Hwanghooui Poomkyeok

I have to admit, I could only watch 3 episodes. Most other K-Dramas plots revolve around the uber rich in Korea, but this series has tried to take it to the next level of Korean high society. Even though it looks like it went for 52 episodes, so it must have been popular for the Korean market, but I think it must struggle with Westerners, especially Europeans, who have actually royal families to follow in real life. I've decided to choose another K-Drama to spend my viewing time on and not waste any more time on this one, but if you're new to K-Drama, you may find this watchable, because it does use all the formula for K-Dramas.

First, the portrayal of a modern Royal Korea is pretty much what I could believe in. The mixture of women in Hanbok, with modern facilities. The scheming Dowagers still in existence and the bored spoilt princess - no change there! So yes 9/10 to the production for this portrayal.

The story is not half bad but then spread all over the place with way too many sub plots going on, that actually began to loose interest.

It is impossible to believe that the bodyguard was the same bumbling stumbling pathetic person in the first couple of episodes, who becomes the cool calm efficient slimline gorgeous man later.

The FL plays the same role always in every single drama she is in! Miss "wide eyed innocent cutesy plain but nice person" who finds inner strength later and everyone is rooting for her and she is sooooo NICE and ultimately boring.

The Emperor is gawd awful. Could think of at least a dozen other actors that could have done this role way better. He starts out loathsome and then personality switches over completely so that you are meant to be all empathetic towards him particularly once he sleeps with the FL.

Finally it was dragged out unnecessarily, 12 episodes could have wrapped this nicely.

Not particularly great but with popcorn you can pass a wet day indoors watching this.

My opinion the acting was amazing. But the storyline around the last episodes need more time and explanation. There were many times that the actors chooses dumb ways bringing them back again in to the same problem. The ending was good but I hoped the emperor had the chance to explain better or choose better dialogue. This series is mix of everything action, drama, comedy...

Oh Ha Rin child actor "Princess Ari is absolutely amazing as the princess, so smart, sassy, and her ability to remember her lines and dialogue with such expression and cuteness is absolutely genius for one so young.

Love all the acting butch women and men.

I am surprised to see such low rating of this show. I think it was very well balanced and brilliantly executed. The character arc was beautifully developed. Even though longer than the normal Korean dramas, it didn't lose its charm. Also loved the way they didn't try to needlessly glamorise everything.