I went into this show expecting it to be really silly and perhaps just something I'd watch in the background while working, but I ended binging the whole series in about a week! I really couldn't stop!

I think what made it so incredibly fun and gripping, was the fact the characters felt so alive. I attribute this to the fact it's also a comedy, whereas most historical Korean dramas are very very serious all the time this one had a spark of life and fun to it that allowed the characters to be more than weeping women and stoic men. I also found the main character to be one of the most empowering female figures I've seen in a kdrama in ages (unfortunate that it is probably only because her character was originally a man, but alas). Actually, I have to give some credit to the writers, because most of the people in power were women in this show. They were running the whole thing, good or evil, and I found it really fun to see the main cast of mostly females. It also explored in much more depth the roles of women in Joseon which are usually left untouched in a lot of period dramas. In many ways, it was just a lot more feminist than I was expecting and it made me very happy.

And the male lead also had a surprising amount of depth and sensitivity, crying perhaps more often than the female lead. By the end, I loved him so much! It made them a very fun and enticing couple, especially with the very very well done enemies to lovers arc! I ended up falling in love with both of them as the show went on and you could really feel the chemistry and how in many ways they came off as companions instead of lovers. A balanced relationship in which they listened and relied on each other. Also very rare to find!

The drastic contrast of moods within the show also allowed the dramatic/sad parts to hit even harder. I found myself tearing up at some parts even! The show wasn't as cinematic or high budget as some period dramas these days and in many ways, it was very silly and ridiculous, but I think it really embodied what makes a good kdrama! They played with the concept of the show to the fullest extent and didn't shy away from subversive scenes or realities that might come up in such a situation. Though unintentional it seems, I thought the interesting underlying dialogs on gender and sexuality were really fun and fresh. It really ended up being a fun watch.

From the complex characters to the well-done concept, It was really lovely to see and overall it helped make this drama super refreshing! Especially to someone like me who loves period dramas! It was like a breath of fresh air.