It is a 2006 South Korean TV series. It stars Yoon Eun hye, Ju Ji hoon, Kim Jeong hoon & Song Ji hyo. It is based on Korean manhwa ‘Goong’ by Park So hee.
The show is set in an alternate , 21 st century Korea which has retained it’s monarchy & imperial family since 1945. The series focuses on the lives of Crown Prince Lee Shin of Korea & his new bride, Chae-kyeong.
Marrying a commoner because of his grandfather’s wish & to ascend the throne if the ailing King falls seriously ill. He proposes to his old flame who rejects immediately for her career.
Both are students. Marrying aat the age of 19 for the Prince is too early. His love interest, the Ballot dancer & his brother are all students. I remembered ‘My Little Bride’ who is a student but marries early for her grandfather. At least the boy is older & her neighbor. She knows him well.
Here, his disdain is too evident. It also has the impact of ‘Boys Over Flowers’. The Prince with his cronies.. well, friends from the elite society have privileges & think very little of the commoners!
It had spectacular viewings. Last episodes with 28.3% & 28.8 % . Average was 22.6% & 23.2% nationwide & in Seoul. Reaching double figures & maintaining at a high score !
2006, 1st Seoul International Drama awards, Best Art Director , Min Eon -ok. Also MBC Drama Awards for Best New actor & Actress to : Ju Ji hoon & Yoon Eun hye respectively.
A spin -off ‘Prince Hours’ also did well then. Then ‘Goong : The Musical debuted in Korea in Sept. 2010. Various assessing the role of Prince Shin, in Japan Sept 2012 & May 10 to 24 in 2014 in Akasaka ACT Theater, Tokyo, Japan.
In 2017, Princess Hours :Thailand was broadcast. On March 5, 2021 it was announced that the drama will have it’s second Korean adaptation.
I had been planning to watch it since ages. It is a delight to watch her.
Asian Entertainment 