The King: Birds, Bees, and Horses

@nrllee shared this instagram clip of Lee Gon and his horse Maximus. Thanks, @nrllee.

It reminded of that old Carpenters song, “Close to You.” I’m posting the YT music so you can listen to it while staring at this clip.

By the way, @Phoenix, @agdr03 and the Shallow Island residents, are you still taking guesses on Lee Gon’s shampoo? My guess is “Moondust and Butterscotch” with a hint of cinnamon for aphrodisiac (lol).

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Here’s the Carpenters’ classic.

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Why do birds horses suddenly appear?
Every time you are near
Just like me
They long to be close to you.

Why do stars fall down from the sky?
Every time you walk by
Just like me
They long to be close to you.

On the day that you were born
The angels got together and decided
To create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moondust in your hair
Of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue.

That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me
They long to be close to you.

Just like me
They long to be close to you.

132 Comments On “The King: Birds, Bees, and Horses”

  1. Do you ever sleep?

    Thank you; so funny. 🍪🍪🍪

  2. Now I’ll think of Maximus when I hear this song. 😂

  3. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Cute horse. Must have gotten bored, waiting for the scene to progress, or thought it was filming “The Horse and his Boy” and got jealous? 🤣 The horse handler sort of panicked. 😂

    Hmm… birds and horses, we understand. Bees? As in the Birds and the Bees? LOL

  4. Yes to the “birds and the bees.”

    I like how LMH was chill. He just turned around. I guess he should be used to people (and animals) sneaking up on him.

    I’m answering the “benevolent…indebted” question soon. I was just waiting for wenchanteur’s answer.

  5. 😂. I had to do a double take when this footage of KJU appeared on my screen during news time…Imma like what? Maximus is a North Korean spy? HyunBin…CloY… it all fits!! 😂

    https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/15242/production/_109249568_hi057324948.jpg

  6. @nrllee, blimey! I don’t know whether to laugh or cry about that pic.

  7. @packmule3 Hehe..this is favorite post after the Live O2O’s hickey one🤣🤣🤣
    I think Maximus would love a shampoo with apple, peppermint and a hint of cinnamon (horses love apples).

    @nrllee That pic is so funny🤣🤣😜😜Maximus a North Korean spy..lol

  8. *Love O2O😛

  9. The unforgettable hickey by Lord Xiao Nai. 😍

  10. lol. Wasn’t that “hickey” post written just for @ phoenix because she didn’t know what it was?? 🙂

    I still get lurkers searching for that post. Maybe I should delete it or archive it or something.

  11. greetings to my favorite Packmule3 *bow*

    I should come sooner but better late than never, right?
    I already read this blog when MoA aired and I adore every single pieces of your theories and opinions about it.

    oh, I find the links to your blog from soompi’s forum, in case you want to know 🙂

    time flies and I dont read anything since then, till today somehow I find the way again to your blog inadvertently, then read all your writings about The King.

    and ja ja ja everything’s not change! again, I think I adore your writings very much or simply, I adore you LOL I can’t find words to describe my admiration for the whole explanation which you write so beautifully and geniously. it’s beyond my ability to embrace something like you did :”) bless your brain!

    so far, my favorite scene is in ep 4 when JY searching for LG because OLC thinks he sneaks out again and suddenly the time stopped, and then LG chants Euler’s number so fast then even counts the seconds with the exact same number. my question is what’s the relation between Euler’s number and the time that stopped? i know nothing LOL but the way he chants that number is swoon me enough o<-<

    I'll admit that I'm KES supporter. I hope KES will spare me this time, I hope this drama will have a better ending than Mr. Sunshine.
    amen.

    last, I think I can't wait for your -The King- thoughts patiently for now. because it gives me sparks to love and cherish this drama more than I did.

    thank you once again.

  12. Hi there, yellow_grass. What’s your ID on soompi? (And don’t answer me in a LG way okay, “I don’t have an because I am who I am.”)
    If you like that scene about the Euler’s number, I explained in my next post, “Math for Bitches.” lol.

    Gotta run. Welcome to the blog. Keep posting comments, theories and analysis. Everybody here is great at those things.

  13. Yes, it was a new word for @Phoenix. ☺️Don’t delete it please, archive instead? Will that make it easier for you incase there’s a lot of search on it?

    I hope everything’s ok, what with you going to the hospital. Take care.

  14. @packmule3 let me laugh first hahahahaha I will not answer you like LG, but sadly I’m only a silent reader 😆 don’t have much time to catch up everything, so I just pop out here and there

    I post my question a second ago and get the answer this fast? I can’t… uh ❤

    what a good way to take me sleep, read your writings, will enjoy it a lot. thanks 🙂

  15. @packmule3 @agdr03 You still remember that I didn’t know about hickeys?🙈🙈🙈🙈 True..that was a hugely educational post for ignorant me while everyone was busy exchanging notes, I was clueless 🤣🤣🤣
    Lol..@packmule3 Really? Lurkers searching for it still!!!😛😛
    Don’t delete it please. It’s my favorite Xiao Nai post😍😍

  16. Okay. I won’t delete it. 🙂

  17. Yey! Thank you! 💐

  18. @packmule3 Thank you😊😊😊

  19. Awww if @Phoenix puts up a fan club for Maximus, I’ll join her 🥰😂

    HoMax is good, better than MaxHo 😂

  20. Hello, @agdr03. I’ll join too. If anything bad happens to that horse, I will have issues. 😂🐴

  21. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    @agdr03 @Fern @Phoenix

    Looks like a Maximus fan club is forming here!

    Couple Names
    HoMax
    MaxHo
    MinMax
    MaxMin the maximum and the minimum LOL. Don’t think LMH might like to be the minimum. 😁

  22. Yey! Another member. 😍

    Oh me too @Fern! Maximus better stay as handsome as he is until the end of the series or they will hear from us. 🤣

  23. Thanks for the couple name suggestions @GB 😘

    Let’s wait for the president, @Phoenix 😉

  24. I vote for MaxMin. We know who the real star is in the show. Let’s face it. This is his breakout role. Sponsors will be lining up to sign him up. LMH’s shampoo was endorsed by Maximus (has his stamp of approval). It will be flying off the shelves. As will Maximus Carrot Sticks – the ultimate low calorie snack for Lockdown.

  25. Oooh I love that clip😍😍😘😘 Thanks, @Fern😊 Maximus is just too cute..how he ignores LMH on his back and just eats leaves…priceless! What an attitude! He is the Kimg of Horses😍😍🤩🤩

    @GB Thanks for the couple names!😁
    Yes, by all means let’s call this pair MaxMin and I’ll personally swim to SK to murder the writer if anything happens to my Max😡😡

    Team MaxMin: Members – 5
    @Fern, @GB, @agdr03, @nrllee & yours truly🙌

    @packmule3 We have one more fan club here after the XN one👏👏👏

  26. @nrllee haha breakout role and sponsors lining up to sign him up🤣🤣🤣 I want some Maximus Carrot Sticks too😁😁

  27. Hail MaxMin Fan Club! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 🎉🎉🎉

    Proud to be a member of this one and the XN Fan Club! 🥰

  28. There’s another name option: MinHoMax, which side-ways includes the mini-horse (or pony I’m not sure which it was, I refer to it as Minimus).

  29. Hear! Hear! **trumpets blowing** Make way for the King!!!👑👑

  30. Haha Minimus🤣🤣🤣
    You all are so funny!
    But I prefer the tall and regal Max better😍😍😍

    I think the fangirls will kill us if they knew we named the pair MaxMin and not MinMax🤣🤣 We got our priorities right though🙌🙌

  31. lol. You folks are always having fun. I’m jealous now.

    What did you end up calling the Horse+Lee MinHo couple?

  32. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Yes, definitely it should MaxMin. The taller, more regal and dare I say more handsome Max, takes top billing! 😆

  33. I’m posting my response to you on the blog, GB. 🙂 I’m still gathering everything. Thanks.

  34. @packmule3 That couple is called MaxMin because as per @nrllee, we know who the real star in the show is😜😜

    We even have a MaxMin Fan Club now with 4 members..yaaay!🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊

  35. Maximus / Lee Min Ho = MaxMin Couple!

    We’re going horse first then LMH. 🥰

  36. Sorry 5 members🙌 left myself out🙈🙈

    Anyone who wants to join us has to bring Max’s favorite carrots😛😛

  37. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Sure thing @pkml3. I know you’ll do it thoroughly!!! 🤓

    There were several wild speculations I’ve made all over the place, actually. If you happen upon them, please do comment on the probability or improbability of those guesses. I’ve enjoyed letting my imagination run wild, while hoping I’ve kept within the bounds of the logic of these universes. 🤪

  38. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    @Phoenix @Fern @Agdr @nrllee

    I’ve got carrots 🥕 🥕 🥕 🥕 and apples 🍎 🍎 🍎 and leafy veggies 🥬 🥬 🥬. He might like leaves since he nibbled those on the ground.

    Do you think Max might be tired of water and may like a little beer 🍺 🍺 🍺 ?

  39. Oh yes, Maximus can have a little beer. He can have those especially if he’s had a tiring day. 😁

  40. Beer? Yes. Horses enjoy that blend of grains and hops.

  41. @GB wow Max would love all the carrots, apples amd leafy vegetables! I brought some polo mints (who was it here who taught me horses live those?🤔🤔)
    Haha..I had visions of a drunk Max the3owing off LMH and running away through the forest🤣🤣🤣

  42. *throwing 🤣🤣
    Runaway Max!!

  43. Poor LMH! 😂

  44. @Phoenix, I told about Polo mints, but I suspect that LMH’s lemon sweets would be nice for Maximus as well. I think they must be similar to lemon drops. I shall have to try it when I’m next with horses. 🍬🍋

  45. @Fern, I really liked that info about horses☺️ I love horses and did not know one could feed them polos! LMH feeds Max lemon candies, like you said. As Max seems to love them, he must have a sweet tooth. Cute😍😍

  46. Ep. 6: We’ve been assuming Maximus is a male, but in the KoC it’s Lady Maximus? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. How could we have been so far off. (Mind you, I haven’t seen the undercarriage.)

  47. 🤣🤦‍♀️🤣🤣

    I had a feeling it was female bec it couldn’t resist Lee MinHo. 😂 That’s why the Carpenters’ music.

  48. Maximus should have been Maxine or Maximina. 😂

  49. 😂 Gender reversal…parallel world…what next? Maybe Maximus is male in ROK and female in KOC? He/She doesn’t have a doppelgänger in the parallel universe? So he/she has to be both? I haven’t watched yet.

  50. Sorry, it was Ep. 5. No ep 6 yet here. But the RoK cafe owner Na-ri wrote on her sign, ‘She’s gone’ or something like that.

  51. @Fern I was gonna blame too many adult beverages at the Bitter Regrets Bar for my oversight. But then again Maximus is…err…such a manly gladiatorial name? That probably threw me off. 😂

  52. I’ll have to re-watch. I would have sworn that LG referred to him as he. ‘Maximus is…err…such a manly gladiatorial name?’ Yes, quite, @nrllee.

  53. @nrllee, Maximus did not look like a female in front of the police station, ep. 2, so maybe it’s just one of those drama things like the pony growing up to be a horse.

  54. Oh dear. Maximus is really a Maxene? 😱😂 I haven’t seen episode 5 but you know what? I’m ok with admiring Maxene. She is still a sight to behold. ☺️

  55. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    LOL. I was trying to reply to the other post and got caught up reading this one. Oh wow, a magnificient she and not a he? I’d really like to know for sure, although it wouldn’t change how much I ‘lurve’ Max (I’ll shorten to Max for now!)

  56. Excuse me. It’s “LADY Maximus.” lol.

  57. Oops! Sorry, Lady Maximus! 🙇🏻‍♀️ May she endure forever too.

  58. What??!!😮😮
    Our Max is really Maxie?

    @Fern :I really have to agree that the manly gladiatorial name threw me off too🤔🤔🤔

    @nrllee: I can go with the gender reversal in parallel universes too! Maybe that’s a possibility😂
    Need to see ep.5 asap.

    I echo @GB My lurve stays unshaken too😍 A thing of beauty is a joy forever (yes, @agdr03 may she endure forever too😛)

    @packmule3 “I had a feeling it was female because it couldn’t resist Lee Min Ho.”
    Lol..your Carpenters music now makes total sense😂

    Off topic but I have to say Lee Gon/Lee Min Ho in his elegant kingly persona is kind of growing on me. I found myself rewatching scenes yesterday just to see the expression in his eyes🙈🙈..and I walked over to Shallow Island and am sitting at Eye Candy Bay now😍😍

  59. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Ooh @Phoenix, I’ll see you there. I hope the Eye Candy Bay has a Smouldering Smirk Bar or something, I suddenly got thirsty for Min-grin Magaritas. 🍸 🍸 Liked that he smiled more in Ep 5 and the good humour showed in his luminous eyes and on his clear brow!

  60. Hola, there, @GB! Come on over to the poolside bar beside Liquid Lust Lake☺️ I’m there and I love the name you gave to the Margaritas – I want those Min-grin Margaritas too😛
    His eyes are kind of smouldering, aren’t they? And his smirk too is kind of cutely elegant..I’m liking this king more and more (may this liking endure forever🙏🙏)

  61. “I’m liking this king more and more (may this liking endure forever🙏🙏)”

    I feel I’ll be joining you ladies too later. I haven’t seen the episode but I’m getting encouraged by your Shallow kind hearts. 🥰😂

  62. Aha! You traitor! I thought you were a Cynical Islander!

    Yes, I know what you mean about LMH’s smile. Especially when he teased Old Court Lady Noh then looked back at TaeEul with a grin. When I saw that, I thought to myself, “Ahhh. Now I get why he’s a heartthrob.”

    I have to help out the Shallow Islanders….I’ll think of a post for them. 🙂

  63. Yaay @packmule3 Pretty please🙏🙏🙏 Maybe some of those on the Eternal Monarch bridge will come over to us then☺️☺️
    Maybe some of them will realize they are not as immune to his smile and eyes and they are pretending to be..lol

  64. “Smitten With a Grin.”

    Okay. If you tell me the 3 moments you ladies found him the most attractive, I’ll write something up. 🙂

  65. *as they are pretending to be😛

    @ agdr03 Please come on over when you can☺️☺️ I think I may have had too many glasses of that @GB recommended Min-grin Margaritas 🍸🍸

  66. Wait, you have to help me out here. Just give me three times that you found Lee Gon swoon-worthy. You can have more if you want.

  67. Okay, now I’ll rewatch to take down notes 🧐🧐🧐
    I was looking for an excuse anyway🙃

    @agdr03 @GB and others who are in the just-realizing-how-heartthrobby-he-is phase, please post too😊😊

    **goes off to do some meaningful research**

  68. Look in Ep 5 too.

    There were more swoonworthy scenes there.

  69. @packmule3 Thank you! Yes, just about to start ep 5. Haven’t watched it yet. Will watch twice diligently purely for research purposes🧐🧐

    I’ll be back😊

  70. Ok! 👍 Take your time.

  71. @agdr03, I think that pm3 is sinking.”“Ahhh. Now I get why he’s a heartthrob.” 😍 Haha. It was a funny scene.

    #swoonworthy (and on topic): he took care of his horse before anything else.

  72. I’ll borrow Maximus, errr Lady Maximus once I’ve finished with the episode, @Phoenix and @Fern so I can join you straight away. ☺️ About to watch it now with every bone in my body excited! 🤣

    Min-grin Margarita and LMH, I’m coming for you! 🤗

  73. @Ferm, I need to give @pm3 the swoon worthy looks of LMH so we can sink her fast. 😂 But I think you’re right, she’s halfway there? 🤔

  74. I need receipts or proofs that Lee Gon is swoonworthy BECAUSE of Lee Min Ho.

    Go ahead. Give me the episode and time, so I’ll make something up for you ladies to post on the blog. 🙂

  75. Will do! Yes Mam! 🙇🏻‍♀️🤗

  76. 🍪🍪🍪🍪
    I’ll give you cookies. Thanks. 😂

    But I’m going back to sleep now.

  77. Thanks for the cookies. I’ll share them with my fellow swoon worthy task force comrades. 😁

    Sleep! Sleep!

  78. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    @pkml3, What? Just 3 moments? LOL. Well, it’s still more the King LG that I like than just LMH, but ok, the smile, the look and the walk are LMH so …

    Episode 5 Timestamps
    11:45 When he said he’d ditch OCL and get back to TE he blinked with a smile.

    12:20 When he laughed with incredulity that she finally believes he is the King.

    22:50 When he admitted that he’d imagined bringing TE to his kingdom many times – he said it with a wag of his head. (Smitten with a head wag!)

    23:25 When he handed his mobile phone to her without hesitation (Smitten by his trust)

    25:40 This one pkml3 mentioned, OCL was giving him the evil eye as he asked which side TE’s room was. He looked back at TE with a smile.

    29:13 He had sneaked into her room and was looking so pleased with himself.

    29:30 When he handed her the beer he’d stashed in his pocket.

    32:40 He had sneaked into her room and bluffed her about the CCTVs, then when she got up to check, he pulled her down and stared at her unwaveringly: “You believe everything I say now. That was a lie.” LOL

    39:00 at the Math Lecture when he walked around telling jokes and then leaned on the podium looking very debonair. (Smitten with the walk)
    Then he asked the bodyguards if he was cool or not (LOL) and turned and winked at her with a smile.

    42.30 In the helicopter when he laughs to see what searches she made on his mobile phone. Very good humoured look.

    1:07:30 When he walked out of the building to TE. (Smitten by another walk).

  79. Here’s my 3 swoons from episode 5.

    – That whisper to OCL from 26:29 asking where exactly is TE’s room is my number 1 receipt. 😍 Look at his closed lips right there after looking back at TE at 26:35! Swoon!

    – My second is at 21:44, the King in his royal robe has a food trolley and beer for TE. That’s service for you! He can give me Min-grin Margarita anytime. 😂

    – Entering the basketball stadium from 39:03. I’m being too shallow here but I thought he looked very relaxed here. ☺️

    But let’s look at LMH’s smile to dimple again from 25:11 and again at 26:09. 😍

  80. I knew it!!!! I knew you went over to the dark side, GB.

    I read your post on LG’s character and I thought to myself…….hmmmm. Is @ growing_beautifully falling for LG’s character already?

    So soon?

    I was writing you a long response to that comment but you disrupted my train of thought with that whole bamboo/tree question. lol.

    Okay. Will wait for Phoenix’s and @agdr’s input. And probably @fern’s too.

    Then, I’ll think of something.

  81. hahahaha. Did you finish it already?
    I stopped halfway and got distracted with HP matters.

    I did see the food trolley. Hello?? I think I’ve been staying at the wrong hotels. How come everytime I order room service, a female (or an ugly male) attendant brings the trolley in?? Where’s a Lee MinHo lookalike? lol.

    Will continue watching tonight.

  82. Oh wow! Hear! Hear! I should have just waited on your reply @GB 😍

    I liked the episode today because it just concentrated more on LG and TE. I mean it’s expected because she came to his world. I didn’t mind the kiss because their adults and TE probably couldn’t stop him because she was overwhelmed by the new world. She was seating on the floor trying to take everything in so maybe, just maybe, she’s starting to like him even just a little bit?

    OCL is not too shocked by TE’s arrival so yeah she’s in the knows of everything. But she said something about not existing in their world can bring harm to the King? Something like that.

    What’s with that area where LG took TE and said it could be part of a legend? Does uncle know that place too? There’s a resemblance to the opening credit with LG/TE in the middle and sky/clouds are above them.

    Yeah Yeong is weary of TE but that’s expected because TE doesn’t exist in their world.

    I just love OCL and LG especially when she’s upset with him. 😁 We definitely saw a king who tries to empress the girl that he likes by cooking, giving her access to his personal mobile, giving her cheap(cost him lots) key ring, sneaking a beer in her room, giving her clothes and giving her free time so she can discover his world more.

    I’m not fussed about wether or not LMH or KGE have chemistry together but I want to see how far LG and TE’s love line will be. I’ll just enjoy that. 😊

  83. Oh my goodness! You need to make sure a LMH look alike can deliver your room service next time. 😂

    Yeah I’ve finished it but I don’t mind watching this episode again because I found it easy and funny to watch. I know it’s nothing overly funny but i liked it. 😁

  84. Wait! TaeEul does not exist in Corea. But Luna does.

    Don’t forget that.

    Luna will have the same fingerprints as TaeEul…. lol.

  85. Yes, I think that Jo Yeong is on the trail of that, especially after hearing Tae-Eul described as Luna at the station.

    I am enjoying LMH’s efforts to make LG more approachable and humorous. As to TRULY swoonworthy, just a few for me, really. The look he threw to Tae Eul after asking OCL which direction the room was.

    I wasn’t sure how the LG would react when he arrived in Seoul. There was little expression in his face initially. I thought he might even be angry that she went so far away and potentially put herself in a bad situation. LMH did well expressing the change in expression on his face when Tae Eul said Ahn Bong-Hui was her mother who must have died young.

    I’m liking the interactions between Jo Yeong and Myeong Seung-a, but that’s for another thread.

  86. I think I overdid the research and had too many Margaritas in the process😖😖🤤🤤
    Ep.6 has swoonworthy moments too. Off to sleep but I’ll post my carefully researched moments in the morning.

  87. 😂 I am still stuck on Cynical Island. Although end of Ep4 horse ride through the portal did send me crossing the bridge over yonder Shallow Island for a bit. Ep5 sent me back to Cynical Island 🌴. The biggest shock was of course Lady Maximus, which made me wonder if the writer has problems with Names in English. But yes Mr LMH does have this aura about him and makes him look like he’s perpetually walking out of a Vogue magazine cover. Blue steel pout perfect.

  88. Good afternoon! 😊 Yes! Thanks for the reminder, Tae-Eul will have Luna’s fingerprints in KOC.

  89. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Heh @pkml3
    Once a character starts being comfortable in his own skin, becomes happier and relaxed, that’s half the battle won for me! I enjoyed seeing LG as the regal, careful/responsible, sedate King, being mindful of his behaviour (except when he disappears), who accepted his lot calmly, with maturity. I liked that his character was consistent and that he was not a complete wastrel, when he has trillions to waste.

    Now to see him like a delirious kid, happy to bring home a new friend. Excited to show her around his place and to have the chance to prove that he has been truthful all along, is heady stuff.

    I guess I always have a soft spot for young folks who suffered as kids, but grew up OK. Who kept working towards the good, but who were never actually completely fine (or suffered trauma in silence), although they never complain. To see them happy ‘at last’, is healing and rewarding.

    Plus his expression of joy!! His open laughter which we never heard til Ep 5! (His Yeongi and bodyguards were shocked to hear it.) His frequent smiley eyes and cheeky grins. His wanting to look good in front of the girl. His teasing (I love that he keeps his face deadpan straight each time and confuses her) and their banter. All so natural, and thus, so sweet!

    I actually think the kiss was appropriate in that it was something like a dare from TE and a response to the dare from LG. It was an experiment between 2 people who look like they’ve never seriously dated, and they remained staring at each other in scientific observation mode LOL. Plus in non-pluss-ed,’what now, are we supposed to be dating?’ mode, after the kiss.

  90. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    @agdr3 LOL, I went overboard. I kept myself from adding another couple more moments. I do also like that basketball walk and the food trolley scene. A man who cooks ‘well’ for the girl has +10 in my book!

    I particularly like the trolley scene as played off against the aghast reactions of Myung Seung Ah and Jo Yeong. I was grinning like an idiot throughout and hooted when LG asked Yeong very seriously where the alcohol freezer was.

    Yup, I’m having fun here and concocted a new drink, Manly Slomo Stride Mojito 🍹 🍹 🍹 🍹 🍹 Enjoy!

  91. What about Ep 6? Do you have anything else to add? I think Phoenix is getting some from Ep 6, too.

    Go ahead and add more, if you want. 😍😍

  92. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Yup, will try to squeeze in an Ep 6 watch before Online Holy Mass. There’s 24/7 perpetual Adoration going on too. Isn’t it cute that we can mix that with ‘inane’ comments about LMH and the show? LOL.

  93. I told @ agdr03 that we could “attend” the same mass online.

    But on second thoughts, I thought that was too weird for me. 🙂

  94. Oh I couldn’t agree more @GB, with a man who can cook and LG’s never done it for years so for him to cook for TE is special alright. I’m glad she enjoyed it too 🥰

    The full flare of a food trolley and him in a robe was certainly eye catching. 😍😂

    Oh another new drink, Manly Slomo Stride Mojito. Thanks! 🤩

  95. I’m about to start on episode 6. I’ll add more and put it here. ☺️

  96. It wasn’t too weird because the main point was the mass. ☺️

    We just finished our online mass too. I’m definitely missing having the Holy Eucharist, that’s for sure. 😔

  97. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    That would be kind of late on a Saturday for you, I’d think. My Holy Mass starts in 1 hour 15 minutes time. I’m also ‘attending’ a Pentecost Pilgrimage organised by the Archdiocese of Sydney. They asked that we help to promote it. It’s on from now until Pentecost. In case you haven’t heard of it …

    Let others know…let the Holy Spirit do the inviting!

    Use this link https://pentecostpilgrim.kartra.com/portal/srkBEfDg0WoQ)

  98. I opened that link @GB but you need to log in first?

  99. I’ve got it @GB, thanks. I do need to register. ☺️

  100. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    @Agdr03, I too at first thought that he meant that he’d not cooked for 25 years,… but I think he meant that he’d not called in his officials as a King can call: “You out there!” And the officials come running in to attend to him. He’d not done that since he was a kid. But he threatened to do so because TE kept insulting him.

    Love how he jumps everytime OCL lady suddenly bursts in or is just there. LOL. She barged right into his study without a knock. I believe that when he was a kid, she was really the one outside the door waiting to see if he called out, and she was the one who would come to comfort him. Now, however, she comes to give him the stink eye LOL.

  101. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Yes, @agdr03, missing the Holy Eucharist is one thing. But also getting too comfortable just being at home is another.

    There is a Guadalupe Perpetual Adoration on as well. I love reading the prayers of our worldwide community who leave their petitions online.

  102. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Pentecost Pilgrimage: Yup… only needs your name and email and you’re on. New videos every Sunday (stays on for a week) and again on Wed (also stays for a week).

    Music to listen to, etc.

    There’s so much that’s being offered now. I’m kind of bemused. Got a Catechist Retreat, a Family Conference, on-going stuff. I have to give up on some of them!! More busy than when we could move around freely!!!

  103. I must have read it wrong with his comment on his cooking. 😁 I should watch it again.
    But yes, I love the interactions with LG and OCL, they make me laugh. 😁 Besides her and Yeong, he really doesn’t have anyone. I totally can feel her 🙄 whenever LG dotes on TE. 😂

  104. You’re so busy @GB, but it’s good busy. ☺️

    Thanks for the Guadalupe Perpetual Adoration too. I’ll check them both. 😘

  105. Okay…how do I condense my emotions into such a short space? I’m wondering. Long post alert now:

    I absolutely adored the sedate and serious king discovering he is in love for the first time and trying out new things to please his lady love. If I was TE, I’d have fallen long ago, however much I might have pretended otherwise, simply because he is so earnest. He is so ready to offer her support and his entire world – there’s something touching about it, especially because it comes across how lonely he has been as a child who lost his parents but had no true childhood or time to grieve as he had these huge responsibilities thrust on him. I didn’t see him laugh even as a child – he was just too serious. How he is changing gradually now for his love is just touching.

    Is my adoration for LMH or LG? I think it’s more LG as a character but LMH has made it his by his portrayal. I actually think his acting is far, far better in this than Legend of the Blue Sea, as this is a role unlike he has ever essayed before – the gravitas and the responsible monarch regal demeanor he needs to portray. So when I give instances of why I’m smitten, I may not always be able to distinguish between LG the king and LMH the actor, and that I think is a testament that LMH in the latter episodes has actually got into the skin of the king’s character. I love how caring he is towards TE and how attentive he is to all her wants, whether expressed or unexpressed. He is breaking so many of his habits for her that it is swoonworthy. Any man who makes that kind of an uncharacteristic effort towards making his lady love feel happy is a keeper in my books.

    My top favorites (from Episodes 5 and 6):

    1. Beginning of ep. 5 – The first time that LG brings TE on horseback into his dimension – the way he holds onto her carefully and understands she is shocked – there’s something very caring and protective about that, especially when he tells his guards to step back because she is shocked. Then he looks deeply into her eyes (swoon) and when she says that she will soon be beheaded now, he laughs and there’s something very indulgent about his laughter – like he is allowing her liberties he allows no one else because she is special.

    2. Ep. 5 – The scene in TE’s room at the palace – The sequence when he lays his head on her shoulders is just so touching. I liked how they are already being each other’s support. I feel somehow that gesture shows how much LG trusts her and shows her his vulnerability – to others he never bends and is ramrod straight and composed, but he needs to rest his head too on someone’s shoulders as his shoulders carry the weight of so many responsibilities. He can trust extremely few people in his life, given the circumstances, and this was so apparent when he was forced to suspect the old prince who did the autopsy (he looked so hurt that someone who he trusted actually kept secrets from him and kept asking if the prince has called to confess because he wanted to restore his trust).
    Back to the scene – I liked how he came back to TE because he knew she would be uncomfortable in a new place in an alien world that she is still coming to terms with. He sits on the ground for her the first time in her life (did anyone else notice the slight hesitation before he did that) and even finds he likes it. That is so cute!
    Then when TE dares him to say if this is when he is dating, the way he slowly moves in for the kiss – it wasn’t forced at all to me, more of a declaration from his side and giving a choice for her to explore her feelings – because he gave her ample time to retreat which she didn’t and there was no surprise in her eyes, though she may not have responded back (I feel at this point she is still thinking about what she is feeling and it is still very new to her but she is more than half-way on that route already unknowingly).
    Then after the kiss, he asks her did he prove he had dated before or that they are dating now, with a smirk (swoon). If you watch ep. 6, you will know there is an extra scene here which is shown in ep. 6 where immediately after the kiss, TE asks LG to remove his clothes (RAWR) and he looks shocked that she is moving too fast…lol. She, of course, only wanted to see his scar.

    3. Ep. 5 – The way he drops everything and turns around his helicopter to bring her back on hearing she is distressed. He lands in Seoul knowing it will cause a diplomatic situation (as the Prime Minister will come to know). For a man who always is careful to follow protocol, he doesn’t spare a thought for it when it comes to making TE comfortable – he puts her first. Then when he walks out of the glass doors all in rescuing knight mode (swoon).

    4. Ep.6 – When TE confidently fields the probing questions from that highly irritating Prime Minister, how LG looks admiringly at her that she is capable of saving herself. Then when she says she is a liberal arts student, the way he laughs (swoon) because that is something he teases her about all the time, contrasting with the fact that he is a maths expert. .

    5. Ep.6 – The scene in the helicopter where LG (who actually doesn’t like people touching him) asks for TE’s hand because he knows she wants to ask him something and is hesitant in front of his guard and assistant. The way they interact by writing messages on each other’s hands is just so adorable (while the two sitting in front of them wear shocked expressions at seeing their king behave this way…haha).

    6. Ep. 6. – The scene in the kitchen where he makes so much of effort to cook for her and when he understands she was lost and confused in the alien city today (and he had gone through the same in her world), he asks her to come over and touches his forehead to hers to comfort her (double swoon), saying he can’t hug her as he can’t use his hands. This is just such a caring gesture. Even TE is affected and says it doesn’t look like this is his first time (dating)…he is so smooth. He also says he won’t let her go now (the way he says that…with steady conviction..his eyes…swoon)

    7. Ep. 6 ending – That final scene – I think this is where it finally hits TE that she loves the King too. All this while, it was him who took all the initiative while she was on the fence about her feelings for him. But he is just so steadfast in his affection and coming back for her again and again that it finally dawns on her that she misses him when he is not around – and she slowly discovers that what she must be feeling is love. The way she runs to him and he embraces her in his arms and holds her protectively, realizing now that he has put her in danger as evil uncle is alive and anyone close to LG is now no longer safe. I watched that ending scene on a rewind.

    In contrast to all those who feel no spark in the relationship, I think the growth of their relationship has been shown perfectly – a gradual progression from more interest on his part (because of him associating her with his savior from childhood), to him going out of his way to make her feel comfortable and cared for, to them giving each other support even while bantering, to her finally reciprocating. I’m fully on board this ship now 🙂

  106. @packmule3 While my earlier post is about LG, it’s also about how LMH shows caring through his eyes every time he looks at KGE, how he sparkles when he laughs, how elegant he looks in the ending scene in that overcoat, and how nice his wind-blown hair looks in that night scene on the yatch.
    Like I said, I’m falling for LG’s character BECAUSE it is LMH who is portraying it for me. Hence it may have been written as a great character, but it is LMH with his long deep gazes, adorable cheeky smirks, slow motion walks and tall regal bearing who is making it swoonworthy for me.

  107. ..and his boice modulation..it goes all soft when he talks to TE..swoon.
    I don’t need to understand what he is saying, the emotions in his voice just come across..how different his voice is when he speaks to TE vs.others.

    I think I gave too many examples, so i’ll stop here before someone says my posts go on forever🤐🤐

  108. You can go on and on for me @Phoenix 😉 I’m not finished with episode 6 but that hand writing conversation was a game changer for me. I just saw 😍 between two people who are still trying to get to know each other and their whole world.

    I felt that scene was the most comfortable for LMH and KGE. I thought it was extra special. ☺️

  109. Among the many swoon-worthy moments since the start of the series, the one that stands out for me is the kitchen scene. That loving head-butt? S.I.G.H.

    TE was visibly unbalanced by that gesture. But of course by then she was already in a very vulnerable state. What with experiencing what LG experienced when the latter was in ROK, her empathy for him grew by leaps and bounds.

    ps: LMH in dark clothing & that deep voice… so fiiiiiiiiiiine. The end.

  110. @agdr03 We always think alike🤗🤗🙌🙌 That scene is just too cute.
    Look out for the kitchen scene and the forehead touching – so adorable. I slept at 3 am after rewinding so many parts of eps 5 and 6 🙈🙈**bleary eyed now**

  111. @mychoiyoung Yes that head-butting scene in ep.6😍😍😍..sooo swoonworthy!

  112. Will do @Phoenix, thank you. 😘 🙌🏻 I might do a rewatch of both episodes today if time permits me.

    Forehead touching sounds 🥰 Can’t wait. 😉

  113. @GB @Fern I agree with all the instances of swoonworthy scenes you cited too. I was reading your posts and found myself nodding my head..like yess, exactly..I feel the same🙌🙌

    More population headed towards Shallow Island, I think..yaayy🤗🤗😛😛

  114. What the heck?? Did you cross over too, mychoiyoung?? That was quick. lol.

    Am I all alone now in Cynical Island?!!! nrllee, you’re still with me, right?

  115. @packmule3, and @nrllee, you aren’t alone yet. “end of Ep4 horse ride through the portal did send me crossing the bridge over yonder Shallow Island for a bit”. nrllee, are you still on Cynical Island after Ep6?

    I think that I am enjoying the writing of the love story. The question was whether Lee Gon is swoonworthy BECAUSE of Lee Min Ho. Eeeesh. As to casting, his physically large facial features and height also help make him ‘regal’. I think that his restrained movements and poker face in the early episodes fit in well with how royals are taught to act in public and it’s heartening to see him becoming more relaxed. I think that the PDs wanted this contrast (and the shock of the courtiers) to convince us of his affection towards Tae-Eul and his humanity.

    Having written that, I have to say that I enjoyed the scenes that were mentioned by @agdr03, @GB and @Phoenix, especially the writing on the hands and her look when he said the surface of the moon was covered in ‘l-something’. I also liked the somewhat poignant scene in her bedroom when he said that crossing between universes was easier than crossing the (gesture) invisible line between them and when she said that she needed to leave and he said ‘you can’t’, but of course he let her.

    I am equally interested in the other characters, though. I like the Myeong Na-ri/Seung-a and Jo Yeong/Eun-Seop. I’m hoping to see Jo Yeong unbend a bit.

  116. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    @pkml3, we may be hopping over to Shallow Island now and then, but I protest, that we’re not going for the mere shallow (as in pointing out the handsome parts of the anatomy), but for the signs of love and care between the OTP.

    @agdr03, @Phoenix @mychoiyoung I agree with the scenes you’ve chosen too. I feel that one of the most attractive things about this character, LG, which I’m happy to say LMH is doing justice to, is his wit, quick thinking on his feet, good decisions and authenticity.

    He teases and protests, but is serious when he needs to be. He has a whole lot of wants, but he knows what needs to be done and the right thing to do and he puts his own self aside for the greater good, as a ruler should. He is true to his feelings and beliefs and shows them, like a child with a trusted other. He does not compromise on the truth, for eg. he did not lie to the PM, and told her frankly that she had put him in an awkward position over a personal occasion.

    Over the steak and hot pot, he admits honestly: “You should ask me whom I cooked it for. I said it to make you jealous.”

    LMH has improved so that I could see the changes and the micro-expressions (now that I’ve decided to stare at his face instead of reading subs) in his eyes. When she told PM she would leave soon… that bereft look, when she asked about the rabbit in the moon… that heartily amused look and he proceeded to give her a lesson on the geology of the moon LOL on the palm of her hand. In the kitchen, as he first proclaimed that he would make her stay with a command and then struggled to let her go and handed her the ID Card.

    Speaking of which, the PM has a Mole in there (the younger dresser of the King) and so has LL (is the lady who’s Shin Jae’s mum in ROK around the palace?)… and the other ID Card is missing/stolen.

  117. @GB I’m with you when you say we aren’t shallow really on Shallow Island and not just smitten by physical attribures of LMH. What has me hooked too now is the caring that LG/LMH shows towards TE and the unfolding of their relationship.

  118. I also have some theories on the ID card lost thing. I’ll post on the other thread.

  119. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Glad to know we’re on the same wavelength @Phoenix. Yes, my ‘admiration’ is for the swoony-ness to do with the way he treats the lady he cares for and less with how he looks. I still think someone like Gong Yoo would have been as great or even better, but LMH is pretty darn good in this role. 🙂

  120. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    @Fern, about Jo Yeong with Myung Seung Ah … the thought that came through my mind when I watched how Jo Yeong stared at LG’s going a little ga-ga over TE was that it may have given him ideas that he too should be considering dating at his age.

    When he saw the palace PR staff and rushed over to take photos of them, I felt that there was a two-fold purpose. Yes he wanted photos of women to show the gangster to test if Luna could be identified. (I like how he sank into the chair when the gangster pointed at TE and said that his world had just collapsed. That’s the first time we see him not stiff.)

    The other reason was to have a photo of Seung Ah. He had been puzzled about her last comment on her losing the perfect opportunity (to spend time with him) because she had to report to HCL Noh. But she might have intrigued him. In any case, Seung Ah thinks that he took the photos because he wanted a shot of her.

  121. Growing Beautifully (GB)

    Speaking of which, the PM has a Mole in there (the younger dresser of the King) and so has LL (is the lady who’s Shin Jae’s mum in ROK around the palace?)… and the other ID Card is missing/stolen.

    I said this above but later on found that the Mole is supposed to be a lady working in the Royal Wardrobe. So that young guy who dresses the King can’t be the Mole of PM.

  122. @Growing Beautifully (GB), “In any case, Seung Ah thinks that he took the photos because he wanted a shot of her.” Fair dues. She was photographing him at the rowing race and he found her and saw that on her camera? 😂
    She didn’t seem very clever then, but I liked how she wouldn’t share her impressions of Tae Eul saying that she only reported to Lady Noh – Lady Noh who recently asked him if HE knew what sort of woman was HIS type. Ha. Then left him staring after her flashing her Louboutins as she walked upstairs. Smart girl.

    Ref the mole, there could be one mole who reports to the PM’s secretary and another who reports to Lee Lim. Or they could be the same.

  123. I have never, ever scrolled through a post and comment section on the net discussing actors, even moreso clicking on video links, so this is definitely a first! It’s so endearing the way Maximus slowly crept up in a low key fashion and eventually nudged as if saying, ‘hey talk to me too!’ Haha now I am looking for vids of him, my kids loved him too!

    Recently found your site and this place is a godsend. Thanks for highlighting and engaging people towards the script of a show rather than merely superficial fandom. I’m having a heyday reading through everyone’s comments and theories. Will try to chip in my share in the future, hopefully I will have something to add to the conversation. Very much appreciate the effort of running this site 🙂

  124. “ @packmule3, and @nrllee, you aren’t alone yet. “end of Ep4 horse ride through the portal did send me crossing the bridge over yonder Shallow Island for a bit”. nrllee, are you still on Cynical Island after Ep6?”

    @Fern I missed reading your question. I didn’t get past Ep5. 😂 So yes stuck on Cynical Island downing adult beverages mumbling to Mo TaeGu about the shocking Lady Maximus reveal. How did we get it so wrong? Wondering if she will be the 3rd FL in the running for LG’s heart. MTG tells me he thinks he can take out Unbreakable Sword and ShinJae without breaking a sweat. He thinks TE is kinda hot and is totally selling herself short settling for the likes of LG. He’s been playing with that switch blade of his far too often for my liking. It’s disconcerting. Serves me right for bringing someone so unhinged as my date. 🤔🌴

  125. @nrllee, 😂😂😂. Can you ditch your date?
    It’s only Sunday breakfast, but reading today’s posts, I feel like I need a drink, too. Sad and upset for pm3.

    Ref: Maximus, LMH refers to him as ‘he’ in the bts scenes about the lemon candy, unless the pronoun is mistranslated. I’m not an expert, but Maximus looked like a gelding when ‘parked’ in front of the police station and in the soompi article below. One of the few times we could see him fully. The camera is careful to keep partial shots or have something in front of his anatomy at other times. I think this is why we’re sceptical.

    https://www.soompi.com/article/1395962wpp/lee-min-ho-talks-about-acting-with-the-horse-maximus-kim-go-eun-describes-why-role-in-the-king-eternal-monarch-was-new-for-her

  126. @Fern I spy with my little eye…I have to agree – gelding. 😂. He even has his own Insta. And check this out – someone sent him a support truck? Carrot juice. Healthy stuff. wheatgrass slushy anyone? Yup ditching my date. After today 😂

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_um9OGgWkT/?igshid=1vjnz1qpwgszo

  127. @Fern @nrllee Titally agree🙌. I don’t think our Maximus looks like a Lady Maximus at all. There is something very masculine in his gait. I think the essence of his handsome self was lost in translation (misrepresented as Lady Maximus due to the language barrier).😝

  128. His own refreshment truck? That takes the cake! Or the carrot, as the case may be. 😂🥕
    Phoenix, something very, no, rather masculine in his anatomy.

  129. Yeah…@Fern @Phoenix especially visible…err…here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAAJP9VAGij/

  130. @nrllee Yes, totally masculine stance! And mares aren’t this tall or broad, I think. Anyways I just cannot think of Maximus as a lady..there’s no way any being named Maximus can be female 🙄Then it should have been Diana or Artemis or something similar. I don’t think the writer of this drama is that careless at all.

  131. We had better stop while we’re ahead and take a cookie break.😂 🍪🥕

    There may be a reason that Maximus is supposed to be a mare. It’s probably not the writer who is careless, but the selection of a trained horse who could carry LMH safely might be limited. Same with using the pony or miniature horse rather than a foal to show young Maximus. Didn’t I read in someone’s post that it was the actual name of the horse and they decided not to change it?

    W.C. Fields said, “Never work with animals or children.” Poor LMH. Hopefully someone has sent him a food truck, too.

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