For its premiere episodes, ‘Perfect Crown’ started on a high note and made a strong impression. Viewers were hooked right away, and the way the story and characters unfolded hinted at a journey that would be both engaging and worth following. Set within a modern-day constitutional monarchy in South Korea, the story revolves around Seong Hui Ju, a bold chaebol heiress often labeled an ‘illegitimate commoner’, and royal prince Yi An as they dive into a fake marriage plot.
While it is true that many recent K-dramas have started strong only to lose momentum later, I strongly suggest giving this rom-com a chance. If you’re still not convinced, here’s a quick recap of what happened over the past week!
Episode 3
The episode opens with Yi An and Hui Ju standing in front of the media as the two go public with their relationship. News spreads quickly, and before long, the whole country knows about it—including the prince’s ‘sasaengs’. Things escalate when they gather outside Hui Ju’s house and begin throwing eggs at her home.
During this time, her father visits her and accuses her of being greedy. However, scenes from her childhood and teenage years make it clear that all Hui Ju ever wanted was the same love and attention that her brother received. Knowing what was happening, Yi An rushed over to Hui Ju’s residence and took her to stay at his place.
Viewers also get a glimpse of love triangle rival Minister Min Jeong Woo as he confides in a priest about how conflicted he feels regarding his emotions toward Hui Ju. This also makes it more convincing that Queen Yi Rang might be part of a potential love square, especially given the tension during her confrontation with Yi An at the palace. She demands that he apologize for the scandal, only for Yi An to firmly state that he is serious about Hui Ju. Additionally, she even pretends to be sick, knowing that no royal wedding announcement can be made when an elder is ill.
What makes the pairing look good are the moments when Yi An says he will take Hui Ju’s side if an argument breaks out between her and Queen Yi Rang. It was candy-like sweet when he said he chose to marry her because she is the only one who would understand if one day he claims the throne (will he?). Of course, peaceful moments in K-dramas don’t last long.
So, the next day, men in black suits arrive at the residence to take Hui Ju to the palace for questioning, as she is a suspect in the fire incident. However, Hui Ju secretly gives away the ‘hopae’—the prince’s identification tag—to one of the staff, who quickly informs Prince Yi An. Luckily, the prince arrives just in time to stop what seems like Queen Yi Rang’s trap, and in one of the most fangirl-worthy moments of the episode, Yi An lifts Hui Ju and carries her in his arms right in front of the queen.
Since Yi An was told to remain at the palace, Hui Ju sneaks around to the back to see him and even brings along some tea and minerals. As she teases him about how good and supportive of a wife she would be, Yi An catches her off guard in the sweetest way possible—he leans in and kisses her! And just like that, viewers got their first kiss.
Episode 4
Unfortunately, the episode opens by revealing that Yi An kissed Hui Ju only because the paparazzi were watching. However, viewers still enjoyed the baseball game scene. Even though the prince couldn’t wear matching jerseys due to royal protocol, his jealous reaction to Min Jeong Woo was so fun to watch. The pair appearing on the kiss cam, only to not kiss because of royal protocol and ethics, felt like such a teasing moment for viewers.
After the game, the trio goes out to eat at a sushi place, where viewers are transported through a series of flashbacks that reveal just how many restrictions have shaped the prince’s life, ultimately preventing him from living like a normal person or being a normal brother. Somehow, it makes one wonder whether Hui Ju will be the one who finally pushes Yi An to break free from these restrictions.
Meanwhile, the baseball event makes it clear that Hui Ju is not aware of royal rules, and so a court lady takes it upon herself to teach her. While Hui Ju agrees to the lessons, she somehow ends up escaping the first time by using work as an excuse, and the second time, she ends up giving the court lady a Pilates lesson instead. The whole mentor-tutor relationship between Hui Ju and the court lady adds a nice charm to the episode.
Later, Min Jeong Woo brings the crown prince—Queen Yi Rang’s son—to Yi An’s residence, where Hui Ju and the entire staff come together to play with and entertain him. Seeing the little boy running around and enjoying the kind of carefree environment every child deserves was truly touching. After winning the game, the crown prince then asks to ride in Hui Ju’s red sports car. However, what begins as a fun ride quickly turns into something darker when Hui Ju realizes that the brakes are not working.
Out of nowhere, Yi An’s car pulls up and takes the impact instead. The episode ends with the prince stepping out of the car, blood running down his face, leaving the scene on a tense and dramatic cliffhanger.
I wonder what awaits us next!
Stay tuned for more reviews!
Written by Diksha Gangadeen
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