I don’t usually seek out Historicals but I promised I’d watch Jung Il Woo in anything after watching him in 49 Days… Story- The first 7 episodes are filled with anticipation because this is where most of the plot is. I was glued to the screen and taking in everything that was happening. Then shortly after, this is when the plot started to slow down and the story becomes very predictable even till the end. Speaking of the end, the last episode was kind of a letdown because not only was it predictable but also the big showdown was just really a disappointment being very short and a blur. I did like the last part it was nice to see where everyone (who was still alive) was, later on in life. Acting/Cast- As I said I started watching this because of JIW but was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the cast. All of the younger actors were perfectly casted and really carried the first part of the show. When the older cast came on it was bitter sweet because I came to enjoy the younger cast’s performances but I was also excited to see how the older actors would portray the characters I came to be invested in. KSH was perfect as the King. He did an awesome job playing his cold yet soft when it came to Yeo Woo character. This was the first time I’ve seen Ha Ga In and let’s just say I don’t think Id like to see more from her. Her acting was just very strange. Her eyes looked like she was lost the whole time and her expressions were bland. Still although her performance was distracting at times she didn’t take a way from the credibility of the story. She didn’t have much chemistry with KSH. I just thought it was weird that Casting would cast someone who is way older than the male lead to play someone a lot younger than him. Does that make sense? Anyways, JIW was brilliant as always but his role is smaller than he deserves. I thought the rest of the cast did a good job bringing their characters to life. The villains were very believable. Music- Lovely score, and the OST was beautiful. They fit so well and heightened the scenes. Rewatch- Id wait to watch many years from now just because I wasn’t too invested in the romance (didn’t sense a chemistry btwn leads) and the story isn’t anything I have to see for a while. Overall Moon Embraces the Sun was a good watch but it definitely could have been taken to the next level with a different actress as the lead and a little more happenings written within the plot. I don’t agree that this is one of the best dramas ever but its better than your average K drama. Oh yeah and its short for a historical which is a plus, so watch!