The Great Queen Seondeok

You may feel that my heading is hype, however just take my word on this one. I know that viewing is subjective - but if you like Korean (or Chinese) Period pieces this is for you. The story is kinda familiar, with various factions and rivals to The Throne doing everything they can to get The Crown; but to date I've yet to see a more amazing (and evil) 'villain' as Lady Mishil (played by Ho Hyun-Jung.)

She is in part Psycho, but as things go along, you can understand why, that by a quirk of birth, she can never get what she really wants - and (frankly) is the most qualified to get. Her permanent 'strategic smile' seems always to be in place, even when she's giving out orders for mayhem and murder.

I liked her artwork and music (she plays 'Crystal Glasses') at a most interesting time. This series was SO successful (at one point reaching a '40' TV rating) that the producers actually tacked on a further 12 or so episodes with another story.

Because of this show Ho Hyun-Jung became Korea's most sought after (and highest paid) actress. Go see why for yourselves. Highly recommended.