The King: Eternal Monarch

Emperor Lee Gon rules a modern-day Korean monarchy that shares a hidden connection with a parallel Republic of Korea. After a mysterious breach lets dangerous forces cross between the two realities, Lee Gon seeks to close that door and protect his throne. Detective Jung Tae-eul, who works in the other Korea, crosses paths with him when their lives begin to mirror each other. Romance, political maneuvering, and action follow as allies and rivals on both sides react to shifting loyalties and the consequences of two worlds colliding, with personal loss and ethical choices driving much of the conflict.

Released in 2020, the series was created by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Baek Sang-Hoon, Jung Jee-hyun, and Yu Je-won, and stars Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun alongside Woo Do-hwan, Kim Kyung-nam, and Jung Eun-chae.

Critics and viewers responded with mixed enthusiasm, reflected in its online scores, including a user average around 8.27 out of 10. Many praised the leads' chemistry and the show's visual scale, while some reviewers pointed to uneven plotting and pacing. Recurring themes include fate versus free will, the burdens of leadership, and how identity shifts when context changes.

The show sparked lively discussion among international K-drama fans, inspiring fan theories about its parallel-universe rules and sustained interest in its soundtrack and costume choices. Memes and reaction videos circulated widely after key episodes, and the series helped renew attention on large-scale, genre-blending Korean dramas.

On the awards front, the series drew attention during awards season in South Korea, with its performances and production elements noted by critics and industry watchers. While it wasn't an uncontested sweep, the cast and creative team received recognition at various domestic ceremonies and year-end lists.