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| ▲ This photo, provided by KBS, shows the poster of "The King of Tears, Yi Bang-won" (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ This photo, provided by KBS, shows a scene from the drama "The King of Tears, Yi Bang-won" (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Yonhap) -- KBS 1TV’s new historical drama "The King of Tears, Lee Bangwon," receives praises as it quenches the viewers’ thirst for traditional historical drama.
The series unfolds the life of Taejong Yi Bang-won (Joo Sang-wook), who led the founding of Joseon, and portrays the period when the old order Goryeo was destroyed and the new order Joseon was established.
"The King of Tears, Lee Bangwon," which is KBS's first historical drama in 5 years, drew attention before air and recorded 8.7 percent viewership with the first episode on Dec. 11, and scored an average of more than 9 percent viewership up to the fourth episode.
The series also received positive feedback from the viewers. While the series continues the name of Korean traditional historical dramas, it includes a faster narrative, trendiness, and lines that are used in everyday conversations.
In addition, actor Kim Yeong-chul, who participated in traditional historical dramas including "Taejo Wang Geon," and actors Um Hyo-sup, Kim Myung-soo, Jo Soon-chang well support the plot. Leading actors including Yi Bang-won (Joo Sang-wook), Queen Wongyeong of the Min Clan (Park Jinhee), and Queen Sindeok of the Kang Clan (Ye Jiwon) show good performances.
However, there are mixed reactions as the series focus on the humane qualities of the character Yi Bang-won. At the start of the first episode, when Yi Bang-won was outraged by his son Prince Chungnyeong (Kim Min-gi) and his servants for opposing the abdication, some said this scene was somewhat peculiar compared to the character in past historical dramas.
Still, there are positive remarks on how the drama takes a fresh approach to focus on Yi Bang-won as a son, husband, and father rather than a king of a country.
When Yi Bang-won faced conflict with his brothers on the third episode that aired last week, expectations were raised high on how the story will take place in the future.
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