"The long-awaited Lee Min-ho is back after 3 years!"

SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch' has revealed Lee Min-ho's 'first look' as he transforms into the majestic

'Emperor of the Great Korean Empire'.

Set to air in early April following 'Hyena',

SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch'

(Scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook / Directors Baek Sang-hoon, Jung Ji-hyun) is

a fantasy romance that depicts the collaboration between Lee Gon, the scientific Emperor of the Great Korean Empire who wants to close the door between dimensions, and Jung Tae-eul, the literary criminal detective of the Republic of Korea who wants to protect someone's life, people, and love, as they cross between two worlds.

The drama brings together Kim Eun-sook, the 'legend of romantic comedies' with Korea's best writing skills, and directors Baek Sang-hoon, recognized for his delicate directing in 'Who Are You: School 2015' and 'Descendants of the Sun', and Jung Ji-hyun, hailed as a genius of trendy directing through 'Search: WWW', to create the most ambitious project of 2020.

Most importantly, Lee Min-ho will take on the role of Emperor Lee Gon of the Great Korean Empire in 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch', attempting a different acting transformation than before and exuding overwhelming charisma.

In the drama, Lee Gon is the third emperor of the Great Korean Empire. He is a perfect monarch with a handsome appearance, dignified demeanor, and a calm personality, possessing both literary and martial skills. However, he is a scientific figure who prefers precise numbers to ambiguous stories, with a sharp and obsessive nature. Notably, Lee Min-ho chose 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch' as his comeback project after 3 years, reuniting with scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook since 'The Heirs', and is drawing attention for the explosive synergy they are expected to create.

In relation to this, intense stills have been captured of Lee Min-ho's first transformation as 'Emperor Lee Gon of the Great Korean Empire'.

Lee Min-ho, with his tall stature, broad shoulders, and 'incomparable' visuals, has released his dignified imperial presence.

In a dimly lit, mysterious royal setting, he wore his imperial uniform and exuded intense charisma with his profound gaze and majestic expression.

Lee Min-ho's unique expression, embodying the fatalistic yet gentle and sharp Emperor Lee Gon of the Great Korean Empire, is already raising anticipation.

Lee Min-ho said, "I am meeting you all with 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch' after a long hiatus."

He conveyed his excitement about returning with 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch', which will soon approach you with a good performance, as much as you have waited for a long time.

He continued, "It is even more meaningful to be able to work with the writer again with a more mature appearance, and I will strive to make it an even better work as it is my second project together.

Please look forward to the unique love story that our drama will depict," expressing his special anticipation and ambition for reuniting with scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook.

Hwa and Dam Pictures stated, "Lee Min-ho is breathing life into the character of Lee Gon, as imagined by scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook.

We believe he is the perfect casting." They added, "We have no doubt that this will be a life-defining character that opens the second act of Lee Min-ho's acting career.

We ask for your great interest in 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch', where Emperor Lee Gon's performance will shine brilliantly."

Meanwhile, SBS's 'THE KING: The Eternal Monarch' will air at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays in April, following 'Hyena'.

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.