Before writing this review, I had to decide if I should write it with my brain or my feelings. Because my brain was really offended by this drama but there were so many squee and happy moments where my emotions were just on such a high. Despite the irritations of this drama, all the characters and scenarios are interesting. I didn't skip anything because I needed to know what was going on, or I needed to giggle at the palace staff. The main characters are blatantly selfish. It's kind of nice not to see the goody-goody personalities or justifiable actions that are usually portrayed in dramas. In a way, because they are so bad, it almost justifies the harsh retribution that the other characters dish them. I like this quandary. Did they deserve that or not? Am I happy to see them crushed to oblivion? What does that say about me, or the other characters who felt they needed to step in and punish wrong-doers? There are a lot of moments of, “Wait, what, why?” The characters logic is not always the best. I was particularly frustrated when no one would explain why to Lee Seol. They always just strong-armed her and if they would just talk to her, she would understand and go along. Romance I was not expecting this drama to start with the heroine trying to help the hero get his lady love. She's actually very instructional, which always amuses me. I like how well they work together. And they're quick to empathise and show compassion for the other. From the start, he likes her and thinks she's funny. Their relationship is pretty polite which I find unusual. Of course there's the usual jabs at each other but they're laidback which I like. They even play touch each other without any dramatic music or slow motion. They have the perfect chemistry for sexual tension. Their love confessions and their kisses are perfect. Towards the end, Hae Young really lays down all his cards and he has some of the most swoonworthy lines. He's so content just to be with her. Also, I've never seen so much kissing in a Kdrama. It was great. On a side note, romantic moments out in the cold seem more romantic when you can see their breath in the freezing temperatures and they're so focused on each other. Haha. Lee Seol From start to finish Lee Seol is clueless, stupid, selfish, and naive. The age gap between her and the other participants in the love square is evident. Everyone of them points out that all she does is whine and cry. But I also didn't like seeing her without someone who would be there for her unconditionally. Everybody wanted something from her either to trick her or use her. Later on, though, some of the palace staff get behind her rather comically. Throughout the drama, she has zilch character development. Even in moments of crisis there are no shining points. She gets pushed around and demonstrates continual lack of direction and purpose. P.S. The actress that plays her when she's a kid is the most adorable little girl and super talented. Hae Young Watch the drama for this guy. He is a beautiful man. The plot might suck, the heroine might suck, everyone might suck, but his emotion and his dilemma is so compelling I had to keep watching. Hae Young has it all together. He's not particularly snooty but he is competent without being condescending. He's also kind. And not one to let arrogance get in the way of doing the right thing. I loved seeing him get into all sorts of trouble with Lee Seol. The things he does for her...so funny. As is typical, he teases her and torments her but he gives up pretty easy too which is great. You can see he really doesn't like to see her unhappy. Every time it seems like he's really going to cross some lines with his behaviour towards her, he does or says something that turns everything right round on its head and you can see how he truly feels about her. The way he talks to her in that gentle tone of voice...gah, so touching. He walks a fine line throughout the drama, struggling with what he wants, what he thinks he wants and what he thinks is best for Seol even though it makes her mad. He gets mixed up in professionalism and all. It really is his bad luck that he likes her so much. Also, he calls Joo Sang Wook “slimy-looking” hahahaha. Towards the end, Hae Young's playful side comes out and he's so damn adorable. Second Female Lead Even though she has some rights in the way she treats Lee Seol, she has a grating personality. She is dedicated to her cause and I hated her most of the time. The condescension, the control, ugh. Male Rivalry I live for the one liners when the two male leads are bickering. “Stop...stop...If you want to cover her, just up to the shoulders are fine. Why are you moving higher?” “Have you always been so talkative?”