The King and I (South Korean TV series)
The King and I (Korean: 왕과 나; RR: Wangkwa Na) is a South Korean historical television series that aired on SBS from August 27, 2007, to April 1, 2008. The drama consists of 63 episodes and was directed by Jae-gyeong Kim. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the series explores the life of the historical figure Kim Cheo-seon, a eunuch who served in the royal court.
Plot
The narrative follows the life of Kim Cheo-seon, who is born as a posthumous child and separated from his mother. Raised by individuals associated with a eunuch school, he eventually enters the royal palace. Cheo-seon develops a deep, lifelong devotion to Yoon So-hwa, a noblewoman who later becomes a queen. The series depicts the complex political environment of the Joseon court, focusing on the power struggles involving the king, the queen, and the eunuch hierarchy. As the story progresses, Cheo-seon finds himself caught in the tragic downfall of the queen, eventually being tasked with the duty of carrying out her death sentence. Following her death, he continues to serve the royal family, including her son, King Yeonsangun.
Cast
The series features an extensive ensemble cast portraying figures within the Joseon court and the eunuch administration.
- Oh Man-Seok as Kim Cheo-seon
- Ku Hye-Sun as Yoon So-hwa
- Ko Joo-Won as King Seongjong
- Jeon Kwang-Leol as Jo Chi-gyeom
- Yang Mi-Kyeong as Queen Jeonghui
- Jeon In-Hwa as Queen Insu
