Kim MC

I've never seen this actor in another drama but he nails the part. I almost broke when he was berating Yoo Gil Chae, especially with the shame she carries within her heart but not seen outwardly. After watching her revelation to Lee Jang Hyun of what happened to her in captivity, I was crushed. Ryang Em has one sided love that he deals with in the most selfish way: he wants to possess. That will ultimately be his downfall.

Agreed. The actor playing this character deserves alcolades for creating a multi faceted antagonist that makes me want to hug and slap him at the same time.

I cannot agree more about your well stated comment. I've seen other dramas talk about the horrible condemnation of women returning from captivity but in the final scene of episode 17, to see the raw pain that Yoo Gil Chae has held back absolutely broke my heart. I personally wanted to throw her ex-husband off a cliff for posing the question of what happened to her in a deliberated response to whether they should stay married. This drama is raw and polished at the same time and I love and hurt at how honest the portrayals of the times and people's responses to events beyond control.

As of episode 7 (17 total), this drama is in a master class of storytelling.

and here I was waiting impatiently for the next episode.

I think if he had displayed the position he was in with the crown princess, she would have stayed. She loved him, owed him her life and would have tried to figure out a way around everything. When he said he did not want her around anymore because he was over their relationship, she wanted to argue but could not. She owed him her life and wanted to honor his wishes.

That's what I love about this character. She could have said, "well, I see why you didn't continue to look", but she was introspective first, then evaluated their situation. This drama makes me hurt with the abuse of the "lower" class and even worse, the women and children in situations they cannot control. From what I've read of this historical setting, 100% spot on.

The actress playing the princess is fantastic, but I'd like to throw her character into the ocean and watch her swim. For days.

The moment the husband chose his reputation over her wellbeing was the moment I considered them legally divorced. I couldn't agree more that his decision making was definitely in step with the historical times but this drama, at the moment he turned away, allowed the viewer to see the difference in the husband and Lee Jang Hyun, who moved hell and its minions to free her, regardless of how she was abused.

I think the most heart wrenching point to this script is the basis in realism. This is not a simple, "oh it's you and I love you but can't live with you", these were choices that Yoo Gil Chae made in monstrous times. She loved Lee Jang Hyun but lacked trust and chose what she felt was a sturdy husband. The husband's choice of locating her but walking away was also in sync with historical behavior and maddening through a 21st century lens. I love dramas and have been addicted to my share of them, but this is affecting my emotions on a whole other level. I barely keep my reactions in check while watching these two try to survive and love.

On my third time now.

Same.

This drama unfolds real life with each episode, and I'm drawn to each character in a way that is personal. Even the characters that are thugs give such nuanced performances that I can feel the harsh nature of their life gave them no other choice than muted and visible violence. I hope this drama wins the viewership that it deserves because up to and including episode 21, it's in a master class.

This drama, especially at episode 20, makes me hurt for each and every character and their circumstances of life. It draws me in, slaps me on the head and then gives me a hug with each and every episode.

Definitely.

LOL! This is exactly what I did and then had to hit rewind. The plot is not something that can be fast forwarded and understood. I love this drama so far!

LOL! This is exactly what I did and then had to hit rewind. The plot is not something that can be fast forwarded and understood. I love this drama so far!

I can't find the english subs anywhere for 32-36

I hope so. I'm addicted to 2 things: coffee and this drama, and I indulge in both around 7 in the morning. When I saw 4 days on Viki, I wanted to punch something.

Oh my gosh!!!! Best scene ever!