The Crowned Clown” is a 2019 South Korean television series starring Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Se-young, and Kim Sang-kyung, which aired on tvN from January 7 to March 4, 2019. A remake of the 2012 film “Masquerade,” the series centers on the tale of a Joseon King and his doppelganger, a clown whom he puts on the throne to escape intense power struggles afflicting the royal court. This 16-episode historical masterpiece became available on Netflix and Viki, earning critical acclaim for its flawless execution and masterclass performances. What sets this drama apart is Yeo Jin-goo’s extraordinary dual role switching seamlessly between the paranoid, unhinged King Lee Hun and the kindhearted clown Ha Sun with completely different mannerisms, voices, and personalities. The stunning cinematography rivals theatrical films, the costumes are exquisite, and every supporting cast member delivers perfection. Inspired by Mark Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper,” this Korean interpretation explores themes of identity, power, and what truly makes a great ruler through sophisticated storytelling that never loses sight of its emotional core.
The Crowned Clown: Release Date, Story, Plot, Episodes, Cast, Actors Salary, Actors Net Worth, Budget, OTT Response, Trailer, Songs, Awards, Review, Ratings & More
| Info | The Crowned Clown |
|---|---|
| Genre | Historical Romance Melodrama |
| Language | Korean |
| Directed by | Kim Hee-won |
| Star Cast | Yeo Jin-goo Lee Se-young Kim Sang-kyung |
| Developed by | Studio Dragon |
| Production companies | GTist |
| Written by | Kim Seon-deok Shin Ha-eun |
| Country | South Korea |
| Original network | tvN |
| Original release | 7 January – 4 March 2019 |
| Running time | 80 minutes |
Table of Contents
The Crowned Clown Storyline
During the turbulent Joseon period, paranoid King Lee Hun faces constant assassination attempts from powerful nobles scheming for control. The Right State Minister discovers Ha Sun, a traveling clown who looks identical to the king, and brings him to the palace as a temporary replacement while the real king hides. Orphaned during an epidemic and raised by performers, Ha Sun once impersonated the king on stage for laughs. Now thrust into deadly court politics, the compassionate clown must maintain his disguise while navigating treacherous power plays. As he unexpectedly falls for the elegant Queen Yoo So-woon and begins implementing reforms that earn people’s love, Ha Sun transforms from frightened imposter into the ruler Joseon desperately needs.
The Crowned Clown Cast, Crew, Role, Salary, Remuneration & Net Worth
Here are the complete details of actors and actresses names in the Web Series.
1.Yeo Jin-goo as Ha-seon, the clown / Yi Heon
| Info | Ha-seon, the clown / Yi Heon |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yeo Jin-goo |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
2.Lee Se-young as Yoo So-woon
| Info | Yoo So-woon |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee Se-young |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
3.Kim Sang-kyung as Yi Kyu (Haksan)
| Info | Yi Kyu (Haksan) |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kim Sang-kyung |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
4.Jang Gwang as Eunuch Jo
| Info | Eunuch Jo |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jang Gwang |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
5.Shin Soo-yeon as Dal-rae
| Info | Dal-rae |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Shin Soo-yeon |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
6.Yoon Kyung-ho as Kap-soo
| Info | Kap-soo |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yoon Kyung-ho |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
7.Oh Ha-nee as Ae-young, a maid
| Info | Ae-young, a maid |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Oh Ha-nee |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
8.Kim Soo-jin as Court Lady Park
| Info | Court Lady Park |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kim Soo-jin |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
9.Kwon Hae-hyo as Shin Chi-soo
| Info | Shin Chi-soo |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kwon Hae-hyo |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
10.Jang Young-nam as the Queen Dowager
| Info | Queen Dowager |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jang Young-nam |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
The Crowned Clown Web Series Awards
| Awards | Category | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| NA | NA | NA |
The Crowned Clown Review
“The Crowned Clown” is an absolute masterpiece that deserves every bit of praise it receives. Yeo Jin-goo delivers the performance of a lifetime, instantly switching between the cackling mad king and the gentle clown with breathtaking skill, it’s impossible to believe it’s the same actor. Lee Se-young shines as the regal yet compassionate queen, creating beautiful chemistry with Yeo. The supporting cast, particularly Kim Sang-kyung as the calculating minister, adds tremendous depth. At just 16 episodes, the pacing feels perfect never rushed or dragging. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, capturing palace life with stunning beauty. Yes, the premise requires suspension of disbelief, and some plot conveniences stretch credibility, but the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying. The ending sparked debate among viewers some found it bittersweet perfection while others wanted different closure. Regardless, this drama showcases everything great about Korean historical storytelling: complex characters, political intrigue, forbidden romance, and profound questions about leadership and identity. An essential K-drama that proves saeguks can be absolutely captivating.
Disclaimer: The Data is collected from various sources and some from our own research. These data can be estimated and Primes World does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data.