To be honest, Kim Young Dae was my main reason to see this drama, only later did I notice that the story is very interesting as well. I liked his performance as "The Penthouse" more that I would expect and was curious that he would be able to perform well in completely different environment - the role of a king in the Joseon era. AND HE DID I!

The start of the drama was difficult because the first two episodes seem to turn in all directions but as soon as I reached episode 3 everything came to one point. Forbidden Marriage contain some popular clichés: intrigues at the palace, wicked stepmother, Cinderella-like heroine but this doesn't affect its positive reception. Humorous and romantic situations increase that reception. I love how they incorporated handsome men showing off their biceps, reading books to "wake them up" and unexpected references to other dramas like Hotel Del Luna considered bedtime stories 😆😋

The drama was still very well balanced between the aforementioned himoristic elements and the seriousness of the situation in which the main couple is. I fought with myself for a long time whether to give the drama 7 or 6.5 points, but because of poor chemistry between the leads, it ended up on 6.5/10. Certain shots and actions of the actors showed that there was something between them, but it was not enough to accept it as a real feeling between the lady-swindler and the king 😒 These are young actors who need to learn a little more or have better screen partners 😬😅 Nonetheless Kim Young Dae and Park Ju Hyun are on the verge of being great actors.

I speak more about this and other dramas on my blog! Come and visit me there: my-asian-dramas.blogspot.com