This is easily among the top few historical Korean dramas I've seen this year. It has a superb ensemble cast, excellent acting and singing, and the skill of talented musicians, and it will leave you in tears. I'm currently taking another look at it. Jang Hyuk's portrayal of Yi Bang won is so complex and artistic that it's difficult to classify it as anything other than a sort of performance art. They presented him as having controlled the kingdom without being crowned, having conquered his father, King Taejo. He was excellent in his part, and the audience, including myself, adored him for it. As a native speaker, I find him utterly captivating. Despite the fact that his role as Yi Bangwon in Empire of Lust was little in compared to this one, I still hold him in high respect.