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A little dull but overall good
The first few episodes I found a little slow. Some parts were meant to be funny but i didn’t find it humorous.What I liked was that all 4 main leads had a distinct history and character. They all came together by staying at the same guesthouse. I also liked the history between Dan O and Kang San, how they met as kids, and how he remembered her but she didn’t until later.
I liked the character of Si Yeol- a carefree scholar by day and a dark watchman sworn to protect the deposed / future heir to the throne by night. I would have preferred more of his “dark side” with more sword fights scenes.
The King was annoyingly spoiled. If he had been wiser, I think he could have killed all those who opposed him much sooner lol.
The romance was not too bad. One kiss scene only, and we didn’t even get a wedding scene of the main couple, but of the 2nd couple. It’s like a PG-13 historical drama, so nothing too gory or raunchy haha.
A pleasant watch. I did ff here and there but overall it was good.
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Great blend of rom-com, mystery and action!
Ah, how sad I am to have finished the show now😔🥹. This had the perfect mix of mystery, rom-com and action for me! I like how Dan Oh had a great relationship with Shi Yeol, Yoon Ho and Kang San individually as well as with all of them as a group! I also enjoyed the mystery behind the identities of the Prince and Watchman! They gave us clues and (misleading) hints here and there and yet it made sense once the identity of those two was revealed🧚🏻♀️. Sometimes, the episodes had some segments that felt like filler, but every episode had an AMAZING cliffhanger and would be succeeded by a banger start of the next episode🔥🔥The OST also had some really nice instrumentals that I enjoyed a lot! I am satisfied with the ending as everything wrapped up nicely: the bad guys got their deserved ending, the good ones created their happy end and we, the viewer, were able to finish the show happily and positively💗🌟🌺. The second-lead story with Shi Yeol and Hong Joo was heartbreaking, but so beautiful; for once, I really enjoyed a secondary love story as much as the main. The overall love-lines in this show were really sweet and so cute, I had great time!Was this review helpful to you?
Kept me hooked with their mystery
Despite being 18 episodes long and a bit slow at times, there is enough drama, mystery and some very cute romantic moments that keep you hooked.Although the series took a long time to finally get to it's conclusion, I enjoyed the characters a lot. Loved the bromance between Kang San and Si Yeol especially. Loved the romance between Dan O and Kang San. They were truly cute together. Jung Yoo Ha, Kang San and Si Yeol's contrasting personalities worked so well together. And the mystery of who is who and what will happen was worth watching. The ending is only predictable when you have 2 episodes left so the show makers did a good job in keeping us guessing.
Although I liked Si Yeol and Dan O's sister, Hong Joo, interactions as well, there were moments were she completely pissed me off.
All the actors have done a marvelous job.
The OST is also nice.
All in all, I had an enjoyable time watching it!
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Unsatisfactory HE?
The beginning of the story is super interesting, and I loved every minute of it.13 years after the palace coup where the son of the crown prince ran away, 3 guys appeared in a guest house. One of them is the Crown Prince's son, Lee Seol, one is his hidden guard, the Watchman and the other is the mysterious guy who later turns out to be Lee Seol's half-brother.
But I should say, the ending wasn't satisfying, it was a HE but I feel like Kang San and Yoo Ha didn't get the ending they deserve.
I really feel bad for both Kang San and Yoo Ha. In the end, Kang San has to give up his real name and Yu Ha has to live in a fake name. It wasn't the most satisfactory ending. And I don't feel satisfied with Yu Ha becoming the king, because I don't see the leader within him. To this whole taking the throne fiasco his contribution cannot even be compared to how much Kang san and the rest have done. He didn't even create the Mokinhoe anti-monarchy organization, he was just an unpopular transcriber in it and wasn't even leading the others. He has been so laid back in everything, and when he gathered people under the name Lee Seol in Mokinhoe, it was not even his idea, he was going along with the people around him. None of his decision was barely from him. While Kang san tried to gather his own people, create a coup on his own, tried his best to enter the palace and become a royal guard, He did everything in his power to get back the throne while Yu Ha was just walking in the path that other's created for him. This was why it disappointed me when he took the throne in the name of Lee Seol. The only brave thing he did in this entire time was to hold out the royal guards from going after Kang San, dan oh and the others when their identities got exposed in the end. Even then, he was waiting for Kang San to save his sorry ass.
And even at the very end, Kang San has to leave so as not to make himself suspicious, like how can this be a satisfying ending? At least Kang San cud have taken the throne and abdicated it to Yoo Ha legitimately.
Also, I do remember in a previous episode when Dan Oh met that servant of the previous Grand Prince, he told that there was a woman who was pretty close to the Grand Prince, who turn out to be Hwa Ryeong. But then Hwa Ryeong gave birth to the Crown Prince's kid. So does that mean the Crown Prince slept with his brother's woman??!! AND Lee Gyeom and Lee Seol are the same age, so does that mean the crown prince went sleeping around with women and doesn't even know when he got her pregnant and after he finds out, he hides the kid and doesn't give a damn for the outside woman?? Even if it was troubled times like wtf, I'm questioning Lee Seols's dad of all the characters in this story. *facepalm*
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Korean drama at its best
I am so enthralled with how beautifully written this drama is. All of the ML are amazing in their own ways. The quiet hopeless romantic, the playboy who is actually the WATCHMAN, and the moody prince with revenge brewing everyday in his heart. The FL is beautiful and so is her sister. Many times the female actresses at least one annoys me, but not this drama. They have wonderful chemistry with the male actors. I will definitely keep watching to see where this all ends up. Fingers crossed Lee seol becomes king, makes his brother a prince, and Dan oh is his queen.Was this review helpful to you?
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The Secret Romantic Guesthouse: A Beautifully Flawed Banquet
K-Dramas, much like a well-prepared Joseon banquet, are best served in three courses: the appetizer, the main dish, and the dessert. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse follows this structure almost too perfectly—only the main course got tragically overcooked before miraculously saving itself at the last bite. With strong character dynamics, an engaging mystery, and an aesthetic that sets it apart from its sageuk peers, this drama had all the right ingredients. But does it deliver a satisfying feast or leave an odd aftertaste? Let’s break it down in three acts.Act 1: A Delicious Setup (Episodes 1-10)
If there’s one thing The Secret Romantic Guesthouse absolutely nailed, it’s the beginning. The drama wastes no time establishing Yoon Dan-oh (Shin Ye-eun) as a strong, independent innkeeper struggling to keep her inherited Ihwawon Inn afloat. The three scholars—Kang San (Ryeo Un), Kim Shi-yeol (Kang Hoon), and Jung Yoo-ha (Jung Gun-joo)—aren’t just lodgers; they become her makeshift family, creating a warm found-family dynamic that is refreshingly different from the usual court-politics-heavy sageuks.
The chemistry between these four is an absolute delight, whether it’s in their lighthearted banter, their moments of quiet support, or their united front against the weight of their personal burdens. The mystery of Lee Seol, the missing prince, is introduced with intrigue, threading suspense throughout the first ten episodes without feeling forced. Shin Ye-eun, in particular, shines in this arc. Her expressive eyes do half the acting, carrying the weight of Dan-oh’s struggles while maintaining her bright and compassionate nature. It’s this balance between humor, emotional depth, and political stakes that makes the first third of the drama feel effortlessly engaging.
Visually, the drama also sets itself apart. The use of bright, colorful settings makes The Secret Romantic Guesthouse stand out in a genre often filled with muted, dark palettes. From stunning flower fields to beautifully lit night scenes, even the romance is visually enhanced, making every glance and touch feel heightened. And let’s not forget the sword choreography—some of the best I’ve seen in a drama that wasn’t initially marketed for action. The fight scenes are fluid, intense, and beautifully shot, making every duel feel like a well-rehearsed dance rather than a simple brawl.
Act 2: The Overcooked Middle (Episodes 11-16)
Then came the great collapse. If the first ten episodes were a promising meal, the next six were the equivalent of the kitchen catching fire. The pacing nosedives, and suddenly, the once-tight writing unravels like a scroll left out in the rain. The plot becomes riddled with inconsistencies, characters start making decisions that feel completely out of line with their established personalities, and worst of all—dream sequences.
Dream sequences should come with a government warning in historical dramas. They are the equivalent of a chef throwing salt on a ruined dish, thinking it will somehow fix it. The use of fake-out moments meant to stir emotions only to reveal they didn’t actually happen is infuriating. It’s a cheap trick, a narrative crutch that artificially prolongs tension without adding real stakes. The central romance between Dan-oh and Kang San also falters here. While both actors deliver solid performances, their love story lacks the organic intensity of the secondary romance between Kim Shi-yeol and Yoon Hong-joo (Jo Hye-joo). Shi-yeol and Hong-joo’s relationship evolves naturally, steeped in heartbreak and genuine longing, while the main couple feels more like a scripted inevitability than a love story earned through real trials.
The villain, King Lee Chang (Hyun Woo), doesn’t help matters. While the stakes should feel high as the political tension reaches its peak, his performance leans into overacting, making him come across more like a mustache-twirling caricature than a formidable antagonist. His exaggerated expressions and dramatic pauses make it hard to take him seriously, diluting the impact of his villainy.
By this point, the drama is hanging by a thread. It’s the kind of mess that makes you consider dropping it entirely—but then something unexpected happens.
Act 3: The Redemption Arc (Episodes 17-18)
Just when all hope seemed lost, The Secret Romantic Guesthouse remembered it had a story to finish. The final two episodes pull off something truly rare in K-dramas: a genuine comeback. Everything that had felt disconnected or forced suddenly finds its rhythm again. The political stakes feel real, the character arcs start paying off, and the finale delivers one of the most satisfying endings I’ve seen in a sageuk.
Jung Yoo-ha’s storyline, which had quietly been one of the most tragic throughout the series, reaches its emotional climax. Born as the son of a deposed king and a concubine, forced to live in hiding, and ultimately asked to relinquish his claim to the throne, Yoo-ha’s journey is one of perpetual loss. His final confrontation with fate is heartbreaking, and Jung Gun-joo’s performance is so raw that it single-handedly pulls me back into caring. Similarly, Kim Shi-yeol and Yoon Hong-joo’s story reaches a poignant resolution, proving that even in a drama where the leads are fated, it’s the secondary couple that holds the real emotional weight.
The finale doesn’t just tie things up—it ties them up beautifully. Every villain gets their due punishment, every hero finds their rightful place, and most importantly, the story doesn’t leave any frustrating loose ends. The final shot isn’t just an ending—it’s a warm farewell, a reminder that sometimes, enduring a messy journey is worth it when the destination is this rewarding.
Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Dramas
If The Secret Romantic Guesthouse had maintained the quality of its first ten episodes, it would have been an easy 9/10. If it had continued the chaotic mess of episodes 11-16, it would have barely scraped a 5. But because it managed to claw its way back with a strong ending, it lands at a solid 7/10.
It’s a drama with an identity crisis—half masterfully crafted intrigue, half baffling narrative choices. But for those who can push through the turbulence, it rewards patience with a conclusion that feels both earned and deeply satisfying. It might not be the best sageuk out there, but it’s certainly one that leaves an impression.
Final Score: 7/10. A drama that tested my patience, but ultimately, I’m glad I stayed for the final act.
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easy watch, keeps you hooked
The best is the ending! Unlike most of the kdrama where the ending is rushed and you feel like missing something, this one was wrapped up so nicely that satisfies all sort of expectations.Beautifully executed action scenes!
So many twists that keep you hooked to the end.
Multiple couples, so you can choose your favourite one :) if the mains are not your best.
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Enjoyed This Way More Than Expected!
Love & mystery collide when 3 very different scholars come to the capital to take the civil service entrance exam & seek lodging in the same guesthouse…The home is run by an adorable & quirky innkeeper who’s doing all she can to hold onto her inn & protect those close to her. But what is she hiding at the back of her property? Will these scholars help her in her endeavors or bring ruin to her plans?
First, there’s the handsome but seemingly cold scholar whose identity is a mystery. He pushes her away one moment only to pull her close in the next. Will she ever learn who he is & what he feels for her?
Next, there’s the scholar she counts as a dear friend & brother figure, though he views her as more. Lately, he’s begun keeping secrets & disappearing, leading her to question what he’s gotten himself caught up in…
Last, there’s the mischievous and somewhat lazy scholar who seems like an open book but actually hides very deep scars & secrets of his own.
With them all having secrets it’s hard for them to trust, but they slowly come to do so as the story unfolds. I loved watching their interactions, from the humorous moments to the heart pounding action scenes. Of course, the romance was the total highlight for me - loved our Leads together! They’re both so protective and devoted, makes my heart swoon 🫠
Historical dramas aren’t usually my thing, but I truly loved this. Watching the friendship form & deepen between these 4 (& the secondary cast) as they begin to work together to save the kingdom was so satisfying to see. 🫶🏻
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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.11 💋
- Together : ep.12 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💖
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beautiful
I really recommend watching this it was so heartwarming and heart wrenching. 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 historical Korean dramas really do hit it so well. also love how he ends up with her and doesn’t choose to become king like this time he travels with the girl instead. which is so adorable BYE. also so glad the side man who liked her didn’t end up being a mf and became the king hehehehehehe so in love with this show. the watchman>>> and even the soldier guy who ends up on their side LOVE IT. everything in here was just so beautiful. I wouldn’t rewatch bcs it’s too long but i watched it and don’t regretWas this review helpful to you?
Adaptation from a webnovel
I watched this drama because there was Ryeoun and Kanghoon. I was interested because the plot of the episode was pretty good and realized that this drama is an adaptation of a webnovel and all the actors chemistry are great. Then I read the webnovel as well because I was curious about the character Lee Seol was looking for. I realized that the drama writer tried to avoid plot holes and tried to explain everything. But the storyline become slow. The webnovel version focuses more on the gradual love story between FL and ML. There are several moments where the drama writer fails to convey the intent of the webdrama writer. There are some good scenes in the webnovel but the execution in the drama is not good.Suprisingly, The male actors played very well. Cool action scenes and very good humor. Unfortunately nothing memorable from the female actress even though she got first credit.
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