Romantic Guest House

In this period drama Yoon Dan-oh (Shin Ye-eun) who once belonged to a noble family runs an unpopular guest house. Three scholars played by Ryeoun, Kang Hoon and Jung Goo-joo through circumstances end up staying there, but they all have secrets relating to a plot to replace the cruel and unjust king who stole the throne. It is a clever plot with initial uncertainty of the identities of each of the characters which are exposed over the series. It is very well acted but nearer the end parts of the plot are dragged out and others are wrapped up too quickly. May have been better with fewer episodes and tighter pacing but still overall an ok watch.

They tried to sprinkle in some fake scripted bland romance in the beginning but they forgot to add the chemistry to the mix and develop it gradually, so it ended up being too delayed to care about. The same thing can be said about the mystery once it dwindled, like it lost its mojo in a heartbeat. The trend continued until the end without ever recovering. To put it simply, the story was dead on arrival from all angles and salvaging it was near impossible. As if that wasn't enough, we had to endure it for 18 episodes. Which leaves us with the saddest part, the cast, specifically the leads. What a fine collection of disappointing soulless performances. I guess FL was kinda passable to a certain degree but the other trio boys were a lost cause.

First half of this show was awesome, there was a lot of guessing around who was the actual male lead of the show ( even the poster was miss leading which is very refreshing) Humor was a big part of it and i love the dynamics and arguments and joking around between the characters, specially the very surprising and well layered character of the Watchman.

So It was a 9 rating the whole first half but dropped 2 points of the rating just because the amount of guilt tripping the Watchman had to endure from everyone the second half of the series. I mean his job is literally being the bodyguard of the late crown prince son and he just needs to DEFEND HIM because everyone is always constantly is trying to kill him, so basically he has the SAME job than the royal guards and the Chief Administrator (AND that's why his son died as one of the 6 swords). How is it that they keep bullying him saying he is a murder when they do the exact thing?? That rhetoric was dragged for too long and was very frustrating, specially because even the sister of the female lead would insult him for that....

It also became a bit gloomier and predictable. No trace of humor, funny or lighthearted scenes, not even romantic ones....

Chemistry was okay but had the never ending and overused love triangle cliché, which wasn't too draggy here but still a bit cringe.

Overall entertaining and enjoyable but ended up speeding up the last few episodes. It could have had the usual 16 episodes and it would have been better.

The Secret Romantic Guesthouse has left an indelible mark on my heart with its captivating storyline and unforgettable characters. This exceptional Korean show effortlessly weaves a tapestry of intrigue, romance, and suspense, making it an absolute must-watch for all enthusiasts of the genre.

From the very first episode, it's evident that The Secret Romantic Guesthouse is a cut above the rest. The show's greatest strength lies in its remarkable characters, each possessing a unique personality that makes them come alive on the screen. Their individual quirks and traits not only add depth to the narrative but also create an endearing connection with the audience. The portrayal of these characters is a testament to the skill of the writers and actors, resulting in a cast that feels like a genuine ensemble of personalities rather than mere roles.

The central mystery surrounding the deposed grand heir to the throne is a stroke of storytelling brilliance. The show's creators have expertly woven this intrigue into the fabric of the drama, keeping viewers guessing and eagerly anticipating each revelation. The delicate balance between unveiling hints and maintaining suspense is commendable, allowing the audience to be an active part of the guessing game.

Yoon Dan-oh and Kang San, the main characters, deserve special mention for their fantastic performances. Their chemistry and portrayal of emotions are palpable, drawing viewers into their world of challenges and emotions. The evolution of their relationship serves as a compelling anchor for the show's romantic themes, adding an extra layer of depth to the plot.

The character development of Kim Si-yeol is a standout element of the series. The seamless transition in his character arc showcases the show's commitment to crafting three-dimensional personas. The growth and transformation of Kim Si-yeol contribute to the multi-layered nature of the story, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the fates of all characters.

In conclusion, The Secret Romantic Guesthouse is a true masterpiece in the realm of Korean dramas. Its gripping narrative, well-defined characters, and seamless blend of mystery and romance make it a show that deserves to be celebrated. From the carefully plotted intrigue to the captivating character arcs, every element is meticulously crafted. As a devoted fan of this genre, I can confidently say that this series has left an everlasting impression on me. If you're a fan of exceptional storytelling and dynamic characters, The Secret Romantic Guesthouse is an absolute must-see that will keep you entertained from the first episode to the last.

One of the most beautiful historical series of 2023 with a unique and original plot with the performances of all professional actors and a satisfying ending.

Everything about this drama was good, from its topic and context, which was a combination of the romantic comedy-mystery-action genre, to the selection of good actors.

The only thing that bothered me was the King actor Hyun Woo, I enjoy his acting but as a cruel tyrant king he was not a good choice for this role in my opinion and I just think the chemistry between the two leading actors was a bit weak, specially from first lead actress. Also, the drama could have been completed in 16 episodes.

However, I give it a score of 9 out of 10 and recommend it to everyone.