Before you read, I want to imply that I am speaking as someone who has watched over 50 Asian Dramas of different genres. Historical is my favorite cup of tea; I absolutely love historical politics and romance!
I watched this drama because at that moment, I was fully obsessed with historical dramas. I watched shows like Scarlet Heart and Moon Embracing the Sun. There were some more I could mention, but I have to say those dramas didn't leave a strong impression in me as the two I mentioned did (OR I could have forgotten, but okay).
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So, this drama was rather . . . poorly written. Music was good, OSTs were nice, acting wasn't bad at all, but the story. The story was simply all over the place, leaving several ugly plot holes and disappointment. I can't say it's extremely bad, but it's not good either. I've seen some other people getting all hyped watching this drama, but ended up being disappointed despite the huge line-up of great casts. I've also seen other people cry and laugh because of this drama, simply because they liked it. But for me, this drama wasn't anything special.
Sure, you could say it's funny at some point, bromance was fun, but the romance was just . . . unnecessarily annoying. I didn't enjoy the romance at all. It's not that I don't 'ship' them or whatever, it was just not it for me.
So overall, Hwarang's okay. Not the best, of course, but not so horrible. Though I suggest if you are an experienced drama watcher who has watched shows like Empress Ki or Dong Yi (The real definition of EXTREMELY GOOD historical dramas), you probably shouldn't waste your time on this. Only watch this if you're in need of laughter after watching heartbreaking dramas like Scarlet Heart or something.
Also don't kill me for this, but I feel like some people merely stayed and even watched it only because of Kim Taehyung. Sorry not sorry, but basically everyone in KissAsian was screaming about him (I found that annoying, I have to admit).
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Well, have a good day!

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First time writing a review, but this drama is definitely one so good that it managed to drag me away from my lazy-as-heck demeanor, get on my laptop and write a review. This drama was also one that managed to haunt me at school, and trust me it was completely torture, having to wait for school to finish before I could go home, get on my laptop, and continue the series.

Before you read, I want you to know that I am not new in the drama world, and that I am a very picky watcher. If I don't like the start of a drama, I drop it. That's just how picky I am.
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This drama had it all. All. No joke. What made me stay throughout the entire series wasn't just because there was something I liked about the show, it was because I liked everything about the show.
I watched the series on KissAsian, which is where I usually view dramas too, and would you honestly believe me if I said that I was extremely impatient when they showed me the Are You Human verification thing? Yes, it was THAT good.

The plot was something really creative. The story progressed so well and there were lots and lots of fresh twists nobody expected to happen throughout the entire series. There wasn't a single episode which made me feel a slightest bit of boredom. Everything was so neat and perfect. And don't get me started on the cast. I fell in love with how Ji Sung portrayed each and every character so distinctively. Seven personalities isn't something easy to pull off, oh lord when he cried I wanted to cry too. Kudos to him! Hwang Jung Eum did a really good job too. Fell in love with her character. Her interactions with Shin Se Gi was gold. [Small note: I think us female viewers should agree on one thing; Shin Se Gi is a hot beast and we all fell for him.] Park Seo Joon did a very good job! He was very funny.

This drama is categorized into a Melodrama, and it does live up to it's genre. Many people protested on the first episode because they were annoyed with the main female lead screaming. I wasn't bothered by it at all, I prefer those types of girls but everyone has their own tastes. But what I want you to know is how amazing the character development was. If you watched it well, you'd see how she grows more mature and there's this spark in her eyes after discovering the truth about her past, a spark that made it as if she'd been through hell. She convinced me that her life was so horrible, and as a watcher, I agree that it has been hell indeed.

Another thing, I really dislike it when a drama just sort of flopped in the middle. Some dramas have this strong lead in the beginning but then they cry every episode. I can guarantee you that the male and female leads of this drama do cry often, but trust me, you'd cry too.

Why? Because they had been through real shit. Because the actors made the sadness so convincing that you would slowly feel your heart break too. Because they had a reason to really cry and break down after all they've been through. Because they can't seem to find happiness.

The music was good. Flexible, and some people might think that they used one of the OSTs way too much, but it was fine. I didn't feel bored of hearing the same tune over and over again. I do not know why, it's just that good.

Rewatch value? Hey, this might be one of the few dramas i'd actually rewatch. YES, IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DRAMA.
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Why are you still here? Go watch the drama before you regret it!
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