lime_pickle

Hi, is the novel ending true to the real one (she dies, while pregnant of liver cancer in her 30s)?

It's not 'ironic' at all. I didn't see in that fictional character the traits that you are attempting for real.

Trying to bully/guilt/manipulate people into agreeing with your opinion is sort of toxic, though.

I don't see a hell of a lot of manipulation going on.

The male character isn't toxic. Just young, attractive, horny and with options.

I've noticed that some fans of this show use the same 'lines' to belittle and gaslight non fans. That the non fans want fairy tales, fluff, etc. Actually, for some of us, it's the opposite. Lust, sexual desire, 'fancying' someone is great. But it's not love, however attractive the protagonists and however many soft-focus filters you use.

Well, that was crap.

You cut your hair when someone dies, its a mourning/funeral rites thing. I think.

Kaist - I've missed you.

It's almost plot-free but man, that lad is pretty.

Yes, in real life he, Crown Prince Hyomyeong. married the character played by Chae Soo Bin, Jo Ha-yeon/Queen Sinjeong, and they had a child together who eventually became King Heonjong of Joseon.

A great story, a realistic ending, and lots of relatable characters. This is the drama Nevertheless could have been if it had the courage of its initial convictions, better actors, and a better written second half.

Actually, they had a child together (in real life). So he didn't let her go entirely.

Well he married her character and not the character KYJ plays in real life - so you (kind of) got your wish.

Perhaps they were training to be nuns at the time?

Kim Kyung Nam in this . . . such a button.

Is this an entirely fictional king, queen dowager etc? They’ve confused me a bit by calling granny Grand Dowager Min!

He says himself, in episode 19 I think, that Taek simply wanted her more than he did: “In the end, fate and timing do not happen, out of coincidence. They are products of earnest, simple choices, that make up miraculous moments. Being resolute, making decisions without hesitation… that is what makes timing. He wanted her more than I did. And I should have been more courageous. It was not the traffic light’s fault. It was not timing. It was my hesitations.” – Jung Hwan

Yes, I didn't find him 'toxic' in any deepset sense. He just behaved like many very attractive (and, frankly, some not so attractive) people, who are playing the field, behave at that age. Hell, I know some 40 somethings still behaving that way. But I thought it could have had a cooler, more realistic ending - not that there's anything wrong with following your groin when you're young and single.

Grand Prince Joohyang eventually becomes King Sejo, deposing and then killing his nephew (the then king), so I guess they did that to make it clear that he didn't rot in gaol as the drama was suggesting up until that point.