4
1
1
2
A rare Gem hidden in the sageuk walls of 2021
Writing a review for a historical drama is always tricky. I mean, how do you even critique history? The poor screenwriter usually takes all the heat, when in reality they’re just following a story that played out centuries ago. Still, this drama gave me whiplash in the best possible way, so I figured, why not share my unsolicited thoughts?
Bossam wasn’t just another sageuk. This one is different. It has heart, grit, and just enough “wait, did that really happen?” seasoning to keep you Googling kings at 2 a.m. I remember telling a friend it felt like the Wild, Wild West: Joseon edition. There’s more action in the alleyways than in the palace..refreshing, because we usually only see throne rooms and royal banquets. What really struck me was the portrayal of ordinary people living ordinary lives… well, ordinary until they kidnap the wrong person and chaos erupts. Throw in breathtaking Korean landscapes and a perfectly curated OST, and you’ve got a show that’s impossible to pause.
The characters behind my sleeplessness:
King Gwanghaegun. If you’ve dipped even a toe into Joseon history, you’ve probably heard “weak king” attached to his name. But after watching three dramas featuring him, I’m convinced the man deserves better PR. In Bossam, he’s portrayed as one of the rare rulers who wasn’t a total disaster—a unicorn among kings. Kim Tae Woo delivered a performance so layered and commanding, I had to double-check this was the same guy who played the sweet minister in Tale of Nokdu.
Jung Il-Woo as Ba-Wu. Honestly, He nails the tricky balance between rogue-for-hire and reluctant hero, making you root for him even when his choices are morally questionable. He is quiet vulnerability beneath the grit makes him unforgettable: a man who’s lost so much, yet still finds the strength to love fiercely and protect what little he has. His relationship with the king is layered, marked by tension, mutual respect, and subtle intrigue. While the king wields power, Ba-Wu’s sharp instincts and unpredictability make him both a threat and an indispensable ally.
Shin Hyun Soo as Lee Dae Yeop is the kind of second lead who makes you want to throw your remote at the screen and hug him simultaneously. Dutiful, soft-hearted, and hopelessly in love, Dae Yeop keeps getting the worst hand life can deal. Hyun Soo plays him gentle yet quietly stubborn, turning Dae Yeop into more than a side character: a perfect blend of loyalty, passion, and heartbreak.
And Cha-dol. Ba-Wu’s son. That kid didn’t just act; he acted. His witty comebacks were so sharp, I kept forgetting he’s only eight. Cha-dol is sweet, curious, full of heart, and bright beyond his years. Growing up in poverty with a constantly on-the-run father, he never loses his cheerfulness. His innocence provides warmth and comic relief amidst the heavy political and emotional struggles around Ba-Wu and Princess Hwa In.
Princess Hwa In… She’s the definition of “poise under pressure,” which is a fancy way of saying she’s constantly stuck in royal drama while keeping a perfect face. Elegant, graceful, and able to smile through chaos, you can see her inner monologue screaming, “why me" When she and Ba-Wu first meet..well, he literally kidnaps her, it’s chaos. She’s regal, dignified, and mortified, and Ba-Wu is blunt, stubborn, and completely unconcerned with royal protocol.This is her story, the system that wants her dead and the man teaching her how to live.
The romance. Oh boy. This was one of the slowest, most intense slow-burns I’ve ever seen. Not a single kiss. Not even a forehead peck. Eventually, the comments section gave up asking, because it was clear the writer had sworn some kind of “no lips shall touch” oath. And yet? The chemistry was nuclear. Proof that when two actors are that good, longing stares and unshakable loyalty are enough.
If I have one gripe, it’s the usual historical-drama frustration: you can’t fight history. No matter how loudly I yelled at the screen, certain people still died, thrones still toppled, and villains slid away like cockroaches at midnight. At least this time, the leads actually got some peace and walked into the sunset (small mercies). And thank the drama gods for no random time jumps or absurdly unexplained endings. Looking at you, The Crowned Clown.
And can we give a standing ovation to the OST? Absolute chef’s kiss. I may or may not have spammed my drama circle with links every time a track hit me like a fireball. Here is the full OST currently on replay mode.
https://youtu.be/YHU85NAQBvc?si=C-1DRipn_cBAxeFw
If this had been purely fictional, it’d be a 10/10 for me. But since history refuses to hand my favorites a happily-ever-after, I’m going with a solid 9.0. Still, Bossam stole my time, my emotions, and possibly my entire weekend. Worth every second.
Bossam wasn’t just another sageuk. This one is different. It has heart, grit, and just enough “wait, did that really happen?” seasoning to keep you Googling kings at 2 a.m. I remember telling a friend it felt like the Wild, Wild West: Joseon edition. There’s more action in the alleyways than in the palace..refreshing, because we usually only see throne rooms and royal banquets. What really struck me was the portrayal of ordinary people living ordinary lives… well, ordinary until they kidnap the wrong person and chaos erupts. Throw in breathtaking Korean landscapes and a perfectly curated OST, and you’ve got a show that’s impossible to pause.
The characters behind my sleeplessness:
King Gwanghaegun. If you’ve dipped even a toe into Joseon history, you’ve probably heard “weak king” attached to his name. But after watching three dramas featuring him, I’m convinced the man deserves better PR. In Bossam, he’s portrayed as one of the rare rulers who wasn’t a total disaster—a unicorn among kings. Kim Tae Woo delivered a performance so layered and commanding, I had to double-check this was the same guy who played the sweet minister in Tale of Nokdu.
Jung Il-Woo as Ba-Wu. Honestly, He nails the tricky balance between rogue-for-hire and reluctant hero, making you root for him even when his choices are morally questionable. He is quiet vulnerability beneath the grit makes him unforgettable: a man who’s lost so much, yet still finds the strength to love fiercely and protect what little he has. His relationship with the king is layered, marked by tension, mutual respect, and subtle intrigue. While the king wields power, Ba-Wu’s sharp instincts and unpredictability make him both a threat and an indispensable ally.
Shin Hyun Soo as Lee Dae Yeop is the kind of second lead who makes you want to throw your remote at the screen and hug him simultaneously. Dutiful, soft-hearted, and hopelessly in love, Dae Yeop keeps getting the worst hand life can deal. Hyun Soo plays him gentle yet quietly stubborn, turning Dae Yeop into more than a side character: a perfect blend of loyalty, passion, and heartbreak.
And Cha-dol. Ba-Wu’s son. That kid didn’t just act; he acted. His witty comebacks were so sharp, I kept forgetting he’s only eight. Cha-dol is sweet, curious, full of heart, and bright beyond his years. Growing up in poverty with a constantly on-the-run father, he never loses his cheerfulness. His innocence provides warmth and comic relief amidst the heavy political and emotional struggles around Ba-Wu and Princess Hwa In.
Princess Hwa In… She’s the definition of “poise under pressure,” which is a fancy way of saying she’s constantly stuck in royal drama while keeping a perfect face. Elegant, graceful, and able to smile through chaos, you can see her inner monologue screaming, “why me" When she and Ba-Wu first meet..well, he literally kidnaps her, it’s chaos. She’s regal, dignified, and mortified, and Ba-Wu is blunt, stubborn, and completely unconcerned with royal protocol.This is her story, the system that wants her dead and the man teaching her how to live.
The romance. Oh boy. This was one of the slowest, most intense slow-burns I’ve ever seen. Not a single kiss. Not even a forehead peck. Eventually, the comments section gave up asking, because it was clear the writer had sworn some kind of “no lips shall touch” oath. And yet? The chemistry was nuclear. Proof that when two actors are that good, longing stares and unshakable loyalty are enough.
If I have one gripe, it’s the usual historical-drama frustration: you can’t fight history. No matter how loudly I yelled at the screen, certain people still died, thrones still toppled, and villains slid away like cockroaches at midnight. At least this time, the leads actually got some peace and walked into the sunset (small mercies). And thank the drama gods for no random time jumps or absurdly unexplained endings. Looking at you, The Crowned Clown.
And can we give a standing ovation to the OST? Absolute chef’s kiss. I may or may not have spammed my drama circle with links every time a track hit me like a fireball. Here is the full OST currently on replay mode.
https://youtu.be/YHU85NAQBvc?si=C-1DRipn_cBAxeFw
If this had been purely fictional, it’d be a 10/10 for me. But since history refuses to hand my favorites a happily-ever-after, I’m going with a solid 9.0. Still, Bossam stole my time, my emotions, and possibly my entire weekend. Worth every second.
Was this review helpful to you?
