Watch Royal Family

Royal Family, which aired on MBC America in 2011, is an engrossing Korean drama series set against the backdrop of the corporate world's cutthroat maneuvers and intrigue. The storyline revolves around two main characters, Kim In-Suk and Han Ji-Hoon, their personal relationships, ambitions, and the struggle they undergo in the face of hardship and adversities.

Kim In-Suk, portrayed by the talented Yum Jung Ah, is an executive secretary at a law firm who gradually becomes embroiled in the complex world of a vast corporate conglomerate (chaebol). For twenty years, she faithfully serves JK Kim, the head of JK Group, assisting him in managing corporate affairs and shouldering responsibilities beyond her capacity. Clever, tactful, and intelligent, she maneuvers through the corporate minefield while keeping her pride, integrity, and moral compass intact.

The other central character in the series is Han Ji-Hoon, played by Ji Sung. Ji-Hoon, despite being JK Kim’s illegitimate son, is disowned and rejected by his father. He grows up in poverty and faces numerous challenges and hardships in his early life. However, the tough circumstances forge him into a resilient, self-made individual who carries a deep-seated resolve to make a name for himself and fracture the swanky glass ceiling above him.

The corporate universe painted by Royal Family is not far from the real world. Power tussles, ruthless ambition, backdoor politics, and family feuds all create an intricate labyrinth of high tension and irresistible drama that leaves the audience engaged and hooked. As the characters navigate through this complex world, they're faced with moral dilemmas, ethical questions, and several instances of personal crises, paving the way for intense drama and emotional upheavals.

Still, at the heart of Royal Family, beyond the corporate politics and backroom maneuvers, is its exploration of human relationships and emotions. The series delves deep into the personal lives of its characters, underlining their joys, sufferings, and existential dilemmas. Every episode is a dance of emotions between characters who share intricate and layered relationships with one another.

Kim In-Suk's loyalty and her climb on the corporate ladder despite being a woman in a predominantly male world underscore the theme of women empowerment. In contrast, Han Ji-Hoon's life story is a testament to grit, determination, and the struggle to convince society of one's worth. Their lives, challenges, and triumphs form the core of this drama.

Royal Family’s brilliance lies in its ability to weave an intricate mix of suspense, drama, love, betrayal, ambition, and power politics within the broader spectrum of family ties and corporate machinations. It's a tale that ensnares the audience, prompting them to question how far one could go for success, what the nature of loyalty and servitude is, and where one draws the line when the path to goal attainment becomes murky.

Captivating and genuinely dramatic, the 18-episode series of Royal Family is celebrated for its strong narrative and compelling performances by a competent cast. The excellent production quality combined with the well-structured script makes for an exciting and engaging viewing experience. Additionally, the complexity and depth of its characters lend an added layer of richness to the narrative. Blessed with a compelling story and notable performances, Royal Family is a riveting watch for anyone interested in dipping their feet into the captivating world of Korean dramas.

In its essence, Royal Family is a character-driven tale of ambition where corporate politics and family drama blend seamlessly, resulting in an engrossing series that grips the viewer from the first episode to the last. For fans of Korean dramas or those looking for a series that mingles power and politics with human emotion, Royal Family is a must-watch.