Goong (2006), also known as Princess Hours or simply Palace, is undeniably one of the most popular dramas not only in South Korea but in the Philippines and all over Asia as well, and introduces former Baby VOX member-turned-actress Yoon Eun Hye, former model Joo Ji Hoon,  popular singer Kim Jeong Hoon, and actress Song Ji Hyo.

The story takes place in the 21st century where modern-day Korea is a constitutional monarchy, and the Royal Family lives in the palace called Goong. It revolves around the lives of the Crown Prince, Lee Shin (Joo Ji Hoon) and his bride, the headstrong and cheerful commoner, Shin Chaegyung (Yoon Eun Hye), whom the Prince was betrothed to by their late grandfathers. Suddenly, Shin's cousin, Lee Yul (Kim Jeong Hoon), returns to Korea after 14 years of living in England with his mother, Hwa Young, who was the former Crown Princess prior to the death of her husband, the late Crown Prince and older brother of the current King. Matters are then complicated with the emergence of various scandals involving Shin and his old flame, Min Hyo Rin (Song Ji Hyo); the growing love both Shin and Yul develop for Chaegyung; the schemes that Lady Hwa Young carries out in order to overthrow Shin's position and have Yul take over.

Okay, so how should I put this? First, I think the number of episodes affected the pacing of the drama, most especially on the latter half; there was one point when I felt that the storyline dragged on for several episodes and was rushed too much in the last few episodes, even the ending, which I felt was a little puzzling if not sloppy. In fact, the reason why I was initially reluctant to watch Goong was because of the length. Luckily I found a smooth fast mirror at dramacrazy.net, and I was able to finish the series in 4 days. Yayyy!

However, while the drama length almost killed me, everything else -- the cast and acting, music, setting, and art direction, I loved them all. The costumes were wonderfully done, adding life to the drama, and the little costumes the crew created for the teddy bears at the end of every episode! I can hardly believe they actually spent time imitating the actual costumes of the characters just for the little stuffed bears -- this was one of the adorable parts of the series.

Acting wise, Yoon Eun Hye did a great job on her first major role and played her character very well, portraying Chaegyung's spunk and sweet spirited personality in such a manner that the audience is able to empathize with her instead of finding her too immature and annoying, which in my opinion was the case for Goo Hye Sun's portrayal of Geum JanDi in 2009's Boys Over Flowers. I was also drawn to Joo Ji Hoon, whom I've never seen act or even heard about before, not only because he physically reminds me of DBSK's Yunho at times, but also he actually gives me the impression of a painfully lonely young man. Some might say his character may not be that difficult to play but I was impressed with him anyway. I mean, when he's on screen I actually feel like he IS his character, Lee Shin.


And of course, the rest of the cast fit into their roles perfectly well. I love the way the Great Queen speaks, because she just sounds like royalty!; how Kim Jeong Hoon made me want to rip out and roast his liver every time he talks to Chaegyung about divorce; Song Ji Hyo as the ambitious, insecure, lonely, and poor Min Hyo Rin who eventually does the right thing by giving Shin up and pursuing her dream; Choi Sang Gong's poker face, relatively cool aura, and her beautiful appearance; Chaegyung's father being the apron-clad househusband of the family; and OF COURSE --

-- how can I not mention the intense CHEMISTRY between the two main leads? The way they treated each other  as a couple onscreen, you'd think their love story was real or something. That's what I loved the most in the drama.

Heck, that's what makes me love a drama so much in the first place! No matter how great or bad the plot is, if the chemistry's there, I'll keep watching. Muwahaha.

Overall, Goong was a wonderful series despite the effect of the pacing and having a couple of flaws here and there. It's not only about romance, politics, revenge, and the dramatic stuff, but you also get to learn more about the beauty of South Korea, its traditions and solid history. Goong is a drama definitely worth watching.

Now, if only I can find a site where I can download all the English-subbed episodes.

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