Never did I imagine that I'd fall for a historical drama, but as they say, there are firsts for everything. I started this drama about a week ago, when I was feeling down and out after finishing yet another k drama (my princess, pretty good as well!). I remember complaining about not having anything to do, and fueled by my addiction of k dramas, I started on 성균관 스캔들. At first, I feared it was yet another historical drama (which I don't really have the taste for), but after 2 episodes, I got hooked.
Synopsis: The drama, set in the late joseon era, tells the story of a young woman, Kim Yoon Hee. Deep into the pits of poverty and still having to take care of a sick sibling, Yoon Hee dresses up as a man and finds herself entering SungKyunKwan, a school reserved only for the top scholars studying to become public officials. Together with scholar Lee Seon Jun, Gu Yong Ha and Moon Jae Shin, they stand up against and fight to change the status quo and to create a new Joseon.
Normally, I'd rate any drama which moves me to tears as a good
one, because to be able to sway your viewers emotions that far is commendable to any director and script writer. You could then say that this drama failed in that aspect, because I did not shed a tear. However, the brilliance of this drama lies not in its "tear jerking" quality, but in the skill that the director and scriptwriter has in controlling their viewer's emotions from the start to the end of the show. This drama made me laugh, and yet made me cry (well not quite, but more of emo). Furthermore, the cliffhangers at the end of every episode just keeps me coming back for more. If I didn't have to wake up early for work the next morning, I'd be watching the whole drama from start to end without stopping. The fact that the drama had me in the palm of its hand the whole time, controlling me (embarrassing but true) was what made this show such an amazing one.
Of course, it couldn't have been done without such an amazing cast. Being a girl, you can't help but fall for Micky Yoochun (from JYJ)! FYI, he plays the role of Lee Seon Jun! *fangirl mode*
If you're looking for a new k drama to watch and haven't watched Sungkyunkwan yet, don't be turned off by the fact that its set in a historical era! To me, ignoring the period, it's as good as any modern day romantic comedy. Especially for all the JYJ fans out there who haven't watched this drama yet, you should be ashamed of yourself! Get cracking!
