The First Night with the Duke

Taecyeon and Seohyun's sizzling chemistry elevate a mediocre script

A heroine being pulled into the webtoon world is not new in the kdrama scene. However, the First Night with the Duke gives a unique spin by turning up the heat and adding spice which is a dream come true indeed for avid fanfiction readers.

Adapted from a webtoon, the story starts off with a university student who finds herself in the world of her favorite period romance web novel. As a minor character named Cha Seon Chaek, she tries to be a bystander and watch how the romance between Prince Gyeong Seong and Cho Eun Ae unfolds.

Everything went off the rails when when Seon Chaek had a passionate night with Prince Gyeong Seong. The next day the duke immediately asked for her hand in marriage and is seemingly determined to keep her by his side. Wanting to undo her actions, Seon Chaek tries to escape her fate of replacing the female lead of the story.

What I like about this show is how it keeps the storyline relatively simple and easy to follow. Initially,
the pacing of the story feels off and drawn out. Eventually, I grew accustomed to it and I have finally come to terms that this is a mediocre romance sageuk. Not that this is a bad thing but this is the perfect guilty pleasure and no-brainer watch.

Seohyun plays Cha Seon Chaek with a relatable and bubbly demeanor. Before she had an otherwordly journey in the webtoon, Seohyun is university student "K" and she is as cheerful as Seon Chaek until her friends outcasted her due to cheating allegations. She then leads a lonesome and secluded life. Seonhyun captures K's desire to start anew in the new world she now lives in. Her past mistakes initially holds her down but then she showed determination and ultimately follows her heart.

Meanwhile, Taecyeon is the dark, brooding hero of the webtoon. As the king's personal assassin, he is aloof, intimidating and constantly carries a sword with him scaring people and spreading false rumors about him. He slays people and so does his face card. Taecyeon is the epitome of young, fine, tall and handsome. With broad shoulders, strong build and jawline and high self-confidence, he undeniably suits the role of a leading man always ready to risk his life just to protect his leading lady.

The villains are so annoying and cunning. This is how you properly create a compelling villain, you set up their back story clearly to know how they ended up as evil. They have unique perspectives and strong motivations to do something bad. I'm glad Eun Ae and Prince Yi Gyung are not one dimensional villains unlike the king.

However, the fate of these antagonists doesn't sit right with me. Their resolutions are too neat for my liking. They hardly paid for their sins and got away with it easily. I understand that no one wants more blood to be shed but a proper ending for these villains would have been more satisfying.

I must say this is decent kdrama compared to other mediocre shows out there which either has poor writing or acting. Of course, it's not the most groundbreaking of shows. We have seen kdrama plots in the past where the female character is pulled into the webtoon world or travels back to Joseon period (W, Scarlet Heart and Extraordinary You), but what makes The First Night with the Duke memorable is how flirty and naughty our main leads are.

Pairing up Taecyeon with Seohyun is undeniably the best decision of this show. Seohyun's cheerful yet provocative nature complements Taecyeon's guarded and intense character. They are the ultimate sunshine-grumpy trope.

Overall, The First Night with the Duke is a guilty pleasure through and through. It's perfectly cliche and hits the right feels. I was looking for a watchable sizzling romance and I got one and sometimes that's all it takes to be entertained and glued to the screen.

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Silly but Slow Isekai

I only meant to watch a couple episodes, but the audacious main character and how she got herself in and out of situations kept me watching for more. The pacing unfortunately grinded down to pretty unbearably slow towards around the ep 9 when a new character was introduced.

The writing and the performance of the character Yi Gyu is so bad. He could have been more interesting have actually known the person that Seon Chaek before her current incarnation. He's just so cartoonishly over the top greasy with no nuance and it doesn't help his whole plot is the boring political business. The women are all good, especially the twist villain arc of the former female lead Eun Ae, her determination to succeed turning dark. Hwa Seon the bully got pretty funny after she was stuck in a more humbling situation without being humbled at all, just huffing at the injustice that's now directed at her.

I really like that the original Seon Chaek actually gets to live on in the real world as she wants instead of her existence being over ridden. I love that so much that the original soul gets recognition in the story having seen so many where it doesn't. I like that the main couple aren't squeamish around sex, because it's so annoying to see two grown adults act stupid in kdramas when it comes to consensual intimacy. I would have liked if the main lead was shown to have improved his manners towards other people. He was completely awful to Eun Ae, a complete stranger at the beginning when he had no reason to be. It would be nice to see him have some change to people other than the woman he's in love with.

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Worth watching!

I ignore why people say the drama is bad, that they stopped watching it, and that the acting is bad.
I will say what I think about it objectively.
The plot is good, I guess the webtoon is very entertaining. It feels like there are two phases of the story, true but neither part is boring. The first is funnier and the second is more dramatic. It feels like a different vibe but understandable and to me it was interesting and made a lot of sense. There was chemistry in the main characters a well developed and fair ending and it had a nice and sweet epilogue.
I would have liked to know more about the main character in the real time but that's not what the story is about.
The story escalates as it unfolds is very noticeable but I think it is justified. Maybe we are not used to the change of tone in dramas and when we see comedy we want it to the end without complications. I understand that not everyone likes it and not everyone understands it but the transition is well executed.
Disregard the negative spoilers, watch it, it's worth making your own judgement. Happy ending? Yes please.

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A Love Story Based on a Drunken One-Night Stand

I debated on whether I wanted to write a review or not. I had a love/hate response to this drama. So I guess what I'll do is just list my likes and dislikes and you can be the judge as to whether to watch or not.

What I liked:
*The actors and the acting, especially the two main leads. There was chemistry between these two and that made their love story that much more precious.
*There was a little of everything in this story. It was cute and funny at the start, then the writer brought intrigue and mystery into it. The story flowed fairly well and it kept me tuned in every week when new episodes came out.
*The costumes and sets were nice. This kept the visuals of the drama top notch.
*The relationship between the two main leads was one of adults. Their romance was not awkward, and it wasn't full of unrealistic juvenile behavior, which I always appreciate when a writer does that.
*I liked that it wasn't the usual historical romance with rampant palace intrigue with the horrible queen mother plotting to take control. The mystery and intrigue was one I had not yet experienced in a drama. It was something slightly different and I would say that kept me tuned in every week.

What I disliked:
The main thing I did not like is how this great love between Seon Chaek and Yi Beon started as a drunken one-night-stand. Seon Chaek was introducing Josean young people to modern day cocktails and mixed drinks. She drank heavily....really heavily. This was really unrealistic as I think if anyone had drank as much as it showed, she would be dead from alcohol poisoning. Anyway, she drunkenly meets up with Yi Beon, and winds up in bed with him spending the night. It is his first time, and from this he falls madly in love with her. I don't like the impression that this great love can happen from a drunken night of sex. In life this almost never happens. I didn't like the possessiveness that Yi Beon's character displayed because of the one night stand. Rather than love, it seemed more like "you slept with me, now I own you." The portrayal of this just left me with a bad taste. His character softened though as the story progressed so that helped. But really it was because Seon Chaek perceived this possessiveness as love, and loved him back for it. Again, I really didn't like the toxicity of representing possessiveness as love.

The switching up part of the story was weak. I honestly did not understand that two different characters had switched places until the end of the story. I thought the modern Seon Chaek had hit her head and she was unconscious and dreaming the whole thing. Because of this I didn't understand the little boy character when he appeared, nor why they had these strange flashbacks to the modern time. The scene with the two of them together in the modern world, the clock ticking, and having to write the ending was really weird. Seo Hyun's character in the modern world was never developed, and I don't believe we found out why she didn't want to be in Josean anymore. All in all, this part of the storyline was very weak and strange.

Overall what really made this drama good was Seo Hyun and Taec Yeon. They did an outstanding acting job in their leads and it really kept the storyline strong in places where it was weak. Well done to both of them!

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Fans of the Webtoon will like this despite, and maybe even because of, significant departures

Review:

Note: A unique synopsis is at the end so scroll to the end if you want the synopsis first (but watch out for the spoilers section)

9/10 is my rating. The First Night with the Duke is a standout live-action adaptation that delivers a captivating blend of romance, historical drama, and fantasy intrigue. It ranks among the best WEBTOON-to-live-action adaptations I’ve seen, maintaining strong momentum from start to finish with no major lulls. It has the same basic premise as the webtoon but deviates in ways that can be good at times and not so good others. I will explain in a moment. The chemistry between the leads, Cha Seon-chaek (Seohyun) and Prince Yi Beon (Ok Taec-yeon), is electric, with both actors delivering performances that elevate the romantic tension. Anyone who is familiar with these two talented actors would expect no less. The supporting cast, including King Seol-jong (Joo Suk-tae), Do Hwa-sun (Ji Hye-won), and Jung Su-gyeom (Seo Bum-june), also shine, bringing depth to the complex court dynamics. The romance is heartfelt, punctuated by intriguing plot twists that keep viewers hooked. The Joseon-era setting, with its lavish costumes and detailed sets, adds grandeur, while the fantasy elements ensure unpredictability. I only very selectively watch historical romances because I find the cut-throat antics of royal courts nerve wracking. None-the-less if the plot is good enough, I will watch one and this definitely fit that criteria. I highly recommend this series to fans of romance, WEBTOON adaptations, and historical or fantasy dramas. It’s a drama I’d rewatch and eagerly join others to enjoy again, as its charm and strong execution make it thoroughly entertaining.



Spoilers



Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

While The First Night with the Duke excels overall, some plot points felt improbable. A major issue was King Seol-jong’s (Joo Suk-tae) decision to trust the exiled Prince Yi-gyu (Lee Tae-sun) over Prince Yi Beon (Ok Taec-yeon), who has loyally served as his assassin, carrying out his orders and protecting his reign. Even under the influence of poisonous incense, it’s hard to believe a king would favor an exiled prince with a history of disloyalty over Yi Beon, who has been his steadfast "hunting dog." This choice strained believability and undermined Yi Beon’s established loyalty. The Mongol invasion subplot also felt unnecessary, adding little to the core romance or intrigue and seeming like a forced external conflict. I get that was the way Yi Gyu was trying to get rid of the rival prince but there would be ways, much closer to home, to do so. Similarly, King Seol-jong’s decision to keep the treasonous Heuksa Clan, led by Yi-gyu, close after their failed coup felt dangerously naive. Historically, a king would likely eliminate such threats to prevent further rebellion, and their continued presence diminished the stakes of their betrayal. And even with Yi-Beon turning over a new, less murderous leaf, he was too smart not to understand how dangerous it is to allow those types of person(s) to stay close and retain any power.

Do Hwa-sun’s (Ji Hye-won) arc, shifting from a scheming villainess to a somewhat redeemable and entertaining character, was a highlight. Her transformation added complexity, though it occasionally softened her antagonism too much. In terms of the "nice" character turned villainess, Eun-ae, I appreciated that Cha Seon-chaek (Seohyun) didn’t forgive her two attempts to eliminate her, which felt realistic. After Eun-ae’s brief imprisonment, her romantic interest and Prince Yi-Beon's bestie, Jung Su-gyeom (Seo Bum-june), inexplicably resumes their flirtation despite knowing her actions, which felt illogical and diminished her betrayal’s weight. He was such a good guy character him accepting her evil acts, even if she had been punished, did not make sense. He had other options.

The addition of the three brothers—Jae, Min, and Soo (Kim Min-jae, Lee Do-hyun, Song Kang, placeholders)—who were not in the WEBTOON, brought comic relief but were overly silly, clashing with the drama’s elegant tone. Their slapstick humor, while occasionally amusing, felt out of place in the otherwise sophisticated narrative.

Comparison: Live-Action vs. WEBTOON

The live-action The First Night with the Duke captures the romantic and dramatic spirit of the WEBTOON but introduces significant changes due to its shift to a Joseon-era setting from the WEBTOON’s quasi-European fantasy world. This change makes it work better in the Korean drama genre and embeds it deeper in Korean cultural context but alters Prince Yi Beon’s (Ok Taec-yeon) characterization. In the WEBTOON, the male lead (Zeronis) is a belligerent, near-invincible figure who can defy the king without fear, emphasizing his absolute devotion to the female lead (Ripley). In the live-action, the Joseon setting forces Yi Beon to be subservient to King Seol-jong, as displeasing the king could lead to execution. This shifts the focus from Yi Beon’s unwavering devotion to his precarious court position, which some fans may feel dilutes the romance’s intensity.

The three brothers—Jae, Min, and Soo—added for the live-action, do not exist in the WEBTOON. Their slapstick antics, likely included for broader appeal, feel jarring and could have been more subtle to align with the drama’s tone. I thought perhaps they would be side romances, but that never materialized.

The Mongol subplot, absent in the WEBTOON, feels unnecessary, detracting from the focus on romance and court intrigue. I am not a fan of court intrigue, it is one of the reasons I don't watch a lot of historicals, and it was heavily interwoven in the live action.

Do Hwa-sun’s arc differs significantly: in the WEBTOON, her counterpart (Seria) remains a straightforward antagonist, while the live-action makes her a complex, partially redeemed character, adding depth but risking softening her villainy. I liked it though. Actually found her quite entertaining in the latter half of the series and she also did not forgive Eun-ae's evil actions. Particularly because she took the rap for them through much of the story.

Cho Eun-ae’s descent into a malicious antagonist is more pronounced in the live-action compared to her misguided WEBTOON counterpart (Etoile), but Jung Su-gyeom’s continued affection for her feels less believable as a result. It wound up being an awkward romance because it would be out of character for him to still like her after all he had learned about her true nature.

The live-action emphasizes court politics more heavily, with additional scenes of King Seol-jong’s power struggles and Yi Beon’s role as his enforcer, which add depth but occasionally overshadows the romance. The WEBTOON prioritizes the central romance, with political intrigue as a backdrop. The live-action’s production design, with historically accurate Joseon-era costumes and sets, is stunning, though some fans may miss the WEBTOON’s whimsical, colorful aesthetic.

Despite all these changes and maybe even because of them, the adaptation succeeds, with Seohyun and Ok Taec-yeon’s stellar performances and undeniable chemistry making it a must-watch. Fans of the WEBTOON may notice the shift in tone, but the drama carves its own path effectively.

Synopsis

This is a 2025 South Korean television series that blends fantasy, history and romantic elements. It is adapted from a popular web novel of the same name written by Hwang Do-tol. It has 12, 60 minute, episodes. ,

Cha Seon Chaek (Seo Hyun) is just an average college student who finds herself magically transported into her favorite romance novel. Nothing to see here. And finds herself in the body of Cha Seon Chaek (Seo Hyun) who is a minor noble who wasn't originally a very intrinsic player in the plot. But, because Cha Seon Chaek is really not herself and modern college students who drink too much don't always make great decisions, she winds up having a hot night with Lee Beon (Ok Taec yeon), Prince Gyeong Seong. Which wasn't supposed to happen in the story. He is the male lead. Favored by the King he is incredibly handsome but also very cold-blooded and an amazing martial artist. Plot twist from the original novel, after spending the night with Seon Chaek he is determined to marry her instead of marrying Cho Eun Ae (Kwon Han sol). Doing what any good fourth wall would do, Seon Chaek is determined to get the story back on track and does everything she can to steer the Prince back toward his original intended. I mean, she knows what is supposed to happen but her original "error" along with the Prince's determination to steer events to his own intended outcome, mean our female lead (the body snatcher) is having to navigate court intrigue, manage a relationship with Lee Beon, and figure out how to return to her own time. It's modern knowledge versus ancient wisdom and an unlikely matchup versus a determined Prince.

#TheFirstNightWiththeDuke #SeoHyun #OkTaecYeon

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Tried and true trope gone bad

The First Night with the Duke is exactly the kind of story I like – a modern-day gal suddenly finds herself as a character in her favorite romance novel. This vehicle can lead to all sorts of interesting situations as the proverbial fish out of water tries to find her feet. I’ve watched a lot of good dramas with a similar trope: Mr. Queen, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo, The Romance of Tiger and Rose, even the recent A Dream Within a Dream. Which may be the reason The First Night with the Duke fell flat.

I wanted modern girl K, now Cha Seon-chaek (Seohyun), to be more than someone who makes cocktails and instigates bedroom hijinks. In this “story” world – she has a chance to reinvent herself and show off the traits of an intelligent, contemporary woman. Instead, she spends whole portions of the drama wringing her hands and waiting to be saved. Most of the other characters in the series carry out their cookie cutter parts, with Prince Gyeongseong (OK Taec-yeon) hitting the expected chord between ruthless killer and eager lover. But why is it that enterprising Do Hwa-seon (Ji Hye-won), who starts out as the villainess, is so much more interesting than heroin Seon-chaek? Or that the prince’s friend, Jung Soo-gyeom (Seo Beum-june), feels so much more layered than his meager screen time suggests?

With an unmemorable soundtrack and a final episode that is mostly filler, unless you are a big fan of the leads, this is a drama that can easily be skipped.

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The drama is is quite good but has a bit (a lot) different storyline compared to the webtoon. The cast is not bad but I didn't expect that Ok Taec Yeon and Seo Hyun would be the main lead of the drama, when the cast members were released. The main lead couple's acting was fine ....
(I don't know why) The story kind of reminded me of the Chinese drama "the romance of tiger and rose". The villainess Do Hwa Seon (Ji Hye Won) did a good job in playing as a villainess(I liked her acting her but I don't know about others). The drama was lighthearted + comedy + romance. This drama can be re-watched (but I would never watch again).
If the drama is compared with the webtoon, the drama is solid 6 whereas webtoon is 9 to 9.5.

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the only thing I'm staying for is taecyeon's cuteness, his "in love" face is just too cute
I so love how he looks at her and how he acts, “why be shy when I’m not ashamed of my affectionate actions” ~~~~~
But like yes boy, you’re a man who likes your woman, why be flustered and shove her away like cheesy angsty cold mls

I love the "go inside a book" theme, but seohyun's acting is so bad, as bad as her ever changing "baby hair", the plot was cute when she ran away from him but he continued to chase her xD

but overall the angst of it is boring, and every other character is just flat

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