This review may contain spoilers
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
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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