History and the historical genre are things usually treated with a straight face in Korean cinema and television. There are times, however, when a historical setting is merely used as a background to stories in genres for other types of audiences. Much like films 'Detective K' and 'The Grand Heist', 'I am a King' is set during the Joseon dynasty and uses parts of history to essentially tell a comedic 'The Prince and the Pauper' story.
Prince Chung-nyeong (Joo Ji-hoon) is a spoiled man without any interest in becoming the people's king. When he is chosen for the part by his father, he attempts to escape his quarters and falls on slave Deok-cheol as he jumps the outer wall. Deok-cheol, whose appearance and voice are identical to the Prince's, finds himself in the palace, as the Prince's personal guards struggle to come up with a plan on how to find the Prince and in the meantime use Deok-cheol as a stand-in.
Full Article: [HanCinema's Film Review] "I Am a King".
