[Jan 27] “Captivating the King” ep.3 rating & recap, “Korea-Khitan War” ep.21 & “Live Your Own Life” ep.36 ratings

How could “Captivating the King” episode 3 leave us hanging like that? That was thrilling. The actors here are just amazing.

“Captivating the King” episode 3 rating & recap

 tvN’s new drama “Captivating the King” maintained an average of 3.3% nationwide for its 3rd episode.

Hee-soo’s dilemma

The suspenseful conclusion of episode 2 left us wondering if Hee-soo's secret would be exposed by Myung-ha. But we soon learn that she can keep pretending to be a man for now. However, Myung-ha takes this chance to warn Hee-soo that she will face a cruel fate if she is found out, and also to confess his love and his willingness to wait for her. This sounds more like a veiled threat than a romantic gesture.

Lee In is also puzzled by their relationship. He is drawn to Hee-soo, who he knows as Mong-woo, and he is curious about what they are to each other.

The political intrigue

The political intrigue is much more entertaining, and episode 3 focuses on a lot of this drama, which is a good thing. For example, the King receives news that a spy has been captured by the Qing dynasty and the court has to send an envoy to beg for mercy. Lee In's master offers to be that envoy to save Lee In, who is blamed for sending the spy by Jong-bae, the Minister of Military Affairs.

This works because it shows how the King is a fool, Lee In is an easy target, and the real power of any dynasty is always in the hands of advisors and ministers and everyone who does not wear the crown but whispers in the ear of the one who does.

The abuse of power

We also see the weakness of those with power; the self-hatred and ego, the desire to show off power over the people, and anyone who is seen as weaker just to make a statement and flex influence. This is shown in Jong-bae being allowed to interrogate witnesses mostly as revenge against Hee-soo and the comfort lady. The King isn't happy to go along with this, but he is too cowardly to do anything else.

The subtle heroism

The real heroism in this show is more subtle, and less flashy, like Lee In trying to volunteer as the envoy to the Qing dynasty and yet realizing why he cannot; accepting someone else taking a risk he thinks should be his.

How does "Captivating the King" episode 3 end?

Lee In's values are revealed at the end of the episode when he confronts his brother.

The news of the interrogations spreads, and Hee-sook, in disguise, tries to stop them but is chased away by Myung-ha, who doesn't want her to get hurt. When Lee In gets there, he is angry and asks to be interrogated instead of them. He barges into the King's room and fights with his brother. The episode ends with Lee-in holding a sword to the King's neck.

“Korea-Khitan War” episode 21 rating

KBS 2TV’s “Korea-Khitan War” continued to perform well with an average of 9.6% nationwide.

“Live Your Own Life” episode 36 rating

KBS 2TV’s “Live Your Own Life” kept its spot as the most popular program on Saturday with an average of 18.6% nationwide.

(Sources: yna.co.kr, newsis.com)