Sungkyunkwan Scandal

Sungkyunkwan Scandal, a critically acclaimed historical drama, was released by KBS America in 2010. This highly engrossing series combines elements of history, romance, and education, all of it set against the backdrop of the Joseon dynasty.

The series centers on the leading character Kim Yoon-hee, portrayed by Park Min-young. She is an intelligent and ambitious woman who is restricted by the gender constraints of the time. Women were strictly forbidden from attending schools or holding jobs, so Yoon-hee takes it upon herself to disguise as a boy so she can work as a book transcriber to financially support her sick brother and widowed mother.

Our protagonist's life takes a dramatic turn when she's spotted by Lee Sun-joon, played by the multifaceted Park Yoo-chun, an upright scholar who values principles over all else. Impressed by Yoon-hee's intelligence and dedication to learning, he invites her to take the entrance exam for Sungkyunkwan, the most prestigious educational institution in the country. It's a historic institution that teaches Confucian principles and has a profound influence and respect in the society.

Yoo Ah-in as Moon Jae-shin and Song Joong-ki as Gu Yong-ha complete our quartet of central characters, each contributing to the dynamic and intricate plot of the period drama. Moon Jae-shin is a rebellious but kind-hearted student, while Gu Yong-ha is a playful and charismatic merchant's son. Both of them have their own reasons for attending Sungkyunkwan, adding a layer of complexity to the plot. Yoon-hee must maintain her male disguise among these diverse group of scholars and navigate through constant threat of exposure and expulsion.

Jun Tae-soo, Seo Hyo-rim, Kim Min-seo, Ahn Nae-sang, Jo Seong-ha, Kim Gap-su, Lee Jae-yong, and Kim Mi-kyung play supporting roles, providing depth and character to this hierarchy-ridden society of Joseon, with its strict norms, class difference, and gender biases.

Sungkyunkwan Scandal takes us on a vivid journey through Joseon-era Korea, exploring prevalent themes of gender discrimination, educational disparity, and societal norms through an engaging narrative. With each episode, viewers get to understand the integral role of Sungkyunkwan University in shaping the country's scholars, officials, and aristocrats, and the struggles faced by a woman in a male-dominated society.

The series cleverly balances suspense, romance, and historical drama, making for a compelling viewing. The evolving relationship and camaraderie among the four central characters form the crux of the narrative, with each thread seamlessly intertwined with the other. Yoon-hee's struggle to maintain her disguise in a male-dominated world is showcased with candor and empathy, giving the series a transformative edge.

Despite the historical setting, the series brings a fresh and modern twist to the narrative, delving into timeless themes that continue to resonate with viewers of all ages. The characters, while shaped by their historical contexts, come across as relatable and evoke a sense of familiarity among the viewers due to their aspirations, struggles, and relationships.

The show also features stellar performances by the star-studded cast, particularly by Park Min-young, who seamlessly takes on the challenge of playing a character pretending to be a different gender. Moreover, it builds an inspiring narrative that encourages viewers to stay authentic and achieve their dreams in the face of adversity.

Visually, Sungkyunkwan Scandal is a feast for the eyes. The beautifully recreated Joseon era settings paired with impressive costume designs not only increase the historical ethos but also provide an immersive viewing experience. Not to mention the charismatic soundtrack, composed of both traditional Korean music (Gugak) and modern K-pop songs that bring an engaging contrast to the storyline.

Sungkyunkwan Scandal rose in popularity for its unique blend of romance, history, comedy, and drama. It secured itself as one of the most popular Korean dramas, gaining its stature due to its cohesive plotline, memorable characters, emotional depth, and an enthralling depiction of 18th-century Korean society. The underlying themes of the series witnessing bravery, perseverance, and rebellion against unjust norms remains critical, making the series an incredibly relevant watch today.