I don't usually watch Sageuk dramas and this is my 4th Sageuk and I am impressed. The story line was not uncommon. Princes or the officials fight for the throne. (All sageuk I watched has that as part of the plot line) I commend here are the twists and the things you did not expect to happen. Well I am not familiar with Korean History and maybe most of us aren't, but this follows what happens in Goryeo dynasty thus if you do not want spoilers, DO NOT read the Goryeo dynasty wiki article lol. Heart shattering, but overall, the drama will touch depths of your kdrama heart. As for the acting, this is my first Lee Jun Ki drama and I may say he is a favorite when it comes to Sageuk. He has a dark story and personality at first but as the story goes on, he'll probably entice you just as he did with the female lead hehe. He was great here. I can literally feel when he was hurt or the joy when something fortunate for him happens. Typical. Kang Ha Neul is most probably one of my favorites here. He was the second lead, and I am one of those female viewers who has soft spots for second leads. I usually root for them. I fall inlove with second leads. And I loved him as the second lead up to the end. Yes, up to the end. I'll probably choose him anytime if I was Hae Soo. Some viewers were disappointed of the 8th prince. But I can understand his decisions though. According to some articles I've read, knetizens are not really impressed with IU's acting and I cannot say that I am impressed too. But I believe this is her first 'not cutesy' role and I commend her for the transition. I love her guts. She's strong and lovable at the same time. Ask half of the princes in the drama who fell in love with her. With the supporting characters, I'll go first with Nam Joo Hyuk. I'm sorry but I am pretty biased because this 13th prince is my favorite. Because he is Jung Joon Hyung!!!!!!! Okay setting aside WFKBJ, Baek ah's my favorite because he had a soft heart, free spirit and he is an artist. He's a ladies man because it is said that he is the most handsome all over Goryeo. I agree. Who doesn't? Pls fight with me. He loved beyond the barriers of the fight for the throne (he did not eye the throne for God's sake that's why he is the best) and being a prince. He is a companion, a friend and a brother to the main lead, Wang So, and a shoulder to lean on to the female lead, Hae Soo. Baek Hyun is the 10th prince. I'll probably be biased too because he's one of my favorites from exo and the main reason why I loved exo back in 2014. But I opted not too be bias. This is his first drama (excluding END) and he was given a light role suited for the baekhyun I have known for years. He had this friendly chemistry with the female lead and throughout the heavy plot of the drama, his cute antics and playful personality along with the 14th prince has been the ones who made me laugh and stopped me from bursting into tears. But watch out okay? Ji Soo - Wang Jung, the youngest prince who loves marial arts. He irritated me a bit because he does not have a good relationship with Wang So but at the end, I loved him with all my heart. He's my second favorite prince. And why will I forget the villain, Hong Jong hyun - the 3rd prince Wang Yeo. Oh you know I don't have this soft spot for villains - they wreck the main leads life etc etc etc - but Wang Yeo's the ONLY EXCEPTION. With those earrings, heavy eyeliners, ability on archery, the slanting eyes, the frown, and that face, yes that face, I loved him as the villain. The music. Of all the Kdramas I ever watched since I've started buying dvds and kdramas were subbed in my own mother tongue tagalog, Scarlet Heart Ryeo's OST is the only one which I will rate as 10/10. Lovely. All of it. You may not watch the drama because it is heavy, but please, listen to the music. Rewatch Value. I probably will rewatch some episode but not all. Overall, the drama is great. I was born ready but not for these types of drama. I literally cried my eyes out every night. Tissues, get them ready!