I don’t think anything is wrong with me when i say that this drama was not the tear jerker everyone said it would be. I’m not saying there weren’t any impactful moments but the emotional parts didn't do as much for me as I thought they would. Although the last two episodes were terribly sad, my opinion of this show is that it wasn’t memorable. I do find the historical story behind it fascinating.

The situation in which Deok Im found herself in wasn’t necessarily the fault of others. I do think that as a young girl she was advised to grow up into a woman that would someday catch the eyes of the prince and basically be a glorified concubine. And given the time period, doing so wouldn’t be a bad idea from a financial standpoint. However, nobody forced Deok Im to make the decision to give up her will, leave her home, and become the property of the King. As an adult she was obviously too adventurous and free-spirited to be kept behind the walls of a Palace, and for a good chunk of the show she was very reluctant to succumb to the wishes of Yi San. I do see that her new life in the Palace was a major adjustment but even after that she was almost in a way blaming Yi San for imprisoning her when she chose this? And what's more, my Yi San got very controlling and possessive once his feelings for Deok Im deepened. A little bit toxic if you ask me but most people took it as being romantic but there were instances where he was practically threatening her life. The bath scene was steamy but nonsensical at the same time. The way Deok Im fell into the bath was unbelievable.

My attention span was wavering because of how slow and repetitive things got. The first 3 eps and the last 2 eps are easily the best of the show. Everything in between is filler and palace intrigue that wasn’t interesting enough; I didn’t care about any of the side characters or sub-plots except for the one with Deok Im’s friend being put to death. Ngl that was pretty sad.

I think the strongest part of the show was Yi San’s love for Deok Im. At times I did question her affections for him but not once did I have to wonder if Yi San loved Deok Im. Not sure if the real Deok Im loved him as much as the drama entails but eh. I usually avoid historical dramas and this one still had much of the bore I associate with the genre, but the last 3 eps were written so well that I can’t entirely dismiss this show. When their son died it was truly heartbreaking, and the last scene with His Majesty and Deok Im in the afterlife made me teary eyed for sure.

Was this show terrible? No. Was it some work of art? No, although there was a poetic script, great acting from LJ, LDH, and bits from LSY. The King’s Affection was airing around the same time as this and I ended up enjoying that one way more. I got more invested in the story, the mains, the side characters, and the palace drama. TKA had 20 eps and def dragged too, but I think that show was able to do a better job of balancing the fun stuff and the depressing stuff. Each to their own. If you ask me tho, watch The King’s Affection instead.

`” If you see me in the next life please just pass by…as if you do not know me. I do not blame you. I do not hate you. I just want to live the way I want in my next life.” ~ most memorable quote