Like most dramas, I think this show starts out strong, but looses momentum as it continues. There's definitely some pacing issues towards the end and the second half becomes draggy and kinda boring. I just don't know if this show needed 20 episodes. Some conflicts take too long to be resolved, while others get a solution out of nowhere.

The story mainly focus on the characters and plot development, while the main couple takes a backseat role most of the time, specially as the drama goes on, but this becomes a problem since the plot starts to show some holes and inconsistencies. Certain choices and circumstances just don't make sense or go completely unexplained whatsoever. The last episode had an interesting tone, but I was disappointed with how everything turned out.

Despite the flaws, this drama has good elements and interesting moments. First I think the acting is pretty good overall and I really think the fl looks convincing as a man, unlike other historical dramas with a gender-bender trope. The main couple has chemistry, even if not explored to the fullest and some moments between them feel a bit underwhelming, but they're still cute together.

Although The King's Affection has a lot of tropes that have been done already, they stil work since they're well executed (mostly in the beginning). I specially liked to see how being forced to pretend to be a man influenced Dami's personality and that she was just as smart and strong as the other man around her.

All in all, this drama has potential but some parts are harder to stomach, mainly for being boring. I enjoyed watching most of the time, but it's definitely not a show that left a strong impression on me, I'd recommend you to give a try if you like lighter historical dramas and has some time to spare.