Secret Door

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  • 2014
  • 1 Season
  • 6.9  (98)

Secret Door is a South Korean historical drama series that was originally aired on SBS from September to December 2014. The show is set during the reign of King Yeongjo, who was the 21st king of the Joseon dynasty. The series revolves around two main characters, King Yeongjo and his son, Crown Prince Sado. The plot of the show primarily focuses on the strained relationship between the king and his son, which eventually leads to the tragic end of Crown Prince Sado's life. Han Suk-kyu plays the role of King Yeongjo, who is portrayed as a wise and just ruler. However, his relationship with his son is complicated, as he is often disappointed and frustrated by Crown Prince Sado's erratic behavior. Lee Jehoon, on the other hand, plays Crown Prince Sado, who is depicted as a troubled and conflicted young man struggling to find his place in the palace. The show also features Kim Yoo-jeong as Princess Hye Myung, who is another central character in the series. Princess Hye Myung is the daughter of a powerful regent who has a significant role in shaping the fate of the king and his son. One of the main strengths of Secret Door is its ability to balance historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. The show depicts the inner workings of the Joseon dynasty and the political intrigue that characterized the time, while still managing to create an engaging drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances of the main actors in Secret Door are also noteworthy, particularly Han Suk-kyu as King Yeongjo. He portrays the king with a depth and complexity that makes his character both intriguing and relatable, despite the historical context of the show. Lee Jehoon's portrayal of Crown Prince Sado is equally impressive, as he brings a depth of emotion and humanity to what is often a tragic and difficult character to portray. While Secret Door is a highly engaging and well-produced drama, it is not without its flaws. Some viewers have criticized the show for being too slow-paced and for taking too long to develop some of its key plotlines. Additionally, some of the secondary characters in the series are less well-developed than the main characters, which can make their actions and motivations seem less believable at times. Despite these minor shortcomings, Secret Door is still an excellent historical drama that is worth watching for anyone interested in the history and politics of the Joseon dynasty. Its strong performances and compelling storytelling make it a standout series that is sure to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.

Secret Door
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Seasons
Episode 24
24. Episode 24
December 9, 2014
The King and the Prince both face tough decisions that will ultimately cost one of their lives.
Episode 23
23. Episode 23
December 8, 2014
The commoners' library is raided while the Prince's secret palace library and books are discovered.
Episode 22
22. Episode 22
December 2, 2014
The Noron sets out to discover why the Prince has been sending funds to the North.
Episode 21
21. Episode 21
December 1, 2014
On the eve of the new Queen Announcement ceremony, the Prince discovers a plot to assassinate the King.
Episode 20
20. Episode 20
November 25, 2014
The Noron set a new plan in action to oust the Crown Prince.
Episode 19
19. Episode 19
November 24, 2014
Prince Sado faces the fallout of allowing commoners to take the civil service exam.
Episode 18
18. Episode 18
November 18, 2014
King Yeongjo and Prince Sado clash over allowing commoners entrance to the civil service exam.
Episode 17
17. Episode 17
November 17, 2014
Prince Sado returns to the regency and sets out to make the country a better place for all classes.
Episode 16
16. Episode 16
November 11, 2014
Kim Taek sets a plan in motion to oust and replace Prince Sado.
Episode 15
15. Episode 15
November 10, 2014
In order to get his governing powers back, Prince Sado begins difficult negotiations with the Qing.
Episode 14
14. Episode 14
November 4, 2014
King Yeongjo strips Prince Sado of all governing power. Three years later, Prince Sado begins a secret plan beginning with taking Kim Taek as his new teacher.
Episode 13
13. Episode 13
November 3, 2014
King Yeongjo unleashes his punishment on the booklenders.
Episode 12
12. Episode 12
October 28, 2014
King Yeongjo appoints a new Prime Minister and sets out to enact new tax reforms while Prince Sado struggles with what to do about his father.
Episode 11
11. Episode 11
October 27, 2014
Prince Sado becomes suspicious of his father's role in the document.
Episode 10
10. Episode 10
October 21, 2014
Teacher Park Moon Soo makes a deal to try and save Prince Sado from prison.
Episode 9
9. Episode 9
October 20, 2014
Prince Sado is accused of murder.
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
October 14, 2014
An investigation into yet another death leads Prince Sado to suspect one of the people he trusts most.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
October 13, 2014
Prince Sado seeks out the identity of the man Heung Bok's final royal painting.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
October 7, 2014
Ji Dam hides out in a brothel while Prince Sado discovers the meaning behind Jung Woon's dying message.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
October 6, 2014
With Ji Dam's help, Prince Sado delves deeper into the conspiracy behind Heung Bok's death.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
September 30, 2014
Prince Sado succumbs to all evidence painting Heung Bok as a traitor, that is until Ji Dam approaches him with proof to the contrary.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
September 29, 2014
Unsatisfied with the result of the investigation into Heung Bok's death, Crown Prince Sado re-opens the case, personally heading it himself.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
September 23, 2014
Heung Bok's body is found and the conspiracy to cover-up his murder begins.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
September 22, 2014
A document, thought long destroyed, tying King Yeongjo's ascension the throne to the Noron Faction, resurfaces. Crown Prince Sado disrupts the government by proclaiming the creation and distribution of books by commoners legal.
Description

Secret Door is a South Korean historical drama series that was originally aired on SBS from September to December 2014. The show is set during the reign of King Yeongjo, who was the 21st king of the Joseon dynasty. The series revolves around two main characters, King Yeongjo and his son, Crown Prince Sado. The plot of the show primarily focuses on the strained relationship between the king and his son, which eventually leads to the tragic end of Crown Prince Sado's life.

Han Suk-kyu plays the role of King Yeongjo, who is portrayed as a wise and just ruler. However, his relationship with his son is complicated, as he is often disappointed and frustrated by Crown Prince Sado's erratic behavior. Lee Jehoon, on the other hand, plays Crown Prince Sado, who is depicted as a troubled and conflicted young man struggling to find his place in the palace.

The show also features Kim Yoo-jeong as Princess Hye Myung, who is another central character in the series. Princess Hye Myung is the daughter of a powerful regent who has a significant role in shaping the fate of the king and his son.

One of the main strengths of Secret Door is its ability to balance historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. The show depicts the inner workings of the Joseon dynasty and the political intrigue that characterized the time, while still managing to create an engaging drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The performances of the main actors in Secret Door are also noteworthy, particularly Han Suk-kyu as King Yeongjo. He portrays the king with a depth and complexity that makes his character both intriguing and relatable, despite the historical context of the show. Lee Jehoon's portrayal of Crown Prince Sado is equally impressive, as he brings a depth of emotion and humanity to what is often a tragic and difficult character to portray.

While Secret Door is a highly engaging and well-produced drama, it is not without its flaws. Some viewers have criticized the show for being too slow-paced and for taking too long to develop some of its key plotlines. Additionally, some of the secondary characters in the series are less well-developed than the main characters, which can make their actions and motivations seem less believable at times.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Secret Door is still an excellent historical drama that is worth watching for anyone interested in the history and politics of the Joseon dynasty. Its strong performances and compelling storytelling make it a standout series that is sure to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.

  • Premiere Date
    September 22, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (98)