Princess Hours
In many respects this 2006 drama has aged well (some funny bedroom scenes and a welcome lack of childish reactions to physical contact), but in others it's a little dated.I liked the plot and characters, but the story became a bit laboured at times and pretty far fetched.
It's another case of what could be clever /sharp / witty dialogue between characters, being sacrificed to move the scenes into the scheming and under hand plans of those with their eyes on the throne.
The character of Chae Kyung was initially quite feisty, bright and no-nonsense, and whilst young, as the story progressed, she made some pretty dumb decisions, ignoring advice and what to most rational people, would be obviously bad choices. That was a shame, as she could have been so much more.
The Crown Prince was the usual aloof, cold and misunderstood character, with the third member of the love triangle being sensitive, romantic and warm. I see where many of the ideas for Boys Over Flowers might have came from.
Emotionally, between the leads, there was too much to-ing and fro-ing for me, which is what made the series a bit laboured.
I'd like to have seen less of the same falling out, getting back together and behaviour leading to misunderstandings and chaos, when it really needn't have; and more of their later relationship that was terribly condensed into the final scene.
The scheming that played such a large part of the story, was also wrapped up very quickly and didn't fit with the amount of time and scenes spent unfolding it.
I did like the cast and honestly would never have recognised Joo Ji-hoon's almost 15-year younger self. He is still a very attractive actor, but really has changed (not in a better or bad way, just very different).
I'm glad I watched it and if, like me, you enjoy seeing older dramas, it is a mostly fun watch overall.
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However, this drama really did suffer from a major pacing problem that led to the story falling flat somewhere in the middle and becoming rather vapid and repetitive. It really did not need to be 24 episodes and could have done with being 20, or even 18, episodes long. The writer was clearly trying to stretch the content of an 18 episode long drama into 24 episodes. All of the speed bumps that occurred in the main couples relationship really did not need to happen.
The ending, though, was nicely done and did manage to tie up and solve the major problems of the drama (even if some plot holes failed to be addressed).
The acting was decent, I guess. Our main couple weren't bad for young actors, but Song Ji Hyo and the second male lead were pretty terrible in their roles. Their screen presence was often forgettable due to their stilted and stoic mannerisms which were present even when they weren't needed. The Royal Family and the actors who play Yoon Eun Hye's parents are where the good acting chops lie. Nevertheless, nothing was overly unbearable (except Song Ji Hyo's performance which was just so...wooden).
Despite its flaws, I would probably rewatch this drama because the first 12 episodes are absolutely gold and Goong is blessed by a brilliant soundtrack (sans the one melodramatic song that absolutely got on my nerves).
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This drama embodies the early 2000s in all their glory. Korean productions were starting to become more culturally independent and getting rid of Hongkongese influence in favor of experimentation and innovation. The result? Some of the best Korean dramas and movies are from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
In those times, there was a greater focus in photography rather than in character's looks, and much less special effects, thereby drawing a more realistic and engaging picture, while at the same time allowing the viewer to admire the beauty and simplicity of the background. That is particularly pleasant if you feel nostalgic of that era.
Characters are deep and very well-written, instead of a cluster of cliches. The way the drama deals with characters’ emotions, and how they grow as people, is outstanding and rarely seen in current dramas. Dialogues are pure gold instead of a handful of words put together, and not only make you empathize with the characters but also reflect on life.
Last but not least, the teddy bears at the end of every episode, recreating the most notable scenes of the episode, are super cute and a very nice and original way to conclude episodes.
In short, highly recommend you to watch this drama.
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Don't miss this pearl !
I had postponed the viewing of this drama for a long time because I was afraid it would be outdated (2006).But when I started it, I stuck to my screen until the last minute!
The casting is great (from CL to supporting roles), the rhythm is perfect. I loved Scottish OSTs. The story (total fiction of course) is well written, fairly realistic, with the right amount of twists and turns and suspense.
Anyway, I loved this drama, which I would definitely rewatch because I had such a hard time leaving the characters ...
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7.5/10 – Draggy in parts, but unforgettable as a classic royal romance.
Princess Hours is truly one of those iconic K-dramas that defined the mid-2000s era. The concept of an ordinary high school girl suddenly becoming a princess and navigating palace life felt like a fairy tale come to life. The chemistry between Shin (Ju Ji Hoon) and Chae Gyeong (Yoon Eun Hye) was slow to build, but that’s what made it so rewarding—their awkward bickering, gradual trust, and eventual genuine love felt natural and heartwarming. Some of the most memorable scenes for me were their clumsy but cute moments in the palace, the comedic timing, and the way Chae Gyeong’s innocence brightened the otherwise strict royal atmosphere.On the downside, the drama definitely suffers from pacing issues. The middle episodes drag with too many repetitive misunderstandings, palace politics, and love triangle moments that could have been tighter. At times Shin’s cold personality felt frustrating, though it made his eventual growth and affection more impactful. The second male lead also added tension, but his storyline sometimes overshadowed the main romance.
Still, despite its flaws, Princess Hours is a nostalgic gem with beautiful costumes, a whimsical OST, and a romance that lingers even after all these years. If you love royal settings, slow-burn relationships, and that classic early K-drama charm, this is a must-watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Princess Hours - Goong Honest Review
Everyone talked about this drama and I know it was apart of the Korean Wave, and a huge hit in Korea so I greatly anticipated in watching it. This is a slow burn love story, mainly b/c of the fact that the ML and FL were in away forced into marriage overtime Shin fell in love with Chae Gyeong I want to say around the episode when the Royals wanted a baby, both being in immature and stuck in their ways, Shin was always unable to properly execute his feelings toward Chae Gyeong so it came out in the weirdest ways. I think overall Shin and Chae Gyeong had a solid story, they truly grew to love each other through time. Shin started liking Chae Gyeong but hid it, plus the only thing that truly bothered me about this series was the fact that Shin and Chae Gyeong didn't talk things out after Yul's birthday party she assumed he still liked Hyorin and Shin never made Chae Gyeong secure in the relationship. Especially with the Hyorin drama she was truly a B****, I couldn't stand her character, in the end she turned it around but I didn't like that she kept budding in! All in all, they tied the story up very smoothly, I liked the twist that Shin's sister became Queen, his parents basically retired, and now Chae Gyeong could become a designer and Shin could also find what he loves to do which was hinted in film. Another thing I did not like in this drama Yul's mother was so sickening and selfish and let her son take the fall for her actions. I am glad they returned to the UK, that was their best bet. Yul at first I really cared for his character then towards the end I didn't. He kept influencing and manipulating Chae Gyeong's decisions. You'd think he would have advised her to talk to Shin about Hyorin during the party but instead kept telling her he still liked Hyorin when that was no longer the case, and he still believed after all that, she would just up and leave and runaway with him. Chae Gyeong made it clear he was always ever a friend and it wouldn't go any further than that. Another thing that annoyed me towards the end of the drama was Chae Gyeong getting pregnant! That came out of nowhere I am being honest it's just my theory, I think they consummated their relationship in the palace, perhaps somewhere before Chae Gyeong left. I know it had to have been before perhaps they had something before they both left. Since they would be apart so long, but this is just my theory. I was happy to think that their fantasy of them raising children and being happy living a normal life was now a reality. The main song in this dram Perhaps Love was beautiful and really fit the personality of the show. I am not sure about rewatching it perhaps I would and skip to my favorite episodes. But it was a long emotional journey but the ending tied the story up so nicely I have no complaints.Was this review helpful to you?
Worthy of Re-watch once a year!
I watch Goong 2006 at least once a year all episodes. The innocence portrayed by the lead actors and supporting actors is so well done that I go back to watch favorite episodes. I commenting now because I rewatched episodes 13-15 when Shin finally realizes that he has fallen in love his cute and bubbly wife.. I am still teary eyed at the expressions that are new to him… she wonders around trying to find where she stands in this relationship and she is being affectionately recognized as the Crown Princess. But my favorite from Shin is what he says to close the book with the ex-girlfriend…”Not only is she the Crown Princess, she’s also my wife.” He has arrived. In 2024 and beyond, I hope writers, screenwriters, directors, and producers invest their talent in upcoming actors/actresses so that dramas can become long time favorites like Goong 2006.My2cents
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An all time favorite Kdrama
One of my all time favorite Kdrama, and among the first I've seen. Watched this masterpiece through a DVD as a kid and didn't even realize what I did with my mom back in 2006 was called "binge watching"... watched the whole show straight from the afternoon to dawn the next day. Now that I'm an adult, I have rewatched the show atleast twice and I still listen intently to their dialogues and get giddy about scenes like watching it the first time. I love the slow burn romance which only peaked towards the end (and made the lead's every interaction even more intimate) with the secondary characters attempting to break the inevitable bond between the lead to no avail. The families character's especially the prince's grandma or the mother queen is also a favorite as she's always been an ally to the protagonists from the very start. Typing this note still makes me smile and I'm glad I found kisskh to share my admiration for dramas. #FirstEntryWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Am I the only one who hates the SML? // you need patience for this drama!!
First Impression: I came across this drama on mydramalist, while searching up princess or something related into the search bar seeing what I would find. I came across this drama and started a few weeks later when I was on holidays in France, because I had internet all night. I binged watched the first 10 or so episodes very fast. It was when I came into the second part of the drama, that things got so slow! I had to make myself finish this, but dropped it in the end. I have had mixed feelings the whole time I was watching this drama. I can't tell if I like the main couple or hate it, or like the male lead or not. I liked the interactions between the queen and queen dowager the most. (probably because I prefer historical/saeguk kdramas over modern ones).This drama is based off of a manhwa which I was going to get, but seeing that is has more of an open ending, I didn't really want to waste my time with a bunch of drama. NOW BACK TO THIS STORY.
Story (till ep 18) :
Set in an alternative universe, where south korea is a monarchy.
The Grandfather (the king at that time) of the Crown prince (ML) and the grandfather of an ordinary girl (FL) were friends and for her grandfather helping his, He says that his granddaughter will marry the crown prince.
The FL's family has problems with debts and loan sharks , So she agrees to marry the crown prince to help her family. They get married, but the ML is in love with another girl. They don't get along at first. I'd say their relationship is on and off. When you think they finally get together, something interferes. Also the sml shows up too much. The FL starts to fall in love with the ML first and eventually by the last episodes, the ML finally starts accepting his feelings for her.
So I did watch the last scene in ep 24 when they get married for real. and i've seen other scenes on youtube, but I don't really have the patience to finish this drama. But I might eventually try and finish it.
Cast/Performance/Characters:
- I HATE the yool guy. I feel like the whole drama wants me to feel sorry for him, but he's just a whiny little btch. He's like that Jacob or Keita (from Itakiss) character in so many of these arranged marriage dramas. Why do smls always go after the married ones! (not always lol). Anyways I've seen many people feel sorry for him, but I don't get it.
- Now the Main Male Lead. So to be fair I feel like both the male leads in this drama are crappy, but atleast this guy has his looks going for him. Throughout most of this drama I've been waiting for him to finally make up his mind between Hyo-rin and Chae Kyung, cause it gets so frustrating when you think he's giving up on hyo rin and likes the FL but then some more problems between them happen. I mainly just don't like his attitude. Like nothing he did was wrong.
- Now the Second Female Lead: Hyo-rin. So in episode 1 the ML who has a crush on her, proposes to her so that he doesn't have to marry some stranger. But she REJECTS him (remember this part). Afterwards when he's married she acts like he's the one who rejected her. I don't really like her, but she's not the worst character.
- Now on to Chae Kyung (FL) I liked her. I don't know how she put up with the ML for so long, before he finally started caring.
I think their acting was good enough.
Music: was decent, but nothing all that memorable except for maybe one song.
So do you think I'm looking to much into this drama and should just watch it for what it is?
hmm maybe..but idt so..
edit: this didn't have to be 24 eps long.
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One of the reasons why I readily fell in love with the series was because of JJH and YEH playing as Shin and Chae-kyeong. I really, really love their pairing.
Seriously, I've been loving it ever since it was aired in 2006 and until now, it's still the best Kdrama for me... ^^
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The Writer Of This Drama Is Something?♀️?♂️
Shin is a complete jerk. Throughout the show, he disrespected his wife in so many ways that it was difficult to watch. When his wife is present, he answers the phone to speak to his mistress (they got married so that girl is now a mistress). He often refers to his wife as a gold digger and talks down on her. He always allows his friend to insult his wife, and he never introduces her to his friend, only allowing her to watch him flirt and laugh with his friend and mistress from the sidelines. I'm re-watching to see why I stopped, and I think I've figured it out. I'm still enraged by the fact that he cheats on her later in the series. The fact that she got back with him is embarrassing after he would do the bare minimum and the female lead would go back to Shin (male lead). Yul is deserving of her because he has admired her since the first time they met. She was, after all, supposed to be his wife. I might finish it if there is any character development or mostly to see Yul.😊Was this review helpful to you?
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