Episode 1 of "The King: Eternal Monarch" introduces us to the existence of two parallel worlds: the Kingdom of Corea, a modern-day monarchy, and the Republic of Korea, a familiar democratic society. This episode sets the stage for an epic fantasy romance, marked by a riveting backstory of betrayal, power, and destiny.

Detailed Description:

The episode begins in the Kingdom of Corea, where a bloody coup is unfolding. The young crown prince, Lee Gon, witnesses the brutal assassination of his father, the king, at the hands of his treacherous uncle, Lee Rim. Lee Rim steals the mythical flute, Manpasikjeok, which holds the power to open doors between parallel universes. In the chaos, a mysterious figure saves young Lee Gon, leaving behind a police badge from the Republic of Korea dated far into the future.

Fast forward 25 years, Lee Gon (now played by Lee Min-ho) has grown into a handsome, intelligent, and somewhat aloof monarch of Corea. Haunted by the traumatic memories of his father’s death and the unrelenting mystery of the police badge, he becomes obsessed with solving the puzzle of the parallel world.

Meanwhile, in the Republic of Korea, Jung Tae-eul (played by Kim Go-eun), a tough and dedicated detective, goes about her daily life, oblivious to the existence of another world. She is introduced investigating a counterfeit money case and dealing with her chaotic but charming colleague, Kang Shin-jae.

Back in Corea, Lee Gon’s curiosity about the police badge leads him to the mythical forest where the worlds intersect. As he passes through the portal, Lee Gon arrives in the unfamiliar cityscape of Seoul in the Republic of Korea, where everything is strangely similar yet different. He is confused by the changes, including technology, societal norms, and the absence of monarchy.

Upon his arrival, Lee Gon meets Jung Tae-eul, who bears a striking resemblance to the person who saved him as a child. He confidently approaches her, claiming to be the king of Corea, but Tae-eul dismisses him as a lunatic. Despite her skepticism, she finds his genuine sincerity intriguing, sparking the beginning of their complex relationship.

Key Moments:

The Coup: The dramatic coup d'état scene establishes the central conflict and Lee Gon’s motivation for crossing worlds.
Lee Gon’s Struggle with Destiny: His inner turmoil and search for answers drive his actions, showing the burden of his responsibilities and loneliness as a king.
The Parallel World Encounter: Lee Gon’s first encounter with the Republic of Korea is both humorous and poignant, highlighting the stark differences between his royal world and the democratic society of modern Seoul.
First Meeting: Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul’s initial meeting sets the stage for their evolving relationship, filled with tension, mystery, and a hint of romance.