I know this drama is a few years old at this point, but I think it's important to mention that the synopsis is a little misleading. I'm no stranger to saeguks and reading the synopsis, it sounds like exactly my type of show. I clicked on the first episode expecting to be thrown into the action - and you are, for like 3 scenes. After that though, the first 4 or 5 episodes are actually all backstory - it follows Hong Gil Dong's father and sets up the supporting cast. But that's not to say that the backstory isn't interesting, it really builds the world and fleshes out the characters (especially one of the antagonists) well. It just wasn't what I was expecting and at the end of episode 3, I considered dropping it because it wasn't what was promised. I'm glad I didn't though because this drama was crazy good, and I think with fair warning it's not a huge deal. So, here's your fair warning!

On merit though, this show was great. I binged it in 3 days.

STORY: 10/10
Starts slow in my opinion. Like I said, it's because of the backstory. The backstory is thrilling, but I was waiting for it to end for about 3 hours in a row and that made it drag for me. If I was watching with the foreknowledge of how long it'd be, it would've flown by because it was genuinely important to the story. Right after the backstory was a little better, but it was still set up for Hong Gil Dong's adult life, which obviously introduces even more characters. I think the story starts getting really interesting and to the promise of the premise around the 8 episode mark.

"So, how's the romance?" I hear you asking. I thought it was really good. I know others may not think so because the definition of romance varies from viewer to viewer. I'll tell you that it's very sweet romance. The main couple feels deeply for each other and they act that way almost every time they're on screen together. The actual physical stuff is very sparse, but the feelings are always there. The strawberry kiss? I'll never be over it. But if you're looking for steamy passion, you'll be disappointed. I prefer romance that's old-fashioned, and that's exactly what's in this.

ACTING/CAST: 10/10
There's some crazy talent here. I've never been disappointed by Lee Joon Hyuk's comedic characters. The main cast was equally incredible. I'd never noticed Yoon Kyun Sang before, but I recognize some of the dramas he was a support character in. This is my first time seeing him as a lead. I may have to check out his other main role dramas.

MUSIC: 10/10
Whoa. As soon as the last episode's credits rolled, I whipped my phone out to look up this OST. There was so much range in the music. I was singing "Mansae!" and cheering along to If Spring Comes. I fell in love to the song It's Love. My heart ached with Magic Lily. I don't have enough good things to say about the OST. Listen and see for yourself.

Another note about Magic Lily: knowing the meaning to the lyrics makes *a certain event at the end that happens* much worse. As the review title says, it's been forever since a drama's made me cry, but Magic Lily is so hauntingly beautiful that I was bawling like a baby. I'm tearing up thinking about it hahahaha.

REWATCH VALUE: 8/10
There are certain scenes that are so impactful and/or unforgettable, it'll be impossible to not watch them again. All the romance is worth re-watching and the last few episodes I'll probably go back to. Is it worth it to sit through an entire 30 episode drama again though? Probably not. At least for me, I doubt I'll sit through the whole thing again.

This drama was a fun ride while it lasted and I regret not watching it sooner. On the flip side though, I'm glad I waited for the summer, because I couldn't put it down. I'll look on it fondly, and I'm definitely going to check out the main cast's other works. Happy watching!