The King's Face

The King's Face (Korean: 왕의 얼굴; RR: Wang-ui Eolgul; Hanja: 王의 얼굴) is a 2014 South Korean television series starring Seo In-guk, Jo Yoon-hee, Lee Sung-jae, Kim Gyu-ri and Shin Sung-rok. It aired on KBS2 from November 19, 2014 to February 5, 2015 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 23 episodes.[1]

The King's Face
Promotional poster for The King's Face
GenreHistorical period drama
Romance
Political
Written byLee Hyang-hee
Yoon Soo-jung
Directed byYoon Sung-sik
Cha Young-hoon
StarringSeo In-guk
Jo Yoon-hee
Lee Sung-jae
Kim Gyu-ri
Shin Sung-rok
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes23
Production
Executive producerJung Hae-ryong
ProducersHwang In-hyuk
Park Woo-ram
Production locationKorea
Running timeWednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 (KST)
Production companiesThe King's Face Culture Industry Co., Ltd.
KBS Media
Release
Original networkKorean Broadcasting System
Original releaseNovember 19, 2014 (2014-11-19) –
February 5, 2015 (2015-02-05)
Chronology
Preceded byBlade Man
Followed byUnkind Ladies
External links
Website

Plot

Gwanghae, the child of a concubine, becomes the crown prince of Joseon. For the next 16 years, the illegitimate prince lives through turbulent times, enduring death threats and possible dethronement. Gwanghae has a contentious relationship with his father King Seonjo, and the two eventually become rivals in politics and love. Using physiognomy as a weapon and means to gain power, Gwanghae enlists a face-reading fortuneteller to help him become the next king.

Cast

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Recipient Result
2014 KBS Drama Awards Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama Seo In-guk Nominated
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama Jo Yoon-hee Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Shin Sung-rok Won
Best New Actor Seo In-guk Won

Plagiarism controversy

On August 25, 2014, Jupiter Film, the production company of the 2013 film The Face Reader, filed for an injunction in court for infringement of copyright and unfair competition against KBS, asking that the network not be allowed to air their unauthorized remake. According to Jupiter Film, they own the rights to the original script for The Face Reader with a "one source multi use" clause, for the express purpose of producing a film, a book series, and a television series based on the story about a face-reading fortuneteller who gets caught up in a political battle for the throne. The film sold 9 million tickets in 2013, and two books in the series (backstories for the characters in the film) have been released thus far. Jupiter Film said they approached KBS Media in 2012 about a 24-episode TV drama adaptation of The Face Reader and handed over scripts and outlines, and mentioned War of Money screenwriter Lee Hyang-hee as a good candidate for penning the remake. But KBS Media and Jupiter Film could not agree on terms and negotiations fell through. Jupiter Film alleged that after KBS Media backed out of the deal, the latter took the idea and made their own version, including hiring the screenwriter they'd suggested.[2]

KBS in turn issued the following statement: "The King's Face is a totally different drama in people, era, and setting, with different plot and conflict structure, and mode of expression from The Face Reader." While waiting for the court's final decision, KBS decided to go ahead with the production and made casting announcements.[3] The court ruling in November 2014 was in KBS's favor, stating that there was no plagiarism involved.[4]

International broadcast

References
  1. Lee, Sun-min (27 August 2014). "Jo picks period drama next". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 2014-09-26.
  2. Jones, Julie (25 August 2014). "Producers Of The Face Reader File Lawsuit Against The King's Face Drama". KDramaStars. Retrieved 2014-09-26.
  3. "KBS full steam ahead with King's Face, casts Jo Yoon-hee to star". Dramabeans. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 2014-09-26.
  4. "The stars of King's Face at production press conference". Dramabeans. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 2014-11-15.
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