The King's Affection (Korean: 연모; Japanese: 恋慕) is a period romance set in a Joseon era when twins were forbidden: a princess who takes the place of her late brother as the crown prince in men's clothes, and the young man who becomes her tutor. Starring Park Eun-bin and Rowoon (SF9), it became a hit in Japan too, with viewers saying it "tightens the chest."
📺 Drama Info
| Broadcast | October 11 – December 14, 2021 (KBS2, Korea) |
| Episodes | 20 |
| Genre | Period drama / romance |
| Writer / Director | Han Hee-jung (writer) / Song Hyun-wook (director) |
| In Japan | Streaming on Netflix and others |
👥 Main Cast
- Park Eun-bin as Lee Hwi / Tami (the crown prince)
- Rowoon (SF9) as Jung Ji-woon (Hwi's tutor)
- Nam Yoon-su as Lee Hyun
- Choi Byung-chan (VICTON) as Kim Ga-on (bodyguard)
- Bae Yoon-kyung as Shin So-eun
- Jung Chae-yeon as No Ha-kyung
📖 Plot (no spoilers)
In Joseon, where twins were forbidden, the queen had to send her baby girl, Lee Hwi, out of the palace. But when her older brother, the royal grandson, dies young, Hwi takes the crown prince's seat in men's clothes.
The sharp-tongued crown prince is feared by others, yet Hwi's heart begins to move for her tutor Jung Ji-woon. But the prince's secret — a threat to her life if exposed — weighs heavily on their love.
✨ Three Reasons to Watch
- Park Eun-bin's cross-dressing role and the princess's two sides — a dignified crown prince and a young girl
- Rowoon's gentle tutor — many in Japan fell for him
- The ache of a love with a secret, where the truth could be revealed at any time
If you like Sungkyunkwan Scandal or Love in the Moonlight, this cross-dressing-heroine period drama is a must. For another Park Eun-bin hit, see Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The King's Affection have?
20 episodes.
Who stars in The King's Affection?
Park Eun-bin (Lee Hwi / Tami) and Rowoon of SF9 (Jung Ji-woon).
When did it air?
From October 11 to December 14, 2021 on KBS2 in Korea.
Where can I watch it in Japan?
On Netflix and others (as of October 2026; availability may change).
Based on information as of October 2026. Streaming availability changes — please check each service.