The Forbidden Scam
A girl pretending to be the Crown Princess's ghost, a spirited leading lady, and a minor hiccup in the grand scheme of historical tales—the ban on love. It sold itself as this wild, carefree series, promising easy laughs and a blissful escape. However, the writers tripped hard trying to weave in melodramatic and political plots because the original concept was unsustainable for more than a couple of episodes. They birthed these laughable plots and pitiful antagonists in the process. The female lead, originally devious and witty, took this nosedive into becoming this sad, serious persona spouting profound but empty and hypocritical lines. It was hard to believe or feel anything she said or did after this drastic change in character. Again, forcing a systematic change across the board after a couple of episodes. At the end of the day, this is just another poor cosplay show.Was this review helpful to you?
I'm glad they only made this 12 episodes.
Even so, they didn't give me as much of the OTP in their final form that i wanted.I really enjoyed the palace stuff the most. They did keep the villain stuff to a minimum, and I appreciated that aspect. However, I think they gave far too much airtime to the townsfolk. There was enough going on with the palace stuff, those parts, though sometimes satirically comical, felt somehow randomly distracting.
All in all, this was a lovely satirical sageuk, with lots of pretty castmembers who are also good actors. It was fun to watch. Binged right through it!
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Good start, weak finish, a series of two halves.
I really liked the start of this and was hooked. The effects of grief, loss and guilt, and how you can become isolated I thought were being portrayed in an interesting, way. The solution was perhaps comedic, but it wasn't making fun of the emotional pain.Depending on how you view the FL, she is either really annoying, like an over enthusiastic sales person, or someone who just wants to do her best in a bad situation, and trapped in a role she has made for herself. The ML,Kim Young-dae, for me came out best in this, when given the chance he has acting range. The rest of the cast were pretty much given stock roles, not their fault, just a poor script.
Mid way through the story and script fell apart, and the last episode was like someone had made a poor cake as was decorating it with too much sweet icing to hide the cracks.
My score is based mainly on the first 60%, the rest had so many plot holes, and the twist at the end, sign posted from about episode 6. Just a bit disappointed.
I like the main OST song.
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This review may contain spoilers
Stunning Series!
This series was stunningly good with a tight, tight script, an amazing cast, and ample thrills and chills for every romance junkie anywhere. I began it on a whim, because at the time of this review...I was bored waiting for the next episode of Reborn Rich.
I thought "oh what the heck, I will watch 15 minutes of it" and just like that... I was hooked! It was so good, that I could barely enjoy it for thinking oh, no...I have to wait 5 more days for this? You have got to be kidding me!
At first .....it began rather typically, so I was thinking ...ahhh, yeah...so what?
And then...bam...just like that ...I was hooked and frantically began flipping to see....
how many episodes are released so far? Whoa...how many minutes are left in this episode?
You know the feeling, right? When you don't want it to end? When it hits you right in the heart and it feels oh ...so...right.
That is the good stuff.... the stuff of dreams.
Things I Loved:
I loved The Cast:
Kim Young Dae was so perfect for this role, it would be impossible for anyone else to embody it. This guy deserves serious props and not just because he looks good..although can I interrupt this highbrow review to say... how much I love it when he takes off his shirt in this one...ahem...sorry, but seriously... he can act his socks off and after a few more challenging roles he will be a powerhouse someday, I am expecting big things from him.
And Kim Woo Seok...
Does it get any better than this? He was sooo good in this role, that I loved it when he came on the screen. A total delight to watch him in action. So both male leads were exceptional, for reasons unrelated to shirts.
And Park Ju Hyun...
Wow, I loved her! At first I worried her character was one dimensional. Again, I thought hummm...rather typical.
But it didn't take long ...for me to sit up and say ...oh my...this girl is incredible. She was a fascinating study..to see how she looked/behaved differently depending on each scene. I know that sounds weird, so let me explain it like this. At the very end of the second episode, there is a clip of her in what looks like hunting gear, I swear you could look at her in that clip and do a double take. She was intriguing as heck and......I adored her. So if impassive, expressionless leads are your pet peeve,
well, you won't find that here. Lol.
This series had a very solid cast, with truly exceptional talent and at the time of this review..our ML's had just won well deserved awards for this series. They were a delight to watch but wow, were they ever given roles that fit them perfectly.
I Loved The Script:
I can't remember a series where the script has so consistently delivered as this one has. Not one episode was a disappointment. That is a rarity. As I watched other series during the lengthy wait for this one, I realized just how often the scriptwriters disappoint us. There will be a great episode and then a not so great one. It is inconsistently good.
I Loved The Pace:
This series presented the romantic angle differently. Rather than stringing the viewer along for 10 episodes leading up to a single kiss, they have chosen to keep us intrigued and engaged using two things:
First, they used a more daring dialog that was fresh and enticing. Words matter, and when they are provocative and used well they add excitement to a scene. When the dialog is spot on as it was here....it is tantalizing.
Secondly: They generously used intimate moments to keep the viewer engaged.
Instead of a romantic moment here or there..they lavishly sprinkled those ah ha moments throughout.
I thought this pacing of the romance was interesting and perhaps it mimics real life better. As I thought about this..most every romantic comedy that is truly successful uses this formula.. Which means that every episode is rewatch worthy because the thrills are included in every one. This feels more satisfying to the viewer.
Conclusion: (at time of review)
Awwww, just watched the ending and wow, what a satisfying wrap up. How many endings can we say that about?
They left nothing unresolved, where justice was needed, they delivered. Nothing felt rushed and the loose ends were tied up. What a solid 10 this series was! It goes immediately in my rewatch list. I don't think you will find another RC out there like it.
It belongs in the same category as Business Proposal. Both in my view were the best in class for RC's of 2022.
This was a joy to watch, truly laugh out loud funny and catch your breath romantic.
Many thanks to the cast and everyone involved with this project...you lit up our world with your smiles and laughter. ❤️
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Easy to watch , 2nd Lead Syndrome
This show is easy to watch, a good bingeable show thats not too complicated. I found myself chuckling out loud at some scenes, the comfort/comedy value is quite high. FL is well portrayed and i personally thought she had more chemistry with 2ML. It wasnt until i came to read the reviews that I realised she was meant to be with the king lol. I guess the fact that a ML is so hung up over his dead wife doesnt sit romantically well with me. Overall a good show, Kim Woo Sok is the star of the show for me, he played the character really well and i really wanted the FL to end up with him. I know most people watching developed 2nd lead syndrome lol .Wont give too much away but overall the show has a happy ending.Was this review helpful to you?
It's a wonderful, romantic, sad, and captivating series to watch.
This series is highly rated and absolutely beautiful. I truly loved it in every way. I wish I could lose my memory and watch it again. It has wonderful and talented actors. I loved the story and the romantic events and how they unfold. It's truly an extraordinary legend, something different from anything else. I highly recommend watching it. It's not long, it's beautiful, and it's definitely worth watching. I loved it, I really, really loved it. This is my opinion, and I hope you truly like it.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The Forbidden Marriage: Pain, Passion & Perfect Storytelling
Just finished watching The Forbidden Marriage for the second time — and wow, it still hits hard!This drama officially ranks #2 on my list of favorite Korean dramas, and for good reason.
What I love most is how beautifully it shows the growth of the main leads (ML & FL) — their pain, struggles, and the way they overcome everything together. It’s emotional, layered, and surprisingly funny at times
Sorang’s Journey
Sorang’s life was already filled with heartbreak long before the marriage ban. Losing her mother so young and having to live under a cruel stepmother — thanks to her father allowing his second wife to control the household — only deepened her misfortunes. Watching her push through everything with her cleverness and warmth made me admire her character even more.
King Lee Heon — Perfection in Acting
The ML’s portrayal of King Lee Heon? Beyond phenomenal. You can feel his pain in every scene.
He’s haunted by the death of his first love, believing for years that she took her own life — only to later discover the heartbreaking truth: she was murdered by one of his own cabinet members who wanted to manipulate him. His struggle between grief, duty, and love is portrayed flawlessly.
Lee Shin-Won — The Perfect Second Lead
Now, let’s talk about the second ML, Lee Shin-Won. I adored his character. Compassionate, loyal, supportive, and deeply understanding — he’s the kind of second lead that makes you want him to be happy, even if you know he won’t get the girl. The writer balanced his role perfectly without overdoing the love triangle.
Hidden Layers & Fun References
One thing I love about this drama is the little surprises hidden throughout:
Episode 1 & 12: Subtle hints of bisexuality — only the third time I’ve seen this in a Korean drama, especially in a historical setting!
Episode 4: Sorang mentions “seok sin gang rim” when talking about sexual position books — I even looked it up, and apparently, the phrase doesn’t exist anywhere.
Pop Culture Easter Eggs:
References to Goblin and Hotel Del Luna (loved those nods!)
A mention of the book Men Are from Mars; Women Are from Venus.
The bathtub scene? Inspired by Red Sleeve.
Episode 9: That old man giving a thumbs-up before going back into the hole? Total homage to The Terminator.
Comedy Gold
And I cannot forget the two lovable misfits — those two were hilarious! Their antics brought so much unexpected humor and balance to the darker parts of the story.
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ok so i really went in thinking this was something when it was entirely smth else lmao but i didnt expect to enjoy it sm?? the main character so rang is a swindler who is conning people through marital fortune readings when marriage is forbidden. so ofc she gets caught and is brought to the royal prison when through twists and turns she meets the king and the king takes a fancy to her. thus starts the journey of the king who is being conned by so rang into believing she could channel his dead wife's soul into her. over time we uncover a lot of more mysteries and this dead soul bringing thing is absolutely not the main focus of the whole drama. we see who the fmc is fr and hoe everything about her is made public.
honestly i loved the drama mainly cuz the leads were funny af. not to mention the mytery tension was so good every episode i would be like they are so close to the truth this will end in the next ep but wahla another one went by without me realising.
the first half is a bit slow but imo the second half makes up for it. this was an awesome watch unexpectedly
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Better than expected ;)
Actually I had no expectations starting this drama. After the first episode, I seriously wanted to drop it, but decided to just give another few episodes a try. I’m glad I did, because it started getting wayyy better after episode 3.The storyline became more engaging, more intriguing, more mysterious and more anxiousness to solve the mystery!! Don’t have to worry about nasty love triangles here, but it steered more towards scheming, betrayal and conspiracy theories to get to the throne! The chemistry between both leads were mediocre I would say, I was actually rooting for SML ;);)
Kim Young Dae acted the same way he did for Shooting Stars, there wasn’t much variety in his mannerisms or skill. Park Ju Hyun was good playing the quirky / funny side of her character, but I felt she didn’t pull off the serious/ emotional side. I liked Captain Lee shin-won!! Who is the 2ML (spoiler: and am kinda sad he didn’t get the girl)
I skipped most of the scenes with the two funny guys who were protesting the marriage ban, and the scenes with the author/ painter and the shop assistant. Didn’t feel it added anything to the entire plot or storyline. The last few episodes were quite exciting and it’s a good thing this drama is only 12 episodes.
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It was not very good in my opinion
It was decent, fine. The romantic tension was okay, but I felt like it was lacking. The villains were just bad, the one lady was more bark than bite she could literally not do anything and the guy acted like he was asleep the entire time. Neither one of them had any depth or back story. I have no idea why they were doing what they were doing. Side characters were fine, I didn't totally dislike them and at moments I even kind of liked them. I never figured out what was up with the crown princess, did she love the king or did she not? I also have no idea why they kept her ghost alive, like were they trying to drive him crazy enough to abdicate? The last episode was good but a bit drawn out, some things that happened just for dramas sake had zero consequence later on or was resolved very quickly and at the end of it left the thing that happened pointless to the story or character growth. All in all not bad but I've seen better.Was this review helpful to you?
Felt like a low budget drama
LIKEWhen Shin Won and So Rang drink together they had those shots lol
So Rang sleeps with her eyes open hahaha
Witty screen writer mentions Goblin and Hotel Del Luna
When So Rang and Lee Heon have drinking competition
When Shin Won and Lee Heon reading the "books" their reactions lol
When the Emperor glowed HAHAHAH
Queen candidate selection a little interesting so added some points
Last episode not bad
DISLIKE
What’s wrong with the cameraman my god stop shaking
First 6 episodes not too bad then episode 7 on x2 speed sigh
Not much feelings there chemistry is flat
MUSIC - personal fav
How Can I Forget You - Seo Eun Kwang
REWATCH VALUE
Nope
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Lighthearted?...Not so sure...
Everyone saying its lighhearted comedy and comfort drama and im here crying my eyes out.I dont know about others but I never comfort myself by crying xD
Overall its a good watch. Characters are likeable so love triange is not annoying at all. FL is a bit out of her mind but not naive or annoying. I mentioned i cried a lot (so definitely not a comfort drama to watch when im anxious like others said) but it is true that i also laughed a lot.
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