Watching this drama for the first time in 2024 made me appreciate how far k-dramas have come in terms of production, costumes, and picture quality in the last several years. I won't judge harshly based on those factors because this show is obviously dated, but, ugly costumes with atrocious color combinations and poor set design are hard to ignore. This is not to mention that a palace, that is supposed to be bustling with activity, looks like a ghost town. There are no maids, eunuchs, or guards anywhere in the courtyard. For such a large production, this is rather odd.

"Moon Lovers" is very well rounded in terms of pacing, storytelling, and character development. The plot is engaging and the pacing is consistent from start to finish. One thing I like is that it does not fixate on one relationship over another. We don't have to sit through a dozen of episodes of Wang Wook and Hue Soo's failed romance while other princes are patiently waiting their turn. Soo's relationship with each prince is uniquely developed from the beginning of the story. So, before the Wang Wook romance arc ends, the writers already give us plenty of meaningful scenes with Wang So and his growing feelings for her. The icing on the cake is Lee Joon Gi's masterful use of facial expressions showing Wang So hopelessly falling in love with her.

Wang So is probably one of the most tragic and misunderstood protagonists in a k-drama. Mysterious and brooding, he looks like he stepped right out of the Phantom of the Opera wearing a mask to cover a face scar. But, under the mask, he is an extremely complex character. The drama relays that complexity rather well through his contentious relationship with his mother, Queen Yoo, giving us a glimpse into his tragic past full of abuse and abandonment, and the man he has become - still a confused and heartbroken kid longing for his mother's love. The most tragic thing about him is that he does not do anything wrong but is forced to make difficult decisions. But despite all that, he is always judged harshly by everyone he cares about who eventually leave him. I don't really understand the point of writing such a tragic character. Tragedy is ok, but Wang So has no hope and nothing to look forward to. He is always alone from the very beginning until the end. Even an opportunity to raise his daughter is unfairly taken away from him.

I liked Hae Soo at the beginning. But, as soon as the drama starts turning into a Shakespearean tragedy, I became extremely disappointed in her. On one hand, she is kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and ridiculously courageous. On the other hand, she is naive, shallow, and judgmental. She accepts So's choice to seek the throne, but never understands the reality of being a king and the responsibilities that come with it. Instead of trusting him with his decisions, she keeps holding on to the unattainable and childish dream of being able to be together if they love each other while judging him for being harsh against the people who seek to harm him. The most tragic and unforgivable thing she does is making no effort to explain to So that her love for Wook was a thing of the past making their last face-to-face encounter filled with resentment and heartbreak.

Some plotlines are poorly thought out and very illogical. Wang So is not stupid, but his complete lack of insight when he rips up King Moo's last decree and leaves it on the floor as evidence is mind boggling. And then there is Prince Yo getting thrown off a cliff then returning in one piece. The writers needed something to move the plot forward, but this type of nonsensical writing makes smart characters look stupid.

The romance is very different from anything I've seen in a k-drama. This is not a typical star crossed lovers or a tragic romance story. The plot takes a rather realistic view of relationships. We all experience bad timing, missed opportunities, and inability to cope with each other's character flaws. This drama paints a harsh picture of what happens when couples go through all that. No matter how much we want it, love is not always enough. Lack of trust, miscommunication, and resentment all play a big part in the main couple's separation leading to loneliness and a lot of regret.

The ending, although tragic, is somewhat open-ended. She says "if we met in another world, at another time, we would have been great together". He says "if you and I are not from the same world, I will find you." These phrases alone are enough to foreshadow a future reunion. But, until there is a sequel, all we can do is resort to writing fanfiction and pretending they have a happy ending 1000 years later.