**This review was cross-posted on r/KDRAMA subreddit with a few changes

There were many things that I really loved about this drama, namely the emotional engagement. I love the dynamics between Hwi and Seon Ho. It incredibly destroyed me to see their friendship fall apart and see them on the opposite sides of conflict.

The OST was really immersive, although I've read that some people may not like it as is. Also, the high production value was no joke and this really translated to captivating fight sequences, well-written dialogues/characters, and cinematography.

I initially watched this drama because of WDH, but I ended up falling in love with the entire cast! They were superbly phenomenal, and I'm glad that each character got a chance to really shine in this drama. I love how the cast were able to give life and bring justice to such compelling characters.

I love the bond between the Hwi, Moon Bok, Jung Beom, and Park Chi Do. And they have a lot of endearing moments. But what stood out the most was of course, Seon Ho and Hwi's compelling friendship. They are in many ways, opposites. But they also complete each other. Star-crossed is one way to describe them.

Jang Hyuk as Bang Won was incredible! He's definitely a scene stealer and I now get all the buzz surrounding him. Seeing Bang Won and Hwi's paths meet and how their relationship fluorished and withered away was very interesting.

I liked Hui Jae and I think Seolhyun did a good job. She was brave, smart, and quick-witted in a male-dominated world, albeit underutilized. She started off as a strong character, but thought she fizzled out a couple of episodes later. I wish the writers gave more depth to her character.

I really appreciated the flashbacks and how it gave us insights on the circumstances that shaped the characters at present. On the flip side, it was particularly tragic to see all of the characters' turmoils when it comes to choosing between the greater and lesser evils.

Seon Ho is such a complicated character. I'm quite happy that the writers were able to flesh him out, and thus, we get to see his character development. Half of the time I'm kept guessing on where his loyalties lie. I've always inherently believed that he never wanted to hurt anyone. But for the times he was painted as the "bad guy", it aggravated me to see him make his choices. I felt like he was no better than his father. Though it was sad to see him lose himself in the process, Hwi wasn't a saint either. In his own way, dire circumstances had led Seon Ho to choose the lesser evil to survive, seek revenge against his father, and most importantly, keep the people he cherished safe.

There were many times that I felt immense emotions for Seon Ho. The most notable would definitely be grief for being completely alone after the sacrifices he made and consequences he suffered, especially at the very last moment(s). Another would be fear that he may have no reason to do the right thing anymore given the circumstances.

Seon Ho's animosity towards Bang Won was very compelling, and I can't blame him for that. Bang Won personified the discrimination Seon Ho has experienced for being an illegitimate child. At the same time, Bang Won represented everything he has been fighting for -- a world where everyone are treated as equals and have equal opportunities.

I won't deny that the show had its own share of flaws. The heavy plot armor was quite jarring. Dying after getting poisoned, stabbed or shot by arrows seems to be illegal in this drama. There were also inconsistencies wherein the writers/characters tend to forget where the battle wounds are. Secondly, I think that the romance contributed nothing to the plot. Although it was cute, the drama would've lived without it. However, these didn't really deter me from watching this drama because the plot was very compelling enough for me to stay.

I love how the finale mirrored the scene in the first one wherein Seon Ho and Hwi charged towards the palace gates together. Overall, I think that the episodes were well-stacked and although fast-paced, it was well executed --- wherein each episode set an intense precedent for the next ones. I could feel the anticipation building at the end of every episode. I also like how they were able to intricately weave very complicated characters' into historical facts. And most of all, they did an excellent job with portraying the characters' interpretations of what their country is; in focusing on how these events shaped the characters' fates and choices; and in blurring the lines between good and bad.

Though the finale was really heartbreaking, I thought that it was the only realistic one out of all possible endings. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I would gladly go through the process of rewatching and feeling very intense emotions all over again. It was such an incredible journey to have witnessed Seon Ho and Hwi's friendship fall apart and find each other again. Their bond had been tested by time, and more so by many betrayals and repeated stabbings. But in the end, they would always choose each other.