I really enjoyed watching this drama, but there were definitely some strengths and weaknesses worth mentioning. Here's my take:

Strengths:
1. Complex Characters and Relationships: The way the characters were written was impressive. Crown Prince Lee Gun’s journey from a misunderstood prince to someone who truly cares for his kingdom was emotional and gripping. The tension between Gun and his half-brother Dosung was also really interesting, especially since their bond gets tested multiple times as they’re manipulated by others. Watching Gun’s friendship and eventual rivalry with Dosung was heart-wrenching because you can tell they care about each other but are constantly pulled in opposite directions.

2. Intriguing Plot with Lots of Twists: The political intrigue was solid. There were betrayals, hidden motives, and secret alliances that kept me on my toes. The ministers scheming to dethrone Gun, Dosung’s emotional turmoil, and Soo Ryeon’s manipulations made the drama engaging. The twists added a lot of depth to the plot.

3. Strong Female Character: I loved Lady Myung Yoon’s character. She was fierce, independent, and skilled, which is rare for a woman in historical settings like this. Her struggle with the prophecy of becoming a widow added layers to her character. It was refreshing to see a female lead who wasn’t just a damsel in distress but someone who could stand up for herself and others.

4. Emotional Depth: The drama really knew how to tug at my heartstrings. The relationships between parents and children, the love triangle, and the characters’ moral dilemmas were done beautifully. Gun’s emotional breakdowns, especially when he felt betrayed by people he trusted, were some of the most powerful moments.

5. Soundtrack: The soundtrack was beautiful and fit the emotional and intense scenes so well. It added to the atmosphere, especially during the dramatic moments. I found myself tearing up more than once because the music was so perfect for the moment.

Weaknesses:
1. Pacing Issues: The drama felt dragged out in some places. There were times when the story seemed to slow down unnecessarily, especially during certain political plots. Some scenes felt repetitive, and I wished the story would just move forward. There were too many moments where Gun would confront people, only for things to stay the same for several episodes.

2. Unrealistic Fight Scenes: The action scenes didn’t always hit the mark. Some of the fights felt staged and lacked the intensity I expected.

3. Soo Ryeon and Sang Rok’s Love: I struggled to understand why Soo Ryeon and Lord Choi Sang Rok’s love was depicted as something grand. Their relationship ended up hurting so many people, yet they were portrayed as having this deep, unbreakable bond. It felt more like obsession than love, and I had a hard time sympathizing with them, even when the drama tried to make them seem tragic.

4. Dosung’s Foolishness: Dosung, as a character, was frustrating at times. He kept flip-flopping between being a good brother and a traitor, and it got a bit tiring. His decisions were often impulsive and led to more problems. I also didn’t like how easily he was manipulated by everyone around him. He was just too gullible.

5. Rushed and Confusing Ending: The ending felt rushed and silly. So much was built up throughout the drama, and then everything was quickly tied up in the last episode. It was so disappointing. Not the kind of conclusion I was hoping for. The drama just threw in a time jump.

Overall, the drama had its fair share of flaws, but the emotional depth, complex characters, and political intrigue made it a worthwhile watch for me.