L'affetto reale

With just 5 episodes, I am loving each of the episodes so far. The acting are spot on. ParkEunBin is convincing as a man and monarch, and Rowoon is just too adorable as JiWoon. He is indeed what she needs in a cold and dangerous palace. I cannot wait to see how their love will blossom, how both will join hands to fight evil while remaining virtuous. Great story. Wonderful cinematography.

The main key element who makes this show to fresh and original is the complete reverse of stereotypical gender roles. I know the king has to pretend to be a man but she never tries to act like one following ridiculous stereotypes. She never shied away from showing empathy and tenderness and at the same time she always proves to be strong, independent and fearless.

Then there's the male lead (Rowoon's character) who throughout the drama is so loyal, confident and proud of his feelings for the person he loves, no matter who that person is, is just amazing to watch.

I keep discovering Rowoons acting, I love the range of his late roles, comedy is where I enjoy him the most and this show makes his performance shine.

I love how coherent all characters are, from start to finish, all their actions make complete sense and they are in sync with their personalities.

This is not an overdramatized and exaggerated plot where everything is predictable so it will keep you interested until the end.

Just didn't give it a 10 because towards the end the pace is a bit slow for my taste and I missed more passion between the main couple but this is a Korean drama so Im used to that.

Good watch.

I have seen several KDramas and to this date, this is now my #1 tv series...edging my erstwhile favorites Crash Landing On You and Vagabond. This show has everything from Romance, Action, Suspense, Treachery, Humor and Tragedy. It's a Tear-jerker too from episode 2 up to the end of episode 20...You would need a lot of tissue or better a towel since there's a lot of crying for 19 episodes. The OSTs are so emotional and touching that whenever I hear IF I and I BELIEVE in a scene, my tears begin to fall..The show has the Greatest Love Story and the best last episode and ending..It's the first time I've seen all the cast but I immediately fell in love with them all, such a good chemistry and acting by the whole ensemble..You feel as if you are swayed and a part of the royal court....some of them you love, some you hate and a combination of both....but if I will surely protect my "HIS" Majesty the Crown Prince Lee Hwi...EUN-BIN PARK became one of my instant favorites and hearthrob.... she's so charming...I hope there will be another good show like this. LOVE IT..

There are many historical instances of women living their lives as men, but the unbelievability of such a beautiful and petite woman successfully doing so could well have been an obstacle to enjoying this series. Somehow it did not seem to matter. There are so many compensations with the usual Korean high standard of acting, skillful and propulsive plotting, believable relationships and rounded characters. No cardboard baddies here. Great!

Very well thought out. I always look forward to watching this serie. It wasn't easy for anyone those days.such things did happen at this time. Not human at all, but power and status still come first.

I think Eun-bin Park had to get used to her own voice again. I do think that if you're in your role with a different voice, it's a bit of a switch. I enjoyed your acting!