In this episode, the tension between King Lee Heon and the Grand Queen Dowager reaches a breaking point as the truth about So-rang’s identity and the "possession" begins to unravel.
: The episode focuses heavily on the political machinations of Jo Seong-gyun and the Lady in Waiting, who are desperate to prove So-rang is a fraud. We see a significant shift in Lee Shin-won’s role as he continues to protect So-rang despite his own heartbreak.
: This chapter moves away from the lighter "ghost-busting" comedy of earlier episodes and dives deep into the melodrama of the royal court . It highlights the contrast between the King’s growing sincerity and the cold, calculated nature of the selection process.
: Park Ju-hyun’s portrayal of So-rang’s vulnerability when her secrets are threatened received high praise for adding depth to a character that started as pure comic relief.
: Most viewers felt this episode was a "setup" for the finale, balancing the heavy political intrigue with the central romance.
: The ending of Episode 9 is famous among fans for the emotional confrontation that sets the stage for the final conflict, moving So-rang from a "con artist" to a legitimate player in the King’s heart. Critical Reception
