The latest episodes of “First Night With The Duke” delivered heart-stopping moments as betrayal and romance collide in this captivating historical fantasy K-drama. With only a couple of episodes left, episodes 9-10 speed run their way to the finish line, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
Table of Contents
First Night With The Duke: Episode Details & Quick Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 9 & 10 |
| Release Date | July 9 & 10, 2025 |
| Network | KBS2 |
| Streaming | Rakuten Viki (Free with ads) |
| Air Time | Wednesday & Thursday, 21:50 KST |
| Genre | Historical Fantasy, Romance |
Episode 9 Recap: The Calm Before the Storm
Episode 9 finally brought some peace for Gyeongseong-gun, but it didn’t come easily. After the dramatic events of previous episodes, viewers witnessed a moment of respite as Lee Beon successfully rescued Seon-chaek from her dire situation.
The episode focused on healing and forgiveness, with both main characters processing their traumatic experiences. However, the tranquility was deceptive, setting the stage for the explosive revelations in episode 10.
Episode 10: Betrayal Unveiled
The real drama unfolded in episode 10, where Lee Beon cautions Seon-chaek to evade contact with Lee Gyu. This warning proved prophetic as the episode revealed shocking betrayals that threatened to tear apart our beloved couple.
Eun-ae’s Double Life Exposed
One of the most devastating revelations centered around Eun-ae’s true allegiance. Lee Gyu meets Eun-ae and instructs her to continue acting as Seon-chaek’s friend while secretly gathering information. This manipulation adds layers of complexity to the narrative, showing how trust can be weaponized against the innocent.
The discovery of Eun-ae’s betrayal hits particularly hard because she was positioned as Seon-chaek’s closest confidante. Su-gyeom later confronts Eun-ae about a letter, suggesting that others are beginning to suspect her duplicitous nature.
The Kidnapping Plot Thickens
Building on the foundation laid in earlier episodes, where Seon-chaek gets kidnapped after showing up at a spot she thought Lee Beon had called her to through a handwritten note, episodes 9-10 revealed the intricate web of deception surrounding this scheme.
The kidnapping wasn’t just a random act of violence but a carefully orchestrated plan involving multiple conspirators, with Eun-ae playing a crucial role in gathering intelligence for Lee Gyu’s schemes.
Character Development & Performances
Seohyun’s Compelling Portrayal
Seohyun continues to shine as K/Cha Sun-Chaek, the university student who finds herself in her favorite romance novel. Her performance in these episodes showcased remarkable range, from vulnerability to determination as she navigates increasingly dangerous situations.
Taecyeon’s Protective Prince
Taecyeon’s Yi Beon, who comes from royal lineage and is favored by the King, displays his cold-blooded personality while being gifted with strategic thinking. His character’s evolution from aloof prince to devoted protector creates compelling viewing.
What Makes These Episodes Stand Out
The brilliance of episodes 9-10 lies in their ability to balance multiple narrative threads while maintaining emotional authenticity. The show successfully combines:
- Political Intrigue: Palace conspiracies that threaten the main characters
- Personal Betrayal: Friend turning against friend for personal gain
- Romantic Tension: Lee Beon’s desperate efforts to protect Seon-chaek
- Fantasy Elements: The unique premise of a modern woman in a historical setting
Where to Watch
Currently you are able to watch “The First Night with the Duke” streaming on Rakuten Viki or for free with ads on Rakuten Viki. The platform offers both subscription and free viewing options, making it accessible to international audiences.
Streaming Options:
- Rakuten Viki (Free with ads)
- Rakuten Viki (Premium subscription)
- Viu in selected regions
Looking Ahead: Will Love Conquer All?
As the series approaches its conclusion, viewers are left wondering whether Lee Beon can save both his relationship and Seon-chaek’s life. The stakes have never been higher, with enemies closing in from all sides and trust becoming a rare commodity.
The show’s ability to maintain tension while developing its characters speaks to the quality of both writing and performances. For fans of historical romance with a modern twist, these episodes deliver everything you could want.
For more K-drama reviews and updates, check out our latest historical drama coverage and fantasy romance recommendations.
For official streaming and more information, visit Rakuten Viki and stay tuned for our final episode coverage of this captivating series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Eun-ae really helping Lee Gyu kidnap Seon-chaek?
A: Yes, episodes 9-10 confirm that Eun-ae is working as Lee Gyu’s spy, pretending to be Seon-chaek’s friend while secretly gathering information for him. This betrayal adds significant emotional weight to the storyline and puts Seon-chaek in greater danger.
Q: Will Lee Beon be able to save Seon-chaek’s life?
A: While episode 10 ends on a cliffhanger, Lee Beon’s determination and strategic thinking suggest he won’t give up easily. However, with multiple enemies and limited allies, the path to saving Seon-chaek will likely require significant sacrifice and clever maneuvering in the remaining episodes.
