KBSโs The First Night With The Duke has broken its ratings curse, pulling in 3.3% viewership for its premiere episode. The drama stars Ok Taecyeon and Seohyun in a fantasy romance filled with humor, unexpected twists, and strong chemistry. Hereโs a detailed review of the first six episodes.
A Rocky Start With Strong Potential
The drama faced controversy before airing due to a filming incident involving damage to a historic site. Despite this, the premiere episode surprised viewers with its fast-paced storytelling and comedic tone. The story follows a college student, K, who gets transported into her favorite web novel as a minor character, Cha Sun-chaek.
Sun-chaekโs modern-day personality clashes with the historical setting, leading to hilarious moments. Her drunken antics at a high-society party, including a wild cocktail-making scene, set the tone for the series. The chemistry between Seohyun and Taecyeon shines, making their on-screen dynamic a major highlight.
“The script was so gripping that I felt it would be a big mistake not to do it. When I heard Taecyeon was the male lead, I knew I had to take it.” โ Seohyun
“As soon as I heard Seohyun was involved, I agreed before even reading the script. Weโve worked together before, and I trust her deeply.” โ Taecyeon
Comedy Carries the First Two Episodes
Episodes 1 and 2 thrive on chaotic humor, with Sun-chaek trying to navigate the novelโs world while avoiding the original plot. Her attempts to push the male lead, Duke Yi Beun, toward the novelโs heroine, Jo Eun-ae, backfire spectacularly. Instead, Yi Beun becomes obsessed with her after their accidental night together.
The cocktail scene, where Sun-chaek mixes soju and beer to distract from a confrontation, became an instant fan favorite. Online reactions praised Seohyunโs comedic timing and Taecyeonโs cold yet charming portrayal of the Duke.
“Insanely engaging,” “Seohyun and Taecyeon are a perfect match,” “Visuals exceeded expectations,” “One episode in, and Iโm already locked in for the whole season.” โ Fan reactions
The drama takes a darker turn in Episodes 3-4, introducing political schemes, a plague outbreak, and a mysterious mountain spirit. While the comedy fades, the emotional depth between Sun-chaek and Yi Beun grows. His devotion to her, including risking his life to find a rare healing herb, adds layers to their relationship.
However, some viewers felt the shift was too abrupt. The lighter tone of the first two episodes made the sudden seriousness feel uneven. Still, Taecyeonโs portrayal of Yi Beunโs tragic past and Seohyunโs expressive acting kept the story engaging.
“Without the comedy, the issues with weak writing and execution started to grow. The story became serious and not as motivating to watch.” โ Critical review
By Episodes 5-6, the drama introduces a love triangle with Jung Su-gyeom, adding tension to Sun-chaek and Yi Beunโs relationship. The villainess, Do Hwa-seon, escalates her schemes, even attempting to infect Sun-chaek with the plague.
The pacing remains fast, with new conflicts arising in each episode. Sun-chaekโs growing feelings for Yi Beun complicate her mission to restore the original plot. The drama balances humor and drama, though some viewers miss the pure comedy of the early episodes.
“Seohyun is having a blast leaning into the sillier aspects of her character, making the over-the-top moments more believable.” โ Review
The biggest strength of The First Night With The Duke is its lead actors. Seohyunโs energetic performance and Taecyeonโs brooding charm make their scenes compelling. The humor in the first two episodes was a standout, though the later episodes struggle to maintain consistency.
Some viewers criticize the writing for being weak in serious scenes. The transition from comedy to drama felt rushed, leaving some plotlines underdeveloped. However, the unique premise and strong chemistry keep the show entertaining.
The First Night With The Duke airs on KBS2 and streams internationally on Viki. New episodes release every Wednesday and Thursday. The series is set for 12 episodes, with six remaining after Episode 6.
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