tvN’s period romance, “Captivating the King,” has earned global acclaim, especially for the chemistry between leads Jo Jung Suk and Shin Se Kyung. However, amidst the praise, Shin Se Kyung faces unexpected criticism for being “too pretty.”

Known for her timeless beauty, the actress has consistently secured major acting projects since her debut. However, as 2024 unfolds, Shin Se Kyung finds herself on the receiving end of harsh comments regarding her appearance.

In the highly anticipated tvN drama, Shin Se Kyung portrays Kang Hee Soo, a skilled Baduk player seeking vengeance against Jo Jung Suk’s character. While the storyline and cast generated high expectations, some viewers expressed disappointment with Shin Se Kyung’s performance.

In the early episodes, Shin Se Kyung’s character disguises herself as a man to befriend the king, a plot device used by other actresses in the past.

However, this dual role sparked controversy as some Korean netizens felt her beauty made her portrayal of a masculine character less convincing. Criticisms include her perceived lack of masculinity and the use of heavy makeup, leaving viewers dissatisfied with the actress’s interpretation of her character.

Despite the backlash, some defended Shin Se Kyung, emphasizing her flawless portrayal and urging viewers to focus on her acting skills rather than her appearance.

The drama has garnered positive reviews overall, with particular praise for Shin Se Kyung’s improved acting. As the plot unfolds, attention remains on how the actress will navigate her character’s complexities while concealing her identity as a Baduk player.

To coincide with the Lunar New Year, tvN announced a special release schedule for “Captivating the King.” Instead of the usual Saturday and Sunday airing, episodes 7 and 8 will be broadcast on Friday, February 9, at 9:20 PM KST.

The following Sunday, February 11, will see the consecutive release of episodes 9 and 10 on tvN and Netflix, treating fans to a weekend binge of this captivating period drama.