To some, the series may seem a little slow at first, but the intensity of the narrative builds up about a third of the way in. So, perhaps what is needed is a little bit of patience and commitment. The main narrative, focusing on the romance, is the most engaging, as the cast is excellent, making the viewer go through an emotional roller-coaster (regardless for whom one is rooting). Each main character is flawed, but ultimately, they are all good and worthy of empathy. One of the common criticisms online seem to be that the political (or "palace politics") subplot is dull. Perhaps that is because the subplot merely provides obstacles to the main characters who have absolutely no desire to engage in politics or revenge. As such, the series is less about politics and revenge and more about the main characters trying to dissociate themselves in order to be with the one they each truly love. Because the subplot is unimportant in itself (only in terms of its effect on the main characters), the other characters are less developed and less interesting, causing the viewer to have little empathy for them, their situations, or their motivations. One character, in particularly, is perhaps meant merely to be a foil, whereby her function is simply to act as a contrast to the protagonist: Two people with similar backgrounds and starting points -- how will different outlooks and principles affect their individual lives? Some of the songs appear strange and unsuitable at first, perhaps because they seem "too contemporary" for a period drama or perhaps because they seem more suited for some scenes (especially latter ones) and not others. The repetition of songs and flashbacks can be a little tedious at times, but at the appropriate times, the songs seem fitting.