For the record — this is my first saeguk, so I have to admit that some of the political positions, customs, and terminology was a little confusing at first. I don't think that necessarily has an impact on how much you might enjoy the show, but I just noticed that this was one of those shows that doesn't really explain itself.

I think the blurb that I read was a little misleading with how it was marketed as lovers to political enemies/rivals. While it's true that the leads are technically on opposing ideologies, I don't think that ever bled much into their emotions in the form of hatred or even as physical clashes. It was more about the political strategy, and for me I think I was definitely expecting something that was much more action-packed and fast-paced. Instead, the characters had plans, executed them, and had conversations about it.

And so I also really expected the main leads to reach an emotional hatred, but they never clashed much — it was more about keeping each other in check and conflicts of interest. And I think I was just hoping for something a little more harrowing and angsty, but something about the show felt very passive.

However, all that is not to say the show wasn't good — but rather it wasn't for me. Objectively I can tell the writing was solid and I really liked some of the relationships between the characters, particularly between Yoojung and her servant friend Ttongeum.

Plot and characters aside, the cinematography was beautiful and the OST was great as well.