PRAIZNN

The drama spared nothing in displaying cinematography, visuals and aesthetics, that speaks volumes at sight and not just mere words, with variations of shots, colour blending, and different colour scheme; wide Landscape shots, beautiful scenic shots, opulent palace buildings, a visually striking contrast between the night blue surroundings and the warm-toned firelight, visual variations of colour schemes adding depth to the eerie Gwi world.

The drama not only provides cinematography that conveys splendid vibes, but the actors also deliver great performances in their varied characters.
This drama marks Nam Joo Hyuk's lead role in the last three years, capturing the essence of his character change from a nonchalant and willful Gu Chron into someone trustworthy and caring
Roh Yoon Seo, as one of those actresses I haven't seen before, surprises me bit by bit, portraying the strong-willed Saeng Gang, who hides emotional scars, relating to her family, and gradually learns the secrets of the East Palace (with Gu Chron) over the course of the story.
Cho Seung Woo is that actor who owns his scenes, portraying the secretive and deceptive King Ju Sang, giving a perfect balance at, emotional restraint, lingering fatherly love and deep regret.

My major highlights from this drama is the gradual positive change of mindset as the leads interacted regularly, from the awkward and distrusting dialogues, into a genuine interaction and deep friendship, stemming from the cares they show, hidden underneath their stoic, distrusting appearance.

The drama gave a raw depiction on how cruel and ruthless humans go for power.
It was really heartbreaking, looking at the flashbacks of the King poisoning his own son for the secrets he learnt over the years, I found it hard believing a King (a Father) would murder his own son because of he knows some secrets. The King sending his daughter to be a court lady, for the fear of the disgrace she would bring to his power and his kingship, when people eventually learner of her abilities, was reasonable, but an utter disgrace unto him as a father. When the King immediately woke up from his death bed and ordered the death of more than a hundred people, presiding under his kingdom, it was utterly painful how he disregards human lives. With how cruel and ruthless the King was I gradually questioned myself if Gu Cheon protection was convenient with his amount of evil, he created a cause by several killings at innocent lives, the effects should have been his own death.
The King's mother who was seemingly innocent, was the utter depiction of evil, causing the death of innocent lives for the sake of power, the throne, your son's rule, she deserves a very cruel death, but the ending gave her nothing but freedom.


That was really satisfying as an ending; Saeng Gang dropping all her emotional burdens and personality restraint, crying helplessly at the river Gu Cheon mother died, just having that little hope he might come to life, That scene tore me. Gi Cheon spirit residing back in his body and that lovely hug with a very deep sense of a pure care, mended me - showing something intimate and romantic. Gu Cheon last interaction with the King was supposedly the best dialogue of this drama, it felt really playful. Gu Cheon heading out of the palace soliloquising whether the King would change his mind, and ask for his death, gave me a deep chuckle, Saeng Gang deciding to follow him to deal with his own affairs, proved an evident romantic relationship. The last scene in which that little creature (ggeokmasali), looking at that chain linking at the palace, gave hints to a S2


The east palace is a historical K drama that makes good use of supernatural (spirits and ghosts), in driving an effect, at the creulty of humans, perfectly blending mystery, long buried secrets and tip of intrigue, making the drama engaging, even towards the end, twists and turns exist at a minimal rate, as some of the twist were expected, but I say I enjoyed the series.