January 21, 2024, and concluded the same year. All episodes are available to stream on Netflix.
Is Captivating the King worth watching?
For fans of Korean historical dramas, it's a compelling watch. The chemistry between Cho Jung-seok and Shin Sae-kyeong drives the story forward, and the blend of palace espionage, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance keeps the tension alive across all 16 episodes. A strong entry in the sageuk genre.
What role does the game of Go play in the series?
Go serves as a recurring motif throughout the series, functioning as both a literal game and a metaphor for the power struggle between the king and Hee-Soo. Their matches become charged encounters where strategy, deception, and unspoken emotion intertwine, mirroring the broader political chess game unfolding at court.
What are similar shows to Captivating the King?
If you enjoyed Captivating the King, try The Red Sleeve (2021), Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022), Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (2016), or The King's Affection (2021). My Country: The New Age (2019) and Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (2019) are also strong picks for fans of Joseon-era court dramas.
More About Captivating the King
Explore further details about Captivating the King on these authoritative sources.