The Forbidden Marriage

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!

A girl pretending to be the Crown Princess's ghost, a spirited leading lady, and a minor hiccup in the grand scheme of historical tales-the ban on love. It sold itself as this wild, carefree series, promising easy laughs and a blissful escape. However, the writers tripped hard trying to weave in melodramatic and political plots because the original concept was unsustainable for more than a couple of episodes. They birthed these laughable plots and pitiful antagonists in the process. The female lead, originally devious and witty, took this nosedive into becoming this sad, serious persona spouting profound but empty and hypocritical lines. It was hard to believe or feel anything she said or did after this drastic change in character. Again, forcing a systematic change across the board after a couple of episodes. At the end of the day, this is just another poor cosplay show.

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!

If you're looking for an interesting story, romance, laughter, beautiful costumes, beguiling music and enough intrigue to keep you entertained but not drain your emotional battery...this could be the satisfying drama you're looking for. There's so much to love about this period romance and while the synopsis doesn't hint at how cleverly created & produced this drama is, it is visually stunning with a beautiful soundtrack.

The photography/cinematography was great, although in a few places the look of actor's makeup suffered. The core story is actually tragic - as most Joseon period tales are - but the humor is great. Maybe over-the-top silly, and childish... I loved it. True to the writers intent, this is not a serious historic piece. Many traditional Joseon ideals are thwarted, and replaced with 21st ideas and opinions. And it's certainly far from proper with use of erotic manwah as a way of enticement for all the male characters. There are also inside jokes about popular kdramas you' might recognize .

As I experienced it, Episode 1 of The Forbidden Marriage explodes with a prelude of eye popping color and graphics, a literary disclaimer, intro to our scam artist So Rang who tries to make a living during the nationwide marriage ban in Joseon. Our 3 main characters are King Yi Heon, So Rang and Sun Won. Of these the King and So Rang are the funniest especially after they meet within he confines of the Palace. Both roles are exceptionally acted, and you can sympathize with their condition; enter into their feelings and empathize. The fact So Rang is a swindler is not really important and neither is the elevated status of King Yi Heon, whose personality is laughable and allows for much comic relief. At times the humor is enough to make you stop watching to recover and catch your breath.

The soundtrack is excellent with so much diversity. One ballad I believe is Chinese and is lovely enough even without subtitles.

This drama came as quite a surprise to me as the synopsis didn't attract me. Also, its viewership was low for the genre. But Rom-Com type dramas vary widely and this one is much more lighthearted; easy to watch because it's only 12 parts and takes an irreverent diversion from the more explicit cruelty of period dramas. I am delighted I watched it and hope more fans of Korean romance comedy will find it and add to its popularity. It might not be equivalent to The Kings Affection, Flower Crew: Joseon Wedding Agency or Lovers of the Red Sky, for its story presentation but is definitely entertaining and enjoyable without the emotional turmoil of a classic 16-24 part drama. I highly recommend it as such.

Summary: For what it's worth, this lighthearted drama is well worth watching for the delightful story, beautiful visuals, mesmerizing music, comedic main characters and feel good ending.

A great mix of comedy, romance, action and some political intrigue. The chemistry among So Rang, the King and Shin Won was the best!! The over-the-top shaman scenes seem cringe if you take if seriously but you really shouldn't. There's a purpose for all of it.

Once I get through more KDRAMAs, I will definitely re-watch this. I feel like I missed out on some inside jokes because I don't have enough dramas under my belt. On the MDL discussions, people were mentioning "Oh that scene was just like the scene from ..." Argh. It's clear what I need to do before I can truly appreciate this show.

I liked Kim Young Dae from earlier shows, but I loved him in this one. His comedic timing was impeccable. His banter with the FL and his rapport with the SML endeared him to me.

The side characters were also well played. They added to the show, whether to the comedic portion or to the political intrigue part. You really get so many different views in this story of the 7-year marriage ban. It kept me entertained, and I will miss these characters.