Excessive Makeup on Shin Se Kyung’s Character Raises Unconvincing Concerns
Seoul, South Korea
Shin Se Kyung’s Character and Makeup Draw Criticism
Shin Se Kyung portrays Kang Hee Soo, the Chief State Councillor’s daughter, who disguises herself as a man named Kang Mong Woo to earn ransom for captives taken to Qing. However, viewers have expressed concerns about the excessive makeup on Shin’s character, which they argue undermines the believability of her disguise.
Online Communities Voice Disapproval
A critique from @star1 pointed out Shin’s “full face of makeup” as the most unconvincing feature of the drama, sparking discussions on online communities like theqoo. Many viewers agreed that the makeup is unconvincing, comparing Shin’s portrayal to other actresses like Moon Geun Young, Yoon Eun Hye, and Park Eun Bin, who have successfully played characters disguised as men.
Makeup Controversy Divides Viewers
Some viewers defended Shin, arguing that her natural beauty cannot be hidden and that it is unfair to criticize her for it. Others criticized the makeup artist and director for not taking steps to make Shin’s character more convincing.
Shin Se Kyung Responds to Criticism
In an interview, Shin Se Kyung revealed that she was directed not to change her voice to be masculine. This revelation further fueled the debate, with some viewers arguing that it was a poor decision that contributed to the unconvincing portrayal of her character.
Drama’s Future Uncertain
“Captivating the King” is set to run for 16 episodes, leaving viewers wondering if the upcoming episodes will be able to turn things around and address the concerns raised by critics and viewers alike. The drama’s success will depend on its ability to balance Shin’s natural beauty with the believability of her character’s disguise.
