Storyline: I’ve seen this drama around very often when it was recently released and on-air and even afterward too, however, I was very hesitant to watch it for a couple of reasons. The first was because most historical dramas that I’ve watched are too tragic and contain sad endings. The storylines are also very slow, which makes me lose interest very easily. Also, around the time that the drama was airing, I was sorta taking a break from watching any dramas. But most importantly, what really kind of stopping me from watching the drama was the synopsis and the title that I’ve read. To me, the drama sounded very tragic and predictable. However, when I actually started watching one episode, I was already sucked into the drama. So I will try to explain the storyline without really spoiling anything. Basically, the story plot of this drama is mainly between three characters: the King, the Grand Prince, and a Lady Shin Chae Kyung (who later is the Queen). Yes, there’s a love triangle, but that’s not all. When I originally read the synopsis, I thought I would hate the main actress (who will later become Queen), however, she is probably my favorite! I thought SHE was going to be the bad person in the series, but she’s not. Of course, since the drama is historical, there will be political dramas, family rivalry, etc. Just dive in! I promise the drama is better than it sounds. When I was watching this drama, I really wanted to know how the ending will end up, if it was going to be really sad or happy? If it was going to be a good ending or a bad ending? I looked up recaps from other websites and try to get spoilers to find out if I should continue. I wanted to know if it was a sad or happy ending without ruining the whole ending to myself. Till the very end of the drama, I didn’t know how it would end and somehow, it ended way better than I expected.
For those of you who are like me and are curious about the ending without wanting to fully know what the ending is about: It’s a good ending! It’s a bit sad, but it’s not entirely sad and tragic. No, the main actress did not die. But trust me, it is very good! It’s so beautifully written I cried after watching the drama, rewatch it again, and cried again about the ending. You won’t be disappointed.
Characters/Actors: First off, I just want to say this is the FIRST drama I watched that I really love the antagonist, the “bad” guy. A little spoiler: I actually CRIED for him. This is one drama that is hard to hate the bad guy on. Throughout the drama, you will understand why he acts the way he does. Lee Dong-Gun is such a great actor. This is the first drama I’ve watched him in and you bet I will be watching him in future ones as well. The Grand Prince, Lee Yeok, later who will become King. I love his character. When I saw that Yeon Woo-Jin was going to be the lead in this drama, I wasn’t sure if I will like him. I’ve watched him in the drama When a Man Loves, and he was a second lead, and I really do not like his role in that drama. So when I watch this, I was prejudice against the actor. However, this drama really changed my views of him. I will also be looking out for more future dramas of him as well. Park Min-Young is such a great actress! I love her character, Shin Chae-Kyung. Chae-Kyung is one of the strong and very smart female characters. The chemistry between the Grand Prince and Chae-Kyung is the phenomenon! I love it. They’re definitely on the top of OTPs. I love them together so much and I love all their scenes together. After watching this drama, I couldn’t get enough of Park Min-Young and I’ve decided to watch Healer (which I very much enjoy as well). Her role in that drama was also very great. It seems like most of her characters are very strong and I love it! I love both the young actors that portrayed the main lead. They’re really good actors and I actually can feel their emotions!
OST: I absolutely love the OST!! This is my absolute favorite. The song Miss You in My Heart by Junggigo is so beautiful and my favorite song in the soundtrack. When I hear this song, I will always remember that one scene in the last episode (I cried so hard LOL). I downloaded some of the songs on my phone as well. Overall, I just love everything about this drama. I don’t usually rewatch a lot of dramas (the only ones that I constantly rewatch over and over again are Boys Over Flowers, some episodes of You’re Beautiful, and Goong (Princess Hour)), but I will probably be rewatching this again in the future. It is absolutely one of my top favorites. After watching this drama and also Moonlovers: Scarlet Heart (Ryeo), I’m actually more interested in watching more historical dramas. I wished I’ve known and watched this drama before because I feel like my life is a little be more complete after this drama. I absolutely love it so much (Yes, I know I’ve said this like a hundred times already in this post LOL).