I honestly don't know where to begin with because I feel like once I do I will not be able to stop haha. I started this plainly out of curiosity because I wanted to watch something that is heavy but not too gritty. I thought I would drop it after 5 episodes but BOY was I surprised! ? And impressed in equal measures.
I will not prolong this since other reviewers pretty much said everything there is to be said. It's probably one of the best historical drama and cdrama I have seen easily. It strikes an wonderful balance between romance, family dynamics, revenge, growing up, political intrigue with the help of superb cinematography, script, music, acting. It has its slow moments in a way it doesn't feel draggy or boring.Despite not being a thriller, action, or mystery it manages to keep in your toes and that's probably one of the best aspect of this drama.
Highly recommend to anyone who is still deliberating on watching this and is intimidated by the episode list because honestly you will be sweet odd you won't even realize when did you manage to watch first 25 episodes in 1 week like me!