The love triangle is the problem that propels the plot in so many k-dramas but one of the strangest takes place in "The King's Face."
Two people falling in love is wonderful in real life but an uncomplicated love makes for a boring story.
The lovers in k-dramas always have some problem to overcome if they want to be together. And often that problem is a rival for the woman's affections.
To make it even more interesting there's often a relationship between the two competing males in the drama. They're brothers, as Kim Jaejoong and Im Si Wan were in "Triangle" or Jung Il Woo and Kim Soo Hyun were in "The Moon Embracing The Sun." They're cousins, as Ji Sung and Kim Jaejoong were in "Protect The Boss." They are members of the same band as Jang Geun Suk and Yong Jung Hwa were in "You're Beautiful." Or they're boss and subordinate, such as Choi Jin Hyuk and Lee Tae Hwan are in "Pride and Prejudice."
That complicates the rivalry because these men owe each other loyalty and may feel affection for their rivals. But Seo In Guk's initial love triangle in "The King's Face" is even more problematic.
The drama stars Seo In Guk as Prince Gwanghae, Lee Sung Jae as his father, King Seongjo, Jo Yoon Hee as Ga Hee and Shin Sung Rok as fighter Do Chi.
The man who wants to make Seo In Guk's love his concubine is none other than his father, the king. In this case he not only feels affection for and fears his crazy father. He owes him respect and obedience both as his father and the king.
The very idea of her becoming his father's woman is infuriating and he is powerless to do anything about it.
(Spoiler alert) Fortunately, in the first few episodes of "The King's Face," the object of Seo In Guk's affections escapes her fate as the king's concubine. And she shuts the prince out because she suspects him of betraying her. But that doesn't mean the love triangle is over. The king has never actually seen his intended concubine and the woman whose face was supposed to bring him good fortune. He might see her again and change her mind.
The prince might once again win her heart.
And a third suitor often complicates love triangles. In the case of "The King's Face," Shin Sung Rok plays the third man and Seo In Guk's competition. At least for now those two rivals don't know each other. So they won't have to feel guilty about doing what it takes to win Jo Yoon Hee.
What is your favorite k-drama love triangle? Which is the one that was the saddest?
