So I just finished watching this drama and the first thing I gotta say is: I’m flashed. Like completely. This might be my most favorite historical K-Drama of all time because it as such a ride! Such a fun and thrilling experience at once. I haven’t watched that many historical dramas (or rather I haven’t finished this) but “Hwarang” managed to pull me in right from the start – and it never let me go.

Actually I don’t write reviews that often so please forgive me if this isn’t going to be smooth but I will try my best. First let me start with what I didn’t like… Which isn’t that much. Personally I’m not a fan of love triangles so some scenes (especially during the first half) were really hard for me and I gotta admit I only spoiled myself regarding which ship would end up together because I have one rule when watching K-Drama (or even reading): I only watch/finish when I know my main couple is going to end up together (but I will get to that later). That’s why I give it -0.5 points because while I didn’t mind Ah Ro’s and Ji Dwi’s “friendship” it bothered me sometimes they had so many scenes together I doubted myself. But I let this one slide because the rest was just beyond perfection.

The cast was amazing. There wasn’t a single actor I thought didn’t fulfill his role perfectly. Even the characters I very much disliked (but it also only goes to show they are good at their hob). For example I didn’t like the princess and I kind of would have wished she had a moment of realizing she was in the wrong for acting like this but they kind of left that open. Sometimes I didn’t really know on which side she was on but she did an amazing job (as well as the others). And although I felt sorry for the queen at the end I really disliked her character and her actions and greed. She didn’t want all of this but then she was thirsting for power. She hid her son not only to protect him but also to remain control and I think for him this wasn’t the best choice. So he had to take many detours before getting there but I was really happy when he did become king and although I called this plot twist (because to me it was sure I trusted Seon Woo and their friendship) I was glad they broke off those schemes and worked together. (See I’m not good at this, already talking about the ending). Although I gotta admit that I personally didn’t really like Ji Dwi’s/Maek Jong’s as a character. He had his good moments but I really couldn’t understand the hype about him (Sorry to say this). He often acted very selfishly (especially when he kissed Ah Ro, forcing himself onto her) and he didn’t even feel a little sorry about it. Even in the end he let her go but he couldn’t face her instead of being friends and staying on good terms. Also Ah Ro NEVER really encouraged his feelings (this kind of made up for the love triangle thing a bit). Sometimes he seemed pathetic and maybe that’s a result of living inside the shadow but it didn’t feel like he developed courage and I think without Seon Woo (and the other Hwarangs) he would not have made it this far. You can hate me for this but I really do think so… And while he didn’t kill Mak Moon I just can’t get over the fact that he stood there while two people were dying (maybe not directly because of him but the queen’s orders) and he just turned around and left. If Ah Ro’s father wouldn’t have come to save dog-bird… well… But worst for me is the fact they never addressed it and I think it was a real great deed of Seon Woo to forgive him like this without Ji Dwi acknowledging this. As I result I could not understand why everyone was holding him up so high when most of his actions were lead by his selfishness. Nevertheless I don’t hate him and he has his good point and also had good/kind reasons for wanting to become king. So this worked out well. Plus I love Seon Woo’s and his strong bond and friendship.

Speaking of which… I really loved so many of the characters this would probably be too long if I mentioned every individual (especially among the Hwarangs) so let me just speak about my absolute favorites. I absolutely adored So Ho. I went into this drama mainly because of Park Seo Joon and Choi Minho not knowing that I would even end up loving their characters too. They were perfect for their roles (but one by one). So Ho was so kind and funny and just so lovable. The only thing that bothered me was his crush on the queen (which I didn’t understand). Also I always felt he would deserve so much better. The way he admired her was kind of cute and weird at the same time. I was a little disappointed he didn’t get his own cute romance here (I’d have loved this) and even more so his last scene displayed him crying over the queen dying. I felt so sorry for him. Also one thing that made me dislike his sister slightly was when she knocked him down. It wasn’t his fault for trying to be a good brother (well, we gotta teach him how to treat his sister on other occasions). He was such a sweetheart and a very loyal friend. The role fit him perfectly <3.

Another favorite character surprised me very much. Personally I’m not a fan of BTS (please don’t hate me for saying this. I don’t hate or dislike them either, I’m simply not very much into their music – it’s not my cup of tea – pun NOT intended). But seeing V act as Han Sung really impressed me. His character was very refreshing and cute among all those serious characters and I absolutely adored Han Sung. It even makes me sad he didn’t play in more dramas because he surely has a talent and a very unique charisma so I kind of understand why many people were hyped to see him in this drama. But as much as I loved his character I will NEVER forgive the writers for letting him die. That hurt so much. First making you attached to his character (and they even build especially on that in the very same episode). I adored his friendship with Seon Woo and I wished so much they wouldn’t have done it. But I really give him credits for his talent. What a heartbreaking scene. Han Sung was such a precious character…

This brings me to the romance-part. Honorable mention for Ban Ryu and Soo Yeon right here… this couple was kind of cute and I liked their romance fair enough (but like I said I won’t forgive her for beating her brother twice when it was HER fault for not explaining). I felt like generally this drama wasn’t build so much on the romance (which doesn’t mean the parts were bad). Normally it would go down in my ranking because of this but the reason I love this drama so much it because it kept me on suspense the entire time. Simply awesome. And when there was the romance plot it was very well down and hit exactly right for me. I’ve read many comments hating on Seon Woo and Ah Ro as a couple so much it made me wonder why. Even this whole part about him pretending to be her brother for a time and the fact she already caught feelings then… Personally I wasn’t bothered by it because 1. They were never related by blood nor in any other form. Only by the fact her brother shipped them even before anyone else did (which was also very cute and I’m happy it turned out the way he would have wanted it for them ♥). 2. I do believe that while Ah Ro couldn’t know it for sure (which I gotta admit makes it weird from an objective point of view) she kind of sensed it deep down. Plus it was her father who wanted him so badly to keep up the pretense (a little plot hole here when dog-bird stated it would have been what her brother would have wanted. No. He wanted them to get married from the start). But even after this was resolved or especially then… I found their romance so beautiful. It was simply pure and it also felt way more natural than Ah Ro and the King (which I never really felt, sorry). Also once again a point proven: Park Seo Joon would have great chemistry even with a potato (just saying). Of course Ah Ro is much prettier and better than this but they looked so good together… Seon Woo’s character was really strong but not OP. He always wanted to do what’s right and was very loyal to the end. All his actions were to protect others. He wasn’t selfish at all. I was sad when he blamed himself for his friend’s death or even to put Ah Ro in danger when it were all these evil schemeres behind it. But he really has a good heart and a lot of courage. Even when he found out he would have had the legal right for the throne as well due to being a sacred bone he only every thought of doing what’s right for the people. I’m sure he didn’t have an easy life growing up as Cheoin but he remains humble all the way. So I really think he has a good heart. I didn’t like all his actions – especially when he “ignored” Ah Ro but I guess every character has some flaws. Slightly disappointed that PSJ didn’t hide inside a closet in this drama (I was waiting for it). But his performance is no joke. He’s honestly one of the best actors I’ve ever seen.

And I also liked Ah Ro very much. She was kind and bold and also very refreshing? I’ve read some comments complaining about her crying all the time but I do feel like what she went through justified this. Plus people are always mistaken when they say crying is a sign of weakness when it actually means strength (that’s why I liked the fact even the King shed some tears – proven he was not cold blooded. I give him that). She tried to help people and I think in this regard she has much in common with Seon Woo and that’s why they are perfect for each other (in my opinion). The actress is also very pretty and talented (her eyes are so beautiful). I’ve even decided to give her other dramas a chance because I want to see more of her. There was not one time I got annoyed by her. I’m a little sad the writers often put her on the sideline but in these situations she probably couldn’t have done much. So I now this is an unpopular opinion but I really do love both main leads (even though sometimes it didn’t feel like they were in a way). I loved the ending (although I felt sad/sorry for the queen from a human point of view. No one deserves this kind of ending).

The second episode was already so emotional… I’m not someone who cries watching dramas and I didn’t do it this time either… But it still managed to grab me emotionally on a level other dramas couldn’t and I appreciate this. Sometimes it was intense, funny, emotional and nerve wrecking. All of this was also due to the great OST – I love it so much. I think it’s one of the few dramas I didn’t get bored – that’s how much it managed to pull me in. I had this drama on my list for a long time and I really don’t know why I hesitated. One of the best dramas ever and absolutely the best historical drama for me. I would really love to have a second season but since it’s been six years it’s probably not going to happen.

Sorry for this mess of a review – I just wanted to share my thoughts with you. Have a great week ♥