If you wanted Flower Boys with a historical drama, well you've come to the 2nd best one. I thought this show started off great (probably the first 6 episodes), and then didn't really keep up the pace. There were almost tears coming down my face, which I understand is to motivate the characters with revenge. I guess I get tired of love triangles with a wishy-washy girl. I also didn't realize how much I had wanted to see the 2 male leads together until they were. I would compare this to the Sungkyunkwan Scandal which I think is a little bit better than Hwarang. There's just something about shows that don't take historical dramas seriously (Moonlight Hidden By Clouds), and having good looking actors doesn't make it much better. I think if you want a better executed drama with a similar story, go with Moon Embracing the Sun, or even The Princess' Man (but only if you're really desperate).