I think the most interesting thing about the emperor is how he craves affection – you see it it in how he clings to Min Yu-ra, the first empress, Wang-shik, and even Sunny. He’s ultimately a very lonely person, made that way though parental abuse. I mean, sure, he gets a bit murder-y, but that’s mostly his crazy mother’s fault. He’s really a sad puppy who wants a friend.

None of this is to say he shouldn’t get his comeuppance — he totally should. I mean, murder is never the answer (except maybe when it comes to his mother). But I’m finding the writing and SSR’s portrayal of him fascinating; it’s beautifully layered and subtle, but also somehow incredibly campy at the same time. That takes skill.

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    This! How do you love a character but also want him to stay in that Joseon style prison forever? I will watch the heck out of everything SSR is in from now on.

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      Same here. I even plan to watch his previous dramas. I already watched his running man appearance, in which i thought he had so little screen time 😅. Kudos to the writer for writing his character, but it requires an actor with immense skill and personal charm to turn such a hateable character to someone you want to root for.

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