I was confused 95% of the time when watching this movie!

Before watching this movie, I've seen the male lead on MyDramaList voting list, as one of the most attractive Korean actors. Up until watching this movie, I hadn't watched any movie or drama that he acted in. WOW! He is VERY attractive; just seeing him in photos alone you probably will not get why a lot of people find him attractive. However, once you see in a movie/drama, you'll understand the reason why. Within the first 6 minutes of this movie, I was like, wow this man is fine! The male lead attractiveness, the visuals (shots), and the cast acting is as good as it gets (seriously). I was totally confused by 95% of this movie (mainly the script). I get the James Bond & Godfather vibes the director envisioned. However, I don't think the script held its weight. I wanted to drop this movie 3 times before reaching where I am now (the 1 hour 47 minute mark). While I am curious to know what happens in the end, I just think it'll bring more confusion.

Leia Mais

I cannot wait for season 2!

I am really surprised by the recent low reviews. Amongst historical/period C-dramas produced over the last 5 years, this is in the top 10. The beginning is a bit cruel but besides that the storyline, and acting is phenomenal. For those who hate the ending, please understand that there is a season 2. Thus, there will always be a cliffhanger when a drama or series has additional seasons. I actually thought the ending was phenomenal, I am glad that I watched this drama instead of listening to the reviews. The last episode had me in suspense and tears.

I almost forgot to mention that the love story between the female and male lead characters is nothing short of amazing. Like the C-drama, Legend of Fu Yao, the male lead actor knows how to bring chemistry into the relationship. I don't like overly sexualized relationships in dramas but at the same time I don't like the shy romantic cutesy type of relationships in historical dramas. This drama is a perfect blend!

The only con is the actual princess (not the female lead). I don't like the princess character nor do I like the actress acting (respectfully). The actress tends to play a lot of similar roles (e.g. Joy of Life); the damsel in distress types of roles. The good thing is, I was able to skip over most of the scenes with her in it and still understand the storyline.

I am excited about watching season 2. I think season 2 will start airing sometime this week!

Leia Mais

Perfect in everyway!

This review is long overdue!

I have already watched this drama 4 times already. This is the only drama that I gave a rating of a perfect 10 to, for the rewatch value, music, overall, and story. Before I review the drama, let's speak about the soundtrack. The soundtrack is outstanding! My second favorite song of 2021 is Here I am by Jo Hyun Ah [https://youtu.be/xK_enR2tUeE].

Since there is no bad, let me just review most of the good:
*The female lead (who btw, is my FAVORITE actress in Asia) did a wonderful job portraying a male and woman. She is funny, witty, independent, strong, but also vulnerable when need be.
*The set is sick (meaning good), the costumes are amazing, very colorful and vibrant.
*The acting is top notch.
*The romance between the female and male lead is fantastic.
*I did not skip one second of this drama.
*You will cry, you will laugh, you will be in suspense, and you will be fully satisfied.

MY FAVORITE SCENES ARE:
*Episode 2 0:20 seconds -5:00 minute mark
*Episode 5 0:20 seconds -5:00 minute mark
*Episode 9 0:20 seconds -5:00 minute mark
*Episode 19 10:00 minute - 12:00 minute mark
*Episode 20 13:00 minute - 15:00 minute mark

Honestly, this drama is so good, that I am lost for words and almost in tears (I am listening to Here I am by Jo Hyun Ah as I write this review).


EDIT - I added what's written below, after reading recent reviews.

I think the fact that anyone would rate this drama anything less than an 8 when comparing it to other dramas in 2021, is pretty bizarre. My opinion is totally bias because I love Mr. Queen. I think everything was perfect. The music was phenomenal. There were no loopholes in the script, the actors did extremely well, and there was a good mixture of politics, and romance. Additionally, there we no toxic lead characters. I actually loved the ending. Most people love happy endings, in which everyone wins but I find that, that can actually take away the art of storytelling.

Btw, I haven't yet watched a historical drama that didn't encompass politics at least 50%. Note, there is a difference between period dramas which tend to focus on romance, and historical dramas which tend to focus on the history of that specific era; always political/monarchical. Mr. Queen is recapping history, using a creative license to review the Joseon era.

Leia Mais

Where to begin?

Episodes 1-7 are good, then between episodes 8-15 it's really bad, and then 16-31 it's great but then episode 32+ it is so so.

I can understand the reason for the low ratings on MDL. This drama promotes fat-shaming, and toxic beauty standards (skin bleaching). Interesting enough, I liked this drama because the three main leads don't quite fit China's beauty standards and I felt that it was good of the producer to cast women who represent the everyday Chinese woman but then they fat shamed one of three leads throughout the whole drama. So, it took away from the positive message that the producer was trying to achieve. Additionally, between episodes 8-15 they bullied their friend because she lied to them. She was wrong for lying but promoting mean-girl/bullying culture on tv is bad. I wished the producers and writers would have found a better way to handle the lie situation.

Also, the finance intern crossed boundaries with her boss, the CEO, and it was unrealistic. This is what made me like episodes 33+ less. The CEO finally confesses that he "likes," the intern, after he ask her to be a scapegoat for the organization. What kind of toxic ish is this? What's worse is that she actually does it.

Man-child lol is the only one whose character truly developed for the better. I'm glad that she didn't show up towards the end of episode 38. Move on sir,and find someone who wants you too.

Whoever styled the tomboy gamer girl character, did an excellent job. In this drama her outfits were on point but most of the drama I couldn't stand her character. She's a passive aggressive communicator and it made everything more difficult than it had to be.

Sigh, this had so much potential to be an excellent drama but it felt short at crucial moments. Nevertheless, overall it was decently good.

Btw, I think this drama only needed 36 episodes. I skipped most of episodes 38, 39, and 40.

Leia Mais

The first romcom on MDL, that I gave a rating of a 10 to! BTW, I loved the ending!

Don't let the title or drama photo confuse you, as this drama is actually pretty great. At first I thought this drama was going to be a cutesy, unrelatable, immature romcom. However, Yumi's cells is not your typical K-drama, as it is realistic in almost every way possible. Honestly, it felt like this drama was made specifically for me, as I am going through the same thing as Yumi. I am in my 30's like Yumi, haven't dated in over 3 years like Yumi, work-work-work-work like Yumi, and someone is interested in my like someone was interested in Yumi, but I'm hesitant just like Yumi, and have so many questions and doubts just like Yumi. What's so fascinating is my emotions and reactions to the romantic scenes are the exact emotions and reactions that Yumi cells have, almost 5 seconds after I have mine. For example, I did a fist pump after something good happened during episode 3, literally seconds later, Yumi cells did the same thing lol. I really love the concept of how the cells/hormones for different emotions and functions in our bodies are expressed in both Yumi and the male lead, as they are dating and going through everyday life. That lust cell is real though, meaning I have to fight that urge too lol. In this drama the lust cell is super relatable, as is the rest of the cells lol (see episode 4). I am currently on episode 6, and I look forward to watching the rest of the episodes.

I've come to realize something about myself. If I ever feel or think a man is making me compete with another woman, I'd drop the relationship even if I really care about him. Someone who you are in a relationship with should never compete for your time, attention, and affection. After what happened in episode 8, it would probably be the end of my relationship with the male lead character, if I were Yumi. I 'ain't' dealing with catty women, or another woman, trying to gain my boyfriend's attention. If he doesn't handle it, I'd say bye to him too.

At the beginning of episode 9 (the first 4 minutes) the male lead gaslighted Yumi. He tried to say that he didn't tell Yumi that his ex crush and current coworker lives in his building and stops by to borrow stuff, because it would make her sensitive, like how she was being "sensitive," at the moment he got caught. She wasn't being sensitive but rather is upset at the fact that he lied and deceived her. For goodness sake he dodged her request to come over for over two weeks. He thought lying and deceiving her was better for her, then giving her a heads up that the girl who he used to like, and currently work with everyday, now lives in his building. I wouldn't trust him either. This man is more toxic than her ex boyfriend. At least her ex-boyfriend was upfront about his douchebag behavior, but this one is pretending to be a victim.

During episode 9 around the 10 minute mark when he said that he was taking care of it (meaning, handling his co-workers affection for him), he said he's doing it in a way that would not make anyone feel uncomfortable. BRUH! Why does he care if someone who he is not in a relationship with, but knows that he is in a relationship but still persist in flirting with him, is comfortable? Why would he risk Yumi's comfortability level for someone else? To make sure his girlfriend (Yumi) is comfortable, he should definitely make another girl uncomfortable by telling her TO LEAVE HIM ALONE (very sternly).

During episode 10 around the 52 minute mark, Yumi's childish behavior starts to get on my nerves. Her boyfriend wasn't putting her down but giving her his honest opinion in a respectful way. She asked for it, and if she didn't like the answer, she could have said "I don't like your answer, but I appreciate your honesty." This man ain't a genie in a bottle.

During episode 12 (the first 8 minutes), I can understand why Yumi would ask that specific question. Nevertheless, I can also understand why the male lead character did not respond right away. Typically, men like to get their self settled financially, and typically, women don't care if the person that she's dating is settled as long as she loves him, and she feels taken care of emotionally.

Episode 13 (at the 36 minute mark) - It was at that moment when she realized that he wasn't who she thought he was. How many of us, have had those kinds of moments? I used to think to myself, did I really know him (who was I dating/in a relationship with)? Was I in love with him, or who I wanted him to be? Like dang, how could I miss the red flags!

I have one episode left. I hope that they break up, as the male lead isn't ready for a romantic relationship. He always put himself first, not once did he put anyone including God before himself, and most importantly his communication is horrible, for a romantic relationship. Yumi put him first up until the side-chick/friendship incident. In episode 13, I just found out that Yumi didn't know that the male lead liked his ex-colleague/friend. For some reason I thought that Yumi knew that, but she had to find out by overhearing two people who she didn't know speak about it. At this point, I hope her and her manager get together. He seems like he would be a better fit.

I freaking loved the ending. I can give you more reasons why the female lead and male lead shouldn't be together, as opposed to the reasons why they should. I actually don't think that this drama needs a second season. I think if it's not done right then it would ruin the credibility of the first season. Since there will be a second season, in the second season Yumi should date her manager, and the male lead should date his ex colleague/crush. Please don't have the female and male lead get together in the second season, keep that for the third season. The male lead should date someone who is just like him in the second season (meaning someone who put themselves first when in a relationship), so that he can understand what Yumi went through when dating him. Was the male lead a nice person? Overall, yes, but nice people can also be unkind. Niceness doesn't equate to kindness.

BTW, in addition to being a talented actress, the lead actress who plays Yumi is gorg.... (gorgeous).

Leia Mais

WHY DID THE STORYLINE CHANGE AFTER EPISODE 4?

The drama is good, but since the drama started off so strong, and with a focus on politics in the monarch, I was expecting the storyline to move that way but it totally flipped around. WHY DID THE STORYLINE CHANGE AFTER EPISODE 4? =/

Before reaching episode 5 I wondered why the reviews for this drama was so low because the first 4 episodes are worthy of a rating of a 10. However, after episode 4, the storyline turns from political to romance. However, the romance was not as well crafted as it could have been. Don't get me wrong, it's good but just not great. It is full of common tropes, and slow motion side effects when the female and male lead just so happen to mistakenly find one another in each other arms. Note: After episode 6, it recovers and is back to being great again!

Btw, the female lead actress did a wonderful job acting. The second male lead (Mr. Dimples) is super cute!

Okay, I'm back with an update after watching episodes 7 and 8 and the political part of this drama is good but the romance scenes are horrible. I don't think the writers and director did a good job at trying to convince me that the romance in this drama could work; they should have stuck to a political historical drama without romance. I have to lower my rating from a 9.0 to a 7.5.

Leia Mais

My first 10!

So, I stumbled upon this drama and since I hadn't heard much about it, I was not expecting it to be better than the typical period Chinese drama. Boy, was I wrong! I had been so used to watching dramas in which there is little to no character development, but this drama has perfect character development. So much so, that within the first 6 episodes, I had to take it easy (I wanted to hurry up and get to the first conflict), but then I relaxed, and by episode 6 I started to really enjoy every episode. This was the first drama that I couldn't figure out who the male lead was right off the bat, and I loved the pleasant surprise when I finally figured it out. I had been rooting for him!

I am on episode 41, so I hadn't yet finished the drama at the time that I am writing this review. I admire the relationship between the female and male lead because it's so different than other romantic period/historical c & k dramas. Both the female and male lead had hardships and setbacks for most of their life (before marriage), and through those hardships they overcame societal pressures. In most dramas, one of the leads is usually rich & perfect, while the other is usually poor/middle class & has a major character flaw. Although, this is just a drama, the characters are so relatable; I love the way the male lead handled stress and pressure (specifically between episodes 20-41),and the beautiful smile he has (wow)! I love the fact that in his marriage, he didn't care about following the rules of his artostricatic family, nor did he expect his wife to do so. This is so crazy but it kind of gave me a realistic hope for the future in my personal life. I am about to get a little personal, but I think it will make this review so much better. I realized this year that I had been following what I thought I was supposed to do, and like, because it's what everyone does. For example, would I celebrate valentine's day with my future husband because it's meaningful to me? or would I do it because it's what couples do? The point that I am making is like the male and female lead in episodes 39-41 had decided to live in their marriage freely while respecting one another, I will do the same! The only con is the concubine's cry and baby-like behavior between episodes 6-34. I admit, I forwarded over a scene or two because I got tired of hearing her whining lol. Overall, I am pleasantly surprised by this drama. There's only one other drama that I've watched that I'd give a rating of a 10 to, and it's Mr. Queen!

UPDATE:
WOW! The two leads were married to one another in real life. Also, she is the lead in Princess Agents, another Chinese drama that I enjoyed.

Leia Mais

A must watch! You will not be disappointed!

Omg!I thought that the male lead and the second male lead were the same person up until episode #2. LOL

Overall, this is a fantastic, realistic K-drama showing how those who seek power, wealth, and fame will steal, kill, or destroy just to have more.

The pacing of this drama was a bit too fast. If it would have been 10 episodes instead of 8, then I would have given it a rating of 10. One thing that didn't make sense is after the second female lead got out of prison, the first male lead never reassigned this major contract to another attorney (episode 6). Also, how does the female lead character, love the male lead character already (referencing episode 8)? My only dislike is how frequently and nonchalant the word, "I want to kill you," are used in this drama. It's too much. They could have said destroy instead of kill.

A must watch! I binged watched this drama because of how captivating it was.

Leia Mais

I can understand the reason for the low ratings, but...

This is basically a remake of the tv show Black Mirror, the dating-app episode called "Hang the DJ" (season 4 episode 4 on Netflix). While I can understand the reason for the low ratings, I just can't give it a low rating, considering the whole storyline, including the setting.

Before I get started with the good, let me tell you the bad:
•The female lead cheated on her first boyfriend, but this is the reason why it doesn't work out with the person she cheated on him with. The male lead knew she had a boyfriend and moved really fast in their relationship; it was more of an infatuation than it was love.
•The female lead allowed her cousin to bully her, but it was because she had childhood trauma. She does heal from the trauma in season 2 episode 6.
•The message in this drama was that "we cannot control our feelings." I hate that message because it allows people to justify their obsession, sexual harassment, and stalker behavior towards another human being. BTW, in season 2 we see what happens in episode 5 when people don't seek help to control their feelings.

Now to the good:
•I love the way that the screenwriter wrote this story, meaning how it is told (from past to present, and present to past)
•I love the fact that this drama was only 9 episodes. Sometimes K & C-dramas have way too many episodes with way too many fillers, and that takes away from the storyline.
•If you watch this drama and understand the setting (high school age kids to young adults), you may like this drama too as it is a realistic feel good romantic drama. Again, when watching this drama, it's showing romance of high school age kids.

Not bad, but not good either:
•The two male leads were friendenemies (not really friends, not really enemies).
•Both the female lead and male lead characters had childhood trauma, specifically fear of abandonment. Thus, the male lead clinged to the female lead, thinking he loved her but really it was more out of fear. The female lead ended the relationship with the male lead, thinking she loved him, but again, it was out of fear. To be fair, most romcoms tend to have a toxic definition and understanding of what love really is. Note: the female lead and male lead were only together for 6 weeks...6 weeks! So, it shouldn't surprise anyone how she was able to move on from the relationship. What I find weird is how someone can still not be over someone 3 years after dating them, and they were only together for 6 weeks while in high school. So I am glad that the female lead moved on after high school. Although, I liked her with the male lead while they were in high school.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF SEASON 2 https://mydramalist.com/profile/TalkingWithYou/reviews/153837

Leia Mais

Realistic, but too depressing!

Love, Marriage, and Divorce season 1 is well scripted, well produced and well acted. However, the con is that it was a bit depressing. They should have kept the 3 couples who were going through marital issues but added 1 success story. I believe 3/4 marriages fail in real life too. The reason I believe an addition (success story couple) is needed is because it started to make me cynical regarding relationships and people. People need to cling to hope, and believe that they can be the 1/4 with a successful marriage, even though, it'd be difficult to obtain. I dropped the show, although, I would have liked to continue.

Leia Mais

Well written thriller, without any filler episodes!

Kim Seo Hyung the female lead who also was the lead in the drama Sky Castle is such a talented actress. She resembles the female lead actress from The World of Married. I usually don't pay attention to fashion in dramas but they had Jeong Seo Hyun (played by the actress Kim Seo Hyung) dressed to perfection lol.

This drama is worth your time and it's currently on Netflix. I actually prefer Korean thrillers & historical/period dramas that are like this drama, as opposed to Korean romcoms. This drama was well written, well produced, and well acted. I also think the way that the story was told is beautiful (very short clips of the future in every episode, gradually giving us more clues to the conclusion). Additionally, the pacing was great and there weren't any filler episode, thank goodness! I am glad that the other female lead character Seo Hee Soo, did not take 16 episodes to decide to leave her husband. Unfortunately, we see this often in dramaland. She got out of a very toxic relationship asap, and good for her! No one needs to be cheated on, mentally abused, threatened with murder, and only loved because they are carrying the baby of the other person.

The con that I have is that this drama was too short. Usually, I advocate for fewer episodes, but I think if this drama had 3 more episodes, we could have seen the development of Han Soo Hyuk [Seo Hyun’s stepson] story, and also Han Ji Yong [Hee Soo's husband] childhood, which would have helped us understand how he became what he was. The last con that I have is the lesbian storyline in this drama, I prefer heterosexual romance.

The desire for power, wealth, and fame turn most people into undercover monsters once they get it.

Leia Mais

I actually felt the love that the male lead character had for the female lead character!!!!

I wished this drama would have focused a little more on the romance between the female and male lead. Towards the end of the drama (episodes 30-40), the storyline became loopy (e.g. female lead keeps choosing the business over her husband, etc). I actually felt like the male lead character really loved the female lead character. The male lead acting convinced me of his role. When the male lead character hugged the female lead character, it felt very warm and sincere. I liked the second female lead character romance with the second male lead character but I did think their romance overshadowed the first leads romance. Why did they make the female lead skin look white like the color (vampire white)? It was hard for me to focus on the story at times because of that. Also, the female lead looks too skinny. Some people are naturally really thin but she looks sickly. Lastly, I like C-dramas because it doesn't show sexually explicit content. However, I wish they'd at least show the male and female lead characters kissing in bed after they get married to let us know that they consummated their marriage.

Overall this drama was good, but I think episodes 30-37 should have focused on the leads romance. Since episodes 1-29 was mostly focused on politics or R.P. business. Wait....as of episode 38 the two leads hadn't slept together as a married couple? SIGH. Duke An's initial reaction in episode 40 was a bit unrealistic when he made a mistake and stabbed the female lead character. If the female lead character would have died in episode 40 I would have changed my rating from 8.5 to 9.0. Sigh, she gets struck by lightening and that cures her from a poisonous stab wound that didn't have an antidote. THAT LITERALLY MAKES NO SENSE!

For some reason I found Duke Su attractive (because of his love for the female lead character). I also found Duke An attractive (he seemed very manly, although evil).

Leia Mais

Beautiful: A well written/directed story of how China and Korea almost became one.

⇢⇢Review for episodes 1-30
The second male lead character (the crowned prince) is such a coward, and he remains one for more than half the drama! At first, I honestly didn't know whether or not it was an act of his, meaning if he intentionally acted like one to deceive the regent. Boy, I thought I disliked watching dramas with damsel in distress female lead characters, I think it's even worse seeing male lead characters that are damsels in distress.

Two things that this drama (screen writers & director) did extremely well, better than most dramas, was the pacing and the setting changes. Pacing & the settings of a drama are both super important because it can determine whether or not viewers stay interested or drop the drama. There's almost nothing worse than a super slow or super face paced story. I almost always drop dramas that are on either extremes. Also, when the setting has little to no variety, I tend to get bored with the characters. For example, if the setting of a 50 episode drama is only in one or two places (e.g. the same palace or the same room). With this drama, within the first 30 episodes, after every 10 episodes we are introduced to a new setting, and the setting is based upon the female lead character. This has helped me stay interested and excited about this drama. Even the pacing of the setting changes was well done. KUDOS! Most historical/period K-dramas are not 51 episodes, but rather 15-20 episodes. Respectfully, the pacing and setting changes in this drama should be an example to Chinese historical/period drama script writers and directors on how to go about producing their typical 50-70 episode drama (which I enjoy, but often end up dropping by episode 40).
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⇢⇢Review for episodes 31-52
By episode 32 I get restless in terms of pacing. I think what transpires between episodes 29-33 is not realistic. When you watch those specific episodes tell me if you can't help but to roll your eyes and sigh at the fact that the regent is basically allowed to do anything, and go anywhere. I also look at those episodes as filler episodes. At some point viewers don't want to wait 30+ episodes to see some justice served to the antagonist. By episode 35, it returns to its greatness again! I think what would have increased my rating is if this drama was split into two seasons. The first 35 episodes for season 1, and the remaining 16 episodes for season 2.

I forgot to mention that I love the fact that the female actress isn't ideal in Korea's (often toxic) beauty standards, although she is beautiful! Please cast more Korean women and men who are beautiful, although they don't fit into a standard of beauty that are ideal. Oh yeah, I've seen the male lead actor on many voting list for most attractive actor on MyDramaList.com. I didn't even realize that it was the same guy. His picture on MyDramaList should be removed because he's very handsome but the picture looks like a totally different person.

I really like the character Tal Tal because he's the most honest out of everyone. He's straight up, and what you see, is what you get. No corruption, no toxicity! At one point I thought he liked the female lead character, and at another point I thought he was the female lead character brother. I am not done with the drama yet, currently on episode 41, so I will know within the next 10 episodes. Btw, I forwarded over much of episodes 38-39 because it felt like the same on thing playing out, but just with a new empress.

Episode 43 is the first time in which I had sympathy for the second male lead, and was finally able to understand the reasons why he did everything he did before episode 43, although I still don't agree with his actions. He lived in fear his whole life, and he would literally have mental breakdowns at certain points. "A nervous breakdown (also called a mental breakdown) is a term that describes a period of extreme mental or emotional stress. The stress is so great that the person is unable to perform normal day-to-day activities." This explains his coward like behavior and his need for the female lead character. What she means to him is comfort, support, and safety, which are the things that he hadn't had because the regent was corrupt and his mother the queen dawger was power-control hungry. When I watched the middle/end of episode 43, I just thought to myself, mannnnn if you don't throw this little prince over the fence and go ahead with your life (lol...totally kidding). The 52-54 minute mark in that episode is not realistic. The little prince, ain't even the crown prince nor is he liked by the emperor; he doesn't hold that much power. I am just ready for the female lead character and male lead character to find out this twisted prince is their child...cause his attitude is horrible.

On episode 48 at the 42 minute mark, I nearly lost my cool. The second male lead is allowing the female lead character enemy to carry their son. The female lead character is a real one (meaning she has more strength to do what I'd never do or put up with). If I were the female lead character, I would have taken my son, and ran for the hills. The emperor thus far (mind you, there's only 3 episodes left) has pretty much been a total loser. He has crowned two empresses, although she saved his life numerous of times. He has excused (although, not allowed) his mom, and the two regents from trying to kill her and their son. As much as I have enjoyed this drama, I am ready for it to end because the disrespect is real!

Leia Mais

Unbiased review... [It gets better starting with episode 8]

Typically the people who like Chinese romcoms, like a lot of fluff, which btw, there's nothing wrong with that. I prefer romcoms with mature characters and realism (I think this drama maybe up my alley). I am not into Chinese romcoms but am open to watching them if the male and female leads have acted in Chinese historical/period dramas that I like. Before I get started with my review, it's important for me to mention that I rarely rate dramas a perfect 10, unless the drama has meaning behind the storyline, or it's well produced & written without loopholes in the script.
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‣ ‣ Review for episodes 1-8
To be honest, I was bored watching the first 4 minutes of the drama. I was waiting for something super exciting to happen because of the background music. The background music was giving me the movie Armageddon vibes. While I was waiting, I noticed how attractive the male lead is. Then I saw Dilraba Dilmurat, and let's be honest, she's the main reason why I am interested in watching this drama, but her face looked paper white (I don't like the whitening filter, it's weird). Within the first 10 minutes of the drama you can basically predict what will happen in the whole series. Towards the end of episode 1, I was pumped, excited, and ready for more (as if I were a gamer lol).

The pros thus far (for people like me, who do not like fluffy romcoms) is:
•That the female lead does not do aegyo/sājiāo, and her character isn't clueless (thus far, atleast).
•Besides aegyo/sājiāo, I almost always hate the overly dramatic slow motion side effects in dramas, and when the female lead is clumsy and falls on top of the male lead and then we are shown the slow mo of the fall, 5 times from 3 different angles. You will not be seeing that in this drama, thank goodness! Within the first 5 episodes, there's only two slow mo moments; one in episode 3 for like 3 seconds, and another in episode 4 (nothing too dramatic).
•Also, I love the fact that the female lead is totally upfront with the male lead in episode 3, which is shocking to see in Chinese romcoms.
•In the first episode the scriptwriter explains how to play the e-sport game, which is really cool. This is the second esports romcom that I've watched, so I am not sure whether or not that is common.
•I like the screen quality/resolution.
•Oh yeah, the supporting male actors (the gamers) are pretty handsome too.
•I like the female lead manager; the manager is not controlling (not toxic), and she works while her husband stays at home and takes care of the household (and he doesn't complain while doing so).
•Lastly, I can relate to this drama because I am in my early thirties and I also had a quarter-life crisis. I quit my high paying job in tech, and basically started all over again, intentionally choosing to make 50% less than what I was making in my 20's. Also, although I knew the following quote, quoted in episode 4 towards the end, is true, it wasn't until this year that it basically became my motto: "The most foolish fantasy is the misconception that you can change a person."

NOTE: I actually disagree with some of the reviewers about there not being chemistry between the leads. Those who like Chinese romcoms tend to want to see what they've always seen, which is the male lead falling in love with the female lead at first sight. For me, that is not believable, and those relationships tend not to last long in real life. This drama has two lead characters who are in their 30's, thus they are taking their time getting to no one another as 30 year olds tend to do. My con written below regarding the chemistry is about the pacing, and not the chemistry itself. I also disagree with some of the reviewers about the male lead acting (my review is unbiased, as I don't think I've ever watched another drama of his). The male lead character is a freaking engineer for goodness sake LOL. If you ever met or worked with an engineer, you would know the reason why his character is the way that it is. Engineers who are men, tend to only talk a lot when it pertains to their work, and they tend to be introverted (not all, but most). Additionally, the male lead is having a quarterlife crisis, and is going through a transition in his life, so just think about how you would be if you were in his shoes.

The cons thus far is:
•That the female lead character (not the actress Dilraba Dilmurat) has an eating disorder. Within the first 4 episodes her weight is mentioned at least 4 times, and she's a size US 0/1. [read more: https://greatist.com/health/disordered-eating#signs-and-symptoms]. I know that her character is an actress, but it's not okay for actresses and actors to have eating disorders so they can fit into a toxic beauty standard.
•Also, between episodes 2 and 3 I didn't really like the pacing, it moved too fast and left little time for character development. I want the chemistry between the female and male lead to be built in a way that we can understand why they like one another.
•Lastly, the female lead keeps calling the male lead a narcissist, and making light of it as if dating a narcissist is a good thing. The male lead character is not a narcissist, and trust me folks, you do not want to be in any kind of relationship with one [read about narcissistic personality disorder by visit the following link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662]

I am def. going to continue to watch, hopefully I will be able to keep watching it to the end (I tend to drop Chinese romcoms before episode 6). I will add an additional review below this line, after I've finished watching the episodes as they are released and subbed.
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‣ ‣ Review for episodes 9-13
•I really enjoyed episode 9, specifically the first 11 minutes because it highlights values within the Asian community that may need to be revised. I understand the need for filial piety, but I think filial piety without holding elders accountable is dangerous to one's mental health. Thus, I believe it is leading the younger Asian generation to commit suicide, because in addition to having the expectation of being totally loyal to their parents and grandparents, they have to compete in a ruthless society. The way that Asian elders lived back in the day (without technology, typically in homogenous societies, typically in patriarchal societies, etc), differs greatly from how Asian youth live nowadays. Unfortunately, in my community (I am not Asian), we have the same values but perhaps it's not as regulated. In my community, we are expected to take physical, verbal, and mental abuse from our parents and seniors just because they are older. That is dangerous because older people learn that they can abuse their power and authority without having to change, and the younger generation will be like the older generation once they become older.
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‣ ‣ Review for episodes 13-20

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‣ ‣ Review for episodes 21-32

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ALMOST A 10!

My review is long overdue!

This drama was FANTASTIC! It is one the best historical Korean dramas that I've watched. Although I loved the first actor who played On Dal, I liked In Woo too. The acting was phenomenal, on top of that, the female lead character is strong, the storyline was amazing, and there weren't any loopholes in the writing. You maybe wondering how come I didn't give this drama a 10? It's because the ending was rushed; specifically the last 4 episodes. I would have loved to see the transition of the prince becoming the king, and the previous king's death. Additionally, the last episode, while tear-jerking, it was missing something.

What makes a female lead character strong? Visit the link to find out... https://mydramalist.com/discussions/recommendation-forum/63911-what-makes-female-character-strong-in-your-mind?page=last&p=1870583#p1870583

Btw, I believe the reason for the low ratings have to do with the scandal of the original actor who played On Dal, which really shouldn't be a reason to hate the drama lol.

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