Everything You Need to Know About the Hit K-Drama "100 Days My Prince"
If you are looking for a perfect blend of historical intrigue, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming romance, look no further than 100 Days My Prince. Also known as Dear Husband of 100 Days, this 2018 South Korean television series became a massive sensation, ranking as one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.
Airing on the tvN network, the series captures the hearts of viewers with its unique premise: a high-ranking Crown Prince loses his memory and must navigate life as a commoner, eventually finding himself "betrothed" to a woman he has never met. This blend of historical drama and romantic comedy offers something for every fan of the genre.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Genre: Historical, Romantic Comedy
- Original Network: tvN
- Original Air Dates: September 10 – October 30, 2018
- Lead Actors: Doh Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-hyun
- Total Episodes: 16 main episodes + 2 special episodes
- Historical Setting: Joseon-era inspired storytelling
The Story: A Prince in Disguise
The plot follows Hong-shim, a single woman living in a village where a royal marriage decree has created a massive imbalance between the number of single men and women. As the oldest single woman in her village, Hong-shim faces immense pressure; she even receives an offer to become the fifth wife of a lecherous nobleman. To avoid this, she claims she is already betrothed to a man named Won-deuk, who is currently serving in the military.
However, when the marriage decree deadline passes and Hong-shim remains unmarried, she faces the threat of 100 floggings. In a desperate attempt to save her, her father takes advantage of a man named Yul, who is suffering from amnesia. Yul is told that he is actually Won-deuk, the man Hong-shim claimed to be engaged to—a man she has actually never met.
A Tale of Memory and Identity
As Yul navigates his new life as the "clumsy" Won-deuk, the audience is treated to a complex web of political schemes and budding romance. The tension rises as the characters struggle to reconcile their true identities with the roles they are forced to play in Songjoo village.
Cast and Characters
The success of 100 Days My Prince is driven by its stellar ensemble cast, featuring talented actors who bring depth to both the comedic and dramatic moments.
Main Cast
- Doh Kyung-soo as Lee Yul / Na Won-deuk: The Crown Prince who loses his memory and must live as a commoner.
- Nam Ji-hyun as Yoon Yi-seo / Yeon Hong-shim: A resilient woman caught in the middle of royal decrees and village life.
- Kim Seon-ho as Jung Jae-yoon: A smart and wise advisor with prosopagnosia (face blindness). Interestingly, he is one of the few people who can recognize Lee Yul, but the only face he can truly recognize is Hong-shim's.
- Han So-hee as Kim So-hye: A key figure in the palace intrigue.
- Jo Sung-ha as Kim Cha-eon: A powerful presence within the political landscape.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Supporting Cast
The series features a rich supporting cast that populates both the royal palace and the local village, including:
- Jo Han-chul as the King
- Kim Jae-young as Moo-yeon / Yoon Seok-ha
- Jung Jae-yoon as the village magistrate and advisor
- Various villagers including characters played by Lee Min-ji and Kim Ki-doo
Production and Musical Score
Produced by Studio Dragon and AStory, the series was directed by Lee Jong-jae and Nam Sung-woo. The production utilized a single-camera setup, with episodes running between 67 and 85 minutes.
The emotional resonance of the show is heightened by its extensive original soundtrack (OST). Featuring various artists, the music includes standout tracks like "Cherry Blossom Love Song" by Chen (EXO) and "Erase It" by POPKID, Safira.K, and Lee Ha-jin. The score covers a wide range of moods, from "Amnesia" to "Troublemaker Husband," perfectly mirroring the show's tonal shifts.
Series Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Written by | No Ji-sul |
| Original Language | Korean |
| Episodes | 16 + 2 Special |
| Running Time | 67–85 minutes per episode |
| Music Labels | Stone Music Entertainment |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main premise of 100 Days My Prince?
The story follows a Crown Prince who suffers from amnesia and is mistaken for a commoner named Won-deuk. He ends up in a fake engagement with a woman named Hong-shim to save her from legal punishment.
Who are the lead actors in the drama?
The series stars Doh Kyung-soo (also known as D.O. from EXO) and Nam Ji-hyun.
What does "prosopagnosia" mean in the context of the show?
In the series, the character Jung Jae-yoon suffers from prosopagnosia, commonly known as "face blindness," which is the inability to recognize faces. This becomes a significant plot point when he struggles to identify the Crown Prince.
How successful was the drama in terms of viewership?
The drama was highly successful, becoming one of the highest-rated cable dramas in South Korean history, with its final episode reaching a peak average audience share of 15.1% via TNmS.
Is there a special episode available?
Yes, in addition to the 16 main episodes, there are 2 special episodes included in the series release.