Princess Hours

Painful experience

No drama ever stressed me out as much as this one. Not because it was so beautifully written or the characters who I liked were going through hardships - no. The exact opposite. It started out okay, with the FL being your typical 2010ish lead (bubbly, oblivious and dumb - bordering on mental retardation) and ML being this ice-cold guy. And although ML was extremely unlikeable in the beginning, he got better. But every other character - oh god, I find no words. Literally every character made me mad because they were so stupid, hypocritical, greedy and unlikeable. By the way, I have no idea how people developed second lead syndrome here, his whole nice guy attitude made my blood boil so much. If you intent to watch it and not almost cry out of disbelief at the stupidity and out of frustration, I recommend to completely skip episode 22. By the way, whoever decided to make this show 24 episodes long needs to go to prison.
Actually, the show was quite okay and in my opinion a much better show than Boys over Flowers (they kind of have a similar vibe) until the last few episodes when they, for whatever reason, decided to torture the watcher. When ML didn't even become king in the end, I almost threw something at my laptop. Like man - what did I even watch this whole fight for the crown bs for? The romance of the main couple was very cute and the only thing that kept me watching.
Overall, this review mainly serves the selfish attempt at self-therapy after this stressful experience I went through.

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A NOSTALGIC GEM!!!

I am and will always be biased toward ‘Goong’, as it was one of the first dramas I watched back in elementary school (I’m 27 now). Revisiting it brings back a flood of wonderful memories, and I remember every girl in school was obsessed with Lee Shin. And let’s not forget the unforgettable OSTs. I listened to them on repeat, jamming out with my walkman (I feel so ancient, lol).

While the acting leaves much to be desired and can often be quite cringeworthy, the story perfectly encapsulates every young girl’s dream at that time. The plot is delightfully light and whimsical, making ‘Goong’ my go-to drama whenever I want something easy to watch without diving into more serious or complicated narratives.

‘Goong’ is fun and simple—you don’t have to strain your brain to follow the story, which is a refreshing escape when you just want to unwind. It’s a nostalgic treat that reminds me of a simpler time, filled with youthful romance and fantasy.

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A cute ridiculous story

Absolutely loved the 2 MLs and the FL. Overall this comedy of sorts had real potential. Considering it was produced in 2006 it was probably a hit then. However, when they do a remake, the show needs serious improvements.

First, the the story and character development needs improvement. The Crown Prince kept hinting that he had plans to alter the way the antiquated monarchy functions but except for handling reporters in a very sophisticated manner, he actually didn't unveil any plans. The female lead had a huge adjustment to an arranged marriage and being a part of the Royal family. I felt compassion toward her except that she leaked like a watering can 85 % of the series. She wasn't a doormat but she didn't really exhibit any real assertiveness.

The show definitely managed to project a teenage mentality. It kills me how they chose actors though that didn't seem like teenagers at all. I felt like smacking the adults in the palace. Their laws and rules of etiquette came across for the most part as an abusive way to force people to do what they required them to do regardless of humane treatment.

I could understand the ML's attitudes and behavior but he really was an emotionally stunted person with an entitled attitude. The second male lead was a much healthier person. He was frankly fortunate to grow up outside the palace. He was kind, compassionate and conscientious. I'm not sure how his greedy manipulative mother raised such a fine person. The FL's family was adorable and very devoted to each other.

Hopefully the remake gets a better sound person to mix the music and vocals. Once or twice in a movie where the music is so loud you can't hear the words is one thing but for it to constantly be a factor causing you to strain to hear the dialogue is irritating. The cinematography, staged settings and wardrobes were excellent.

I enjoyed watching this version once, but probably could not endure it's length again.

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THIS IS MY REVIEW Whew… where do I even start?

This drama had potential — I’m talking serve me royal romance on a silver platter potential. The first few episodes? Cute. Promising. And then? It tripped, stumbled, and face-planted into messy plots, childish schemes, and characters making decisions like their brains were on airplane mode.

Let’s break it down:

First up, the Crown Princess. I don’t even know where to begin with her. She’s out here acting like the world’s against her, crying in corners, yet REFUSING to help herself. Girl, it’s not character development if you just stay stupid the whole show. Not once did she think, “Maybe I should speak up for myself.” Nope. Just tears, whining, and questionable choices.

And the Crown Prince? He’s emotionally constipated, sure, but he at least tries in his cold, awkward way. I’ll give him half a star for effort. But she? She’s busy emotionally bonding with the OTHER prince like she’s not a whole married woman. And then has the nerve to get upset when the Crown Prince breathes near another woman. The math ain’t mathing.

Don’t even get me started on Second Female Lead Syndrome. This girl is the president of Delusion Nation. If you wanted the man, SAY YES the first time. But no, you chased status and now you’re salty because someone else has what you didn’t want when it was offered. Girl. Heal.

And the palace schemes? Please. I’ve seen elementary school drama with more depth. How are the royal adults THIS clueless? I’m embarrassed for them.

Now, for the fun part:

Kokowa Drama Starter Pack Checklist:

✅ Doormat Female Lead with Negative Self-Esteem

✅ Emotionally Damaged, Cold Male Lead with Hidden Feelings

✅ Clingy, Whiny Second Male Lead who needs to sit down

✅ Delusional Second Female Lead living in her own K-Drama fantasy

✅ 99 Misunderstandings for absolutely no reason

✅ Love Confessions happening at the worst possible moments

✅ Passive-aggressive tea drinking scenes

✅ Dramatic wrist grabs (because apparently words don’t work)

✅ “I heard half the conversation and now I’m mad” plot devices

✅ Rich people making poor decisions with royal-sized egos

✅ Female lead tripping over air and falling into someone’s arms (mandatory scene)

✅ A random fever to force an emotional bonding moment

✅ Schemes so obvious even a goldfish could connect the dots

✅ Second Female Lead blaming everyone but herself for her poor life choices

✅ Petty jealousy as a full-time job

✅ Parents ruining everything just for fun

✅ THAT ONE CHARACTER who exists only to deliver bad news dramatically

I finished it, but only because of the actors and my pride that refused to let me be defeated by bad writing. It’s camp, it’s chaos, it’s Goong — a drama that could’ve been iconic but instead said, “Let’s drown in stupidity for 24 episodes straight.”

The actors were good — they did what they could with that chaotic script — but they deserved better. Honestly, I stayed for the cast and the aesthetics, but the writing? Maximum drama with minimum sense . NO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT WHATEVER.

NO CAP for real how did the Queen Mother survive palace life that long with the IQ of a decorative pillow? Sis couldn’t see through the simplest schemes or a fake smile to save her life. But sure, let’s blame everyone else while she sips tea like they aint all apart of the problem. The math is not mathing.

And don’t even get me started on the ending — they really had the nerve to roll credits without anyone realizing the ex-Crown Princess was the real villain. LIKE??? It was right there. Peak clownery. 🤡

And that whole mess with the King acting like a discount villain — sir, you’ve got the audacity to point fingers when you’re out here doing dirt yourself? They really missed a moment to humble him properly. All that wasted potential makes me want to sue.

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Princess Hours (Goong): A Royal Pain in My Sanity

📝 Review (WARNING: Potential Spoilers — I’m Not Saving You from Emotional Damage)

Let me start by saying this: I love older K-dramas. I love the toxic tropes, the melodrama that makes telenovelas look subtle, the fashion disasters, the emotional blackmail, the villains with eyeliner — all of it. I sign up for the chaos. I thrive in the chaos.
But Princess Hours?
This show tested me.
This show put my patience in a chokehold and whispered, “You thought you were strong, didn’t you?”

THE FL: Bold of Them to Call This ‘Character Development’
People online will swear up and down that Yoon Eun-hye “carried the show.”
Carried what, exactly?
Certainly not a brain cell. Not an ounce of growth. Not a glimmer of critical thinking.
Chae-gyeong spends 24 episodes being a professional crier, a runway model for crimes-against-fashion outerwear, and the world’s densest human. There’s naïve, and then there’s: “girl, at this point even Dora the Explorer would ask you to look again.”
Also, I was over her constant apologizing after the 10th time. I swear even wallpaper has shown more emotional evolution. The only thing Chae-gyeong truly grew in this series was her wardrobe. Congratulations, lady, you leveled up your coats.

THE ML: A Certified Jerk, but at Least a Jerk Who Learned Something
Ju Ji-hoon starts this drama with the interpersonal warmth of a refrigerator and the communication skills of one too.
But — credit where it’s due — the man actually grows.
He thaws. He self-reflects. He attempts to communicate like a sentient being instead of a royal gargoyle.
He was insufferable… but he was growingly insufferable, which is more than 90% of this cast can claim.

LEE YOON-JI AS PRINCESS HYE-MYEONG: THE ONLY SANITY I HAD LEFT
The moment I realized this punk-rock menace was Noh Soo-an from My Demon, I almost choked.
Watching her go from anxious mom-of-twins to “internationally chaotic princess who escapes the palace like she’s breaking out of prison” was the emotional treat I needed.
She deserved more screen time. Frankly, she deserved her own drama.

YUL: SECOND LEAD SYNDROME? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I’D RATHER CATCH A VIRUS
This headline stays. Forever.
I almost never get second lead syndrome, but here? Not only did I not catch it, I vaccinated myself against it.
This man comes home after fourteen years like:
“Hi. You were promised to me when we were children. I am now entitled to your entire existence.”
Sir. That is not romantic. That is not sweet. That is not fate.
That is a restraining order waiting to happen.
He is a bowl of lukewarm oatmeal with emotional issues.
The fact that Chae-gyeong never once paused to question his behavior? Ma’am. MA’AM. Borrow one brain cell. ONE.
And yes — I disliked him more than Hyo-rin. At least Hyo-rin’s disaster energy had a little sparkle.
Then he states he’s going to leave with Chae-gyeong… but I don’t ever recall her agreeing, or reciprocating his feelings!?!?!?!?

THE KING: WORST FATHER. WORST MONARCH. WORST EVERYTHING
The man looks at his actual son like he’s allergic to him, but practically polishes Yul’s shoes with his tears.
Useless as a ruler, pathetic as a parent, and every scene he appeared in made me want to yeet him off the palace balcony.
He ruled the palace with the emotional maturity of a toddler losing at Mario Kart.
If pouting were an Olympic sport, he’d have brought home gold for Korea.
He looks at Shin like he’s the dust under his throne and then turns to Yul as if he personally invented the boy.
This wasn’t fatherly affection — this was a man stuck in his own personal fanfiction.

THE QUEEN MOTHER: OLDEST MEAN GIRL IN THE PALACE
Her entire personality is: “I disapprove of everything.”
She contributed nothing except rigid posture and negativity.
Honestly, replace her with a large decorative vase and I might not notice.

THE QUEEN REGENT: MY UNPROBLEMATIC QUEEN
Clueless? Yes.
Soft? Yes.
Occasionally the only source of serotonin in this palace of misery? Also yes.
Love her. Protect her. Give her cookies and a therapy session.

CHAE-GYEONG’S FAMILY: ADORABLE UNTIL THEY WEREN’T
Their comedy relief moments hit early on, but they fizzled fast.
At some point I just nodded and let them exist in the background like neutral NPCs.

YUL’S MOTHER: ENTITLEMENT LEVEL – SUPERVILLAIN
The woman was exiled for cheating, but acts like everyone else is the problem.
She spends the entire show asking, “How can I ruin a teenager’s life so my son can cosplay as a king?”
I wanted to slap my screen every time she opened her mouth.
She even escalates to… attempted murder. Thailand? Regicide schemes? Yes, yes, and yes.
Peak villain energy. Absolute audacity. But karma is served hot — she eventually gets her comeuppance, and watching the palace finally flip her script is the only thing that gave me some satisfaction.

THE REAL PROBLEM: TOO MUCH SML/SFL, NOT ENOUGH ACTUAL ROMANCE
This show could’ve been fire — iconic, legendary, rewatch-classic fire.
Instead, it drowned itself in:

* Miscommunications
* More miscommunications
* Excessive SML/SFL screentime
* Yul lurking
* Hyo-rin gliding
* Political plotting no one asked for
** Meanwhile, Shin and Chae-gyeong’s relationship was treated like a side quest.

The Cheating Arc(s): Thailand? Seriously?!
The cheating plotlines were so wild I needed ibuprofen, an inhaler, and possibly a clergy member.
Thailand felt like the writers said, “Hey, let’s fling the ML into a tropical guilt spiral for NO REASON.”
Then pair that with the FL and Yul scenes — the emotional adultery Olympic trials — and I genuinely considered rage-pausing the episode.

Every moment with those two felt like:
* Misunderstandings
* Unnecessary hand-holding
* The world’s slowest manipulation attempt
* That soft music cue that whispers, “Someone here is lying, but shh, let’s make it pretty.”
* My temples still hurt.

THE MUSIC: Surprisingly a Little Magic
The instrumentals are a fascinating Celtic-Korean fusion — like someone thought, “Let’s make palace melodrama feel epic and timeless, even when everyone’s being completely ridiculous.”
And then there are the occasional catchy tunes that sneak in like little auditory candy. You don’t even realize you’re humming along while glaring at the screen because Yul just did something terrible.
It doesn’t fix the chaos, but it makes every emotional meltdown feel stylishly tragic.

Four Special Sections (a.k.a. Where the Real Fun Begins)
1. Scenes That Aged Like Milk
“Promised to me since childhood” entitlement arc
Yul lurking
Adults blaming teenagers for their marital problems
The monarchy’s obsession with meddling
Every “let’s separate them so they can learn to love each other” plot device
Sour. Spoiled. Throw it out.

2. Scenes That Aged Like Vintage Wine
Shin’s painfully slow emotional thaw
Princess Hye-myeong being a punk princess powerhouse — basically the Korean Diana, without the Charles-level drama
Any moment where the leads accidentally understood each other
The rare domestic scenes where they mutually behaved like humans
The final few emotional breakthroughs (worth their weight in gold)
The friends on each side — quietly loyal, snarky when needed, and the only people in this palace of chaos who actually act like functioning humans
Still magical. Still rewatchable. Still the reason the show almost works.

3. What Would’ve Fixed the Plot Without Breaking the 2006 Formula
Give Shin/Chae-gyeong at least 30% more screen time together
Cut Yul’s creepy stalker arc in half (or just cut him; I’m flexible)
Reduce the cheating plot from “WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?” to “okay that hurt but it narratively tracks”
Give the King a spine or remove him from the chessboard entirely
Let the women have one — just ONE — honest conversation that isn’t dripping in manipulation
That alone would’ve elevated this show from “I need therapy” to “rewatch classic.”

4. This Should’ve Been 16 Episodes, Not 24 Super-Stretched Noodles
The plot was basically:
Ep 1–12: “We don’t like each other but also maybe we do?”
Ep 13–20: “Misunderstandings but make them EXHAUSTING”
Ep 21–24: “Speed-run the actual romance before the credits roll”

That’s why it feels like a hostage situation at times.
They had a beautiful 16-episode romance, but stretched it like dough until it tore.
And we sat there like loyal clowns watching it happen.

Final Verdict
Episode 23? Solid. I actually liked it — the friends on both sides added some much-needed relief.
Episode 24? I felt a smidge of sympathy for Yul… but only a smidge. He’s still a snake, still manipulative, still entirely unworthy of our forgiveness.
Did I scream? Yes.
Did I hate-watch? Absolutely.
Did I roll my eyes so hard I saw my past lives? More than once.
Will I watch it again? …Probably. Because I’m trash for mid-2000s melodrama, and this show is basically junk food you know is terrible but eat anyway at 2AM.

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oh my god I have no words to describe how bad this drama was. I'm speechless.
I don't know if its a cultural difference or simply masochism, but some korean drama girls just like the suffering, like the pain, just like that song S&M Rihana's.
I mean, the main guy, the guy was just a pain, from beginning to end . Meanwhile he was enjoying himself the pathetic girl was dying because of him. The guy even betrayed her, yet she seems to have no pride at all. He treats her just a lil better than before, she falls all in his graces all over again. I just can't watch those kind of things. Meanwhile, these dramas always have a second sweet prettier guy who, from my point of view seems a lot, but a lot but a lot better than the main guy, which is disposed to make more, to love more and yet, that guy doesn't get the girl because she just likes the suffering. Always. I, the dumb one as always end up shipping the sweet guy. Why? Because I'm not a masochist. The acting. What can I say about that girls acting. It was just fucking horrible. The character was supposed to be childish cute, ended up looking like a retard with those high pitched voices and weird faces. I know I know is a old drama but being old doesn't erase its down-points. The main guy was expressionless. I actually can't say when he was angry, happy, crying. God i might cry how bad this drama were.

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I love the main characters in this K-drama so this is why I watched it I love the main male character in this K-drama because he acted very cold towards the main female character but then he became very nice towards her so that was nice to see. The K-drama started off well it was heading towards the direction that I liked so I was very happy to watch this K-drama towards the end the same things would repeat so that is one thing that I didn’t like. The ending was not what I thought it should’ve been I think it could’ve ended better but that’s my opinion. Overall I recommend this k-drama it was very fun very light hearted the romance is amazing and good jokes were thrown into it nicely. It was very good I recommend to watch it is worth your time

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Let me start this review by saying that this is my favorite Korean Drama of all time. This also marked the beginning of my never ending love of kdramas.

Story wise, this is the first one (for me) that ever tackled a fictional Korean monarchy that is situated in the present time. I love the premise and the idea of an ordinary high school girl, due to some difficult circumstances, be involved in an arrange marriage to the crown prince of Korea. I first watched this drama when I was a teenager and was just starting high school, so I just love the idea of a cinderella-type story. However, this drama does not only focus on how Cinderella became a princess and fell in love with the prince. It also depicts the negative aspect of being a monarch. The sacrifices that Shin Chae-kyung have to make being the crown princess of her country; the difficulties of Lee Shin being raised inside the Palace; and the palace life of the other characters.

Characters. The characters of this drama was perfectly written by the writers. There is character development for all of them. I remember when I first watch this drama, I fell in love with Lee Yul first before Lee Shin. The typical premise in which the 2nd male lead is the one nicer to the female lead and not the male lead. However, as the story evolves, the love story of the two main characters was so perfect. The two characters grew to love each other. The main actors portrayed their characters so well. The energetic and bubbly Shin Chae-kyung and the cold, stoic Lee Shin.

The music in this drama is also so perfect. Whenever I hear them, nostalgia comes with it. Sometimes, I still catch myself humming the main theme of goong.

Overall, this is still the best drama of all time for me (again.) It is still the most re-watchable. I still rewatch some scenes or sometimes the whole drama whenever I miss this. I also think that any remake of this drama will be a failure. Haha. Sorry, I just watched some episodes of the Thai remake and it was awful. It's just not the same.

I recommend this drama. I'm sure your not gonna regret this one. :)

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REWATCHED FOR MORE THAN 10 TIMES ALREADY

I really want to say big thanks to all the people behind this masterpiece, the producer, directors, costume designer, screenwriter. They really really did great.

Thank you so much for creating this drama it's so good I can rewatch it million times without finding any dull moment

And also to Joo Ji Hoon and Yoon Eun Hye
the drama is already 19 years ago but you both are still in my heart

I still rewatch this drama from times to times and I still get the tingling feeling in my heart whenever watching the chemistry between both of them
I cried when chaegyung cried, felt pain when shin hurt, got nervous when they were in such comedic but romantic moments

Not to mention the costumes! sooo so so pretty and well designed
I personally think the costumes/dresses that ChaeGyung wore in the drama back then in 2006 will still be nice to be worn in 2025, because the designs are modern and unique it's not dull at all !!!

Thanks to all of them because without them this masterpiece wouldn't be here
big bow !!!

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Okay, so I have been thinking about writing a review for 'Goong' since a long time but for some or the other reason, I always tend to forget about it, and it is only after shutting down my laptop that I remember that I was supposed to write it :\ Ah, well, let's move on now that I am actually writing one!

'Goong' happens to be the first K-Drama I watched :D I started watching it because I had read the manhwa and was curious as to what the drama is like. And I feel, the drama is better than the manhwa. That's just my opinion. Yoon Eun Hye (Chae Gyung) and Joo Ji Hoon(Shin)'s acting impressed me. Overall all the actors, whether they are in the lead roles or in the supporting roles, have done a great job. But I especially salute JJH considering he was formerly a model and was not much recognized in the field of acting but his role in this drama as the Crown Prince- Lee Shin gained him many fans (including me). Among the supporting characters, I liked Chae Gyung's mom and dad the most.

Speaking of the story, it is unique and interesting. I mean, I could never have thought of using the setting of modern day Korea where monarchy still exists for producing a drama series if I had to. Since the drama is based on the manhwa, the credit goes to the author of the manhwa. There are parts which I did feel like skipping. Maybe that's because of my disinterest in politics, but other than those, I enjoyed watching each and everything this drama gave. I liked the romance between the two main leads. Not to forget, the comical situations which made me giggle. I learned some stuffs about the Korean culture. Speaking of the Korean culture, this drama portrays it quite well even if it is not a period drama. The characters are such with whom you can laugh along when they are happy and feel sympathy when they are disappointed.

The OST is good as well. The traditional sound tracks are just perfect and I often listen to them on my iPod. My fav sound tracks are 'Perhaps Love' and 'Ice Pond'. The latter one is heard in the last few episodes. Every time I listen to it, there is a tear in my eye because it is just too heartbreaking.



I feel if you love K-Dramas, this should be in your list because it is a good watch. It may not be your favorite by the time you finish watching it, but you won't be disappointed either.

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