SnuggyG

I'm thinking it might be the synopsis for the novel?

You could say there is one for both the ML and FL but they have very little screen time and they get dealt with pretty decisively.

Happy ending and open ending

Aaah yeah, if you prefer more realistic fights then it won't be for you. I sadly don't think there's many sageuks that focus on action. At least not in recent years and you seem to have already watched them.

You can try Six flying dragons if you've never watched it. One of the best sageuks I've watched. It starts a bit slow since the characters are kids for the first few episodes (don't remember how many) but once it gets going it's pretty awesome.

There's romance in it but it's really not the focus. I'd say politics and action are at the forefront. I particularly remember liking the action scenes.

I'd say don't let the rating affect you. I thought it was great and I wish there were more dating shows that show them actually dating. The only ones I know are this one and Love after divorce

It was a pretty good season. Only downside are the subtitles, they are bad

Viki will start subbing it in a few days

I actually like how it ended. If they were to put him back in jail immediately after he got out it would have been lame. Instead I find the ending actually refreshing and it showed that it's a constant battle.

They get together in episode 25 if I remember correctly. Immediately after the earthquake.

Seems like this channel has started subbing it.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPHFQiE-MdaLvBGpLskQoTbMq2aC-k0QR

Slight romance. There is some but it's not the focus

yes she ends up with the ML

Na Eon is the new girl. You are getting confused with Nayeon

no she doesn't die. I guess it's just not confirmed if the actress will return or if it will be someone new

first episode was nice and I'm excited to see the first date

While previews are usually very misleading, it seems like next week the meeting between HJ and MR's mom will go badly. I can't say I'm surprised

While the drama had many issues, especially towards the end, overall I did enjoy it.

I completely agree that it's not the "safe" route as some are saying. The happy ending with the "and they lived happily ever after" is the safe ending. All others (i.e. sad and open endings) always get criticism like this one. There are also a lot more drama with happy endings than other.

I usually prefer clear happy endings myself but I actually love how this one ended since it made so much sense and it also ends on a hopeful tone.

Same, I tried watching "because this is my first life" and "the beauty inside" but I couldn't stand his character in both (the emotionless acting) but I really enjoy his character here