4
Romantic historical fantasy done right!
Let me first preface this missive. I stumbled onto this show years ago. It was time before MDL and OCD review writing. I loved this show back then, but I lost it in the mist of time until a friend reminded me. (Thx @Nelly) This is not so much a review but a very belated ode to a diamond in the rough.
As a 2 hours long mini-series, it is not going to win any awards. It is probably shot in a backlot similar to the Hengdian Studios in China. It is well made but with an eye on the budget. The cast is mostly young. The production certainly punching above its weight and delivered onto us something truly special.
In Act 1, Scene 1, we find the FL in a situation familiar to many youth drama watchers. The FL is 19 and KSAT is nigh. She is aimless and despondent. Her life after KSAT is less than promising. Her mother loves her but communication broke down long ago.
When she was magically transported back to the Joseon dynasty circa 1440's. It was fight or flight from the start. At first, she survived by her wits but ends up turning the table. She discovered new motivations, made friends and even found love from an unexpected quarter. It is transformative.
Alright, let's be honest. The show plays hard and fast with history. While the key players are famous historical figures, the details and their interactions are pure fiction. Ask no questions. ;)
In that sense, the show is a rollicking romp, Joseon style. When it is fast, it is furious. When it is slow, it is reflective. I cheer on our leads as they tackle big issues. I swoon and squeal at the romantic scenes, I berated the drama gods for being so unfair to our OTP. It is quite a ride.
So many tropes are packed into such a short run-time. Thankfully, they are dealt with expeditiously. There are many highs and lows for our young leads. When you consider the drama was released in 2015, they are already talented and shows much potentials. As a matter of fact, our leads will reunite in a new drama aimed at the second half of 2025. Yay!
Is it perfect? I'd be lying if I said yes but that’s not the point. It was chef kiss for me, and that’s all that matters. I enjoyed this show immensely. I wish I can say the same for most dramas I watched in 2025. Maybe if it was 16 eps, I’d be more critical. (Moi? Citical?!)
You can just call me shallow, and leave me alone to rewatch it again. Peace!
As a 2 hours long mini-series, it is not going to win any awards. It is probably shot in a backlot similar to the Hengdian Studios in China. It is well made but with an eye on the budget. The cast is mostly young. The production certainly punching above its weight and delivered onto us something truly special.
In Act 1, Scene 1, we find the FL in a situation familiar to many youth drama watchers. The FL is 19 and KSAT is nigh. She is aimless and despondent. Her life after KSAT is less than promising. Her mother loves her but communication broke down long ago.
When she was magically transported back to the Joseon dynasty circa 1440's. It was fight or flight from the start. At first, she survived by her wits but ends up turning the table. She discovered new motivations, made friends and even found love from an unexpected quarter. It is transformative.
Alright, let's be honest. The show plays hard and fast with history. While the key players are famous historical figures, the details and their interactions are pure fiction. Ask no questions. ;)
In that sense, the show is a rollicking romp, Joseon style. When it is fast, it is furious. When it is slow, it is reflective. I cheer on our leads as they tackle big issues. I swoon and squeal at the romantic scenes, I berated the drama gods for being so unfair to our OTP. It is quite a ride.
So many tropes are packed into such a short run-time. Thankfully, they are dealt with expeditiously. There are many highs and lows for our young leads. When you consider the drama was released in 2015, they are already talented and shows much potentials. As a matter of fact, our leads will reunite in a new drama aimed at the second half of 2025. Yay!
Is it perfect? I'd be lying if I said yes but that’s not the point. It was chef kiss for me, and that’s all that matters. I enjoyed this show immensely. I wish I can say the same for most dramas I watched in 2025. Maybe if it was 16 eps, I’d be more critical. (Moi? Citical?!)
You can just call me shallow, and leave me alone to rewatch it again. Peace!
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