[Jan 21] "Captivating the King" Episode 2: Rating & Recap

"Captivating The King" episode 2 Nationwide ratings was 4%, which was an improvement from the 1st episode.

The 2nd episode of the historical romance drama "Captivating The King" continues the story of Prince Lee In (Jung-Suk) and Kang Hee-Soo (Sae-Kyung), a female baduk player who pretends to be a man. In the 1st episode, Lee In returns to Joseon after being held hostage in the Qing Dynasty, only to find out that his brother, King Lee Sun, has been brainwashed to distrust him. He also encounters a mysterious baduk player who intrigues him with his skills.

Prince Lee In gets injured while saving Hee-Soo from thugs

Hee-Soo, who is unaware that Lee In is a prince, tries to avoid him after learning his identity. However, fate brings them together again when he rescues her from some ruffians. He suffers a wound in the process and Hee-Soo feels guilty and grateful.

She sneaks into his room to check on him and finds him awake. They share a romantic moment as he gazes at her. She apologizes and thanks him for saving her.

He asks her to play a game of baduk with him as a way of repaying him. She agrees, since she had previously expressed her desire to play with him, the only one who can match her level. They engage in a long and intense game, which he eventually concedes. He tells her to ask for a reward and she chooses the name "Mongwoo," which means drizzle.

He proposes another game and she says she will play with him on the first drizzle. She begins to have feelings for him and realizes that he let her win on purpose. She vows to play with him again and win fair and square on the first drizzle of rain.

The King's condition worsens and the palace is in turmoil

The political drama in the palace escalates as the King's health declines. The queen and her faction try to turn him against Prince Lee In and plot to take over the throne.

The queen seeks to form an alliance with Chief State Councilor Kang Hang-Soon, who supports Lee In, by arranging a marriage between his daughter Hee-So (Shin Sae-Kyung) and her nephew Kim Myung-Ha. However, Hee-So rejects the proposal, especially after Myung-Ha loses to her in a baduk game. Myung-Ha, however, is adamant about marrying her.

*Hee-Soo's secret is exposed and Lee In is confused

The episode ends with a cliffhanger as Hee-So's true identity as a woman is discovered by Myung-Ha. He follows her as she runs to meet Lee In on the first drizzle of rain. They come face to face in the rain and Hee-So is shocked to see Myung-Ha. Lee In is puzzled by their relationship and wonders who Hee-So really is.

(Source: Nielsen Korea)