bbchops

There was no infidelity. FL's husband had the affair, then later tried to falsely frame her for adultery. The person that wrote this review either didn't watch it or wasn't paying attention.

I respectfully disagree. I'm not sure what you mean by "emotional cheating", but I agree there might have been a little bit of cowardice involved. However, it was nothing out of the ordinary for kdrama world; Many, many dramas--even great ones--could have been shortened an episode or two if the two lead characters had communicated more fully with one another.

IMHO, referring to their relationship as a "toxic affair" is too harsh. As the drama progressed, it became very clear that all the two leads ever wanted was each other and the freedom to be together. Even her sister, his boss, his parents, and their friends were rooting for them in the end. I particularly loved Ji U's warm relationship with Gyeong Do's parents.

I'm not sure what you mean by "the female lead lacked the integrity to divorce her husband before chasing someone new." This is simply untrue. When Gyeong Do's publisher released the article exposing the husband's drug-fueled affair with idol An Da Hye, Gyeong Do and Ji U had not spoken since their breakup--long before her arranged marriage. Ji U was able to use the article as leverage to justify her divorce, and only *after* the divorce did Ji U meet with Gyeong Do to thank him (and his publisher) for it. Much later, the evil brother-in-law planted fake news articles painting her as an adultress, which she clearly was not. Rather than try and fight a hopeless battle against the "netizens" and in an effort to protect Ji U's budding career, Gyeong willingly stepped away knowing that being labeled a divorcee was bad enough, but being labeled an adultress too would ruin her.

As for killing off the friend at the end, I think it was more about creating a cliff hanger for the final episode. I think the producers wanted us to think that one of the leads may have died and in that sense, it felt a little contrived. But they could've chosen any one of a variety of supporting characters (e.g., Gyeong Do's Dad) to achieve the same end. Or even better, they could've left off the cliff hanger at the end of episode 11 and not killed off anyone.

Finally, what's wrong with "destiny" or "fate". I think it's one of the most endearing tropes of asian dramas. The trope isn't limited to kdramas by any means. Have you watched the recent C-dramas First Frost or Speed and Love? Those two dramas wouldn't exist without it. A trope that really annoys me is the "I'm breaking up with you for your own good, in a completely unforgiveable way, even though we promised to never be apart again." It was used in Speed and Love and during the first 4 episodes of this drama, I thought the writers were skating right up to the edge of using it too. But they didn't, and I thought all three breakups were understandable in the end.

I really enjoyed this drama. I'm sorry you didn't.

Why did you bother writing this review if you didn’t watch it?

That's why they call it "acting".

You might feel differently when you get to be as old as the FL is in real life.

Oh, my mistake. You don't like the 2ML? He doesn't bother me so much. He's playing what I call the "Jesus" character. Every drama seems to have one--you know, one who is kind, gentle, and goodhearted, and doesn't always get the girl. (Think Kim Seon Ho in both 100 Days My Prince and Startup.) It took me a hot minute to place the actor. I recognized his face, but I could not place him. Then I remembered the long hair! I think this is the first time I've seen him in a role with short(er) hair.

"The way they dress him like a gay uncle.." is a hilariously perfect description. They must've emptied the back of the wardrobe closet to come up with some of his outfits, and it just adds to the comedy.

I absolutely agree! The ML's wardrobe is like a completely separate character, hahaha.

Otherwise that would be just romances...

I think the 2ML's evil older brother is what is stopping her.

We still have 6 episodes for that to happen.

She is supposed to be annoying, but wait for the big reveal: Is 2ML is the father of her son?

I couldn't agree more. It has been absolutely terrific so far.

I completely agree! I love how much the two leads have completely inhabited their characters. Lee Jung Jae is laugh out loud funny as the ridiculous, hapless Im Hyeon Jun. It's almost as if he's poking fun at himself and the roles he's traditionally played, and we're all in on the joke. And same for Im Ji Yeon, who has mostly played sexy strong females with very animated expressions. Here she is dressed in boxy, figure-hiding suits or baggy clothes with a nearly complete dead-pan expression. All the secondary actors are terrific too. I'll bet they had a lot of fun making this drama.

I love the wig he put on in ep. 10 to avoid being recognized by Ms. Wi! He and the manager/agent guy have had some really funny moments. They are the perfect foils for Im Hyeon Jun.

I love it so far. My prediction: Investigative reporter/detective Ms. Wi will team up with bumbling/hapless TV detective Kang Pil Gu and expose the corrupt politician and evil chaebol older brother.

(Also, did you mean: "easy prey?")

ouch!

I feel exactly the same way you do, and I am glad to be of help.

There were a couple of loose ends that weren't tied up too cleanly, and who killed the king was one of them. I think it was either Eul Pa So, but more likely the shaman/head of the Jolbon tribe. Another loose end: The future king gets locked in a bedroom never to be seen again. But neither of these loose ends detracts to much from the story, which is primarily focused on Queen Woo's struggle and ultimate rise to power.

Rewatch the first few minutes of episode 1. That's the ending.