“The First Night with the Duke” has reached its end! What started as merely a transmigrating fantasy story for one college girl ended up as a touching and unique love story for Cha Sun Chaek (Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun) and Yi Beon (2PM’s Taecyeon). Through thin and thick, they proved that their love is invincible. Even if they come from different universes, that wouldn’t stop them from fighting to have their happy ending. Although it is sad to see them go, they gave us an incredible finale for the ones who always rooted for them. Here are all the moments that amazed viewers the most!
Warning: spoilers from episodes 11-12 ahead!
1. Cha Sun Chaek and Yi Beon fighting for their lives
Throughout the show there were undoubtedly great moments of romance, comedy, and drama. But in these last episodes, Sun Chaek and Yi Beon gave action, angst, but most of all, they gave some of the most badass moments while fighting for their lives in the middle of a rebellion. Prince Yi Gyu (Lee Tae Sun) might be one of the most vicious villains ever seen in a historical drama but also one of the smartest. He successfully gets rid of Yi Beon, convinces the barbarians to kill him after an ambush, and proceeds to take the place of the King (Joo Seok Tae), who suddenly falls critically ill.
As despicable as he is, it is admirable how he truly challenges the leads. And for a moment, it appears he will succeed in his plans to take over the country. But the thing he covets the most is probably the only thing he could never have: Sun Chaek’s heart. Like the crazy man he is, he literally loses it after she rejects him. He condemns her and all her family to die under treason accusations. With Yi Beon presumably dead and no one who can help her, it looks like that is really all for our heroine. Luckily, the power of the fantasy comes to rescue, and she is saved by none other than the author of the story itself.
2. Cha Sun Chaek going back to the real world
In a very unconventional but quite interesting way, Sun Chaek is sent back to the real world right before being executed. There she meets none other than the real Sun Chaek, who is in her original body as Kim Mo Eum. Despite both of them being portrayed by Girls Generation’s Seohyun, you can totally tell the difference between one character and the other. It’s a commendable scene, and it gives you more of an appreciation for her acting. With them facing one another, they finally explain the reason behind their switch, along with the way to put things right back in place within the story.
However, everything comes with a price. Once the author sets the record straight, he gives Sun Chaek an ultimatum. She can prove her worth as the new author of her own story, but in turn she and the original Sun Chaek must make a decision: going back to their rightful places or continuing with their new lives. Fortunately, the original Sun Chaek is living happily in the modern world as Mo Eum and has no desire of going back. Though it is quite emotional to see them part ways, we can rest assured that whatever happens next, Sun Chaek and Yi Beon won’t have to be apart in different universes.
3. Yi Beon vindicating the King and the rebels
In a mastermind move which shows her wide knowledge as a fan of fantasy novels, Sun Chaek is able to save both her life and Yi Beon’s once she is back from the real world. And to everyone’s satisfaction, Yi Beon arrives right on time in an almost legendary way, worthy of the male lead, to subdue Yi Gyu and save his beloved. But since there’s no happy ending without the villains paying for their crimes, Yi Gyu and all of his clan also get arrested. The only thing left for them is to face their punishment, which shall come from the King himself, but is he entitled to do so?
One of the most amazing things in this show is how the complexity of every character is well conveyed. On one hand, Yi Gyu is clearly a criminal, but he did have his reasons to take his revenge against the monarch who killed his family. In fact, the King, who also rose to the throne through bloody methods, doesn’t have any type of moral authority to punish him. In the end, it is Yi Beon who vindicates both postures and shows a final character development that leads to his own peace of mind.
4. Cha Sun Chaek and Yi Beon living happily ever after
After all they had to endure and overcome, the happy ending arrives in the best of notes. The only thing left for Sun Chaek and Yi Beon is to have a proper wedding, even if this could mean the risk of their world disappearing. Nonetheless, like the very beginning, they take a leap of faith and prove once again that their lives are only theirs to dictate, and nothing is set in stone. As the first part of their love story ends, a new beginning starts, and so their lives go on.
Using the concessions given by the fantasy world while still imprinting some characteristics from historical K-dramas, this show was able to bring to life a great webtoon. It not only gives a satisfactory finale for our main leads, but they make sure to include every side character without leaving any loose ends. In a sense, everyone gets what they deserve, and that’s what we love to see. Finally, with a singular farewell, Yi Beon and Sun Chaek let us know they surely got their happily ever after, so we can warmly say goodbye to “The First Night with the Duke”!
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Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. Her favorite groups are EXO, TWICE, Red Velvet, and BOL4.
Currently watching: “Law and The City”
Plans to watch: “Our Generation“
