I rarely rate a drama a 10, but after watching, I honestly think this drama deserves it. The story is deeper and can be interpreted in so many ways than I thought!

I've been reading some comments and reviews saying that the ending is bad or Deok Im's character became irrational and she made the King look pitiful in the end. I felt the need to say some things to spare this drama from their disappointments (although we are still inclined to choose what we believe in).

• This drama was inspired by actual historical accounts.
It's not like we can change what already happened in history. As we know, historical distortion is causing quite a stir nowadays. I, too, am not a fan of tragic endings. But knowing that this drama was based on real events, I became quite accepting/prepared on how it will wrap up. Good thing, the production team gave us a fairly sweet ending instead. I think if a viewer will bear this in mind, they'll be able to watch this from a different perspective. Also, if you're quite the history buff, might as well check out some historical records about King Jeongjo and Royal Noble Consort Seong Uibin. They're super interesting! I did this while watching the drama, and it added fun to the ride. :)

• People who didn't understand why Deok Im doesn't want to be a concubine really cracks me up.
I am surprised by this, especially knowing that majority of Kdrama viewers are women haha! I'm quite dismayed whenever I see a viewer saying that Deok Im's being illogical for constantly rejecting the King when she eventually ​gave in in the end. Like... What? I happen to read Lee Seyoung's post-drama interview a few days ago and couldn't help myself from clapping because that's what I was actually thinking too, and I was thinking about that from a woman's perspective. She's clearly immersed with Deok Im's character to fathom her sentiments and the rationale behind her decisions. Seyoung indeed understood her assignment.

• King loved Deok Im, but did he love her right? I'm not sure about that.
Well, the King isn't in the position to adore her like a normal man would. We know this. We are with him on this. Deok Im knows this too, but by human instinct (I'm sure everyone feels this), like most of us, she wants to keep her pride. Her pride is the only thing she has left for herself, and so she decided to seal her heart until the end by not telling the King her true feelings. Cruel? Yes, but saying I'm it again, her pride is the only thing she has left. She already gave her everything to the King. Pondering about this makes me pity her so much. As I was rewatching the drama, I saw again those scenes wherein people were encouraging the King to take on the path to happiness (i.e., be with Deok Im). But have they asked if Deok Im will be likewise happy? Do they even care? Hmmm...? The King's happiness is the top priority, isn't it? I won't choose to be a concubine either if I were in Deok Im's position (luckily I'm not haha!)

• Deok Im was already happy merely seeing him. But what was that last-minute change of mind to be a concubine?
Well, personally I think, she was cornered upon hearing she won't see him ever again should she push him away that night. I think Lee Seyoung mentioned this as well in an interview. That very statement pulled the trigger. It's not like she was asking more from him; being by his side as a court lady is already enough. Yes, she loves him, but the cons of taking the path to be a concubine outweigh the pros. Those cons were already explained well by her in the course of the drama. It's the King who wants more from her, and I mean, you know haha! Don't you feel bad for Deok Im? I do. :(

Although I rated this drama 10 stars, there are still some things I wished the production team could've shown us:

* They should've proceeded with making this drama 20 eps. PD said they were initially planning this, but after further discussions, they decided to make the eps into 16 only (then 17). Perhaps, they were not expecting this to become so popular.

* We were robbed of San and Deok Im's family moments, especially with Crown Prince Munhyo! I read these moments were covered in the novel and showed how affectionate of a mother Deok Im is. What a pity we never got to see this!

* The last 2 episodes feel quite rushed. Based on the actual history, King Jeongjo and Uibin were together for 5 years before she died. So those 5 years of togetherness were compressed in just 2 episodes (1.5 actually, because Deok Im died mid-ep 17 and we were just presented with several flashbacks of their happy moments after that).

I've said a lot of things already. I don't know what I'm fighting for in this review haha! But one thing's for sure - this drama is insane and I love it! :)