"Royal Family" (2011): When an Angelic Woman Shows her devilish side

Korean Drama 'Royal Family'

Welcome to my post about the Korean drama "Royal Family"! This drama aired in 2011 and tells the story of a male prosecutor who is saved by an angelic woman and the daughter-in-law of a JK group who has a demonic side behind her angelic face. In this post, we will explore the many reasons why this drama is a must-watch for anyone who loves Korean dramas.

Plot Summary 

Kim In-sook, known as 'K', has lived a life of invisibility, ignored and ostracized by her husband's family, the JK people, despite her graceful appearance. Her sleepless nights with sleeping pills only get worse when she loses her husband in a helicopter accident. Her mother-in-law plots to take away her son's parental rights and expel her, citing a helicopter accident. Han Ji-hoon, a star prosecutor  who has been sponsored by her for years., finds out that she is on the verge of becoming incompetent and joins the JK group's club for her sake. 

However, Kim In-sook owes a bigger debt to her mother-in-law Gong Soon-ho, who suffered from her agony but decides to accept the ironic fate of using even Ji-hoon. Kim In-sook's unexpected opportunity comes when she becomes the president of the JK group, but a new crisis appears, and she must fight to keep her present.

Main Cast

• Ji Sung as Han Ji-hoon
• Yum Jung-ah as Kim In sook
• Kim Young-ae as Gong Soon-ho
• Cha Ye-ryun as Jo Hyun-jin

Ji Sung, who played the role of Han Ji-hoon in "The Royal Family," is a well-known South Korean actor. He has received numerous awards for his outstanding performances in various dramas and movies, including the Grand Prize at the 2017 SBS Drama Awards for his role in "Defendant." Ji Sung is known for his versatility as an actor, as he is able to portray both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. In "The Royal Family," he brings a certain intensity and depth to his character, showcasing his exceptional acting skills.

With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Yum has won numerous awards and critical acclaim for her performances in various films and dramas. She is especially known for her roles in the films "A Tale of Two Sisters" and "Intimate Strangers" as well as the dramas "Sky Castle". Especially since the late 2010s, her reputation has only gotten better. 

Attraction points

One of the main attractions of "Royal Family" is its complex and intriguing storyline. The drama is full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. As the drama unfolds, the JK Group succession war and Ji-Hoon's past bring unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers on edge

Another attraction of this drama is its strong performances from the cast. Ji Sung delivers a powerful performance as Han Ji-hoon, capturing the character's ambition, vulnerability, and determination. Yum Jung-ah is equally impressive as Kim In-sook, portraying her character's complexities and hidden motivations with skill and nuance. 

Ratings and reviews

"Royal Family" had an initial viewership of less than 10%, but as it went viral, it maintained a mid-10% viewership in the second half. But the critics and viewers were more enthusiastic than the ratings. Many viewers alike praised the drama for its complex plot, strong performances, and attention to detail, On the one hand, they were disappointed by the lack of publicity for this well-made drama.

On the South Korean ratings site Watcha, it has a solid score in 3.6 points. Mostly favorable reviews praise the story and the actors' performances, though some have pointed out that the direction feels dated for being over a decade old.

Interesting Facts

• The drama's director, Kim Do-hoon, is known for his work on other popular Korean dramas such as "Moon embracing the Sun" and "Medical Top Team." He worked with Kim Young-ae, a character in the drama, on both.
• It turns out that the show is based on the Japanese detective novel "Proof Of The Man". The novel was also made into a movie in Japan.

In conclusion, 'Royal Family' is a mesmerizing and thrilling drama that does a great job of portraying human ambivalence and desire. The themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal make for a compelling story, and the realistic depiction of the corporate world adds to the intrigue. 'Royal Family' is well worth a watch for fans of Korean dramas and anyone interested in dramas with complex characters.