Honestly it has been ages since i sat down and complete a pure historical drama (without time travel etc or whatsoever). Moreover, it was more endearing and heartbreaking that the drama was based of true characters that existed in history.

Story
As with history, the story follows a strong willed court lady, whom wishes to live life her way and a well knowned king, who puts his nation before love. In history, and also in this series, San spent 15 years before finally being together with Deokim. However, their happiness was shortlived. Their time apart was more than the happy moments they had together, and eventually death made them part... even their children had died. San really loved deokim down to the bones. She was the only wife he chose willingly, against all odds, and against his own nature. Deokim, whom cherishes herself the most, gave up everything to be with the one she loves though she truly understands San will never truly belong to her fully... she know what's in store for her, and she still chose this sorrowful love. However, she wanted to kept her pride, and her love towards the king was never made known, even til her death ...

Acting/Cast
CHEF'S KISS. All actors were excellent, but i will commend on our main leads.
- Seyoung as Deokim: definitely not the first work i watced her in. Fun fact was, Dae Jang Geum was the first kdrama i watched!! I felt endearing because she was playing a court maid here again. Her acting was on point and i felt sad she lacked recognition and appreciation despite her long running career. This drama really propelled her to light, and i am glad to witness this moment with her, because it's truly well-deserved! She really conveyed the emotions clearly, through her body expressions and especially her eyes. Her pronunciation and tone was perfect for every scene, be it a happy or a sad one. She clearly portrayed the conflicted strong willed lady, who wishes to stay true to herself but also unable to hide her yearning heart for San. She ultimately gave up her everything, to be with a man, that belonged to the nation. The process of rejection was sad, but it hurts me more after she became concubine...she would have definitely become a happier woman if she lived in the 21st century
- 2PM Junho as Lee San: honestly, one of the cream of the crop when it comes to idol actors and it is definitely not easy. There;s always prejudice against idol actors, and I am sure many can see why. However, Junho i can say is one of the few idols that i acknowledge both for his music and acting career. Junho was made for San. A troubled crown prince at first, he acted all the fear and resentful and of course love towards a woman so endearingly and painfully. It took several rejections before Deokim accepted his grace, and the process was so painful to watch. But is was remarkable how San could stay loyal to deokim, and waiting 15 years for her. The fact this happened in history just made me even sadder such pure and heartbreaking love exists. It's sadder he never knew if deokim truly loved him, only until his death :( the part hurts me the most was he just wanted to be deokim's everything, but as King, he had so much to do :( after deokim's death, it seems like everyone has forgotten her, except San. It pains me to see him forcing himself to be strong for the nation, when he was already dead inside. But atlas, he became a well-reputable king, which he had promised Deokim. I think this was Junho's best character to date , and i cant wait to see him again in future productions.

Music
Not only the OSTs, the BGMs are well executed. Cry fest in the last episode, just get your tissues ready. I might not have take it if Junho had sang an OST TT

Rewatch Value
I will probably rewatch the happy moments because the sad scenes (ep 17) are just too painful to watch. And also, the pacing was way too fast at the back. They shoud had made this a 20 episode series because the first 10 episodes were spent during crown prince era, and the last 7 episodes were choo train to become king, having deokim reject him again, finally becoming concubine, his family and then witness the death of their kids and finally the death of deokim...

Overall
I stepped into the series expecting a sad love story, and it was well delivered. The pain was felt to the bone. The ending was perfect for me. The part when San chose the afterlife over reality just to be with Deokim touched me. That moment, they were finally each other's everything, and that moment became eternity. It so cruel how fate is, and the social status during the past. If San and Deokim existed in modern times, they will be happy. This love story is famous, and Jeongjo is one of the most romantic king in history for his unwavering love towards deokim. And for seyoung and junho to deliver these characters, i was so happy TT i really just hope their chemistry continues and they have a chance for a happier production:)

til then!!