The Forbidden Marriage

Korean Drama " The Forbidden Marriage " is a historical romantic comedy, with a bit of political drama.

The story is acted out smoothly, with the comedy genre being strong and overflowing from the beginning to the very ending. Without overdoing it, it aided the romance and it gave a fresh twist to the story.

The romance, in addition, was sweet and enjoyable, though it started out a bit off key, with the second lead taking the lead and having more interaction with the girl compared to the king. Still, it was a nice romantic story with some melodrama to spice things up.

The palace politics were, moreover, a bit on the low tempo, there to make things more dramatic, but not the main focus of the drama.

The performances, finally, were all enjoyable by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, eight out of ten.

I watched this for recommendations based on how funny it was. I do have to say that it still unfortunately falls into the slump of many similar Joseon dramas... once happy-go-lucky characters crying every other episode towards the latter half due to murder plots and class differences. Thankfully the ending was actually pretty happy with a minimal amount of death. However, I don't think it lived up to the hype I had for it. The first 3 episodes are the best of the series because of how lighthearted and comedic they are, and after episode 6 it slows down considerably in pacing and loses its charm. I just want one Joseon drama where there are no villains and it's pure happy-go-lucky cuteness and comedy!

The camera angles in the beginning are just mind-blowing. I've never seen anything aside from a music video filmed like that. The introduction to the show had me hooked immediately. A spunky female street-rat lead with her stand-in father-like figure who can often see the future are where this story starts. Alongside it is a king who cannot sleep or eat well after the death of his first and only wife. As others are known to say, 'misery enjoys company' and within this time an marriage ban is enacted. No physical contact, no flirting, no love letters, nothing to do with love is permitted. The people of this Joseon romp are in a quiet uproar, holding hands in secret, and asking for compatibility tests is hugely against the law.

However, not for the female lead, So Rang. After being thrown in prison for being an underground matchmaker, she pretends to be able to conjure up spirits of those passed away. The King keeps her by his side due to wanting to stay close to his deceased bride, but soon after -- love sparks between the two of them.

With hilarious AND serious side stories, and your typical second male lead falling head over heels for the female lead -- the comedic timing and filming are to be enjoyed. Think of it like the MacDonald's of kdramas. It may not be particularly healthy to binge watch an entire 12+ hour show, but I guarantee it's filling, enjoyable, and you may only feel a little sick afterward. Lol

The actors are great -- I truly think that the head eunuch, the old man psychic, and the lead bad guy stole the show at points, but the chemistry between the king and So Rang was good. The sets are stunning and the rooms, WOW, just beautiful. I loved the costuming, and it was the perfect length. Not too long, and just long enough to get the story out without ruining it.

I enjoyed the whole show and definitely would suggest it to anyone looking for a fun, not accurate-at-all kind of historical drama. Enjoy it for the modern speech, the jokes, the romance, the serious storyline that is easy to handle because it's obvious, and hilarious awkward moments. It has a happily ever after -- so enjoy to your hearts content.

This drama was funny,the chemistry between the leads is seamless,unforced,it flows naturally , park ju-hyun is a revelation,she and kim young dae,they understood the assignment and delivered ! The show did not take itself serious ,it made me the viewer take it serious though ,the plot/storyline was solid ,it did not have any unnecessary plot twist or create subplot to keep the show going,the are no boring episodes or scenes ,everything is straight forward even the love triangle is not drawn out for attention or to create separate fandoms,the bad guys do bad things and eventually ...but all in all satisfactory,heartwarming!

I would recommend this drama if you are bored with weak female characters. The female character is really standout! Then, you'll love with all characters especially with bromance-relationship between the King and Lee Sin Won. About Moseul Group too, it is so funny when the people make assosiaction of Solo (single) because of the marriage ban for 7 years. I mean, in historical era, the singles are exist too! Eventho the early episodes are so touching and draining tears, this historical drama is played with lightness and comedy too, so I think it is suitable for newbie K-Drama enthu who want to watch historical K-Drama. Anyway don't take this drama too serious because this is SO FUN!