Reviews

An Absolute Gem

I wonder why I avoided for so long to watch this excellent series especially as I have liked the two main leads in other projects and now in 2026 have finally watched it. What an absolute gem. Park Bo Gum was fabulous in this and elevated my recognition and appreciation of his fine acting. The cast were excellent with so many familiar faces seen in other dramas. I particularly love the episodes set in Havana. These episodes especially Episode One are so beautiful and memorable. The OST stood out for me as there were so many wonderful tracks with my favourite song being the two covers of Take Me On, one sung by SAya, and the other, Saltnpaper. Another outstanding aspect of this series is the graphics in the opening and closing credits of each episode which were beautiful and clever foreshadowing or emphasising some element of the relationship or conflicts in that episode. I am so glad I finally watched it.

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Fancy, expensive, lazy storytelling

This was simply prominent actors carrying the whole drama either with the sheer aura of being famous or their high grade acting skills on a script that looked like it was generated by ChatGPT. They had such a sizeable budget and wasted it so frivolously?!

what do you mean you abolished the constitutional monarchy on a whim, am I supposed to sympathise with the decision to destroy one of the only things that made this even interesting( Korean constitution monarchy trope)? you wasted a good story base to show us caked-up males actors making grand decisions that affects the nation, one simply because he didn't get the girl he literally grew up with but couldn't bag? he had eternity to make it happen and that measily acne of a sob story was supposed to be a villain origin story?!

Yaya! why don't we talk about how the burnt royal edict miraculously survived despite being burnt first just before the collosal fire outbreak---the grand prince was supposedly in the next room and yet he manages to save the flimsy piece of paper that was burning right In front of the king but somehow missed his Majesty's literal execution at the hands of buwongun Ipyeong???! waaa neomu joha!!!😠

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Perfection in every way. Pure perfection and a masterpiece!

This is honestly one of the best things I've ever watched in my entire life. The brilliant plot, the star-studded cast, the incredible music, and the flawless execution were all absolutely perfect. Every single element of this show blended together so beautifully that it creates an unforgettable experience for the viewers.
From the very first episode, it kept me completely glued to the screen, and I honestly lost track of time because the pacing was so incredible. The emotional depth delivered by the actors is unmatched, and the soundtrack elevates every scene to a whole new level.
It instantly went into my all-time favorites list, and I already know I’ll be rewatching it over and over again. Do yourself a huge favor and watch it right now. You absolutely won't regret it!

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The only real plot twist was abolishing the monarchy

The Perfect Crown ended with almost no real surprises.
Honestly… did anyone actually think the villains were going to win? Probably not.

The only twist I genuinely didn’t see coming was the abolition of the monarchy itself. And while most reviews will focus on the chemistry, the romance, and how “beautiful” everything was, I think that final decision is the most interesting part of the series.

The ending clearly tries to echo The Last Emperor: the former king returning to a palace that has now become a museum, reduced to a relic of a vanished institution. The problem is that it doesn’t carry the same emotional weight. Only three years have passed, and somehow the palace already feels like a polished tourist attraction.

The series also tries to portray the king becoming an ordinary person, but the transition happens way too fast. Everything is compressed into the final thirty minutes. There are not enough scenes, moments, or daily-life sketches to truly make us feel the loss of power and identity. The drama simply tells us: “he’s normal now,” and moves on.

And the imbalance becomes noticeable. While he loses the crown, IU’s character barely loses anything. She remains wealthy, powerful, successful, and busy running her company. The one left emotionally adrift is him. That could have been fascinating if the show had been willing to explore it more deeply.

Still, the series is entertaining, smooth, and very easy to watch.
But it’s not a masterpiece, and it’s nowhere near as profound as some fans claim.

A fun popcorn drama.

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JUDGE FOR YOUR OWN!!!

Okay hear me OUT; if you won't be swayed by the reviews then go for it...

GAHHH, okay this drama had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. like SERIOUSLY.

Also, for everyone complaining about the acting, yes to each their own about the acting opinions but honestly, MOST of the characters fit WHO they were role playing - makes SENSE.

Had some heartfelt moments and really justice + revenge was getting in place.

NOW - why I think a lot of people had issues with this drama - THE PLOT ITSELF:

IT WAS INTERESTING BUTTTTT I think whether it's the screenwriter, director or whatever, FAILED to really GRASP and ORGANIZE the storyline.... LIKE IT REALLY HAD POTENTIAL, I did want to watch more and FIGURE OUT WHAT was going on and WHO was on WHOSE side etc.

It was also a bit CONFUSING? Like you didn't know who to side with, what everyone's intentions were <--- another FAIL in terms of character development, showing relationships, bond etc (just used flashbacks) but that won't relate much with the audience.

Overall, with the ending and everything, it was a DECENT watch. Like I wasn't dying to leave the drama but I wasn't left on an exact cliff hanger.

I usually love shorter dramas bc they get to the point and really packs an impact, however, I think there was TOO many concepts going on for this short film....

I PROMISE this storyline had potential - I just think it was executed poorly........ :(

UNFORTUNATE really....

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Perfect Crown is a Rare RomCom Gem

From its captivating premiere to its poignant finale, Perfect Crown has been nothing short of an absolute joy. While discourse surrounding the show may vary, it stands for me as an unparalleled masterpiece within the romantic-comedy genre—a true comfort drama that executed its narrative arc flawlessly. Episode 12 provided the ultimate, poetic resolution, cementing the show's place as a uniquely special viewing experience.

​The finale boldly vindicated a stance I held deeply: the necessity of abolishing the monarchy. This narrative choice was not just shocking; it was structurally perfect.

​Ian’s Autonomy: The resolution beautifully illustrated that Ian’s heart never yearned for the heavy burden of the throne. Instead, his entire journey was a quiet, fierce pursuit of personal freedom. ​

Hui Ju’s Full-Circle Victory: This political shift marked a profound triumph for Hui Ju. By dismantling the ultimate barrier of royal status, the story seamlessly erased the rigid class divide, beautifully fulfilling the heartfelt wishes of her younger self.

​The immense success of Perfect Crown is a testament to the brilliant minds both in front of and behind the camera.

​The palpable chemistry and nuanced performances of IU and Byeon Woo-seok anchored the emotional weight of the series, making every single second on screen worth savoring.

The production crew and cast deserve the highest praise for crafting a world that felt both magical and grounded. It is immensely gratifying to see the industry and audience recognize this brilliance; the consistently high viewership ratings during its airing window were entirely well-deserved.

​Saying goodbye to this world after such an immersive week is incredibly bittersweet. Perfect Crown did not just entertain; it left a lasting impression that is hard to shake. As I reluctantly let it go for now, I already know a rewatch is imminent in the coming days.

​This is, without a doubt, a definitive 10/10—a rare gem that redefined what a modern rom-com can achieve.

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What would happen if South Korea had a monarchy in the 21st century?

If you don't have time to read the whole thing, skip to the end where the conclusions are :)

Perfect Crown presents a world where the monarchy in South Korea never disappeared. Seong Hee-ju is the second daughter of the country's most powerful chaebol family. She has almost everything: beauty, money, and intelligence, plus a competitive spirit. But her commoner status begins to be an obstacle in her life, leading her into a marriage of convenience for status with the nation's grand prince, Prince Ian, who is destined to have nothing but his royal status. Amid misunderstandings and by feigning their relationship, they both fall in love for real and fight against numerous obstacles and the dark secrets of the palace.

The drama uses sumptuous and striking settings, such as palaces and elegant costumes that capture attention and enrich the atmosphere. The premise is very interesting because it sparks curiosity about what a monarchy would be like in modern Korea. However, I feel that this theme wasn't explored in depth and felt superficial. In just a few episodes, they showed us the people living under this system, and honestly, the changes weren't noticeable, except in social class. They only showed us those of higher status. I think they could have given us a deeper understanding of the monarchy's influence on the people without straying from the plot by better developing this fictional world, because there were parts where you forgot they were in a monarchy. Some episodes made me sleepy, and on one occasion, I had to pause the series and fall asleep before continuing. I really enjoyed the moments where they pretended to be in a relationship, and they made good use of the clichés; I found them very endearing. Another aspect I liked was the use of scenes that generated tension, which managed to hook me and keep me in suspense. Overall, it's a very good story, just a bit superficial and lacking depth, so I give it an 8.5.

The series includes a variety of characters, which makes it more interesting for viewers. But I don't know if it was just me, but what happened to Prime Minister Min? I wanted to see more of him too. I would have liked to see Ian's nephew in school, living a normal life, but I feel like they missed the mark. Our main couple had explosive chemistry, arguably one of the best this year. Their kisses were on another level, and their romantic scenes were wonderful, keeping you glued to the screen.

Here's my analysis of the four main characters:

Seong Hee-Ju (IU): The CEO of the Castle Beauty Group, the second daughter of a prominent chaebol family. Born into wealth, she is a successful businesswoman with exceptional beauty, intelligence, and an unyielding competitive spirit. However, despite her family's riches, she faces constant setbacks in South Korea's rigid, class-based constitutional monarchy due to her commoner status. Determined to obtain the one thing she lacks—status—she resolutely chooses a marriage of convenience with Grand Prince I-an.

This is the first time I've seen IU acting, and I must say, her performance is fantastic. The character suited her incredibly well; she perfectly portrayed a strong-willed CEO who doesn't let anyone push her around. I connected with her character and understood her loneliness. Even though she had everything, she also wanted to be loved. Furthermore, I loved seeing her human and kind side towards others.

Prince I-an (Byeon Woo-Seok): The pride and danger of the royal family, of which he is the second son. The crown prince's destiny dictated that, aside from his royal lineage, he was destined to be a figurehead with no future. As a second son, unable to achieve prominence, he repressed his inner passion, hiding his talents and remaining silent. Then, when the commoner heiress of a chaebol family proposes a marriage of convenience, his peaceful daily life is not only disrupted, but an unprecedented transformation occurs within him, as he had always been accustomed to concealing his true feelings.

For me, Byeon Woo-seok managed to capture that princely essence; his royal attire was spectacular. Although I felt that in the first few episodes he barely spoke and was very inexpressive, with everything revolving around Hee-ju, as the episodes progressed he gained more screen time and his acting did manage to convince me. Furthermore, as an uncle, I liked the connection he had with his nephew.

Min Jeong-woo (Noh Sang-hyun): A close friend and confidant of Prince I-an, and head of a political family. Following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps to become prime minister, he possesses not only a powerful family but also a brilliant mind and exceptional looks. He and Sung Hee-joo are classmates at the Royal Academy. After her decision to marry, jealousy takes hold of him.

I don't believe the whole "friendship with Prince I-an" thing, LOL. They never spoke about anything but work, and most of the characters in the series were envious and jealous of Hee-joo. If he liked her so much, why didn't he tell her before? And why bother being jealous now that he thought she was going to be single forever?

Yoon I-rang (Gong Seung-yeon): A woman born with the destiny of a queen, into a family that had already raised four children. She never doubted her mission: to project the perfect image of a queen to the South Korean royal family. However, before meeting her then-fiancé, the Crown Prince, she met Grand Prince I-an. Perhaps his desire to be part of the family frequently attracted her attention, or perhaps his temperament was similar to her own. The fact is, she tries by all means to ensure I-an marries so he cannot become king.

Initially, I found her a detestable character, driven by envy, though after getting to know her a little better, I was able to empathize with her somewhat. In the end, I liked that she was able to redeem herself and overcome her envy.

I also liked how Hee-ju's relationship with her brother and father changed. It was touching when she called him "oppa" for the first time. The two assistants make a lovely couple, and I'm glad they ended up together. The palace staff... They felt so real, though I wish they had continued showing the servants in the prince's private residence, as I loved how affectionate they were with Hee-ju. Also, their chemistry is some of the best this year; they complement each other perfectly and make a great couple. I give the acting a 9.5 overall.

The music was sensational, although I was disappointed that IU wasn't involved. My favorites included: My Pace (my absolute favorite), No Doubt, Behind The Shine, EVERGLOW, and My Favorite Part. They did an excellent job with them, so I give it a 9.5.

Would I watch it again? I think so. For me, it's not a bad drama; I just hope it doesn't make me sleepy again. So I plan to watch it again with my family, which is why I give it an 8.5.

In short, Perfect Crown is a drama that had potential with an interesting plot, but... some episodes got a little boring. It's an ideal drama if you like romantic comedies with a mix of tension and intriguing characters, a good premise, and suitable settings and music. It's perfect to watch on a weekend with your family or friends when you have free time, or if you prefer to watch it alone, that's fine too. I really enjoyed watching it every week. Overall, I give it a 9. I think I'll miss it. By the way, this is my first review. I'll do more when the last episode of the currently airing shows comes out.

THANKS FOR READING

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A drama that will always be close to my heart!

After watching Through The Darkness, Trigger and Confession, I didn't think any other murder/crime and investigation series could tug all the strings in my heart. Like Stranger is also my favourite but it's not "always go to the" drama.

Then I came across Tunnel. It's impressive and definitely won my heart. Like I was screaming with 'n' number of emotions in almost all scenes. It's memorable!

It's predictable too because I have seen too many series in this genre. Like I just knew who would be Kwang Ho's child, who is Sun Jae and who would be the final killer.

I was curious in which timeline they catch the real killer. But then again, I assume Park Kwang Ho did it in both since he had already contacted the 5th victim in past timeline. And my heartbroke every time Kwang Ho jumped through time. Glad he was still with Sung Shik in the end.

I appreciate how the team visited all the victims family member's in end to tell them the murderer has been arrested.

I loved the friendship between Kwang Ho and Sun Hae and the chemistry and heartwarming moments between Sun Jae and Jae Yi. Kwang Ho and Yeon Seok also had a lovely relationship.

My favourite character is Jae Yi. It's rare that my favourite character is female mc and not some supporting character or male mc. She is one hell of a wise, straightforward, brave and reserved character.

It was great to see Sun Jae who didn't like her at first then heard her story and started to care for her. She slowly opened up to him, and him only (not considering Kwang Ho coz that's something bound to happen and he is not a permanent member). For a minute, I felt they should have more romance even when I hate adding romance in crime thrillers.

I was all the way excited about how her and Kwang Ho's relationship development. Like they bickered and kinda disliked each other too until ep 10 or so. But their bond deepened once she finds the truth.

Glad they showed how other Park Kwang Ho came into existence but don't know how he was still called Kwang Ho in the other timeline as the lady wouldn't have met male mc. In beginning, I thought he might be male mc's son irrespective of his birth year until he died.

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Chemistry was absolutely chemistrying ✨

Just finished watching, and I absolutely loved it. From the very first episode, the drama felt visually breathtaking. The cinematography was stunning throughout, with every frame looking beautifully crafted. The locations, set designs, and costumes added so much richness and elegance to the overall atmosphere, making the drama feel grand and immersive. The production quality was honestly one of the strongest aspects of the show.

Byeon Woo Seok received quite a bit of negative talk regarding this role, but personally, I think he pulled it off really well. He managed to bring both charm and emotional depth to his character, and I found his performance much better than what many people were saying online. His emotional scenes felt natural, and he carried the role with confidence.

And the chemistry between the leads? Their chemistry was absolutely chemistrying. Every interaction between them felt engaging, romantic, and full of tension in the best way possible. I genuinely loved every moment they shared on screen, and their relationship became one of my favorite parts of the drama.

IU also did an amazing job in her role. She brought so much grace, elegance, and emotion to her character. Her expressions during the emotional scenes were especially captivating, and she portrayed both vulnerability and strength beautifully. She made her character feel very real and memorable, and I honestly can’t imagine anyone else playing the role better.

Overall, it delivered both visually and emotionally. It had beautiful cinematography, strong performances, amazing chemistry, and a story that kept me invested throughout. For me, it was a very enjoyable and memorable watch.

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PERTHSANTA PROVING THAT STAYING IN LOVE IS MUCH MORE IN LOVE THAN BEING IN LOVE

At first I’d like to write that I watched this series through the whole 10 weeks during its airing. The whole cast did an awsome job and I’m trule moved by how they were all dedicated to their roles🥹🥹 Perth and Santa did an amazing job in portraying the feelings of Solar and Pobmek. They showed that sometimes it doesn’t matter how many difficulties you have to face, how many times you’re falling apart or losing your confidence in things you used to slam. What is important is the fact that at the end of the day the people around you will help you, sometimes even the one you wouldn’t even think about in the first place. Pobmek and Solar fell in love before the story starts and at the end of it their feelings remains stronger. The show shows a lot od perspectives on the lives of people with some sort of difficulties, the show shows how sometimes kids understand much more than we think, but what’s most important is the part in which every single person can get better. I love the shows with some wholesome note at the end of it. It made me tear up even though most of the time Pobmek and Solar didn’t argue. They yet proved their relationship isn’t perfect but it makes it even more beautiful.
Best GMMTV drama since Thamepo!!

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