

TV Show spotlight
Princess Hours
The plot takes place in Bhutin, a fictional country. Crown Prince In and Kaning get married due to a promise between both of their families. Before getting married to Kaning, Prince In had a close friend who is close enough to be called his "girlfriend" named Minnie. He has asked Minnie for her hand in marriage, but Minnie rejected him. Minnie now regrets doing so, and want Prince In back. Also, the former Crown princess also wants the throne back for her son, Prince In's cousin. But as Prince In and Kaning spend time together every day they begin to understand each other more and develop feelings for each other. How will Prince In and Kaning's love story unfold?
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in an alternate, modern-day Korea where the royal family still exists, this drama follows the arranged marriage between Crown Prince Lee Shin and an ordinary, spirited art student named Shin Chae-gyeong. Their union is fraught with challenges, including Lee Shin's lingering feelings for his former girlfriend and the complex web of courtly intrigue and unspoken desires among the royal family. The story explores themes of duty, love, and finding one's place within a rigid tradition.
Critical Reception
Princess Hours (Goong) was a highly popular K-drama upon its release, achieving significant ratings in South Korea and gaining a substantial international fanbase, particularly across Asia. It is often credited with contributing to the 'Hallyu' (Korean Wave) phenomenon. While praised for its engaging storyline, fashion, and chemistry between the leads, some critics noted predictable plot points common in romantic dramas.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its compelling romantic storyline and the chemistry between the lead actors.
Noted for its beautiful cinematography and fashionable costumes, contributing to its aesthetic appeal.
Some found the plot predictable, but the overall entertainment value was high.
Google audience: Audience reception was largely positive, with viewers enjoying the fantasy element of a modern monarchy and the evolving romance between the main characters. The fashion and the actors' performances were frequently highlighted as strong points.
Awards & Accolades
None notable (as specific major international awards are not widely documented for this series, though it won numerous domestic awards such as the MBC Drama Awards for Best New Actor and Actress in 2006 for its original run).
Fun Fact
The drama was based on the popular manhwa (Korean comic) of the same name by Park So-hee, which itself garnered significant popularity and paved the way for the series' success.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources