Started as a hilariously funny fantasy Sageuk, ended as a typical historical drama with a fun twist
I love Korean historical dramas, even the ones with tragic endings that make you weep. I love fantasy dramas, and I love romance. This drama has all of them, so it’s truly a gem for fans of these three genres.However, while watching this gem, I felt like it was split into two parts. The first part (the first 8 episodes) is a genuinely funny fantasy drama with historical characters. The second part becomes more of a typical historical drama with some humorous moments, while the fantasy element is almost entirely forgotten until the very last episode.
I’ve known the writer from Cain and Abel, which is my second favorite drama, and the director from You’re the Best, Lee Soon Shin!, which is one of the best family dramas.
Both Shin Hye Sun and Kim Jung Hyun did a great job.
SHS portrayed both the sorrowful, soon-to-be queen So Yong and the queen possessed by a man’s soul hilariously well. Her comedic timing was spot-on. KJH joining SHS in those moments in the second half makes you fall out of your chair with laughter. And when he was the king, he truly embodied the role. Their chemistry was superb — enough to satisfy your hopeless romantic side.
On the other hand, it would’ve been better if it had been 16 episodes long. You can feel that some scenes were just filler. Even some characters didn’t add much — if anything — to the storyline. And toward the ending, you realize they completely abandoned logic (for example, the royal cook says he found them by simply asking around where people who are unhappy with the country gather — 헐!).
Still, this drama is one of the best in its three genres, and it’s absolutely worth watching, especially when you’re feeling down.
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