I started this one with low expectations as the last two Kdramas had high reviews but just didn't work for me. However, I am blown away by how much I am enjoying this. Clearly, one shouldn't go by ratings alone, since this one is actually a 9 + for me at this point.

The pacing is perfect. Here are some of things that have worked well for me -

the actors are amazing, the comic relief is just right - that can really bore me at times in Kdrama as I don't usually find the comedy too funny, the politics is extremely believable, everyone is clear about why they are doing what they are doing (IOW- plausible storyline), the murder mystery is genuinely interesting, the side characters do more than just fill screen space, the funny but actually conniving cold character thrown in, a spunky FL and a strong kind ML. This one did make it to my tiny list of great Kdramas.

The music was in particular fabulous

All the best to those who try it out. I loved this drama and would watch it again.