'The Royal Gambler(2016)' : The Intersection of Historical Fiction and Gambling

Korean Drama 'The Royal Gambler(Jackpot)' 

Looking for a historical drama with a modern twist? Look no further than "The Royal Gambler"(2016), a Korean drama that portray the world of gambling within the context of the Joseon Dynasty. It's also known as "Jackpot" to international fans. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas, gambling, or both, "The Royal Gambler" offers a satisfying and unique viewing experience that is not to be missed. In this post, we'll dive into the plot, cast, attraction points, ratings, reviews, and interesting facts about this unique show.


Synopsis

Here's a plot summary. "The Royal Gambler" (2016) follows the life of Dae Gil, a young man who is forced to gamble to pay off his father's debts. He becomes a skilled gambler and gains fame, catching the attention of the king and his family. Dae Gil's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers his true identity as the son of a king and becomes involved in a power struggle between the different factions of the royal court. The show's unique blend of historical drama and gambling makes for a captivating story full of intrigue, action, and suspense.


Main Cast

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  • Jang Geun-suk as Dae-gil
  • Yeo Jin-goo as Yeoninggun
  • Lim Ji-yeon as Dam-seo
  • Jun Kwang-ryul as Lee In-jwa
  • Choi Min-soo as King Sukjong

Jang Geun-suk is a well-known Korean actor and singer who gained popularity both in Korea and abroad. He began his acting career as a child actor and gained recognition for his performances in several popular dramas. His successful dramas are "You're Beautiful" (2009), "Love Rain" (2012), and "The Royal Gambler" (2016). In addition to his acting career, he is also an accomplished singer, having released several albums and singles throughout his career. 

Yeo Jin-goo is a young and talented Korean actor who has been active in the entertainment industry since he was a child. He made his debut at the age of 8 and has since appeared in numerous dramas and films, showcasing his versatility and range as an actor. Despite his young age, Yeo Jin-goo has been recognized for his exceptional acting skills and has won several awards for his performances.


Attraction points

Unique Themes

One of the biggest attraction points of "The Royal Gambler" is its unique blend of historical drama and gambling themes. In fact, palace intrigue, political power plays are common elements in historical dramas. But it's interesting that the show utilizes high-stakes gambling as a way to resolve conflict. The show features at least one gambling scene per episode.

Jang Geun-suk's acting transformation 

Jang Geun-suk's acting transformation in the lead role of Dae-gil is also noteworthy. He is a well-known Hallyu star in Asia. He's typically known for his contemporary dramas, but in "The Royal Gambler," he shows off his versatility by portraying a historical figure with a complex background.

design and cinematography

The production design and cinematography are also excellent. The sets and costumes transport viewers to the Joseon Dynasty, while the use of color and camera angles enhance the tension and drama of the gambling scenes. 



Ratings and reviews

"The Royal Gambler" received mixed reviews during its initial run. While some critics praised the show's unique premise and strong performances, others pointed out the distortion of historical facts and inconsistent plot development.  In particular, many criticized the show's historical accuracy, pointing out the implausibility of a king gambling to win a commoner's wife in the first episode.

Despite some criticisms, "The Royal Gambler" showcased impressive performances from its main cast. Jang Geun Suk and Yeo Jin Goo, who played the main characters, were especially praised for their acting skills. Additionally, Choi Min Soo's portrayal of King Sook Jong was widely regarded as charismatic. These outstanding performances earned Jang Geun Suk and Yeo Jin Goo awards at the 2016 SBS Acting Awards.

"The Royal Gambler" didn't quite hit the jackpot when it came to ratings, with its audience share fluctuating between 8-12%, losing out to other dramas in its timeslot. It also received a below-average rating of 2.8 on South Korean ratings site WATCH. Despite the show's strong material, many Korean viewers criticized the lackluster directing, which may have contributed to its lukewarm reception.


Interesting Facts

  • 'The Royal Gambler' is also known overseas as 'Jackpot'.
  • Lee In-jwa's Rebellion was a real event that happened in Joseon (1728). The cause was a power struggle between two groups of nobles.
  • The Korean drama 'A warrior, Baek Dong-Su (2011)' has the same writer and some actors(Jun Kwang-ryul, Choi Min-soo), and a similar period setting, making it a prequel.


"The Royal Gambler" (2016) is a captivating Korean drama that offers a unique blend of historical drama with gambling themes. Despite some criticisms regarding historical accuracy and plot development, the show features exceptional performances from its main cast, with Jang Geun Suk and Yeo Jin Goo standing out for their acting skills.