This drama is one of the best so far! I've never seen on-screen couple in other Korean dramas, whose chemistry is so convincing that you wish for them to be together off-screen too. I'm so selective when it comes to dramas. If in the first three episodes a certain drama doesn't get into me, i would drop it even if I hear or read good reviews about it. But this drama had gotten me hooked from the first to the very last episode. It got me laughed every episode and cringed from embarrassment every time the main leads do something that would made one wish for a hole he can hide into. And to top it all, the main couples' scenes when they were finally together are the most swoon worthy of all. I also love how they portray the mother of Ki Tae/Gi Tae. She actually made me cry!!!

Of course I also have some hangups with this drama. In the middle episodes they tend to drag the story and highlight on some unnecessary scenes but all in all it's okay.

I would like to recommend it to those who want to laugh their heart out and fall in love with the main lead couple.

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I usually shy away from dramas which female leads are older than the male leads especially when it's obvious on their looks. I don't know why but that is not just my cup of tea. That is why even when i heard so many good feedback about YWCS i chose not to watch it. But boy, how i thank my lucky star that i gave this drama a chance and i did not regret doing so! Otherwise i would never find out the reason why they have to choose much younger male lead and what an awesome reason that was! i don't really get starstruck with korean actors but kim soo hyun left a tremendous impact on me. he's so fly!
Jeon Ji Hyeon played her role superbly. how many times i laughed in most of her scenes. she has so many unpredictable hilarious scenes! although she really looks mature in her role, i was by NO means bothered by it because she was perfect for that role.
now about the drama, although i find it a little bit dragging, all in all it was exceptional. if i"m going to watch it again, i will just skip on the scenes they were not in.

Love it and i love "My Destiny" their ost.

I'm gonna miss this drama!

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I gave this drama a perfect ten in all categories because I personally feel that they deserve it. there has never been a drama, in my entire years of watching Asian Novelas, that made my whole being engaged as i watch. AS IN NEVER. Since I have both ISWAK 1 and 2 in my tablet, watching these again and again has now become a daily routine of mine. I read all the positive comments/reviews regarding Joe Cheng and how he played his character Zhi-shu well and i must say that i'm truly grateful that i'm not alone on my assessment about him. he, amazingly, brought NAOKI to life especially with his perfect timing expressions. Who would have thought that a super-introvert and brutally frank person can be sexy and engaging at the same time?!! makes me want to look for a real life Zhishu!

Story: I super duper love the plot! in this season you will see how the MAIN characters mature.

I have to give the credit also to the creators of ISWAK. I think the people behind this drama had really put efforts in conceptualizing the story. I've read bits and pieces of the manga and i must say that their creativeness has made ISWAK very successful and acceptable to viewers.

Acting/Cast: My first impression of Zhishu/Joe Cheng on the very first episode, i was like "Why him?", "Why this actor?" but as the episodes progressed, I become little by little entralled by him and then in THEY KISS AGAIN, i have to shamelessly admit that he made me fall truly, madly, deeply in love with him!! His amazing poetrayal of NAOKI was his additional attraction.

Xiang Qin's character was also done outstandingly by Ariel Lin. I love her innocent and naive ways! Although at times i find her ways so childish and irritating, all in all, i really adore her. I could not think of anyone who can be as compatible with Zhishu as her. (I'm borrowing one of the lines from TKA). :-)

Mrs Jiang: I love her so much! Her love for Xiang Qin even though she's not her real daughter is really for me very touching. Cindy SHaw has done a great job in acting out ZS's mother.

The rest of the cast's acting was also good.

Music: Well let me tell you this, i have all the songs in my cellphone and i listen to them before going to sleep EVERY NIGHT!


Rewatch Value: Can't count how many times i've watched this already and until this time I'm still watching it! Some says 50-episodes are kinda long and boring but i say it's not enough! i want more more more!

Overall: Can i give a rating above 10? if so, i will definitely give this a 200 which is equivalent to Zhishu's IQ!!!

I highly recommend ISWAK and TKA!

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My initial reason for watching this drama is my new-found love for Kim Soo Hyun. I was bedazzled by his handsome face and although his looks is just closed to perfection, I was truly captivated by it. Rarely you find an actor who has it all; looks, talent, aura …etc.. His performance in MLFS got me curious of how he faired out in his other dramas. Since I read so many good feedback about The Moon That Embraces the Sun I decided to try this one out even though I have not been exposed to Joseon Era plot. I love historical romances especially Victorian Times but was just not sure about Korea's historical romances. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not that this kind of genre has no appeal to me but it’s just a thing in me that is a little bit skeptical about such plot; scared I may end up disappointed. The Moon that Embraces the Sun changed my perspective. Because of this drama I was somewhat educated by the culture of Korea during Joseon era. But (please don’t kill me for saying this) I just find their wedding and consummation ritual slightly discomforting but not in a derogatory way. One servant from outside telling the king to take of his robe and doing it step by step! I was like, “Are you serious?”. And then I can’t help but imagine them doing their marital duties and then the servants are within earshot! Can’t they have some privacy??! BUUUT, it was cute though! ? Sorry guys, just can’t help myself from mentioning this. Heee! But if some of you can help me understand this please feel free to make comment!
Now I’m slightly embarassed that I just watched this drama after 2 years this was aired and I know I’m too years behind from the excitement and thrill. Others may have gotten over this already and I’m just beginning but well there’s no use crying over spilled milk.
Now about the story, I really like the story and how it evolved. From beginning to the end, there has never been a dull moment. While watching this, I feel like I was watching a Hollywood movie. I have this weird habit of skipping episodes especially if I already figured out the plot but this one is one of those exceptions for me. Every episode got me curious from beginning to the end. And once again Kim Soo Hyun did not disappoint me in this drama. Aside from his majestic beauty he nailed the rule as the king.

My only complaint is the acting of the female lead. She was lacking in some areas. Her projection or the variation of her voice is just the same but in fairness it’s not entirely all throughout the drama. If she’s mad, talking casually, in pain or even running, the tone of her voice is just the same for crying out loud! I mean, I find the queen’s acting more convincing than hers or even the princess’ acting. How many times I was tempted to drop this drama because of her. I just persevered because I was really interested on the story and Kim Soo Hyun was just so amazing in this and never disappointed me in playing an arrogant, kind, lovestruck king. Story and acting (the way actors carry out their roles) for me are my major attractions in a drama so you could just imagine my frustration when she gave no life to her role. It would be forgivable if she was not the female lead but she’s supposed to be one of those who is bringing the show. The supporting roles had managed to outshine her in my opinion! But in fairness she cries easily. For instance, I was moved but her silent agony when she heard a certain a bad news.

But all in all, I enjoyed this drama and even recommended this to a friend who has not watched this. Others may have been disappointed with ending but for me as long as the main leads have a happily-ever-after that’s all that matters regardless who died. I was so happy they let Un live. I just love him next to the king and I find the right hand man of the king so hilarious.
The song “Back in Time” was not exceptional but it really fits the time period. I hope I have not given much spoilers from this drama although I admit I got a little carried away and gave some bits and pieces.
Although I enjoyed this drama, I will rewatch this in just a short period of time.

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