I'm still watching this show, but I couldn't wait to write a review.

I had never watched a traditional sageuk before this one, and by that I mean ones from before the 2010's with the amount of episodes this one has. I was always so intimidated by the episode count, and even though I love modern sageuks, I was worried that I would find the older ones boring.

Gosh, was I stupid! LOL.

I only started watching this one because it was during quarantine and my semester had ended, so I thought it was the perfect time to start one of the many famous sageuks with the amount of free time I had. I had many options to choose from, but I randomly chose this one. The synopsis didn't strike me as something I'd necessarily like, but I went with it anyway. I'm so glad I did. The first episode had me hooked instantly, even though the first episode is basically a prologue to the rest of the show. I was blown away by the music score, the nuanced beauty of the story telling, and the instant sensation of feeling like I've genuinely been transported to the time and setting being shown. One thing I've felt most strongly while watching this drama is that it's so well acted that I truly feel as though I'm watching a recording of true events—that I'm actually there and that this world exists beyond cameras and scripts and actors.

This show is not for those who get bored easily; who need constant action. This is a character based story—a dialogue based story. So much of it depends on the character relationships and interactions, of our lead Jang Geum just existing and living. There are definitely twists and turns, for I feel like something is always going wrong and our lead is barely escaping things, but it's at a slow pace. Because there are so many episodes, each minor aspect of Jang Geum's experience can be fleshed out to its full potential. It's really fascinating.

I think the best example of this is her interactions with Min Jong Ho, her love interest. It is the most natural and beautiful growth of two people I think I've seen in a drama. There is no confession needed. No physicality needed. There really are even not many moments where romance is even hinted, but rather just them being friends more than anything, and I LOVE that. I just think their dynamic is so beautifully done because of how simple yet not simple it is. This is NOT a romance drama. Their relationship is just another of the many she has with her friends, family, superiors, etc. Still, I just think their interactions are so beautiful and pure.

Though, I have to point out that Jang Geum and Yeon Saeng's friendship is equally as beautiful, and I don't think I realized that until the latter half of the show.

This drama really includes every possible theme, but I think compassion and selflessness is the biggest one. Jang Geum's entire being is compassion embodied. She sacrifices herself over and over for others, and because of her boldness in her compassion, it's what gets her through her life from position to position. She values goodness and honestly and care.

I voted ten for everything except rewatch value, and that's only because I think it would take a LOT for me to be able to sit through this show a second time alone. I could definitely watch it with someone, but not alone again. It takes so much from me emotionally (also, it's just LONG, LOL).

Yeah, this instantly is a top drama of mine. Absolutely phenomenal. ]