[Feb 17] “Captivating the King” Episode 11: Rating & Recap

tvN’s “Captivating the King” experienced a drop in its ratings, falling to an average of 4.1% nationwide.

"Captivating the King” episode 11 recap

Hee-soo’s confession and the King’s dilemma

Hee-soo confesses to King Lee In that she switched the princess with a maid just as the Principal Director shows up to confront the King and lodge a big complaint. Myung-ha is anxious for Hee-soo, knowing that she will face a severe punishment. Hyun-bo also implies that they are aware of the maid Bun-yeong taking the place of Princess Jang-ryeong.

The King is enraged by Hee-soo’s deception, which he has tolerated many times before. Hee-soo explains that the principal director discovered the truth when a court lady told Queen Dowager that Bun-yeong (the maid) was missing. Lee In threatens Hee-soo, but she isn't afraid because she knows he loves her too much to harm her. She also points out that Interpreter Jung never met the real princess, so he agreed to send the maid instead of her.

Principal Director Park Jong-hwan stops the bridal procession but can't see Bun-yeong’s face. He figures out that she is an impostor, as the real princess wouldn't cover her face. However, he has no idea who she is or what she looks like. He reports to the King, hoping to arrest Mong-woo/Hee-soo, Myung-ha, and Grand Prince Mun-seong. He says that Interpreter Jung can confirm his claim, and Lee In summons Hee-soo to give her testimony. She says that she saw Jung talking to the fake princess and giving his approval.

The King denies the princess swap, infuriating the principal director, who threatens to involve Prince Rui. The King, however, warns him of the death penalty if he exposes the secret. Sang-hwa tells Myung-ha and Eunuch Kim to keep their mouths shut. Queen Dowager attempts to get some information from Lady Dong, but she refuses to cooperate unless she gets something in return.

Hee-soo’s plot and the King’s love

Hyun-bo, frustrated by the King’s cover-up, decides to create fake evidence of a plot against the King by Mong-woo, Myung-ha, and Munseong. The King instructs the Chief Royal Secretary to arrange a safe house for Princess Jang-ryeong in Beijing. He plays baduk with Munseong, teaching him how to rule peacefully.

The principal director tries to cause more trouble by telling Mong-woo that the King betrayed him (Mong-woo) for the sake of the throne and also killed Hang-soon without caring about his return. This makes Hee-soo more confused and angry. As she is heading home, the King catches up with her and declares his love. He asks Hee-soo to stay with him and promises to explain everything to her soon.

Hee-soo then meets Dal-ha, who fuels her anger even more by reminding her of the King’s treachery. Hee-soo, however, asks for more time to carry out their plan of overthrowing the King. As part of their plan, they bring Kim Je-nam to court, and the King appoints him as Inspector General. Je-nam changes his mind about Hee-soo’s plan to make Munseong the king, saying that the King is a good man, not a puppet. Hee-soo remains resolute to act when the Principal director tries to seize the throne.

Meanwhile, Munseong keeps the Queen (the King’s ill wife) company. She asks Mong-woo how she can help, and Mong-woo proposes making him the Crown Prince to avoid harm (since they have no child anyway). In the end, Hee-soo goes to the King with her choice to be by his side, and they embrace. Just then, lightning strikes and the palace goes up in flames.

Review

Hee-soo is torn between her love for the King and the war that surrounds him. She knows he has a good heart, but she can’t forgive him for his betrayal. Her friend, a fellow courtesan, lost her life because of the King’s sentence. The King had his own motives for doing so, but that doesn’t make it right. Hee-soo is still in the dark about what really happened 3 years ago. Many enemies are plotting against the King, and he only has 2 people he can rely on: Sang-hwa and Hee-soo.

His trust could be broken if either of them turned against him, and he would be devastated. He seems to be heading towards his fate, even though he is a kind man who makes sacrifices for the greater good. Let's hope we can cope with what the next episodes will reveal.

(Source: naver.com)