I hate Melo, never been a fun of Sageuk... but this drama has the ability to hit you on the right spot. I only gave it a try because I love Park Min Young and thought of dropping the minute it becomes unbearable for me to watch. Indeed best gifts come in small packages.... it has become now one of my favorite dramas and I considered this a classic. I am so grateful not just because I was able to watch a great drama but because I was also introduced to an amazing woman Queen Dangyeong who's life, sacrifices and virtues should be celebrated. Many stories have been told about the Joseon Kings but this is the first that allow us to have a glimpse of her life.... I know some parts have been fictionalized but just the same I am in love with her steadfastness and resolved to remain faithful to her husband until the end. A diamond in the dust indeed!!! The story was told by a rookie writer but I tell you....she is really good..... her range of imagination blew my mind. Each episode is so pleasantly unpredictable. The narrative was so good and the dialogues would leave an imprint in your heart. The pacing was fantastic....never a drag and I love how she was able to balance sad and funny scenes almost every episode. The character development was amazingly presented.....there are no loopholes. The human weaknesses of each character was so credibly captured and so believable. So many nuggets of wisdom hidden between the lines. I've learned so much from this drama. I will definitely look forward to this writer's next drama. (10/10) The Acting..... oh my goodness... how can I describe Lee Dong Gun??? He is soooo good in portraying the role of King YeongSangun....you would hate him and at the same time pity and love him.... so many mixed emotions but he was able to capture all of these beautifully. So don't be surprised if you read so many comments loving him despite that his character is an evil one. The young actors Baek Shung Hwan and Park Shi Eun did an amazing job too in portraying their role and laying the foundation for the love story. Part of the success of this drama was because of their stellar acting. They were so suited for the role that when Yeon Woo Jin and Park Min Young took over.... the transition was so perfect and so believable that it was still them growing older. Give these 2 another project please. The OTP...Yeon Woo Jin and Park Min Young were perfect for the role. I cried and laughed with them. Never did I thought I was watching Yeon Woo Jin and Park Min Young....they are simply Lee Yeok and Chae Kyung, that's how good they are. All their scenes were beautifully executed....I fell in love with them, felt their every emotion. Their chemistry is soooo great, no skinship needed just let them look at each other and presto that's it! I know Park Min Young always has good chemistry with any of her onscreen partner but I guess Yeon Woo Jin bested them all. They were sooooo good together.... seriously I wanted to see them again in another drama. The supporting casts were did a fantastic job too. Everyone was given their moment to shine... the nanny was stellar, Myung Hye, Nok Soo, Seo Noh the ministers, the parents and the Queen Dowager and even the eunuch were all amazing and necessary to complete the story. ~ (10/10) for Acting The Direction....I know director Lee Jung Sub is a great director but He outdid himself here. The direction was good.... the pacing, scene transitions, back story everything was to my liking. The romantic scenes was cleanly done. The OTP scenes were so well executed... I cried a bucket from raw to subbed. (10/10 OST.... I never thought that OSTs can actually be telling stories too LOL. But when I checked the lyrics they so rightly conveyed what the story was telling. It is not just there to lend musical scoring and make the scene more dramatic but each will somehow give you bits and pieces of clue on how the story will flow. Fantastic (9.5/10) Rewatch Value.... As much as I love this drama.... I don't think I can allow it to rend my heart over and over again. Maybe a few years from now because it is such a beautiful love story .... I may have the courage to watch this again (8.5/10) Overall..... My all time favorite Kdrama. Because You are sooo good and beautiful, I forgive you for breaking my heart to pieces. Let me add.... KBS if you do not give this drama all the awards they deserved and not give the Daesang to these 3 or at least to Lee Dong Gun.... better change the best actor to the most popular actor/actress. Best Actor to Yeon Woo Jin, Best Actress to Park Min Young (her best work so far) Best Couple Award to the OTP.