The concept is fresh and the first few episodes were quite fast-paced, with lots of plot twists happening. However, once we get to the middle part, the whole story just drags and drags.

1) the political intrigue was the strongest point of the series. Lee Hwi's grandfather gave some superb acting. He is soo evil and sinister and I was super invested in finding out what was happening with the court. I also liked Lee Hwi's father for his really great performance as a father

2) romance was so cringey. I started skipping all the scenes of the main couple. So cringe. The encounters all felt forced and their intimacy felt contrived. There was zero chemistry. I wish the story focused on the political intrigue instead

3) very repetitive. Episodes would pass and nothing has changed. Ji-woon is still angsting about his love, Lee Hwi is still trying to hide her feelings for him while pretending to be a prince/king, the grandfather is still threatening people... Also, it has got to be a joke how many people secretly knew Lee Hwi is a woman. It's like an open secret. Second of all, it's ridiculous how many characters were actually there at supposedly 'private' meetings and eavesdropping. And these eavesdroppers weren't even properly hidden! They would just be standing in the open and somehow nobody sees them.