The story:

Set in the 18th century, the story revolves around the journey of Crown Prince Yi San (future King Jeongjo) and his beloved court maid Sung Deok Im (Royal Noble Consort Uibin). The drama is of course mostly about their love story but also include politics, palace maids lives and struggles , Jeongjo’s achievements, the harsh reality of living in the Palace etc....

Deok Im is a free-spirited woman who despite being loyal and harboring feelings for the King stand by
her belief that giving her 'everything' to him would mean losing herself and the last bit of freedom she
kind of enjoy as a court maid (being with her friends, going out of the Palace...) That's why we
witnessed her countlessly rejecting his advances. She loved him but as the King of the nation, she knew
he would never be hers alone and the fact he could abandon her at any moment made her wary in
expressing her true feelings.

Yi San is the Crown Prince and future King of Joseon (Jeongjo-22nd King of Joseon). Marred by his family's
tragedy (his father, Prince Sado had been put to death by his own grandfather King Yeongjo) that greatly
affected his life and put a dent on his legitimacy as the future monarch. He dedicated his whole life in trying to clear his father’s name and to prove he’s the rightful heir of the Jeonju Yi Clan.

Being a King is a lonely position as well...he has no choice but to follow the strict rules/decorum of the palace,
listen to his ministers who most of the time were complotting to remove him from his position, most of
the decisions weren't his, discarding people (even relatives) that may threaten his throne, cannot show
his emotions/weaknesses etc...meeting Deok Im was really his salvation and for the first time in his life, he was able to make a choice by himself, he chose her as his person. After losing her (she was literally his light), he became the shadow of himself, throwing himself into work to forget her (or more like pretending to do so) and compelled himself to go on with his life and duty as Joseon's king.

Their love story is portrayed so beautifully, poetically aesthetic and in an enthralling way.
Showdowns between King Yeongjo and Yi San were also a highlight of this drama. Outstanding performance.

Acting:

Standing ovation for the whole cast. Everyone, from the main leads to the supporting cast is amazing and
fit their characters to a T. Chemistry is off the charts rewarding us with an enticing and intense production.

Junho is regal as the 22nd ruler of Joseon. His commanding voice, expressive eyes, body language,
vulnerability, intense gaze ... he exudes so much charisma. Mesmerizing.
I’m so proud of him, he’s grown to be such a talented performer. Action, romantic, comedic, emotional
scenes... this man can do everything, he's terrific. Best role and performance to date.

Seyoung offer us a moving and relatable performance. Bold and brazen as a young court maid, loyal and
resolute as the Crown Prince Court maid and full of restraint and modesty as his concubine. Her chemistry with Junho is sizzling. The best I've seen in ages.

Lee Deok Hwa as King Yeongjo was just brilliant, I’m glad that such a revered and respectable actor was part of this wonderful production.

Kang Hoon as Hong Deok Ro is a complex character, full of layers (very compelling nonetheless)..he seems loyal and genuine when it comes to Yi San but he's also a too-faced person, he has his own agenda. His greedy and condescending nature led him to his downfall. Still, I don't doubt there were some genuineness in his actions(he did care about Yi San imo)

Jang Hee Jin was perfectly cast as the poised and perceptive Queen Dowager.

As I stated above, rest of the cast is fabulous as well (special mention to Jang Hye Jin as Court Lady Seo, loved her)

Cinematography is stunning and like taken straight out of a painting.

Music: Beautiful and very poetic OST. Background music being the best.

Rewatch Value: I would love to rewatch it tbh but probably later...I need to mend my heart first (and watch everything with Junho too lol)