A Cinderella Story with a twist

Goong by SoHee Park

Imagine a modern Korea where the traditional monarchy still rules. This is the basis of SoHee Park's manwha (Korean graphic novel), Goong, The Royal Palace. This royal family (like so many others), has seen its share of turmoil. In fact, the current king only ascended the throne because his elder brother died prematurely. His father died not long after. This small fact will change the life of Che-Kyung, a commoner girl who has no idea what's in store for her. Che-Kyung's grandfather knew the current king's father. Their friendship was so strong that, unbeknownst to Che-Kyung, a promise was made. She was betrothed to the Crown Prince. Now, Che-Kyung actually knows the Crown Prince. They go to the same school. But she's never really interacted with him. He's completely out of her sphere, rude, arrogant and maybe even cruel. An illness in the Royal family changes that. Suddenly, the betrothal is revealed and Che-Kyung is expected to marry Prince Shin. She's going to refuse, of course! There's just one tiny problem; her parents are broke, the debt collectors are at the door and she could save them. She just has to marry Shin and become the Crown Princess of Korea.

This series is great fun. Che-Kyung and Shin start out hating each other, but its easy to see that there is some attraction between them. Shin needs a goofy girl like Che-Kyung to lighten him up and she needs someone more serious to straighten her own. Classic romance, right? More like the perfect set-up for the classic love triangle (which I usually hate, but this one works). Before Shin and Che-Kyung even have a chance to see what's between them, Shin's long lost cousin, Prince Yul (who would have been Crown Prince and Che-Kyung's fiancee if his father hadn't died) comes on the scene and messes everything up. To make matters worse, Shin has an old girlfriend who's just not ready to let him go (although she doesn't want to marry him and commit to being Crown Princess).

Yes, this is a soap opera to beat all soap operas. But its entertaining, gorgeously drawn, and full of intriguing politics and history. Their families are a big part of the story too. Shin's grandmother is a highlight of the series. Its still ongoing in Korea and currently only the first 5 volumes are available in the US. More volumes are due this fall, but you can also check out the equally charming live-action TV show, Palace. No guarantees that that the endings will be the same!