Absolutely the Best Love Story

According to MDL, I've watched at least 114 K-Dramas; several of them over 100 episodes.
This one has shot straight up to Number One, after watching it all.

My awards:
Most Breathtaking Actor: Namkoong Min (Lee Jeong Hyeon)
Most Convincing Character Growth: Ahn Eun Jin (Yu Gil Chae)
Most Tragic Character (tied with Bidam [Seondeok]): Kim Yoon Woo (Ryang Eum)
Most Inspiring Support Role: Choi Mu Seong (Gu Yang Cheon)
Most Supportive Friend: Ahn Eun Jin (Kyung Eun Ae)

Honorable Mentions:
Most Delusional/Pathetic Character: Moon Sung Geun (Lee Yeon Hyeon's ... spoiler)
2nd Most Delusional/Pathetic Character: Lee Hak Joo (Nam Yeon Jun)

Best Ending Ever: My Dearest (Part 2)

Cannot recommend this drama highly enough.
You have to watch it to believe it. I will never forget it.
Also, cinematography to die for.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ... ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Very disappointing.

It had everything ... and did so little with it. First two episodes - great. 3 & 4 - okay.
It was fine up until the last two episodes.
Plot development was lame. No surprises, no twists, nothing to figure out, just setup, and then failure.

No character development. No new discoveries. The heroine, bless her, never won my respect.
She was a mess, no self confidence, nothing heroic about her. She was a weak character.

Putting the little girl in a compromising position - and the whole cult thing was a red herring. Absolute crap.

Johan's character and background were shamefully underdeveloped.

Poor Kim Nam Gil was forced to just act miserable throughout the series. It's not a wonder he welcomed death.
I wanted to die too. Honestly, halfway through the last episode, I couldn't wait for it to end. But wait ... there's more! ?

A terrible waste of something that could have been a great story, with great actors, in awesome surroundings.
But, unfortunately, the writers were asleep at the wheel.

If they make another one (as they threatened to do at the ending) I won't be watching it.
After all the hype ... there were like 200 monsters at the end, against 5 people. Totally unrealistic. Then, in that already unrealistic situation, they weakened their main character, Van, into a virtual liability.
The best thing in the ending was the old priest showing up with a silver bullet rocket launcher.

Abysmal ending to an okay story.

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Everything a melodrama should be ... and more ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was initially put off by the 50 episodes, because I had just watched another long drama, but I really loved Bae Doona in Sense8, so I went ahead, anyway.

Honestly, I couldn't stop watching, and ended up binge watching 50 episodes in less than a week! The time just flew by. By episode 35 I was glad there were 15 more to go ... and never got fed up with it.

The main characters are so well written, and so well acted, that I really felt I was in the room, living through the story. The drama has meaningful character growth, couples fighting against impossible odds, and over coming serious trauma and heartache.

I loved the 'vibe' at the rooming house, especially the old grandma, who held it all together, and really created a lovely family home life for her downtrodden tenants.

The night club was also a fun place to be, although it never seemed to be full, and was really made to feel like a third rate night club, as it was called. But somehow, you still wanted to be there. Here, I especially loved Kang Suk's mother, and respected the club owner.

It's an older show, but I feel very much that I would have missed out if I'd written it off for that reason - it turned out to be one of my favorite dramas ever watched ... in any language! Highly recommended!!

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I hate everyone in this show.

Main female lead: vapid, miserable, stupid, and lacks any sense of self-preservation,
Male lead ... oh, wait. Is there a male lead?

I watched for Seo Ji Seok, but even he plays an irredeemable jerk.

Then, as if there weren't already enough absolutely USELESS characters in this drama,
they brought an extra pair of wastrels and con artists (the building owner's brother) into the story,
presumably to make show even more pathetic and miserable.

Meanwhile, the show had the audacity to play pathetically 'sad music' for the awful characters,
who should have been getting their legs twisted, instead.

I have never watched such a bad show in my life.
Did I finish watching? Oh, you bet I'm finished watching this drama.
Can't believe I made it to episode 11 without jumping off a bridge.

Thank you to the previous reviewers who saved me from watching any more of this drivel.
Did anyone even READ this script, before putting it into production? Wow.

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Second viewing reveals so much more!

This first time I watched this drama, I absolutely enjoyed it. But because I was new to Korean history, I didn't understand a lot of the subtext, or the historical context. I loved the drama ... and I was mostly focused on the two main characters, whose story is very engaging. The show - even without the context and subtext I now have - was worth watching again, and now, a year later I am mid-way through it a second time, and this time, it's blowing me away!

Watching it a second time, my perspective has shifted dramatically. Understanding, now, who Lee Bang Won is, historically, my attention is somewhat drawn away from the two main characters, and riveted on the performance rendered by Jang Hyeok. WOW! I have seen this character portrayed by other actors ... all really good performances, but Jang Hyeok's performance is stellar.

If you haven't seen this show yet, I very highly recommend it.
Don't miss what I missed - and keep an eye peeled on Jang Hyeok, while also enjoying the other aspects of the story. I'm at episode 14, the second time around, and I can't wait to sit down and watch some more!! ?

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This film is dark, in parts.

Not only the theme is dark at times, but the actual cinematography is often done with the lighting behind, so you can't see much definition in the characters' faces. Especially night scenes and indoor scenes were very poorly lit.

I did feel like there wasn't enough interaction, after the two main characters' first meeting, to justify the rich guy's level of obsession, and also that the poor guy's reaction to being sought after was inexplicably aggressive, and rude - for no reason I could fathom. That's down to the script, though.

Otherwise the film was very good. The acting excellent as expected; Kim Nam Gil never fails to deliver. Generally, the plot was interesting, and held my attention.
Overall, I enjoyed the film and, literally, wish I could have seen more of it.

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Loved it. Hated it.

Goo Joon Pyo, the main spoiled, selfish, brat of the F4 is ultimately rewarded for being such a total jerk.
I hate that.

The lead girl, Geum Jan Di, was just not special enough for the F4 to be making such a fuss over her. She was constantly miserable, moping, uncommunicative, and wistful. She was hard to watch, slumping, stomping, and making weird faces. The kiss scenes were awkward and awful, and she managed to diminish what few feel-good moments there were, with her stiffness. Her character also makes stupid decisions at every opportunity.
I don't blame the young actress. The script was lame - but I hated her character.

Geum Jan Di's parents - while understandably meant to provide some comedy relief, were ridiculously over-the-top, and so goofy it made them unlikeable. Certainly unlovable. Geum Kang San, Jan Di's brother was great, and the little actor played his part admirably. I adored him.

So Yi Jung (the potter)'s story is actually quite workable, and he smoothed out any wrinkles with his fabulous acting, charisma, and charm. He did a great job, considering he didn't have much to work with. The very talented Kim Bum really rose to the occasion, and I loved his character.

Chu Ga Eul, the girl whom So Yi Jung eventually grew to love (once he'd finally worked out his issues), was a breath of fresh air. Honest, kind, enduring, and considerate. It was a straight-forward part to play, and the actress executed it admirably. I loved her.

Song Woo Bin, the mobster's son, had an embarrassingly underdeveloped back story. His character started nowhere, and ended nowhere. The entire character seems to have been an afterthought for visual effect, and a bit of rough. The actor did the best he could with the storyline, and managed to be both likable and believable.
I might have loved him, had he developed into a person. Failing a better script, options were limited. This is no fault of the actor, who did his job well. I liked him.

Yoon Ji Hoo, who was warm, kind, considerate, and steadfast ... was punished for his dazzling humanity by being given a storyline so sad and disheartening that the hopelessness of his very existence rivaled that of even Bidam (from Queen Seon Deok). The gut-punch of his storyline's ending was too much for me,
and I thoroughly hated it.

Ji Hoo himself, however, was a prince among men ... and I loved him dearly.
I've become a fan of the actor, and am starting to discover his musical talents, as well.
I was outraged by the final episode.

The music was tedious and much too loud. I was constantly adjusting the volume between blaring SONGS and modest dialogue. Watch it again? I'm too angry to answer that right now.

The F4's visuals, as well as the solidity, and dynamics, of their 4-way friendship was a big bonus in this drama.
It's a friendship I will never forget, and I feel privileged to have been a fly on the wall, watching this life-long friendship endure the hardships together. There were moments when I even liked the actress playing Jan Di, who was occasionally quite cute, and had a nice smile ... occasionally. The F4's true friendship endures the drama, and the half baked script. I loved the friendship.

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Cheated by disrespctful writers, again.

What an absolute waste of 2 hours' time!

Writers owe me a refund of my time.
What was the point of all that walking around in the park - and no picnic at the end of it?
Nothing. They even show the headlights pulling into the park ... but couldn't let us watch him meet the sister? 종말?
My blood boils.

Writers need to understand that they disrespect their audience with their perverse "artistic messaging" nonsense.


Viewers arrive at a show to collect a delivery.
The writers don't deliver.
The writers stood us up at the altar.

Bastards.

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Well worth watching despite stupid ending.

Overall, the drama is nearly excellent - if not for the ending, I'd have given it a 10.
There was a lot of misdirection - and not in a good way. I felt cheated afterward, like I'd been led on a merry chase, but it turned out to be a drag hunt. Foreshadowing that doesn't pan out is not satisfying viewing. There is only one great plot twist - and it's worth waiting for. I didn't see that coming.

The whole time, you're waiting for the satisfaction of the truth being revealed, but it's a hoax from beginning to end. You don't even get to find out who the father was.

However - I fell in love with the cast, and wouldn't give up the time I got to spend with them, in their story, at all. I do NOT regret watching, and might watch it again someday just for very relatable characters in the story. I wish I'd known at the beginning that the ending would be disappointing - zero ultimate satisfaction for the viewer - then I could have enjoyed for what it was - and the story was very nearly great. Definitely WATCH IT - but take it in stride. I don't think anyone will regret watching it.

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It's a good thing there's a Season 2 ...

Season 1 ending where it did would have really made me angry, so I'm glad there was a Season 2 ready to go right away. I haven't finished S2 yet, but Season 1 was terrific. The prickly relationship between the two main characters is funny, infuriating, sad, and beautiful ... engaging at every turn.

But the story is so much more than that. It's historically engaging, and emotive, too.
Images you can't unsee make you think about the incredibly difficult lives of Korea's ancestors.

It is an honest, well told story I will probably watch again in the future.

Highly recommended. Namkoong Min is incredible. Just superb in this role.
Choi Moo Sung also brings a moving character to the story.

I hope Season 2 ends well. In any case, I will not regret having watched it.

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Odd perspective: Seo Yi Sook showed some fine acting, and seemed to be having fun with this role.

I never liked Seo Yi Sook (Chairwoman) ever since Empress Ki. But in this show, I thought she was fabulous. Her hysterical ourbursts were so over the top that it made me laugh, and it seemed like the actress was really having fun playing this character.

I liked her in this role enough that I looked her up on YouTube, and she seems to be quite a likeable, soft-spoken person, who loves to sing - aside from being a talented actress.

Because of her, the drama was fun. I know this is a weird take on the drama, but this is how it struck me.
I also liked the actor who played the main character's husband, and will be looking forward to seeing him in more dramas. I thought he created a very sympathetic character in this role.

It wasn't an amazing drama, in retrospect, but at the time, it kept me riveted, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Going forward, when I see Seo Yi Sook, being evil, in future dramas, I won't be able to hate her any more.
I'll just admire her skill, and ability to get me invested in the story! ?

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Toxic Male Gets Ultimate Reward ... for being a bullying.

The amount of demeaning, bullying, and nasty behavior Hwang Tae Kyung gets away is not cute, or funny. He's a really hurtful person. I don't think it makes sense for Mi Nye to fall for the guy who is the most cruel to her. What is this saying about women? "Treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen" ?

In order to have earned her love, he should at least have undergone some MAJOR changes, which he didn't. He barely got over his own ego enough to go after her in the end ... and only because everyone else told him to do it. He learned nothing. She was a sap, from beginning to end.

And when she found out Yoo He Yi was now bullying and threatening her brother, as well, Mi Nye should have finally found her courage and slapped the troublesome snake-lady. But no, she was a sap right to the end.

My third complaint is that they should have cast the brother properly, using an actor, as also slight-framed, for credibility's sake. Using a buff male body, with Shin Hye's head, was stupid, and obviously - could not be mistaken for the same person. It's not believable that the two were not just siblings, but TWINS - who had gone through a horrific ordeal together ... and yet, Mi Nye barely ever mentioned her brother, worried about him, missed him, and barely showed any interest in seeing him again.

The acting was fine - Lee Hong Ki was fantastic (as always).
The music was good.

The script? Very shallow, and disappointing.
Still, it was a good romp, and was worth it just for Lee Hong Ki's character, Manager Ma, and Kang Shin Woo, who (although the character made poor choices), was played well by the actor.

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It was okay. I stayed interested in the story until the end, but only really liked three of the characters. The others seemed shallow and one dimensional, with the exception of Choi Min Soo, Noh Min Woo, and Lee Won Jong.

The writers didn't take time to develop the characters, and relied on the story to keep the viewer interested, and to be fair, the story was good enough to succeed. But the actors mentioned above were, nonetheless, able to take their roles, and really bring them to life.

Personally, I thought the main character was a weak sap, the princess was a selfish brat, and the king was ... well, young Bojang.

Choi Min Soo, however, never fails to deliver, and Noh Min Woo puts in a spectacular performance. The most likeable character was the ever-lovable Lee Won Jong.
It was worth watching just for the three of them, and I have to admit, Uhm Tae Woong was pretty cool at the beginning of the show.

There is one scene, when the son (Uhm Tae Woong) finally understands his father, and that moment was very well written, nicely set up, and well acted.
It was poignant for me, as a viewer.

Perhaps surprisingly, I cheerfully recommend it. It's a good story worth watching.
I was very happy with the ending.

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Up until the last 10 minutes this show is fantastic.

BRILLIANT cast, great music, and very warm and genuine interpersonal relationships. I loved the old men bros. Sword Saint was awesome, as this actor always is, and Ji Chang Wook made you forget every other role you might have seen him in. He really embodied the character of Baek Dong Su.

I really wanted to give this drama 5 stars in everything but … (spoilers)

All the demerits from the full 5 star rating is to punish the writers for the way they treated Un at the end.

Cho Rip suddenly (and inexplicably) becomes faithless and murderous, but he gets the girl? Really?

First of all - it was not even within Cho Rip’s character profile to, suddenly, act so rashly on his own, and willfully put his friend’s life on the line. It was totally fabricated nonsense, just to kill off Un. It reminded me of Queen Seondeok’s poor, tragic Bidam - but at least with that show, the writers had history as an excuse. This was an absolutely uncalled for ending, and I felt betrayed by it.

Cho Rip should have died instead of Un.
Really ticked off.

All that aside, I still I recommend this drama 95%.

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Overall, highly recommended.

First, about the music: 86 Episodes and only great two songs to take away from it? Not good enough. Admittedly, the two songs are wonderful - just wish there had been more of the same quality; suitable for replay.

That said, I can't understate how important this story is to watch - regardless its execution. The story is well executed overall, but it's unfortunate that its focus was almost exclusively on weapons and agricultural inventions that caused conflict with the great Ming. I would also have liked to see Sejong writing the books he wrote; writing (and/or collaborating on) the songs he wrote; or at least a few nods toward his other achievements that combined to make him truly Great. It's a shame the creation-of -hangeul part of the story was left until nearly the end, but I don't think the importance of its creation was glossed over as a result. It was clearly the crowning achievement.

Personally, I think it was a good call to leave interactions with concubines out of the story, since there was so much more substantive historical content to represent.

True to character issues: A bright and brilliant as Sejong clearly was - how did it take him until 3 episodes before the end of the story to figure out that Choi Manli - and his minions - were mostly just acting on petty greed by the prospect of ordinary people having skills they wanted to own for themselves. We all knew that very soon after the idea of a new writing system was introduced. Surely, Sejong would have discussed this with Manli and discovered that sooner. Poetic license, I guess.

The Choi Manli objection storyline was overplayed, and could have been kept to 3 episodes; time which could have gone to filling out Sejong's character to include the writing and music composition.

Still - it's an important watch for anyone who is interested in Korean History - and I still highly recommend it to everyone!

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