Yeah the drop in ratings is really noticeable. I wonder if MBC is scrambling a bit.....or maybe not.

I like Uhm Tae-woong too but I do think he's more suited for modern roles. He hasn't really left an impression with me with QSD.

You're absolutely right Kim Nam Gil, Go Hyun Jung and even the titular character have overshadowed his character but I still love this guy! Ever since I saw him in Delightful Girl Chun Hyang I've liked him as an actor. (Devil and Wolf too)

I really like YuShin's character in the first 30 episodes but after that it's BiDam that's definitely making waves.

I like him in Resurrection. He is good actor and handsome guy. But In Seonduk, role of Yushin ... little boring.

To be honest, I even thought the actor playing Alcheon overshadowed Eom Tae Woong's Yushin. (Alcheon's Lee Seung Hyo has done sageuks before, and he seems much more comfortable with the dialogue.) However, the last 10 episodes or so, he's been wonderful (and Lee Yo Won has really taken to playing a queen, rather than a princess or soldier.) As Yushin becomes the mythical general of legend, the more it's in ETW's wheelhouse as an actor.

Still . . . poor Bidam. My sweet dark knight. :(

"I wonder if MBC is scrambling a bit…..or maybe not."

When you're getting ratings in the 35s, you're still doing quite okay. :D Show's actually gotten really good in the last 2 weeks, but Go Hyung Jung was the draw of the show. There's some villains that you love to hate. Mishil was that, but she was also one many people loved to love too. We've had supervillains before in sageuks, but GHJ blessed us with a magnificent diva turn that sometimes bordered on goofy parody and other times was truly mesmerizing and even inspiring.

Yay! A UTW post! I first saw him in Fox with Nine Tails and am proud to be a UTW fan since. I agree that the Kim Yushin character is a bit on the boring side but he is nice to look at..hehe. Usually his dramas get low ratings so I'm happy that QS is a ratings success for him. I hope he does a modern drama next time though.

i have to agree with most of the commentator here, UTW's Yushin is not very memorable, even Alcheon is more noticeable than him (especially in fight/war scenes), i don't have to mentioned Mishil and Bidam...
but ever since Delightful Girl Chun Hyang, i always like UTW, i never had a chance to watch resurrection, i heard that was a good drama...

Those weird sweater wraps are starting to grow on me.

Now I want one.

Love UTW, I even start watching QSD just for him, but even so I have to stop after episode 30, its too tired to watch this kind of long dramas.
He is a pretty cool actor, hope he have more lead dramas coming soon!

Pretty indeed! And slightly more age-appropriate. ;-)

Still not sure I can ever tackle QSD, though. Thanks JB!

Resurrection is my favorite kdrama of all time and Devil is probably# 2 or 3. My love for UTW originated from watching DGCH and I personally felt he was the only good thing from that show. I know harsh since I know a lot of people love that show.

Been putting off QSD because it just seems so long. Can't they create an abridged version?

to say the least, Uhm Tae Woong belongs in modern dramas more than sageuks. i truly find him much more handsome when he wears suits.

Definitely want to see him in another drama i cannot watch QSD. Hope to see him in new project soon. I think he is great.

I'm with nycgrl!!! I just knew he was top notch since I've seen him in Resurrection! He was sooooo good in that role.

I really don't think it's UTW's acting in QSD that makes him more suited for modern dramas. It's more that Yushin's character is b-o-r-i-n-g. Anyone playing that character would be a big yawn.

UTW has proven in his past roles that he's both a dynamic and intense actor, however, in QSD, Go Hyun-jung and Kim Nam-gil's characters and acting overshadows everyone else. Love them!

I'm not too crazy about Lee Yo Won's acting.

i always find overseas edition of nylon to be superior :D

"Been putting off QSD because it just seems so long. Can’t they create an abridged version?"

Yup. There's an abridged movie version of QSD that'll get you up to speed within a few hours. You can find it at aja.

"It’s more that Yushin’s character is b-o-r-i-n-g. Anyone playing that character would be a big yawn. "

Agree and disagree. Yushin is kinda generic heroic type (kinda disappointing given that the real General Yushin was a larger-than-life person), but I actually think the actor playing Alcheon or Lord Seolwon also would have done a much better job. When ETW does serious roles (and, honestly, he actually IS better at comedy), he's awesome when he gets to go Jack Bauer on somebody. Coincidentally, the dude's been restless in the cell, and he's been wonderful.

Bidam's probably my favorite male character of any drama this year. The scenes between him and Mishil were so, so electric . . . and Kim Nam Gil does with one look what ETW can only do when he's screaming like a crazed sumo wrestler. it goes without saying that when QSD is over, Kim Nam Gil is going to get the same promo push that happened to Song Il Guk after Emperor of the Sea.

"I’m not too crazy about Lee Yo Won’s acting."

Lee Yo Won's been okay, but I think she's been great since Deokman has become Queen.

@ 11 nycgirl:

OMG! Are you me? :)
Resurrection and The Devil are my #1 and #2 too. And since UTE was in both he has a special place in my heart. I can't wait for him to star in another drama. Preferably something contemporary. I tend to stay away from historical dramas.

i thought it wad song seung hun on the 1st pic ^^"
i liked UTW in delightful girl too :)

sorry to UTW's fans..am a fan of him since Delightful girl.. but i think he made YS character boring..
he could added some charisma as a hwarange.. and love gazes for DM character.. but sadly he didn't.
it's understandable if he was only overshadowed by mishil and bidam.. but sadly he was also been overshadowed by a minor character which is alcheon..

same goes to LYW.. which is for me she was one of the best actresses since surgeon bong dal hae..
her role was a cross dressing.. - and we all know how most of us love it when a female goes cross dressed - .. and then as a tough princess who can't get her love..

these are my favorite character of all time.. the masculine leader who can't get the love of the princess.. and the cross dressed princess who can't get her love..

so i was disappointed..

I love UTW. His acting was superb in Resurrection. I was on pins and needles the whole time. I like him in QSD too. Its a different role for him, but I think he has done well. He can come to my house anytime for tea. He is great.

Victoria Stuard

@belleza
I heard UTW has been great in the past few episodes, but I'm not sure I want to go back to QSD. But that's an interesting comparison b/t UTW and KNG...both are great actors but they do go about different ways to express their characters. Though KNG really shines in this and you're right it has boosted his profile (and I hope this improves Lee Seung-hyo's profile for future projects as well).

Oh UTW, please pick a project that allows you to showcase your acting abilities...I struggled through 30 some episodes to see your acting...and got nothing but you hitting a rock ::sigh:: To be fair though, UTW is an amazing actor and whose best works are in my top 5 fav dramas or so...but still...maybe modern dramas are better?

I love Uhm Tae Woong!! I remember him from the drama Delightful Girl Choon Hyang my mom loves him too !... we he appeared on QSD, she was like " look its ahjusshi !! LOL

@Taohua,

"But that’s an interesting comparison b/t UTW and KNG…both are great actors but they do go about different ways to express their characters. "

When Kim Nam Gil was rehearsing for Bidam, the writers gave him a lot of creative license for his character. In other words, KNG was allowed to define the part, so long as his creation fit the basic parameters of the show. Bidam got to start out as Comic Relief Guy. Then Action Hero. Now, he's Villain and 2nd Lover Guy. Whereas Yushin was always "Simple Man."

Bidam is great (and great, I mean, this is what Lee Jung Ki's Iljimae could have been), but if QSD was a serious saguek, this kind of cartoony fun would not be allowed at all. And Mishil would have to be WAY dialed down from her eyebrow twitching, goofy smiles and "This Mishil defies the heavens!!" braggadocio.

Given that this show is in theory a sageuk, Kim Nam Gil got to play without a net. In effect, Deokman and Yushin become straight men for mom and son's adventures in the evil and the crazy. I'm not sure whether the writers intended as such, but my hunch is that Bidam got expanded beyond what they already originally intended. Thank you live shoot!! ;)

I think it was both: Yu-shin was a boring character AND UTW just didn't perform well in QSD. UTW can act breathtakingly in scenes that showcase his charisma, as he did in Resurrection, but he's usually not very good at acting out delicate emotions, especially in scenes where he's sad and he has to cry. His crying scenes make me cringe. He showed that weakness even in Resurrection, which is my #1 fav drama by the way. I like UTW.. he's the sweetest guy.. but I think he really should work on his crying skills. He also has these annoying habits which include shaking his head when he's doing his lines.. these little habits are not too noticeable in modern series as he's allowed to show more of himself, but Sageuk requires that he completely becomes that character and those habits also got in the way of him portraying his character more perfectly.

I really like Tae Woong in a modern role like a lawyer or a detective. I think these roles really suit him. I like to see him more in the near future.

I loved him in Resurrection. That's one of my most favorite drama.

He is one of my fav. actors, such a charismatic guy! <3

@17 & 24 belleza and @22 Taohua

I don't know anything about the real General Yushin (wish I did) but I found QSD Yushin and Deokman pretty plain b/c, as you've mentioned, their characters are simple, generic and straightforward. Meaning (for me), in the struggle between good and evil (or right and wrong), they are "good" and their intentions are to do the "right" thing. Now, all characters who are good are not necessarily boring. It's just that their characters weren't that unique or memorable in their goodness. On top of that, there wasn't much internal struggle going on and that's why I found Lee Yo Won’s performance as Deokman flat b/c she had many opportunities to convey this but she didn't (I haven't seen past episode 50). For example, I really enjoyed the young actress' performance as Deokman.

I don't mind UTW in sageuks; I'm not going to write him off just yet. I actually hope he explores this genre in the future as I think his facial structure and physique is suited for a "general" type role.

@25 amy
That's the funniest comment!

Again, love Mishil and Bidam. Considering they had a lot of creative freedom (which is too bad for other actors, with the exception of Jung Woong In and Yoo Seung Ho since I thought their characters required a little more fun and creativity), they must have had a blast portraying their characters. Given the choice of Mishil or Queen Seon Duk, I would've made the same decision as Go Hyun Jung. Mishil all the way!

On a side note, I thought Jung Woong In as Mi Saeng and Yoo Seung Ho as Kim Chun Chu should also be given recognition for their acting.

@news
I agree the child actress who played Deokman was great. It was really weird to have LYW step into Deokman's role afterwards because the child actress was so vibrant and lively and LYW is not and it almost seemed like Deokman had a personality change? I mean one could argue because she lost her mother she changed, but the child actress played her till the point she became a sangdo. But then again, I haven't really thought much about who would have been a better actress for the role.

@news,

"But then again, I haven’t really thought much about who would have been a better actress for the role."

They originally wanted Sung Yu Ri, and now I can see the reasoning behind it. If you think about her character in HGD, you can kinda see maybe they originally wanted a lively, spunky Deokman for that part. Lee Yo Won can be spirited in her own right (see Surgeon Bong Dal-Hee or her early movies), but she prefers playing on the temperamental of fiery. She's like Eom Tae Woong in that way, when the part asks for her to demonstrate great emotional pain, she's well in her wheelhouse.

For the overall part, my first pick would have been Han Hye Jin. HHJ can do the silly, tomboy bits (see Aja Geum Soon), and of course she can play one helluva queen. Can you imagine HHJ and GHJ staring each other down? That's fierce yo!

Also I want to add that I don't think either LYW or ETW are bad at all in their roles. I love Lee Yo Won as the queen, and the more Yushin's hairline recedes, the better ETW gets. (And, yes, I think he's losing his hair in front of my eyes . . . ;) :( )

"On a side note, I thought Jung Woong In as Mi Saeng and Yoo Seung Ho as Kim Chun Chu should also be given recognition for their acting."

Both my mom and I love Lee Moon Shik as Jook Bong. Apparently, they were going to have Lee Seung Hyo play Jook Bong. That's right -- the dude playing Alcheon was going to play silly JOOK BONG. Talk about miscasting lol.

As for Chun Chu . . .Yoo Seung Ho makes it look easy, but I promise you, it's extremely difficult to find a young actor, let alone a teenager actor, who can EASILY convey the intelligence, mischievousness, AMBITION, and pain (see scene where Chun Chu finally grieves over his mother), with just a simple look. YSH has also played princes also in King and I, and the Legend. Absolutely effortless and devishly, devishly charming.

@ Taohua & belleza

Nam Ji Hyun as young Deokman was superb! She was like the equivalent of Kim Bum as Dong Chul in East of Eden. They became their characters so convincingly...I swear I was them for a sec...and then they grew up and it was...okay. Like you said belleza, and I agree, I don't think UTW and LYW are bad in their roles. It's even ok that their characters aren't as exciting or colorful as the ones mentioned above (not everyone can shine equally at the same time) but I really wish there is chemistry between them. Now, Bidam, he has enough chemistry for the whole cast!

I haven't seen any dramas w/ Sung Yu Ri or Han Hye Jin. I guess the only one I could offer is Lee Young-ae (although she wouldn't be young enough for the part). Isn't Jewel in the Palace and QSD written by the same person?

Really? Lee Seung Hyo as Jook Bong? Hmm...I wonder what that would've been like! After seeing Last Scandal, I would never have thought to cast Jung Woong In as Mi Saeng but they did and it worked. I was so surprised that now I'm a fan of Lee Seung Hyo. His versatility, charisma and presence as an actor is admirable.

Yeah, Yoo Seung Ho made it all look so easy. I haven't seen him in any other roles but he certainly wowed me as Chun Chu.

"but I really wish there is chemistry between them. Now, Bidam, he has enough chemistry for the whole cast!"

Yeah, and I do think that's a major problem with the acting. The Deokman/Yushin romantic scenes are only compelling when ETW starts rattling the cages or if she's screaming for him. Whereas Kim Nam Gil just gives Deokman the saddest, hurt look and we just go "ahhhhhhh" Or when Bidam points the finger back at Munno, knowing that his surrogate father wants to strike him down. Or when Deokman holds Bidam, yet fears the most innocent man in Sorabol. Simple things like that. So heartbreaking. So moving. My favorite scene in the entire show is when Bidam and Mishil over the fields after Mishil had rejected Deokman's last offer. The acting between them in that scene was off the script -- there weren't many lines, but you felt like a lot was said between them.

The show has huge flaws, but Mishil and Bidam are my #1 and #2 favorite characters this year. By a moonlight mile really.

"Isn’t Jewel in the Palace and QSD written by the same person?"

Yup, and it shows. Two alpha female leads. Lots of mini-story arcs. Awesome disregard for history. etc. etc.

"The Deokman/Yushin romantic scenes are only compelling when ETW starts rattling the cages or if she’s screaming for him."

Besides QSD, I've only seen ETW in The Devil and Resurrection (not Delightful Girl Choon Hyang) and didn't think he had chemistry w/ the lead actresses either. Which makes me think, he just doesn't have that romantic vibe. However, in QSD, LYW is partially responsible for not exuding love, so put them together and it's a total dead zone. Regarding ETW's screaming and yelling, if my memory is correct, I swear he had his subtle moments of expression in Resurrection. I just don't know where it went in QSD.

"My favorite scene in the entire show is when Bidam and Mishil over the fields after Mishil had rejected Deokman’s last offer."

Ah, I LOVED LOVED that scene too! It certainly required pressing the repeat button. The quiet exchange, along with the hanging silence at the end where it seems Mishil will say something but doesn't as she barely/lightly touches Bidam's head and shoulders, took my breath away and my heart to the next level. Another favorite and memorable Mishil scene was after one of her early face-off with Deokman when she shares with Lord Seolwon the three things that make her envious of Deokman: 1) Her youth, 2) Her royal lineage and 3) Her Dreams. Mishil's wistful delivery of the third reason gave a very humane insight into her character, which was both sad and tragic. The context of the old saying, "right time, right place" really hits home. Here is a charismatic and intelligent woman, completely ahead of her time, who can never achieve her dreams and/or create new dreams because of limitations beyond her control. Makes my heart pause.

I enjoy watching Uhm Tae-woong perform in all the drama he's in. He's doing well in Queen Seon Dok. Episode 57 is really exciting, full of suspense & surprises. The writer has finally served us with a nice juicy steak with lots of gravy on a silver platter. Bidam & QSD romance while General Yushin is at war with his smart strategy. No wonder he is a hero. Uhm Tae-woong is doing a good job as Gen Yushin. QSD is full of suspense even without Mishil.
QSD is full of surprises.

I loved UTW in Mawang and Sunny. I'm still trying to locate a copy of Resurrection.

He's great at portraying intense and conflicted characters. He's a physical actor; he's at his best when he's making these big actions. Must be his training in theater. And he can cry too but it's more of the outburst kind, like at the end of the movie Sunny. His face doesn't show a lot of subtle emotions like KNG can but that's okay, UTW has his own niche in acting.

I do agree that in QSD, it has to do more with the way his character was written. He is heroic but the character he plays does not show a lot of development for all the screen time that he has. He seems only a foil for the great rivalry between DM and Mishil, and he's even supposed to be timid and slow, according to DM.

The story arc for him peaks in the episode 20s when he confesses his love for DM but realizes he has to sacrifice that love first for the sake of DM's quest to be the princess and later for the sake of his people Gaya. So his rivals were kinda abstract, not flesh and blood.

LYW and UTW played their love scenes with a lot of restraint and dignity. Gosh those scenes were painful to watch. Frankly, I hate it when the leads have to give up their love, so a few more love scenes between them would have been better.

I think his best scene though was when he was fighting with Chilsuk, falling and getting up, and just refusing to lose. I don't know about the later episodes, he is accused of being a traitor so the conflict is between him and QSD and also between him and BiDam.

I guess i just want to say I want to see more of UTW. He's become my fave Korean actor now.

i really like this guy , his acting skills are so great . i watched his drama " the devil " and couldnt forget his role and iam looking forward to see him again in QSD .. he for sure one of the greatest actors

um tae woong Fighting

I don't think UTW was overshadowed, I guess he did well in QSD and it was his role to play more reserve than Bidam's character. I can say that KNG's role is much more challenging because of his complicated character... While the role of yushin rang was that of a noble soldier... But you can or you can feel his undying love for Deokman, the way he looks at her, I mean, that's acting you see love without touching and kissing....his role is like that very cold........... unlike Bidam, he is very warm, aggressive. I guess his role is great and if he is not a great actor I dont think Bidam's character will go to life...

I like UTW and even if I dont know him yet when Sassy girl was shown in the Philippines, I already favored him than the lead actor... I also like KNG, no doubt he is a good actor too.... all actors and actresses at QSD were great...

Honestly, i don't really like his character in QSD, i love him in modern drama <3

like in sassy girl, he doesn't look alike a thirty years old actor :) he's so cute, surely when he got angry haha..

he have stolen my heart and refuse to bring it back to me <3