I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to feel after watching this drama. I can't criticise it too hard just because it's not my favourite genre, but there are definitely some sore points.

I should first say that you shouldn't waste your time watching just because you like any of the main guys' faces XD. We all know Park Hyung Sik is beautiful, but the story is quite dry so just be prepared if you do decide to watch.

To begin on a positive note, all of the acting seemed pretty decent with great actors cast for each character.

I liked how all of the characters interacted with one another, and those who shared a rocky beginning began to bond by the end of the show. In particular, Soo-ho and Ban-ryu, as they were so cold and mean towards each other in the very beginning; but as the show progressed, they came to like one another.

The same thing obviously happened with Ji-dwi (the King) and Sun-woo. That scene at the end where they're riding on horses and together - they just looked so happy.

I personally found Ah-ro to be quite strange. Her character was always pulling these weird faces and it just didn't sit right with me. It was great that she was following in her father's footsteps to become a physician; and when she was sent to the Hwarang house to look after all the injured men, that was funny. However, I have read some other reviews and I agree with those who say her role is kinda pointless. Like, yes she was sent to look after these men, but surely there were other 'physicians' like her Dad who could have cared for them. Not some young girl who's no more than a teenager. Side note: how old are they even meant to be?

The incest relationship between Ah-ro and Sun-woo probably disgusted some people, but Ah-ro couldn't remember her brother so she couldn't help it if she was attracted him Besides, it was all fake anyway so it's FINE. The couples' chemistry wasn't fantastic and I didn't actually swoon. Usually there will be some swooning but there was no real build up and for the male lead, his love came out of nowhere I feel. I think the plot should have gone something like...

'Ah-ro and Ji-dwi run away and live a happy life together and Sun-woo becomes the king.'

I just think this would have ben more enjoyable for the viewers.

There weren't really many twists or turns. To be honest I was quite bored watching it and was thankful for Netflix's quicker speed at which you can watch. If you want to save yourself some time I would highly recommend speeding up all of those long moments of staring or just boring scenes in general.

I was very hurt, upset and sobbing when BTS' V's character was killed. I sat crying at my laptop for a good 10 minutes. So sad.

The music in the show I felt was all good... but at the same time it was a bit all over the place. One minute it's modern and the next it's oriental. I think maybe they should have just stuck to the oriental all the way through as the modern music made the show less authentic.

Of course you are allowed to have jokes and comedic parts in a show to lighten the mood, but this did add to the lack of historical authenticity. Also, I'm not sure if it's inadequate subtitling or if they really did use language such as 'jerk' or 'idiot' in this time period.

I had to chuckle at the end when the king and queen were wearing their crowns, because damn, if the producers of the show could afford to make decent clothing to represent the time period, then why couldn't they afford a crown that isn't floppy!? Every time the king moved, his crown would wobble; and behind the queen's it looked like there was that fish net wire thing going on. Throughout the show I thought wardrobe had a done a great job, but this slip-up proved me wrong.

I'd say this show was pretty okay for the most part, and if you're into historical dramas then hey, this is a great one for you. But. This has to sit at the bottom of my drama list as I just couldn't get myself invested in the plot (did one really even exist or did I have to make one up in my head), and there wasn't enough romance. I wish there had have been a more interesting romance but it was just a basic love triangle that fizzled out into nothing. No fireworks.

I gave the rewatch value 1 as I know I definitely won't be rewatching any time soon.

-E