“더 킹: 영원의 군주” or “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020) stands out as the finest science fiction romance I’ve seen in four decades. It has earned the top spot on my personal list of "Top 10 Overall Best Sci-fi TV Shows," bumping "Fringe" (2008), which had held that position for twelve years. **I. Story** Kim Eun Sook, the writer behind acclaimed works like “Lovers in Paris” (2004); “Descendants of the Sun” (2016); “Goblin” (2016); and "Mr. Sunshine" (2018), once again demonstrated her remarkable ability to craft narratives that truly resonate with viewers’ imaginations and emotions. In “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020), Kim Eun Sook skillfully integrated the “parallel world” concept into her signature romantic storylines. She didn't treat it as a fleeting literary device, but rather placed it at the core of the series, allowing the drama and romance to unfold through this unique framework. Each episode, lasting roughly an hour and ten minutes, maintained a brisk pace; none felt dull, drawn-out, or repetitive. Every installment introduced fresh plot developments, new stories that contributed to character growth, relationship dynamics, and the conflicts arising from colliding worlds and ambitions. **II. Acting/Cast** The casting was superb—Lee Min Ho, Kim Go Eun, Woo Do Hwan, Kim Kyung Nam, Jung Eun Chae, Lee Jung Jin, Kim Yong Ji, Kang Hong Suk—they assembled a truly fitting ensemble. Each actor’s distinct style brought their characters to life and made their interactions feel authentic. The series wasn't solely about “Yi Gon” (Lee Min Ho) and “Jeong Tae Eul” (Kim Go Eun); every performer played a vital role in shaping the world of the "Kingdom of Corea." They all delivered strong performances, collectively creating something exceptional. **III. Production** While minor imperfections could be noticed, the editing and scene sequencing effectively masked them. I particularly appreciated that the storytelling wasn’t presented linearly; scenes were strategically held back for later episodes, with flashbacks used at precisely the right moments. The blending of historical elements with modern settings within the fictional "Kingdom of Corea" felt completely natural. There were no jarring inconsistencies. Modern items appeared in spaces designed to accommodate them, and when a historical atmosphere was desired, contemporary materials were either absent or seamlessly integrated into the surroundings—a difficult feat to achieve. It wasn’t just the interior designers who excelled; the directors and cameramen also contributed significantly with their skillful shot composition, creating a cohesive blend of historical and modern environments. **IV. Conclusion** I wholeheartedly recommend “더 킹: 영원의 군주” or "The King: Eternal Monarch" (2020), especially to those who enjoy science fiction centered around the concept of parallel worlds. Consider it akin to "Fringe" (2008), but infused with a romantic touch and intense family rivalries. My overall rating is 9.5 out of 10 stars.

Source on TMDB