Healing all the way

How I love not so short dramas. 25 episodes are just perfect even though with good dramas such as "Hidden Love" I could definitely use more.
I just finished the series and it's one of the few that has made me want to rewatch a few scenes right away; they were that good to my opinion.
I'm glad I decided to check this drama out; it was so healing to me. The whole show is a green flag: both characters are amazing and so healthy. I love their maturity, I love the way they love and care about each other. I love how considerate they are, how they put each other first and so much trust in their relationship. I love it how he cared for her from a young age and literally treated her so well. Their small talks/gestures, deep conversations were so nice and something I wanted to hear. You don't see this nowadays... not that often at least. I miss this kind of energy in the world.

The acting was so so good even though I have to be honest: the kissing scenes might've been a bit cringe for me but they rarely go harder than this in many dramas. I think Lusi literally slayed, both of them did. Victor too. They never felt forced, I like that feeling. Chen Zhe Yuan has a way with his eyes that I search for in every actor. It was this scene in episode 24 when he tells her he loves her that I felt him the most. It was so beautiful and memorable.

I don't wanna forget about the amazing work the writers and the director have done with this drama. Thank you all guys.
Such a great drama. I bet your hard work paid off nicely by outrating all the dramas out there in such short time.

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Cliche or not, plot or not ... King the Land slayed anyways!

No drama needs a sophisticated plot, to be good enough. And I think we should literally stop with the cliche comments, cause this wasn't a space movie after all.

Now I don't want to repeat what many have already said but, personally, this drama didn't need a lot of twists or drama or plot to make me absolutely love it. I looked forward to it every weekend cause it really felt like my happy hour and put me in such a good mood.

I wasn't here for the plot, I was here for the healing love stories, for the charming Gu Won and Ro Woon, for the green flags all the main characters were, for the life lessons, for the so amazingly strong chemistry between the leads, for the mind blowing kiss scenes (thank God they weren't cringe like most the dramas out there). I was here for the princess halmeoni that makes me cry in every drama in a way or another. I was here for the family Sarang, Pyung Hwa and Da Eul had built, for all the times Gu Won violently kicked No Sang Sik out of the office. I was here for the family Gu Won and Sarang found, and I felt part of all of this. And sorry if I didn't mind the plot or whatever you couldn't find in this drama.
I was here for the people and the feelings they intended to give to me as a watcher and guys, you did it beautifully.

Let's please thank all of the crew for their amazing job cause they might feel bad with the fans splitting into two opposite love-hate directions, let alone the offended watchers that pretty sure messed up the rating.

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Very promising at first

As I'm reading other reviews, I'm realizing we all kind of had the same off moments.

I don't want to repeat what has already been said but this drama truly had some great potential at first.
The bromance is very nice, the highlight of the show. WDH showed everyone some heart in all he did which was very inspiring, yet unrealistic at some point. The fighting scenes were very impressive even though I can't tell how normal it can be: 2-3 men taking on 30 men. Also episode 4, the car chase was literally so good. That truly got me shivering. Let's not forget the effects creating the wounded bodies, the blood and everything else. Such a good job!

Indeed there were many plot holes. So they were fighting this really bad guy but they also did not add to their security or safety after having attacked the bad guy. Instead they just went back to their normal day and routines and that was really off.
The first 6 episodes built the whole history while the last two were just a bad speeded wrap up. Some things felt forced just to end the show. Tbh I thought there was gonna be a 2nd season, considering how good they were trying to built the story at first.
They had the chance to bring Kim Hyeon Joo back for the final attack, but instead they added Oh Da Min to the fighting team. The moment she heard about her grandpa being kidnapped, there wasn't a single emotion expressed through her face.

To sum this up, this drama made me experience some very strong emotions; it had the power to captivate me and make me binge watch 6 episodes in just a day. It's a solid 8 I would say. You can totally give it a go. You'll get some good visuals of Kim Geon Woo :p

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Better read the reviews first and then decide for yourself

In my opinion this was a nice story that actually had a lot of potential but was kind of done wrong by the writer/director.

I really enjoyed the acting, the cast was nice, especially the leads Jo Bo AH, Rowoon and Ha Joon.
I must say their scenes together were so funny and I'm actually glad I got to "meet" FL and 2ML for the first time in this drama (I will make sure to check their other projects as well). As per Rowoon, I wasn't expecting him to pull off such funny scenes. He was something else. And let's not mention his visuals... <3 I heard he lost some pounds in purpose to fit the character's description and that's to be appreciated actually.

Jo Bo Ah on the other hand seems like a more experienced actress to me and I think she can be greater than this, given a proper script. She can do wonders with her eyes only and oh ma gawd Bo Ah in dark long hair is so so pretty and attractive.

Ha Joon...Ha Joon.. Ha Joon! I'm invested in this guy now. :p So handsome and I think his character turned out great because of him. So funny, yet so manly and responsible/helpful towards the leads although he wanted Hong Jo to like him instead. And that stirr he caused in the City Hall for exposing the Major... just what I expected from such a man :p

But back to the drama :p
I would've preferred they got into more depth with the characters' back stories. Given all the dramas I've watched, the ones with detailed back stories are the ones I like the most. There was this scene Hong Jo holds her father's death anniversary where Shin Yu accompanies her and they get to share some vulnerable moments that I really liked. She had no family, lived alone, ate alone, had no friends whatsoever. They could've at least had Shin Yu move in with her. But no... instead they made us wait 5 decades for a kiss or so. And those romantic moments weren't always a hit for me. Even Mr. Kong and Ms. Ma shared a kiss or got intimate with each other faster than the leads :p

I liked how all three leads got to somehow improve themselves. how their story together changed all three of them (do not ask me to consider Yoon Na Yeon a lead. Just don't!)

So yeah, all in all I say it needed a better script/directing with the repetitive lines, the depth of the characters, the development of the backstories, the conjunction of the horror/romantic elements. Can't say I plan on rewatching it. Not soon at least.

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You'll surely love this drama!

This one was a good one. I really liked the story. It's heartbreaking though that it's based on true life events.

Ever since the drama started, I kinda realized what the ending would be. To be honest, it would've been better if that opening scene on the ship is actually removed. Personally, I find things way more enjoyable when they turn out to be what I least expect them to.

I really liked Shin Hye Sun's acting. Such big applause for her. She spoke so loudly to us just through her eyes and body movements. Can't quite speak this highly for Lee Jong Suk though. During many of the critical scenes we see him just standing or barely speaking to Hye Sun. His lips also gave me the feeling he was slightly smiling or trying to look good for the camera most of the time. I think that's just his resting face though. Yet I would've preferred something different, this was not a happy story after all. The moment he got out of the police station he also seemed way better or chilled than what a real person in that situation would be. The fighting scene with his father was very powerful and I think he did so good on that one. Overall I would say; maybe that's the kind of character he had to portray, maybe it was also due to poor acting/directing but we needed a stronger ML.

Back to the story: the whole thing about one's duties towards their families really gets me thinking during every drama . I really admire the respect and massive consideration children are taught to have and express towards their families ever since they're little. It reflects such positive energy to me and makes me feel warmhearted. Yet, this story was terribly sad. Such great talented young people had to suppress their true feelings and selves for their family needs. Even worse, they decided to take their life way while calmly chatting and watching the sunset on a summer afternoon. How heavy could their hearts be at such a young age? Time are different now for sure. Yet I hope we all learn to be more thoughtful towards one's life and freedom.

All in all, I really appreciate this drama. Everything was nicely depicted, especially the fighting and loving spirit of youth during 1890-1926. Despite its tragic ending, their love was beautiful. Only in the end they understood Takeo Arishima's motive of taking his life away. Death can also be a choice, a choice to live.

P.S I pray they found the peace they were yearning for.

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The beauty of slow simple life

I was just thinking the other day if the rest of my life will mean working that 9 - 5 job and not having enough time to slow down and think about life and how I'm doing and if I'm happy or not. I've also always thought we should go back to the old ways of bringing food to our tables, to keep those traditional recipes alive, to learn how to cook as good and deliciously as our grandmas did. To learn how to bring everyone together just like Hyewon did.

This movie really got me mesmerized. At times it's good to do the simplest of jobs. Just recently I read about farmers being the happiest profession as of Jan 6th, 2023 and I'm not surprised. What's funny is that as kids, we always strive to move to the capital or bigger cities thinking that we'll never be able to make a living in our hometowns. Then we find ourselves missing home, waking up to cartoons and enjoying mom's food and just resting out in the sun.

I'm glad I finally watched this movie. It felt like a day off, took my mind to the peaceful picturesque village views and I felt at ease. It reminded me of how much earth gives to us and how grateful we should be of life in general, our good friends, our hard working people, our childhood home. It made me enforce the thought that romantic love isn't always the key to answer your life questions. It made me wanna rethink a few things and hopefully I'll find my little forest too.

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If they would go with a happy ending anyways, they should've made it happier

I feel very neutral about this drama.
Not my first historical drama and probably I haven't watched many of these but this definitely didn't make it as a favorite one, not even close to @Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo that's my absolute favorite.

As I said, if the directors would go with a happy ending anyways, they should've made it happier.
In my opinion, it was very nice how their love and affection started. I'm not referring to the times when they were children and didn't know they were helping one another, those were such beautiful moments. I'm talking years after when they met and she didn't know he was the Crown Prince and spoke casually (the drama includes fictional parts although based on a true story) and that caught his interest and he was slowly starting to feel more than just interested in her.

NOW THIS IS WHAT, IN MY OPINION, THEY SHOULD'VE WORKED WITH.
Why? Cause the description of this drama is all about the strong female lead, how she is educated and well mannered and righteous and has a talent for words and judgement. This is what initiated the sparkles of the love story and what they give us is a hot and cold female lead which I understand cause she wanted to be more free than a concubine could ever be. And it makes sense... she kept pushing the prince away for this exact reason and she ended up getting fired as a court lady so she went to live and serve elsewhere and kept transcribing books and making money out of it. That made her happy, she was free to make her own decisions.

Yet again, she went back to the palace out of her love for him. Cause I doubt she went there to serve his concubine. It was actually a dumb turn on the story line. So she chose to go closer to her lover, yet kept rejecting him, not showing him her real feelings. She would just stay in her house (which was very picturesque btw ) waiting for him to come visit. I really disliked this. Where was the fun, careless, energetic young court maid the prince fell in love with? They were in love ffs, we could've seen so many happy scenes from during the pregnancy, I imagine her being his right hand, helping him ease the weight in his shoulders. I imagine her being his safe and happy place more than they could ever depict in the drama. It was just too much focusing on the serious parts of this drama. I get it, they played a significant role but were they really THAT NECESSARY?

Anyways, something else that really made me feel rushed. THE DOUBLE STANDARDS
So just because we're talking about the Royal Secretary and he is the King's childhood friend, anything can be forgiven. No matter how many plots he created, how many people he bribed, how many people he hurt and killed. Yet, if a court maid were to fall in love and give herself to a man, death was the punishment and there were no exceptions. Excuse me now?

All in all it was good, the ending of each episode made me want to hurry up and check out the next one.
It kept me interested but I could feel something was missing. The actors did an amazing job. I literally checked this drama out because of Lee Jun Ho as I am currently enjoying him in King the land. The FL seemed talented as well but I couldn't always help it with her scenes.
Lee Deok Hwa who played the King; I actually thought a few times that he was probably the most likeable King in all the dramas I've watched so far. He is truly something else. As per the OST, I will have to check them once again. I don't remember anything in particular and as per rewatch value for me, I wouldn't go back it.

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Jung Hae In deserved to be the main lead!

I just finished the drama. I started it probably one or two months ago and I admit I was busy but I think I also wasn't hooked enough to make time for it and watch it.

Overall it was good, it's probably my third drama with Suzy as the main lead and she didn't disappoint. I've loved her acting since the very first time I saw her in Uncontrollably Fond and then Start Up and she's very interesting to me. Lee Jong Suk on the other hand... he's never clicked for me. There's something about his facial expressions, they don't say a lot. I watched him in Hymn of Death and literally got the same impression. I don't mean to be rude, he's pulled off some nice scenes, yet I feel like there is something missing every time.
I would've preferred Jung Hai In to be the main lead. I got to see him in Snowdrop/Tune in for Love and right after While You Were Sleeping, I started binging Something In The Rain and I love the dude. IDK but his eyes and smile really say a lot and oh boy is he handsomeeeeee ?❤️

Back to the drama: it was an interesting plot. Yet I would've preferred some more complex scenarios. At time it felt like things were too obvious and personally, I don't quite enjoy that. Yet, the pacing was good, things ran kinda fast and that helped keep the interest (almost) alive.
There were some really interesting life questions or morals that the writer emphasized nicely on the dialogues. Each character, main or supportive one was nicely depicted and brought some valuable life lessons to the table. I like it when writers do this, that they don't forget about the support characters and bring their life stories up and make them relatable to us. I guess we can all agree, the prosecution office was hella funny. Han Woo Tak and Mr. Choi definitely hold the crown for my fav characters.
Much love for the leads but they could've had a better chemistry.

The OST... I don't really know what to say. "I love you boy" by Suzy was nice though. It keeps popping i my head every now and then.
Rewatch value: I don't think I'll ever miss this drama. There are far better ones out there that I'm really biased about rewatching as there are so many new dramas to watch, yet so little time.

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Give it a go! It's such a nice drama.

In the beginning, I didn't think I'd be able to finish this drama. It felt like it was going nowhere and the episodes were just not connected to one another and it was impossible for me to know where the story was heading to.
The girls felt also a bit itchy in the first episode or so. I really considered dropping the drama but it's not smth I like to do so here I am.

I didn't keep any notes, so I'll just try to keep this short and not focus on many aspects.
It was nice. It was so nice seeing them together no matter what the situation was about. Every heartbreak, the loss of a parent, getting fired, falling in love, being jealous, getting dumped seemed easier and happier with just the three of them enjoying themselves, some delicious dishes (at times even leftovers would do the job :p) and lots of soju and beer. They'd turn every gathering into a fun one, no matter what the reason that got them together was. They'd appreciate one another and help each other get on their feet.

I loved how they'd make time for one another anytime and how their friendship had resisted the time and had become stronger and better just like fine alcohol. I think we all want this: a family of people we've chosen that would put us first in many cases and make us feel loved and appreciated. I also loved loved loved how Hwang Dong Bae, the bar owner, showed up in the final episode during Han Ji Yeon's surgery. The man loved them dearly and was literally present in all of their weakest moments. ??

Btw, I hope you'll enjoy Han Ji Yeon's love for food and alcohol. I mean Ahn So Hee and Kang Ji Gu had it too but her face said it all?? And it was actually Han Ji Yeon that made me cry the most for some reason. She literally seemed so pure and felt like a sparkling light to me.

So yes, I say you give it a chance. You'll find some picturesque scenes, some funny moments and much love. It'll give you such positive energy.

Now if you'll excuse me... I'm off to S2.

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