It is a drama to be appreciated by a bit older audiences imo - meaning, people that have digested the sh** that have gone through.

Although the layout is a cross between Dangerous Liaisons (1988) or the more contemporary Cruel Intentions (1999), both inspired by the 1782 novel, as well as Gossip Girl (without the gossip), it becomes so much more than that.

There will be scenes/characters that will make you wonder about the position and portrayal of women in general, the obsession and struggle with control and highlight issues of a modern caste system and how hard is to maintain/elevate to a position.

Then it gets deeper. People are not black or white, they make mistakes, have deep wounds, are selfish and strive for the welfare of the ones they love and care about, have secrets, are scared and feel lonely. They carry heavy burdens and fight battles.
There are no two dimensional characters. Even the secondary/tertiary ones are as complex as the protagonists and in a very discreet and unexpected way, you end up caring for every single one of them.
That is what great writing and direction is all about.

Impressive cast and acting, showing the complexity and depth of each character which elevates the story as it can faintly lose its originality (no-one is perfect, I’m reminded).
Great OST too!

Only real con: All is well in the Tempted kingdom, until the rushed last episodes..It’s as if the creators realised they run out of time and needed to wrap things up, no questions asked. Shame, to ruin such great potential as there was surely enough material for more episodes/development and the right kind of closure.

Note: Having previously dropped this drama after thinking it’s getting darker and at the time wanting something lighter, I decided to give it one more chance for Woo Do-Hwan. I mean, the man can act. So, if you have no reasons to watch it after reading this, watch it for him. Perhaps, just gazing at his face/listening to his voice could be reason enough for some.

8.5/10