This drama was my first foray into non-fantasy/supernatural/sci-fi k-dramas. I watched it because the male lead was in Healer. I didn't expect to like it because it's basically an action romance and that's really not my thing at all. However...I ended up really enjoying this drama. The story is really well done, the actors play off each other with a lot of chemistry, and the action is really well scripted. I'm not usually into succession type storylines, but this one had enough mystery and intrigue without being banal and overplayed. It ended up being one of my favorite dramas.

Part of that, while I'm ashamed to admit it, were the exceptional romance scenes. There's this one scene under a blanket where the male and female lead share their first kiss and wtf level of god-like thirst goes into this dude's facial expressions when he's kissing. It's not in every role he's done, but it's for sure in many several of them. Dude like...idk...half closes his eyes and they get a little red and he looks almost drunk with passion and it's like melt-your-bones level sexy. Some kdrama leads are plenty hot but their kiss scenes are just like...eh.... but this dude TURNS UP THE HEAT. Dude alternates between being disgustingly cute watching the chick cook ramen, being super stoic and quietly forceful interacting in powerplays, and being super engrossed in his romance. His range is really great in this drama.

The main female antagonist is also really well done. She gives a very memorable performance that resonates with every expectation you'd have for a power hungry but still vulnerable matriarch. The other side-characters are ok, but she is really impressive to watch.

Overall I'd watch this again...not for the story but for the lead actor's unearthly hot romance faces. XD