The isekai trope gets a fresh, laugh-out-loud makeover in The First Night with the Duke. I went into this expecting a typical fantasy-romance setup, but what I got was a whirlwind of witty chaos, miscommunication, and characters that had me rooting (and cringing) in the best way possible. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a fangirl gets sucked into her favourite web novel—but ends up as a nobody—this one’s for you.
The First Night with the Duke Episode 1 Review:
The First Night with the Duke Episode 1 Recap
We kick off the story with a meta-style narration, where Seohyun introduces us to the world of her favourite web novel. The main plot follows Jo Eun-ae, a kind-hearted heroine who captures the attention of the mysterious and cold Duke Yi Beun. Of course, there’s a jealous villainess in the mix— Do Hwan-seon—who’s hell-bent on marrying the Duke and ruining Eun-ae’s life.
The First Night with the Duke Episode 1 Review: Seo hyun
Enter K—a sad, scruffy, socially awkward woman from our world who is obsessed with this very novel. After a clumsy fall in her apartment (classic isekai move!), she wakes up inside the novel. But instead of becoming the beloved heroine, she finds herself in the body of Cha Sun-chaek, a minor noblewoman who’s barely relevant to the plot.
She plans to keep a low profile, but fate (and her big mouth) has other plans. When she runs into Do Hwa-seon and sees her picking on Eun-ae, she tries to intervene—and that’s when things spiral. One teahouse scene later, she’s creating chaotic cocktails, drawing all the attention, and accidentally rewriting the story she once knew so well.
The First Night with the Duke Episode 1 Review: Ok TaecYeon
The First Night with the Duke Episode 2 Recap
Sun-cheek wakes up the next morning in full panic mode—next to the Duke, with no memory of what happened. He, on the other hand, seems ready to put a ring on it. Clearly, something major happened during her drunken antics. But the real problem? According to the original plot, the Duke was supposed to fall for Eun-ae, not her.
The First Night with the Duke Episode 1 Review: Seo hyun, Ok TaecYeon
So begins Sun-cheek’s desperate mission to avoid the Duke at all costs. With her loyal (and hilarious) attendant, Bong Wool-yi, by her side, she tries everything—mud disguises, fake illnesses, even hiding out in a Buddhist temple—to avoid marrying him. But the Duke is always one step ahead, catching her every dingle time with the calm patience of someone who’s secretly loving the chase.
The First Night with the Duke Episode 1 Review: Seo hyun, Ok TaecYeon,
As is that wasn’t enough, Jung Su-gyeom (the sweet second lead) enters the picture after rescuing Sun-cheek from some bandits. He immediately shows interest and asks her out, only for Yi Beun to interrupt at the perfect moment. The love triangle is officially forming—and it’s going to be so fun watching it unfold.
The First Night with the Duke Review
Let me just say—Seohyun is absolutely killing it as Sun-chaek. Her facial expressions, her chaotic reactions, and her complete lack of filter are pure gold. She brings so much charm to a character that could have easily been annoying. You just get her, and you root for her even when she’s messing everything up.
The First Night with the Duke Episode 1 Review: Seo hyun, Ok TaecYeon,
Taecyeon, as Duke Yi Beun, brings a brooding calmness that balances out her madness perfectly. He doesn’t say much, but his eyes and little smirks say everything. Their chemistry is already electric especially because he seems just as confused and intrigued by her as we are.
The direction leans heavily into comedy, with exaggerated montages (the cocktail-making scene is iconic) and smart editing that really boosts the storytelling. And Ji Hye-won as Do Hwa-seon? Absolutely nailing the “mean girl you love to hate” role.
Final Thoughts
Episodes 1 and 2 of The First Night with the Duke deliver exactly hat I want from a fantasy rom-com—-ridiculous hijinks, strong leads, and a self-aware tone that pokes fun at the genre while still loving it.
Sure, there’s some heavy exposition at the start, but honestly, it’s worth it. Once Sun-chaek fully enters the world, it’s non-stop entertainment. Watching her desperately try to stay “in the background” while completely disrupting the story is both relatable and hilarious.
I’m already obsessed with Sun-cheek and Yi Beun’s weird, chaotic dynamic, and I can’t wait to see how this love triangle (or square?) plays out. If you love light-hearted, high-energy K-dramas with strong female leads and a dash of fantasy, this one’s a must-watch.
Also Read: Mercy For None K-drama Episodes 1 and 2 Review: A Bloody Start to a Gritty Revenge Tale