I definitely believe this is one of the best ASIAN dramas ever made. Not just Korean. I mostly watch C-dramas and I barely watch K-dramas, but wow! This one is an absolute gem.

The cast is spectacular! Every single one of them, not limited to the Male lead, lady Choi, the chef, the maid, the queen Dowager and especially the guy who played Kim Hwan (He's probably the most hilarious side character I've seen) They were fantastic!!

However, the main person that carries this entire drama is the Female Lead. She is probably the best thing about this drama. She is an absolute joy to watch on screen. She rightfully steals every scene she's in. She genuinely lived and breathed this role. The chemistry between the leads is also a treat to watch (such great kiss scenes, ngl!). I CANNOT emphasize enough how this show needs to be watched just to see how great she is in her role. I have no clue who this actress is, but she is extremely talented!

The OST just fits. Most of the songs/music that was picked just made each moment that much more hilarious, wonderful and emotional.

I won't say it's a perfect drama. There are only a handful that have gotten that title and this does have its flaws, but it comes so close to that title. The ending is a main reason for it. I think I'll forever be conflicted and upset over how this ended. It was so bittersweet. I just wish they had changed it a little bit by showing our two leads meeting in the future. Is that too much to ask??! Is it?!

Even though I loathed how it ended (and I can understand the reasoning behind it but it still hurts), I would still recommend this drama in a heartbeat to anyone, especially for people who think asian dramas, and k dramas in general are nothing but slow burn regurgitated romances with different casts.

The sheer creativity and just the overall fun tone in the entire drama makes you realise that the people who worked in this really put their heart into making it. For that alone, it's worth a watch.

Edit: It is also one of the most re-watchable dramas I have ever watched. At this point, I have re-watched it thrice, almost four if you count my current viewing and I enjoy it so much, though I do skip the political intrigue/serious parts.