I loved this story for the way it presented Korean history/culture in its interactions with its neighbors and the west and inverted gender stereotypes by making the FL level-headed and cynical while the ML was romantic and optimistic. I loved the political intrigue and tension, the insight provided into the roles of everyone in the Joseon court and bureaucracy. The custuming and cinematography were beautiful which reinforced why I love saeguks. The series was always fascinating and informative.

It was consistent in this until the final episode when the writers suddenly could not make decisions about how to end the series. The ending is nonsensical and shambolic and ruined an otherwise interesting series.