Actually... AOW isn't 'popular' in Korea.
Many people enjoyed to watch Wang gun.
However, program rating of Dawn of Emperial and AOW is lower than that. (about 10% or so..)
I think AOW is better than Dawn of Emperial(that's just my opinion.
There are more people who loves soap drama. (My school friends hardly watch AOW
those girls like love stories more than warriors)
But some people who have a lot of interest in history(or historical drama) still watch these series..
I also have watched KBS historical dramas(from tears of Dragon to AOW) because I love history(I'm a high school student..)
Now.. The Sweethearts of Paris is the most popular drama here. (program rating is almost 50%
).
My friends always talk about handsome actors in that drama but I have no interest in story of Cinderella.