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This review may contain spoilers
BRIEF review on likes and dislikes
I watched this drama for the first time in 2025, so I kept in mind that it originally came out 13 years ago and naturally might not hold up to the same standard as newer releases.
The Positives
The overall concept and plot really drew me in. A crown prince and three of his royal subjects are transported into the modern day to solve the mystery of the princess’s murder—that setup is instantly intriguing. Their clumsy attempts to adjust to the future were hilarious, and I appreciated that the show didn’t rush their adaptation. Unlike in other dramas where characters seem to adjust overnight, the slow, messy process here felt more believable.
The OST was another highlight. By the end, I was singing along—seriously, that main vocalist had an incredible voice. And the drama carried that nostalgic, feel-good energy that’s so distinct in older K-dramas. The classic melodrama style—with its slow-mos, replay shots, and dramatic flair—definitely gave it charm.
The Negatives
Now, onto the parts that frustrated me. My biggest issue was with the crown prince’s acting. When he was playing his “present” self, he did well, but whenever he slipped into his Joseon-era voice, it grated on me. Every line was delivered at the same loud, flat pitch, to the point where I started skipping those scenes. I’ve watched plenty of sageuks (historical dramas), and I’ve never had this problem with other actors, which made it stand out even more here.
The ending was also a huge letdown. The evil sister essentially got away with everything—her toxic behavior was swept under the rug just because she donated part of her liver. No real consequences, no satisfying payoff. Her entire arc left me frustrated.
Then there were the three royal subjects. They had so much potential, and the show set them up as if they’d be crucial to unraveling the mystery. Instead, their roles were sidelined, and they never contributed meaningfully to the resolution. It felt like wasted characters.
Final Thoughts
While the premise was strong and the drama had its nostalgic, fun moments, the weak execution and lack of payoff dragged it down. If you’re looking for a solid time-travel drama, I honestly wouldn’t recommend this one—it doesn’t make the most of its setup, and the ending leaves you more annoyed than satisfied.
The Positives
The overall concept and plot really drew me in. A crown prince and three of his royal subjects are transported into the modern day to solve the mystery of the princess’s murder—that setup is instantly intriguing. Their clumsy attempts to adjust to the future were hilarious, and I appreciated that the show didn’t rush their adaptation. Unlike in other dramas where characters seem to adjust overnight, the slow, messy process here felt more believable.
The OST was another highlight. By the end, I was singing along—seriously, that main vocalist had an incredible voice. And the drama carried that nostalgic, feel-good energy that’s so distinct in older K-dramas. The classic melodrama style—with its slow-mos, replay shots, and dramatic flair—definitely gave it charm.
The Negatives
Now, onto the parts that frustrated me. My biggest issue was with the crown prince’s acting. When he was playing his “present” self, he did well, but whenever he slipped into his Joseon-era voice, it grated on me. Every line was delivered at the same loud, flat pitch, to the point where I started skipping those scenes. I’ve watched plenty of sageuks (historical dramas), and I’ve never had this problem with other actors, which made it stand out even more here.
The ending was also a huge letdown. The evil sister essentially got away with everything—her toxic behavior was swept under the rug just because she donated part of her liver. No real consequences, no satisfying payoff. Her entire arc left me frustrated.
Then there were the three royal subjects. They had so much potential, and the show set them up as if they’d be crucial to unraveling the mystery. Instead, their roles were sidelined, and they never contributed meaningfully to the resolution. It felt like wasted characters.
Final Thoughts
While the premise was strong and the drama had its nostalgic, fun moments, the weak execution and lack of payoff dragged it down. If you’re looking for a solid time-travel drama, I honestly wouldn’t recommend this one—it doesn’t make the most of its setup, and the ending leaves you more annoyed than satisfied.
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