This Korean series was absolutely amazing! Between the beautiful sets, costumes, soundtrack, a truly talented cast and mesmerizing plot.. you will be transfixed. I found myself so addicted that I gave up sleep, didn't go out, ignored calls and even checking my facebook. The show is based on real historical figures in Korea, and I found myself researching them on Wikipedia just to learn more about the real person. The show follows the life of Queen Seon Deok aka Deok Man from birth to her rise of power in the throne.
The romance aspect was subtle yet beautiful and heartbreaking. I went thru 3 Kleenex boxes. (I am pro Yu Shin over the character Bidam). The political intrigue had me holding my breath trying to determine how it would all play out. The villianess, Lady Mishil has got to be the most perfect villian ever and her character was fleshed out to show that she wasn't all evil (just mostly) but with other traits as a mother, wife and really showed a strong female character. The fight scenes were so well done that even your boyfriend/husband wouldn't mind watching it. The soundtrack was also hauntingly beautiful and it would play on my emotions like a violin concerto. I'm not Korean yet I am making it a mission to get a copy of the soundtrack. The plot moves fast in each episode so you can't afford distraction but you will be rewarded with one of the best shows ever. You will be satisfied on every level.