The drop in 0.5 is my hate for this drama for it showed brute reality of patriarchy. I know it is a meaningless gesture, as meaningless as Sung Duk Im's perseverance of not confessing her true feelings till death. But that's what kept her going. That's how much I understand and empathize with this character.
The drama starts as romance and slowly shifts gear to political. It is like every other saeguk at this point. Star crossed love between crown prince of nation and bright court lady, after numerous trials and tribulations get to be together and live happily ever after. Well that's what I expected. Then melodrama has entered the conversation. The true brilliance of this drama lies ahead. Happily ever after has different meaning for everyone. As for Sung Duk Im, it is in transcribing books, reading stories to others, spending time with her friends and living a commoner life. She always feared change. All her fears came true when she was forced to be a concubine.
The perfect crown prince who everyone looks up to found solace in his loyal servant. Despite his continuous efforts and genuine feelings, he was rejected time and time again. I was growing impatient as to what's stopping her, do something, make her yours even by force. That's where it all went wrong. My patriarchal mindset got the better of me. The moment she was forced, I lost any hope for happy ending.
Marriage is shackles and palace, the safest place in the kingdom, is prison for women in patriarchal system.
Ending with my favourite dialogue by Sung Duk Im "His highness is dear, but myself is dearer. So I'll never drive myself into pain"