Another review I'm writing from a second viewing perspective. It must be about 6 years since I first watched it and seeing it was airing on my national channel, I had to watch it again. It's in my top 3 all-time Korean dramas, that's how good it is to me.

Even at second watch, it was amazing! Firstly, the episode length shouldn't be a hurdle to anyone: there are so many things happening! The fast pacing is one of the strengths of this show, yes, one of it! 99% of the drama is about the road to becoming an empress. There are so many obstacles until she gets there that you are about to throw a party once that happens.

Let's talk about the acting: Ha Ji Won was absolutely magnificent, she never disappoints! I like so much the fact that she was at first presented as a very strong woman with fighting skills and then you could see her vulnerability. But still, what a strong character interpreted by one of the finest actresses of South Korea! Ji Chang Wook was so good, his character was alone and used like a puppet by almost everyone! Joo Jin Mo was great too, felt so bad for his character. My favourite character from the entire drama has to be Tal Tal, one of the smartest characters ever, always taking the right decisions, so calculated in everything he did.

Beautiful OST!

For sure, one of the best historical Korean dramas and one of the best Korean dramas ever!