STORYLINE

A commoner Chae-kyung has to marry a young prince, Shin, to carry out an agreement made by their grandparents. Both disagreed but were forced out of respect to the elders and the Emperor's last wish. The news about the wedding reached the family of the Emperor's first son who were evicted years ago because of the palace's protocol. The widowed Empress and her son, Yul, came back to Korea to regain the rights taken away from them.

When Chae-kyung entered the palace, she had a hard time fitting in and Shin is making it worst. But when Yul was accepted back, he found a friend in him. He gave her strength and helped her get through all the adjustments to keep up with the demand of the palace and the public.

The marriage has become the press' target. Shin's involvement to Hyo-rin has created a fuss, which put the palace in shame. To avoid scandal, they staged a plan to show the public that they are having a stable married life. But having to see and being with him everyday has turned Chae-kyung's impression of Shin to love. Hyo-rin then realized regrets for choosing her career over Shin when proposed to.

Shin and Yul used to be comfortable with each other. But when Yul fell in love with Chae-kyung, not only does he want to get his throne back, but also her heart. Besides, he was initially agreed to marry her. He brainwashed her into thinking that Shin would always love Hyo-rin and will never look at her differently. Although Chae-kyung knows it, she still continued to feel for her husband and neglected Yul's feelings.

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Eventually, Shin realizes Chae-kyung's worth but denied his feelings thinking that she wouldn't accept him after giving her so much pain. But the pressure of being a Crown Princess made Chae-kyung beg for her freedom and brought up divorce. Shin couldn't be more hurt but agreed to give her old life back.

Shin's ability as a Prince became more questionable when an incident in the palace, secretly initiated by the widowed Empress, happened. Since Yul is next in line to replace him, their plan is starting to take in place. But what Yul didn't expect is that Shin's fall will break Chae-kyung heart. The pain of seeing her in misery made him understand that, in her eyes, he'll never win over his cousin.

Shin finally gave in to what his heart says. He professed his love to Chae-kyung to give him strength in the middle of the chaos. And despite of what they've been through, Chae-kyung never left him until the end.

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KOREANCRAZEE For me, the series started out to be just like "Sweet 18". The first 3 episodes were such a waste. There's nothing new. Even if there is a twist on Kim Jeong-hoon's character to how he is connected to the palace, it didn't give me an interesting start. Even his performance, along with Joo Ji-hoon, wasn't that promising. If it weren't for Yoon Eun-hye, I could have given this up long time ago.

Eun-hye's performance is the best among the bunch. She is good in drama and she really could carry comedy. She could go from childish to sophisticated realistically. She even laughs naturally. You would see in her facial expressions and gestures that she is enjoying what she is doing. And even her voice sounds funny. As for the boys, Ji-hoon became better only on the later half when his problems started to pile up. It took a little bit long before he was able to show what he is reallly made of. He could become vicious to Chae-kyung but could melt your heart out if you see him crying. Even at the end, he became so much better that I started to like him. Too bad, Jeong-hoon never got the chance to show his talent. He is good looking and all but he still needs to prove to himself that he is worthy to be lined up with the other talents in this series. Even Ji-Hyo looks better compared to him and she doesn't even have much screen time. I even felt her regrets for giving up somebody great like Shin. But Yul lost his rights and love, and yet, I didn't even care. When he is in misery, it looks the same when he is happy. And when he is mad, just alike. The only difference is that he shouts!

Among the supporting cast, the Grand Dowager (grandma) is the funniest. Most of the times, when the elders talk, I find it very boring. They just speak in this weird dialect and no emotions. And it is annoyingly slow. Although it is what their personalities ask for, it just tempts me to skip the scenes.

It was a good move to kick out Ji-Hyo's character to give way to the "real love affair" between Shin and Chae-kyung and to establish more of Yul's anger. If they could have let her stay longer and continued to sabotage their marriage, it would turned out to be too common. And besides, her character was given enough foundation already.

I liked Ji-hoon and Eun-Hye's tandem. They have this chemistry that makes you wish you were young again. They look nice on-screen. You would even hope that they really are dating. From fighting, to delivering those moving lines, you could really appreciate it. And their make believe scenes are hilarious.

The production alone shows that this series is well thought. I am not into those "old times costumes" (as I call it) but it didn't keep me from watching Goong. And based on the shots and locations, you'll know that this is a high budgeted series. Very risky but worth it. Although I got bored half of the Thailand scenes (because of Shin's "no expression" dilemma), them going to a foreign land is a good promotion for the series.

Despite some plain acting and a little bit lagging in the midpart of the story, I liked the series. It can't be denied that the OST has added to my interest, too. Can't wait for v.2!

XTEL Goong is about the life of a royal prince who learns the true meaning of both love and life when he is asked to marry a teenage girl whose personality is totally different from him. in the end, the prince realizes that love is the most important thing that a person could treasure. the series is longer compared to other series that has only 16 episodes. Goong was originally planned to consist of 20 episodes but the management decided to extend it in order to give way to an upcoming season. this series has a very nice plot although somewhat the same from the plot of other series. it is similar in the way that its about the rich guy and the poor girl who have different personalities but falls in love in the end. i guess what makes this series different from other series is the fact that the characters are of royal blood. during the first four episodes, i find the series boring, but after watching the fifth one, the series got me hooked. there were funny moments as well as sad moments. and of course, a series wouldn't be complete without the presence of its villains. the series got a bit draggy somewhere in the middle because of the never ending argument between the main guy and the main girl. for me, extending the series to 24 episodes instead of 20 was not a good idea since it dragged. they were able to have a good ending despite its draggy episodes although i felt that the ending was a bit rushed since it wasn't really part of the original plan. i give this series 8 out of 10 stars.

HALLYU After the failure in the ratings of the over-budgeted drama Sad Love Song and the overwhelming success of the unexpensive production My Lovely Kim Sam Soon, it is quite a gamble on MBC's part to produce another drama with a big budget and the possibility of another failure. Goong / Princess Hours, however, lived up to the expectations of its producers and has currently set the standard on how dramas should be done. Glowing praises or reviews for Goong's elaborate sets with meticulous attention to detail continues to pour down from critics and supporters alike long after the drama has ended. In Korea's television drama industry, there seems to be trend of historical vs. modern day themes. The historical theme being the genre more patronized by the adult audience and the modern day theme which caters more to the younger, more hip generation. What makes Goong a success was its plot which allowed for both themes to develop within the story. Throughout the series, there was always a balance of both the showcase of traditional korea and the picture of modern day trends. The show could easily switch from a scene with the elders discussing the consequences of going against the Hwang-sil in their traditional national garb to a lighter scene of highschool students joking around and preparing for graduation. It is also to the advantage of the drama that they decided to cast fresh faces for the lead roles. The actors/actresses who played Chaegyung, Shin, Yul and Hyorin may be familiar faces in the showbiz industry. Fortunately, they are not established enough to focus the attention on them rather than the plot of the drama. Furthermore, after the Hyorin decided to study ballet overseas, the audience was able to focus on the love triangle plot rather than the confusing 'foursome.' Finally, the show's ending was quite believable. It felt as if the writers were not in a hurry to tie up all loose ends but decided to let the characters solve their own dilemmas. Of course, the last episode was made with the second season in mind but it was still able to provide closure for the audience. Overall, Goong / Princess Hours seemed to have raised the korean drama industry to a higher level. With impressive production design, mature supporting characters, loveable lead roles, and an engaging plot, Goong is a drama you would not mind watching again be it to re-visit the first season or to look forward to another successful second season ahead.

HEE-UN I have now replaced Kim Sam Soon (which used to be my favorite drama) with Princess Hours. I was so enthralled with this drama that I watched all 24 episodes plus season 1.5 in a week! That is 24+ hours! I was hooked. The acting was great, the storyline was exceptional and the atmosphere of the drama in general was enchanting. The drama engulfs you in the world of Korean royalty. I found myself falling for both Shin Goon and Yul. I wasn't sure who I thought Chae-Gyung should be with until about the 18th or 19th episode. I was so happy once Shin realized his true feelings and sacrificed his pleasure for his love. This drama is by far, in my opinion, one of the best and well done dramas I have ever seen. I would definitely recommend this drama to anyone really, not just anyone who loves a good Korean drama. I also wanted to point out that the scene where *spoiler* Chae-Gyung finally tells Shin Goon that she loves him has to be one of the the best on-screen kisses in a Korean drama that I have ever seen. And trust me, I have seen quite a few.

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ARTICLES

American Variety Magazine Gives Acclaim to TV Drama "Princess Hours"
KBS GLOBAL [ 04.19.2006 ]

Variety, an American film and pop art magazine, has attracted public attention by giving critical acclaim to MBC TV's drama "Princess Hours", also known as "The Palace", calling it a production that has shown the future of Korea's TV drama industry. In its latest edition, Variety said, "The 24-episode drama 'Princess Hours' is a production that shows the future of Korea's TV drama industry, while enjoying high viewer ratings of nearly 30 percent". Variety also said, "More than 230,000 dollars (230 million won) per episode was spent on making elaborately built sets, such as traditional houses and Western interior decorations. If such a trend continues, Korean TV drama producers will spend more and more on expenses". The magazine introduced the drama's set, food, and traditional costume designers. It said, "These designers enhanced the aesthetic levels of the drama, ultimately succeeding in luring young viewers". Variety added, "The Korean film industry also played a big role in helping 'Princess Hours' become a successful drama. Both the drama's director, Hwang In-roi, and its script writer, In Eun-ah, have had experience in film production". The production team of "Princess Hours" benchmarked film producers' marketing activities in producing the drama's posters and outsourcing part of its production. This shows a new kind of drama-producing trend, according to the magazine.

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OST

01. Sarang In Ga Yo (Perhaps Love) - Howl & J [ lyrics ]
02. Dang Shin Eun Na Neun Ba Bo Ib Ni Da (I'm A Fool) - Stay [ lyrics ]
03. Doo Ga Ji Mal (Two Words) - Jung Jae Wook & The One [ lyrics ]
04. Give Me A Little Try - Seo Hyun Jin [ lyrics ]
05. Nan Nul Sarang Hae Nuh Man Sarang Hae II (I Love You, Only You) - Shim Tae Yoon [ lyrics ]
06. Sarang In Ga Yo (Perhaps Love) - Remix
07. 1993 Gwang Hwa 49 Nyun
08. Goong (Palace)
09. Bok Jang Bool Ryang!
10. Woo Joo Jung Bok #1
11. Crystal Flower
12. A Dancing Teddy
13. Nae Ga Sun Taek Han Gil Ee Ya!
14. Dah Ji Mot Han Ma Eum
15. Ggot Ip Ee Nae Rin Da
16. Woo Joo Jung Bok #2

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DIALOGUES AND QUOTES warning: may contain spoilers

[ CHAE-GYUNG TO SHIN ]
Do you still like Min Hyo-rin? If our family kept declining the marriage 'till the end and we never got married, probably you would have married her, right? Because she's the one you really like. If that were the case, you'd probably have a happier look on your face than you do right now. It seems like I've become an obstacle between both of you. So I feel some guilt towards her. But when I think that you could have married her, I feel even worse. I'm weird, right?

[ YUL TO HIS MOM ]
I like Chae-gyung. She was betrothed to me at first but he snatched her away. The weird thing is hearing that she's "not beautiful enough" and "not suitable to be the Princess", the more I hear that, the more I am attracted to her.

[ HYO-RIN TO SHIN ]
I wore a mask and pretended throughout all these time. You had been taken on for the past 2 years. It was not because I was pretending. The truth is that you never see through me clearly. Those days are all fake. Today, I am the real Min Hyo-rin.

[ CHAE-GYUNG TO YUL ]
I like Shin. I fell for him. It's as natural as the rising and the setting of the sun. It's not because that it's Shin. Living in an unfamiliar place, lonely because I am away from my family. And with my character, I fall for people easily. This maybe funny but, if I were to have met you first, I could have just fall for you. But, one-sided love is so tiring. I do not like someone who is far away from me. He is always beside me, we chat face to face. I fell for someone whom I interact with everyday. Comparing this to a normal relationship, this is so much more exhausting.

SHIN: At first, I thought she would be all right. But it seems that it is not like that. She was born not to have the ability to become a puppet of the palace. Things that are boring and tiring to me, Chae-gyung will feel that they are fascinating.
HYE-MYUNG: From what I see, it's is not that she is getting used to the palace, But the palace is getting used to her. That's why she can't be a puppet of the palace.

CHAE-GYUNG: Why do you like Hyo-rin?
SHIN: Hyo-rin, she's a lot like me. Lonely and restricted.
CHAE-GYUNG: Because I am not like you, so you dislike me.

YUL: You said that you felt bad for Shin. And then you understood him and then you liked him, right? Well it's the same for me. After I knew you, I worried about you and missed you. And now it hurts. I was always independent. I never gave my hand to anyone and no one gave a hand to me. But you gave me a hand because you're a friend. You are true to everyone. One day, a girl named Shin Chae-gyung came into my heart and I didn't know when my heart opened for you.
CHAE-GYUNG: I'm sorry, but I can't accept you.
YUL: I never asked you to accept me. I never asked for your feelings to come to me. But I just don't want you to push me away.

CHAE-GYUNG: Who brought up the divorce first, you jerk!
SHIN: Because I didn't like you at first. Why did some random girl butt into my life and with her big staring eyes, asking me this and that. When I listen to your words, it felt like my life was all fake. All the things that I once believed were real. Felt fake within seconds. But sometimes I think about this often. But sometime, I would ask myself. Will I be able to live without you? All in all, I bet I could live without you. People will always get adapted to the new environment slowly. I lived without you for 19 years, I could get used to my normal life without you. But I might miss your presence. Because of you I was tired, fought with you and all those time when we made up. I think it became a habit now. Like as if I don't do something that I haven't done daily, I feel empty.
CHAE-GYUNG: So that's it. You can fix habits.
SHIN: How do you fix habits? You should at least tell me how before you leave.

[ HWA-YOUNG TO HYO-RIN ]
Someone said this, a man places his first love in his heart and a woman places her first love in the memories. But at my age, I realized one thing. In life, the thing that is important other than spirit is love. Even if you are poor, but if there is love, you become a millionaire. No matter how rich you are. But if you miss out on love, you will feel as lonely and as cold as winter.

[ QUEEN MIN'S ADVICE TO YUL ]
In this world, there is something that cannot be forced upon. Do you know what that is? Things like fate, regardless of how hard you tried to grab, you can't seem to grab hold of it. And even if you grab hold of it, it would not stay in your hands forever. If you want a fate that doesn't belong to you, you will get punished. That's the way of life. The relationship between a man and a woman is not something that can be solved by working your brain. To put it in another way, you will not get what you want even if you are.

[ YUL TO CHAE-GYUNG ]
We, before we met, there is already an invisible line that tied us together. Chae-gyung. Don't get hurt again, don't cry again, just leave the Palace. Return to the place you used to live. No matter how much you like Shin, it's just not possible for you to be suitable for him. In the end, you will only get hurt all over. Therefore, before that happens, just run away. Before everything can't be turned back anymore. It's really too complicated. Your heart will release you.

[ HYO-RIN TO SHIN ]
When everything in the world has been given to you, you should give something back. But I didn't even empty my hands, so I had no hand to grab you with. Now, I'm letting Lee Shin go and putting Min Hyo-rin's dreams there.

SHIN: Those words were from my heart. For the first time in my life, I said those words with meaning. You stepped on my first confession not as a Crown Prince, but as a man to a woman. I don't know since when, but we both came along the same path. Just as you shook me, you brought my heart out of my hidden cave. Just like my heart was broken, I became more and more curious of you. I wanted to see you and with the mere thought of you, I smiled silly. You made me into a fool. After you make me into a fool, you bring up divorce? The person who stole my heart is not me, but know clearly that it's you.
CHAE-GYUNG: Shin Goon... I'm sorry. You said you loved me. If it was true, can't you just understand me? Can't it be solved with my apology? I didn't know it would turn out this way. After I entered the Palace, I smiled like I was happy. But the truth is, I'm worried and scared. I just tried not to show my true feelings. Even though I wore pretty clothes, I always felt I was wearing someone else's clothes. These clothes of a crown Princess, they're too heavy now. So, I just wanted to run away. I was only thinking of myself so I didn't even think of Shin Goon getting hurt. I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry.

CHAE-GYUNG: The only reason I was able breathe inside the palace was because of Shin Goon. That's why I want to stay with you. The person I love is not the Crown Prince, just you. I love you. If my heart hurts so much, I think I love you.
SHIN: If you stay by my side, I might break your wings.
CHAE-GYUNG: I don't care. Just say that you want me next to you.
SHIN: Please stay by my side. Don't leave. Don't leave me alone.

SHIN: I missed you. Even if I am seeing you now, I still miss you. If I don't see you now, I'm afraid I will suffocate.
CHAE-GYUNG: This is how it should be. You say it out from the start. In the future, every single thing, every single second, tell me how your heart truly feel. I will be contented like that.

CHAE-GYUNG: I'm going to take 3 most valuable items with me and leave. Love, friendship, and family. I won't forget our friendship and I'll store it.
YUL: Next time, in the next world, if you meet me before Shin, then will you look towards me?
CHAE-GYUNG: We will become adults. Then we will have thoughts of looking good with adults. Then we will have thoughts of looking good with adults.

[ YUL IN AN INTERVIEW ]
In the world, if there is a marriage fate that can be held on to, then there will also be marriage fate that should be released. Also, it was a meaningless marriage fate from the start. Bingung Mama and I, I feel that we belong to the last category.

[ QUEEN TO CHAE-GYUNG ]
If one places himself number one in his heart then he can only see himself. But by stepping back, what you see is not yourself but others. People learn and grow until they die.

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