If it was kept strictly as a political drama with the romance elements, I would’ve loved, loved, loved it 😍😍 To this day, I honestly do not find purpose in Seolhyun’s character, and the love line did nothing— not emotionally, not for the plot
Totally agree. She had so much potential as the leader of Ihwaru, intelligence-gatherer, intermediary between the palace and the outside world… but in the end she was pointless.
To be fair, I think she did pretty well considering that the story was overshadowed by the powerful figures of Bang-won and Yi Seong-gye. They just didn’t need her intel, since they pulled all the strings themselves. I think the writing failed her.
If they had made her character be more important and more prominent as the upcoming Leader of Ihwaru, then I think I would’ve been fine…. The weak writing of her character development made the pointless love line even more of an eyesore (but it just HAD TO happen, because what is a Kdrama without a love line, right?? 🙄🙄), and all the other characters definitely outshined her. When it’s veteran actors like Jang Hyuk and Jang Young Nam paired with a young generation of actors like Woo Do Hwan and Yang Se Jong who act the pants off of every one of their roles, Seolhyun didn’t stand a chance 🤷🏻♀️
It’s a little bit of a head scratcher though. You’ll find yourself needing to look some things up, or reading recaps and their comments because they leave out some historical points (okay, many points) and do a few skips ahead in time that were confusing.
I didn’t meant to discourage you. If you like the actors you’ll probably love it. If you’re looking for a traditional sageuk, you might be a little frustrated with the lack of background information (but the recaps and comment threads are full of information and historical resources if that’s your thing).
WishfulToki
July 31, 2020 at 10:04 AM
I felt bad for not including MY COUNTRY in my top 10 dramas @ndlessjoie
It would’ve won best Mane of Glory in 2019 if we still had that category in the beanie awards.
kiara
July 31, 2020 at 10:07 AM
Same here but I love it still.
I run out steam by episode 10 or 12 with almost every drama I’ve been watching even the ones that I really enjoy.
WishfulToki
July 31, 2020 at 10:08 AM
Plus best action, best bromance, and possibly best villain (Ahn Nae-sang). I should just start my own awards. 😂
mugyuljoie is preciousss
July 31, 2020 at 12:24 PM
Best use of a fan.
kiara
July 31, 2020 at 12:32 PM
The man and his fan <3.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
July 31, 2020 at 11:47 AM
If it was kept strictly as a political drama with the romance elements, I would’ve loved, loved, loved it 😍😍 To this day, I honestly do not find purpose in Seolhyun’s character, and the love line did nothing— not emotionally, not for the plot
WishfulToki
July 31, 2020 at 12:02 PM
Totally agree. She had so much potential as the leader of Ihwaru, intelligence-gatherer, intermediary between the palace and the outside world… but in the end she was pointless.
To be fair, I think she did pretty well considering that the story was overshadowed by the powerful figures of Bang-won and Yi Seong-gye. They just didn’t need her intel, since they pulled all the strings themselves. I think the writing failed her.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
July 31, 2020 at 1:04 PM
The writing definitely failed her ☹️
If they had made her character be more important and more prominent as the upcoming Leader of Ihwaru, then I think I would’ve been fine…. The weak writing of her character development made the pointless love line even more of an eyesore (but it just HAD TO happen, because what is a Kdrama without a love line, right?? 🙄🙄), and all the other characters definitely outshined her. When it’s veteran actors like Jang Hyuk and Jang Young Nam paired with a young generation of actors like Woo Do Hwan and Yang Se Jong who act the pants off of every one of their roles, Seolhyun didn’t stand a chance 🤷🏻♀️
mugyuljoie is preciousss
July 31, 2020 at 12:26 PM
The only love lines were the triangle – Stabby OTP™ and Bangwon.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
July 31, 2020 at 12:57 PM
Sigh…. uri Stabby OTP 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Correction: Yi Bang Won and HIS FAN 😍😍😍😍
mugyuljoie is preciousss
July 31, 2020 at 1:03 PM
Then it has to be a love square and I hesitated because I’m not sure the fan is a willing participant.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
July 31, 2020 at 1:34 PM
It was definitely a love square involving THE fan 😉😉😉😉😉😉
mugyuljoie is preciousss
July 31, 2020 at 1:04 PM
Of course the FAN is a willing participant, but if we include all FANS it becomes unmanageable.
Bebe | Nessa❣️
July 31, 2020 at 1:33 PM
Lol No, that wouldn’t work 😏😏😏😏
mugyuljoie is preciousss
July 31, 2020 at 12:23 PM
It gets a special award for best Stabby OTP!
mugyuljoie is preciousss
July 31, 2020 at 12:26 PM
How could I forget the ™?
Junie Bug
July 31, 2020 at 1:19 PM
This drama is on my watchlist! Something tells me I’ll enjoy it… haha
mugyuljoie is preciousss
July 31, 2020 at 2:25 PM
It’s a little bit of a head scratcher though. You’ll find yourself needing to look some things up, or reading recaps and their comments because they leave out some historical points (okay, many points) and do a few skips ahead in time that were confusing.
Junie Bug
July 31, 2020 at 4:25 PM
Oh no… thanks for the heads up!
mugyuljoie is preciousss
August 1, 2020 at 5:54 AM
I didn’t meant to discourage you. If you like the actors you’ll probably love it. If you’re looking for a traditional sageuk, you might be a little frustrated with the lack of background information (but the recaps and comment threads are full of information and historical resources if that’s your thing).
Junie Bug
August 1, 2020 at 7:59 AM
Haha no worries, thanks again 🙂
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
August 3, 2020 at 3:51 PM
Oh but this OST is in my top 10 OST tracks.