Santina

True, but still having a main lead in sageuk actually say what she did, was a nod to the trope, and this overly important notion that romance between two leads is not real unless the pair have met as kids.

I also very much enjoy how drama writers continue to subvert sageuk tropes. They have successfully avoided two cliche moments with FL falling into ML arms in the first couple of episodes. Now we have them debunking the importance of childhood chance meeting trope. It made me giggle despite feeling somewhat heartbroken for Yi San.

T first I was like - woah, that's not what I'm used to in my Korean historical drama - but then after episode 9 I had a better feel for it. Very empowering for women and original.

Today for the first time while watching it on my notebook I thought to myself - I'm doing myself a disservice here but not going big screen. I guess I'll have to rewatch it in better quality on my TV.

Wow, Junho brought me to tears at the end of episode 9. That doesn't happen too often with me. I suspect it won't be the last time with this drama.

I actually find the darker undertones and power dynamics in this drama very refreshing, adding depth and conflict to their characters and giving actors more room to showcase their talents.

It's not just kinks (I already knew I was digging intense, anti-hero types), Junho made me look into k-pop, which I had absolutely no interest in my entire life.

Same. I'm literally losing sleep here consuming all the content about/from him. And after all I've seen of him, I am surprised he is not more popular. He is so charismatic and good at everything he does.

It's kinda amazing how they read off each other in this moment. I think Seyoung went for it and Junho instantly was like ' yeah ok, lets do it' lol

First saw him in The Red Sleeve and was very impressed by his acting skills. Some googling later led me to a certain "Nobody Else" performance in red pants... and I'm done for. Help.

It's so precious that the series is led by a female director. The camera angles, acting, editing, soundtrack... all done perfectly to create incredible tension and provide us with a female gaze and female perspective on all the interactions between the two leads, be it of social status or of romantic nature. What a gem!

Unexpectedly, I enjoyed watching this drama a lot. It's a very well paced show without any filler episodes (yay for pre-produced plot structure). The two main leads were appealing and not overly dramatic, got some decent story arcs and development. Plot can be silly, but in many cases characters acted in a more mature way than you would expect in a romcom. The second couple was a little confusing with their motivations, but otherwise overall very enjoyable, light and sweet drama.

This little drama moved me more than many big name multi-episode K-dramas out there. Sincere acting and great chemistry between the leads!

The first couple of episodes were joy to watch and the cast looked very attractive, but then it all gradually putters out with FL becoming a total wallflower and looking increasingly too young for the role. The couple lacks chemistry and tension. What is more, some of the consequences of the romance get brushed away, ignoring historical settings or even the precedent set up in the beginning of the show.. sigh... sadly the chances of me finishing this drama are dwindling with every concurrent episode.

Yeah, it's mostly the power dynamics and a certain air or arrogance in both male leads.

So far, I am enjoying the tight screenplay and refreshing directing as far as historical dramas go. ML is doing supremely well. Reminds me of Kim Soo Hyun's role in Moon Embracing the Sun.

Just because you don't agree with me, it's not a good reason to call people names and be that unnecessarily nasty.

If the CP falls in love with her, he gains a weakness that can be exploited. A pretty common trope in historical Kdramas.

I like the idea and portrayal of the two main individual characters, but the way they were put into this story and the plot of the drama just didn't quite work for me. Too many overdramatic events and some moments just too dragged out with flashbacks. Some side villain characters are just plain caricatures, actin nonsensically just for the sake of it. I also felt second hand embarrassment for ML in so many instances, it got uncomfortable instead of funny.

Either way I am happy that Park Gyu Young got to play a leading role in a drama. I like how subtle and calm her acting is, which is refreshing for a typical Korean drama.

I wasn't a fan of Han Ga In as the adult version of FL (the kid actors were so good!), but I have gained a lot of admiration for Kim Soo Hyun. I watched him before in It's Okay to Not Be Okay and My Love from the Star, but only in this drama I was totally captivated by him and his character. At some point I was continuing watching just for him, but then the story pulled me in completely.