This review may contain spoilers
Perfect Couple in Disguise
This series screams expensive, elegance and majestic settings of a FICTIONAL modern Korea as a constitutional monarchy; it has lots of spellbinding visuals; a perfectly ensemble casts; and volatile dynamic from start to finish. It’s a love story which pairs two souls shaped by the same suffering yet showcase different approach on how to survive.
Grand Prince I-An, a gentle soul, act as a pseudo façade of the crown’s honor; when in reality, hides the dark side of power struggling, greed and manipulations. Growing up, he was forced to restraint himself and being passive. Always positioned himself at the back, a shadow of his older brother. As he met Hui-ju at school, his rebel side starts to brew. He changed the school rules to give equal rights among the students ignoring nobility privileges. This little act in his earlier days in school was brilliantly overlooked by most of us, as it evolved steadily into a revolution, a deep desire to abolish the monarchy; which in his view is the root of all evil.
Hui-ju on the other hand is a feisty soul, like a wild horse; who always have to fight for her way up. She is fearless and not hesitant to play dirty in achieving her goals. Grown to be a cut-throat business-woman, who excels in making deals and negotiations. A master in public relations; trend-setting to bend and read the market and public sentiment. With her quick wit and confidence, she is able to adapt to her surrounding and often turns them into something which benefits her the most in the end. As she met I-An, she is tamed by his gentleness and moral values which she overlook as annoying and lesser important. It awakens her deep desire to be acknowledged for her worth; and be taken care of for her wellbeing without her even asking. I-An often surprises her and catches her off guard with his elusive approach, showcasing his sincere care and love.
The two compliment each other like a glove, a perfect union in marriage. In my native language they make ‘Raja Sehari’ meaningful as the perfect crown.
Plot
It has a good premise. An arranged fake marriage between a royal and a commoner; which then turns to be a real deal. How two souls compliment each other naturally. The dynamic is like a rollercoaster; juggling in between romance, comedy and few assassination attempts; at times somehow I was a little skeptical on how the characters manages to pull through in overcoming such bizarre and life-threatening experience without any consequences. "Yesterday, I was poisoned and today I show up for work." Logic and reasonable flow is thrown out the window.
So yes, the biggest flaw in this series is how short the show is. It forbids me to digest and fully immerse into their journey. The dynamic was incoherent at times as we expect to deal with its heavy aftermath, stems from its darker twists. Those turn of events often being treated as weightless and casualty-free. The span of the tragic events occured are a bit underwhelming and hard to swallow as we experience it in a fast pace environment; As if the characters are full-proof diamond; trauma free from any cuts and bruises.
Still, the biggest strength of this series is how fluffy and charming the romance is. The hidden desire, restraint in disguise; the unhinged boldness and confidence entertwine with comedic relief; the absurdity of its twists and logic which propel us into shipping the main couple to sail away. Both leads mirrors in few parallel scenes. The details in here is surprisingly fulfilling and won our hearts. I love how it was naturally written. Those parallel moments is anticipated and perfectly delivered.
Casts
BWS did it again. His innocence in Lovely Runner days has transcended into a higher level, sophisticated and elegance with much softer expressions to charm us. He was being portrayed as a calm persona, aloof and stoic, befitting as the restraint Grand Prince I-An. His charm evolves; as the beloved prince into the most desirable husband.
IU is brilliant in portraying Hui-ju. She manages to make an unlikeable character into a likeable heroin. We were presented with her unusual bizarre tantrum and quirky antics, matched as this cut-throat business-woman who has deep scar in her heart. As we learn more about them, we could relate and tolerate on why she behave in such a way. She managed to grip my attention and deepens my curiosity, hence had me rooting for her. I want her to succeed regardless whatever she does.
Queen Mother’s portrayal is superb. It shines as the crown’s nobility. Her portrayal screams elegance and honor yet her dark intention and past sins, cloud us into thinking that she is a villain with no redemption.
Prime Minister's (PM) portrayal is commendable. Had it have more episodes, I could be convinced that he could pull such an evil act. What left me with his oddity is him being someone who is utterly stupid and delusional.
Ms Do was amazing. Her portrayal felt natural and she shows her charm and persona and turn me into a fan. Same as Aide-Choi, both giving me a comedic relief to ease the tension that baffles me at times.
Hui-ju's family was masked as her biggest obstacle but progressively it shines into her biggest support all along. Kudos to her big brother and sister in-law, the bickering siblings act is entertaining to watch. Her father’s love which was often misunderstood, shows possible potential to be resolved overtime.
Palace's Staffs in overall, are commendable as to convince me to this FICTIONAL modern day monarchy. It may different from actual thing but it still carries the weight of its grand majestic and magminity; and how the nations pride and culture were being preserved throughout the history. I'm not against in its discrepancy from true events in reality. I just appreciate the nuances it gives, regardless.
Music
It has a good amount of songs and instrumental background to immerse and pulls us into the story. It helps a lot for us to experience the moment, whether we are being fluffy over the romance or thrill of its suspense and gripping turns of event.
Fav song is Everglow by Woodz.
Fav scene : I-An and Hui-ju first meeting (both times)
Fav Character : Ms Do. I love her cuteness.
Fav Quote : "OH.. SO SHINY!!" - Aide Choi
Least Fav scene : PM shouting at I-An, being angry when Hui-ju is being poisoned.
Least Fav Char : PM
Least Fav Quote : "It's your fault. You turn me into this," - PM
Re-watchable : Yes, indefinitely.
Grand Prince I-An, a gentle soul, act as a pseudo façade of the crown’s honor; when in reality, hides the dark side of power struggling, greed and manipulations. Growing up, he was forced to restraint himself and being passive. Always positioned himself at the back, a shadow of his older brother. As he met Hui-ju at school, his rebel side starts to brew. He changed the school rules to give equal rights among the students ignoring nobility privileges. This little act in his earlier days in school was brilliantly overlooked by most of us, as it evolved steadily into a revolution, a deep desire to abolish the monarchy; which in his view is the root of all evil.
Hui-ju on the other hand is a feisty soul, like a wild horse; who always have to fight for her way up. She is fearless and not hesitant to play dirty in achieving her goals. Grown to be a cut-throat business-woman, who excels in making deals and negotiations. A master in public relations; trend-setting to bend and read the market and public sentiment. With her quick wit and confidence, she is able to adapt to her surrounding and often turns them into something which benefits her the most in the end. As she met I-An, she is tamed by his gentleness and moral values which she overlook as annoying and lesser important. It awakens her deep desire to be acknowledged for her worth; and be taken care of for her wellbeing without her even asking. I-An often surprises her and catches her off guard with his elusive approach, showcasing his sincere care and love.
The two compliment each other like a glove, a perfect union in marriage. In my native language they make ‘Raja Sehari’ meaningful as the perfect crown.
Plot
It has a good premise. An arranged fake marriage between a royal and a commoner; which then turns to be a real deal. How two souls compliment each other naturally. The dynamic is like a rollercoaster; juggling in between romance, comedy and few assassination attempts; at times somehow I was a little skeptical on how the characters manages to pull through in overcoming such bizarre and life-threatening experience without any consequences. "Yesterday, I was poisoned and today I show up for work." Logic and reasonable flow is thrown out the window.
So yes, the biggest flaw in this series is how short the show is. It forbids me to digest and fully immerse into their journey. The dynamic was incoherent at times as we expect to deal with its heavy aftermath, stems from its darker twists. Those turn of events often being treated as weightless and casualty-free. The span of the tragic events occured are a bit underwhelming and hard to swallow as we experience it in a fast pace environment; As if the characters are full-proof diamond; trauma free from any cuts and bruises.
Still, the biggest strength of this series is how fluffy and charming the romance is. The hidden desire, restraint in disguise; the unhinged boldness and confidence entertwine with comedic relief; the absurdity of its twists and logic which propel us into shipping the main couple to sail away. Both leads mirrors in few parallel scenes. The details in here is surprisingly fulfilling and won our hearts. I love how it was naturally written. Those parallel moments is anticipated and perfectly delivered.
Casts
BWS did it again. His innocence in Lovely Runner days has transcended into a higher level, sophisticated and elegance with much softer expressions to charm us. He was being portrayed as a calm persona, aloof and stoic, befitting as the restraint Grand Prince I-An. His charm evolves; as the beloved prince into the most desirable husband.
IU is brilliant in portraying Hui-ju. She manages to make an unlikeable character into a likeable heroin. We were presented with her unusual bizarre tantrum and quirky antics, matched as this cut-throat business-woman who has deep scar in her heart. As we learn more about them, we could relate and tolerate on why she behave in such a way. She managed to grip my attention and deepens my curiosity, hence had me rooting for her. I want her to succeed regardless whatever she does.
Queen Mother’s portrayal is superb. It shines as the crown’s nobility. Her portrayal screams elegance and honor yet her dark intention and past sins, cloud us into thinking that she is a villain with no redemption.
Prime Minister's (PM) portrayal is commendable. Had it have more episodes, I could be convinced that he could pull such an evil act. What left me with his oddity is him being someone who is utterly stupid and delusional.
Ms Do was amazing. Her portrayal felt natural and she shows her charm and persona and turn me into a fan. Same as Aide-Choi, both giving me a comedic relief to ease the tension that baffles me at times.
Hui-ju's family was masked as her biggest obstacle but progressively it shines into her biggest support all along. Kudos to her big brother and sister in-law, the bickering siblings act is entertaining to watch. Her father’s love which was often misunderstood, shows possible potential to be resolved overtime.
Palace's Staffs in overall, are commendable as to convince me to this FICTIONAL modern day monarchy. It may different from actual thing but it still carries the weight of its grand majestic and magminity; and how the nations pride and culture were being preserved throughout the history. I'm not against in its discrepancy from true events in reality. I just appreciate the nuances it gives, regardless.
Music
It has a good amount of songs and instrumental background to immerse and pulls us into the story. It helps a lot for us to experience the moment, whether we are being fluffy over the romance or thrill of its suspense and gripping turns of event.
Fav song is Everglow by Woodz.
Fav scene : I-An and Hui-ju first meeting (both times)
Fav Character : Ms Do. I love her cuteness.
Fav Quote : "OH.. SO SHINY!!" - Aide Choi
Least Fav scene : PM shouting at I-An, being angry when Hui-ju is being poisoned.
Least Fav Char : PM
Least Fav Quote : "It's your fault. You turn me into this," - PM
Re-watchable : Yes, indefinitely.
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