Honestly, I'm writing this review after having rewatched the drama, since the first time I saw it was about three years ago. At the time I would have probably rated this drama as a 10, but now I have definitely changed my opinion. For me, Hwarang holds some sentimental value, being that it was the second drama I ever watched, but honestly, it's not that great.

Let's start by mentioning the positives. The main cast is amazing, full of great actors that have great chemistry on-screen and off-screen, making all of the bromance and coming-of-age story super cute and interesting, with a special mention to the performances of Do Ji Han as the cold and aloof Ban Ryu, as well Park Hyunsik as Ji Dwi the disguised King of Silla in the Hwarang. Both these characters had a clear character development throughout the story, but that's about it as far as character development goes. Shinee's Minho, BTS' V, and Jo Yoon Woo were also quite good at portraying their characters: the womanizing Kim Su ho, the cute Suk Han Song, and the beautiful Kim Yeo Wool. On another note, I understood that the drama was only inspired by the Hwarangs and the kingdom os Silla to the point where they weren't particularly worried about being 100% historically accurate. Had they claimed to be based on real facts, that would have been another story. I also thought the fight scenes were very nice to watch, they felt more organic and less practiced than a few others I'd seen. (I only wished we had more of them T-T).

Now, the negatives... The main plot was just very bland. I often found myself wanting to skip scenes and not caring for the main characters. Considering it was a historical drama with a focus on a group of warriors the plot should have been more intricate, more action-packed, and less focused on the uninteresting love triangle. Did I mention that the supporting characters were my favorites? I really wanted to have seen more scenes with Ban Ryu, Soo Yeon, Suho, Han Song, and Yeo Wool. I had a HUGE issue with the female lead who was boring and as she was, quite unnecessary to the stories' development. Her existence was simply to create friction between the male leads and add a romance aspect to the story. As the physician of the Hwarangs and the only female amongst the guys, Ah Ro had the potential to be a strong, and interesting lead that we all rooted for but she wasn't. More often than not she was quite powerless and annoying. I think the casting of Go Ah Ra also wasn't right for the role. Park Seo Joon is another great actor but his character Seo Woo also wasn't well written and developed, other characters like the Queen, the Princess, and even the villain felt quite weak.

Well, overall, I 'd say give it a go if you like good looking characters (like me), simple plots where you won't have to think too much and a few interesting characters. But not worth rewatching the whole thing. Ban Ryu and Soo Yeon are at the top of my OTP list (I swear they look so good together and are sooooo cute, I CAN`T! They were -truly- some of the only actors who genuinely made me think they were in love and the kissing doesn't disappoint ;D) I went back and rewatched each and every one of their scenes like 10 times. Thanks y'all and enjoy!