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This review may contain spoilers
Where Romance, Sisterhood, and Growth Take Center Stage
A Breath of Fresh Air in the Palace Drama World Where Sisterhood Shines Brighter Than Power
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New Life Begins is a refreshing and heartfelt costume drama that takes a familiar palace premise and transforms it into a story centered on growth, empathy, and sisterhood. While the setting involves princes choosing wives from different regions, the drama avoids the usual harem toxicity and instead focuses on women supporting one another and reclaiming agency within a rigid feudal system.
One of the drama’s most impactful arcs is the First Prince and his wife, whose relationship addresses serious themes rarely explored so thoughtfully in costume dramas. Through their marriage, the story openly discusses postpartum depression and emotional abuse, showing how neglect, pressure, and lack of understanding can quietly destroy a woman’s well-being. This arc is handled with surprising care and realism, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and awareness. It’s uncomfortable at times—but necessary—and adds meaningful depth to an otherwise lighthearted drama.
Each couple brings a unique dynamic to the story:
Main Couple (Sixth Prince & Main Wife)
The emotional core of the drama lies in the relationships surrounding the Sixth Prince. His romance with the FL is a slow burn built on mutual respect, trust, and emotional maturity. The FL shines as a quietly strong and intelligent woman who grows steadily without ever losing her sense of self. Equally memorable is the ML’s first wife, who is an incredibly strong and dignified character in her own right—resilient, perceptive, and deeply admirable. Bai Jing Ting’s portrayal of the ML as gentle, dependable, and observant ties these dynamics together beautifully, making the relationships feel healthy, layered, and genuinely comforting.
First Prince & His Wife
A powerful and sobering storyline that explores postpartum depression, emotional neglect, and abuse within marriage. Their arc highlights how societal expectations and silence can harm women, making this one of the drama’s most meaningful and socially relevant storylines.
Third Prince & His Wives (“Solar Girls”)
Chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartwarming. Their dynamic is full of energy and personality, and their bond steals many scenes.
Fifth Prince & His Wife
A sweet but comical pairing. The Fifth Prince loves his wife deeply but constantly fails in execution, leading to plenty of lighthearted moments.
Fourth Prince & His Wife
Intense, passionate, and full of tension. Their chemistry is strong, though their story carries more emotional conflict.
Seventh Prince & His Wife
Soft, sweet, and absolutely adorable. Their gentle relationship adds warmth and charm, even with limited screen time.
What truly elevates New Life Begins is its focus on women’s experiences—marriage, motherhood, ambition, trauma, and healing—while still delivering humor, romance, and engaging storytelling. The drama balances comedy, politics, business elements, and emotional growth without feeling scattered.
✅ Who Should Watch New Life Begins
If you enjoy light-hearted historical dramas with warmth, humor, and heart
If you love strong female characters, sisterhood, and women supporting women
If you’re tired of toxic harem fights and want a healthy, positive palace setting
If you like slow-burn, respectful romances built on trust rather than misunderstandings
If you appreciate dramas that gently discuss real issues like postpartum depression, emotional neglect, and women’s agency
If you enjoy ensemble casts where every couple and side character has their own meaningful arc
If you’re a fan of Bai Jing Ting and want to see him in a mature, gentle, green-flag role
❌ Who Should Avoid New Life Begins
If you’re looking for heavy political scheming, ruthless power struggles, or dark palace intrigue
If you prefer fast-paced, high-stakes revenge plots
If you expect intense melodrama, toxic romances, or constant betrayals
If you dislike slice-of-life storytelling mixed with comedy and soft romance
If feminist themes and women-centered narratives are not your cup of tea
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall, New Life Begins is more than just a light costume drama. It’s comforting, empowering, and quietly bold in the issues it chooses to address. A rare gem for viewers who want healthy romance, meaningful themes, and strong female-driven storytelling.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Life Begins is a refreshing and heartfelt costume drama that takes a familiar palace premise and transforms it into a story centered on growth, empathy, and sisterhood. While the setting involves princes choosing wives from different regions, the drama avoids the usual harem toxicity and instead focuses on women supporting one another and reclaiming agency within a rigid feudal system.
One of the drama’s most impactful arcs is the First Prince and his wife, whose relationship addresses serious themes rarely explored so thoughtfully in costume dramas. Through their marriage, the story openly discusses postpartum depression and emotional abuse, showing how neglect, pressure, and lack of understanding can quietly destroy a woman’s well-being. This arc is handled with surprising care and realism, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and awareness. It’s uncomfortable at times—but necessary—and adds meaningful depth to an otherwise lighthearted drama.
Each couple brings a unique dynamic to the story:
Main Couple (Sixth Prince & Main Wife)
The emotional core of the drama lies in the relationships surrounding the Sixth Prince. His romance with the FL is a slow burn built on mutual respect, trust, and emotional maturity. The FL shines as a quietly strong and intelligent woman who grows steadily without ever losing her sense of self. Equally memorable is the ML’s first wife, who is an incredibly strong and dignified character in her own right—resilient, perceptive, and deeply admirable. Bai Jing Ting’s portrayal of the ML as gentle, dependable, and observant ties these dynamics together beautifully, making the relationships feel healthy, layered, and genuinely comforting.
First Prince & His Wife
A powerful and sobering storyline that explores postpartum depression, emotional neglect, and abuse within marriage. Their arc highlights how societal expectations and silence can harm women, making this one of the drama’s most meaningful and socially relevant storylines.
Third Prince & His Wives (“Solar Girls”)
Chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartwarming. Their dynamic is full of energy and personality, and their bond steals many scenes.
Fifth Prince & His Wife
A sweet but comical pairing. The Fifth Prince loves his wife deeply but constantly fails in execution, leading to plenty of lighthearted moments.
Fourth Prince & His Wife
Intense, passionate, and full of tension. Their chemistry is strong, though their story carries more emotional conflict.
Seventh Prince & His Wife
Soft, sweet, and absolutely adorable. Their gentle relationship adds warmth and charm, even with limited screen time.
What truly elevates New Life Begins is its focus on women’s experiences—marriage, motherhood, ambition, trauma, and healing—while still delivering humor, romance, and engaging storytelling. The drama balances comedy, politics, business elements, and emotional growth without feeling scattered.
✅ Who Should Watch New Life Begins
If you enjoy light-hearted historical dramas with warmth, humor, and heart
If you love strong female characters, sisterhood, and women supporting women
If you’re tired of toxic harem fights and want a healthy, positive palace setting
If you like slow-burn, respectful romances built on trust rather than misunderstandings
If you appreciate dramas that gently discuss real issues like postpartum depression, emotional neglect, and women’s agency
If you enjoy ensemble casts where every couple and side character has their own meaningful arc
If you’re a fan of Bai Jing Ting and want to see him in a mature, gentle, green-flag role
❌ Who Should Avoid New Life Begins
If you’re looking for heavy political scheming, ruthless power struggles, or dark palace intrigue
If you prefer fast-paced, high-stakes revenge plots
If you expect intense melodrama, toxic romances, or constant betrayals
If you dislike slice-of-life storytelling mixed with comedy and soft romance
If feminist themes and women-centered narratives are not your cup of tea
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall, New Life Begins is more than just a light costume drama. It’s comforting, empowering, and quietly bold in the issues it chooses to address. A rare gem for viewers who want healthy romance, meaningful themes, and strong female-driven storytelling.
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