Okay, so this is the second time that I thought I hadn't watched a drama when I had. But I think I actually remember what happened this time, and it reflects a lot in my rating.

Story: Overall I think this a solid historical drama full of intrigue. That being said, I definitely felt like the story dragged in the middle. What ended up happening for me, I think, the first time I watched, was I got bored around episode 10 or so and just dramabeansed(read the recap) the rest of the series. I still felt that way, but this time I stuck with it. So the story looses some points because of that.

Cast: First off, I think that the entire cast for the younger versions of the characters is fantastic. So many of them have gone on to make a place for themselves in Korean media. But in regards to the adult cast, I don't really share the same attitude. Kim Soo Hyun, in my opinion, is the saving grace of this drama. I think that with anyone else cast in the King's role, this drama really would never have gotten the traction it did with him as a lead. He is one of my favorite actors, so I'm likely biased, but the way he conveys emotions feels very raw and always produces an amazing product, not matter how crappy the writing, editing, and supporting cast may be. That being said, I really did not like the actress of the female lead. She perpetually looked confused, which I guess she was lol, but it made her seem like a rather flat and unemotional. Even the Queen did a better job, imo, so that really knocked down the points for me as well.

Music: Not what I would describe as notable, but fit the drama well, so therefore, on point.

Rewatch: I think this is high, just for the younger kids performance (which is about 1/4 of the total show) and for Kim Soo Hyun's performance.

TLDR; Maybe not so notable of a story, but the younger cast's and KSH's performances make this drama a must watch.