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It's okay
I didn't know what to expect when I first started watching however I wasn't too disappointed . ML acting was on point but the FML acting was predictable as it's really similar to all her previous character on shows I watch. Same crying face all the time, cry, put hand in forehead, cry, cover face with both hands, just predictable and slightly disappointed in her acting. Although I thought ML acting was on point, his character is just boring, naïve, innocence boy who got a sense of justice and bravery because of a girl. Their chemistry was strange, weak, and cry but not too unpleasant. Also the FL often bend her duties as a historian to fit her objective but refuse to see the outcome of her action, time and time again she is saved by her colleagues, but later says " I won't be able to respect you as my senior" because one of the historian took his job seriously and refuses to bend in order to match what she considers justice.My favorite character were definitely the side characters, Officer Min Woo Won, Crown Prince Yi Jin, and Song Sa Hee were infinitely more interesting to watch than the mains. they had strong convictions and went after them, they have strong sense of moral and justice considering who their parents are, however unlike the mains, they know that their actions have consequence and prepare for them, They don't have this unrealistic point of view of the world and understand the benefits and the negatives coming from rich families. Crown Prince Yi Jin and Song Sa Hee had better chemistry than the mains even though their relationship was barely showed. The FML had better chemistry with Officer Min Woo Won than she did with the ML.
Even Min Ik Pyung was a better character than the mains. He was interesting to watch, his ideal world was different than the previous King and went to create a place were his ideals were formed. He often gave the King really realistic advice and often for the better for the country not just himself. He wasn't the kindest person on the show but I have to really respect for he did what he thought was the best for the country.
Over all it was a good show but a lot of fillers in my opinion. the show could have been 6 episodes shorter and it wouldn't change the story.
If people ask me if this show is a must watch than no. It's not one of the better dramas but if you want a easy watch than I say go ahead.
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I have read a lot of reviews about the story being about the introduction of Christianity to old Joseon, but it's actually about how a people's king wanted to adapt the machine modernization to be able to make Joseon a progressive countr. by educating and teaching people from all classes. It was to make sure Joseon is able to stand amongst other countries in the modern machine revolutionization. But was manipulated into him trying to spread a new religion, to their advantage by the new king and min minister to seize the throne.
Although the story might have been around the male lead, most of the scenes were based around the fl. It was an empowering storyline.The Female lead is not just a damsel in distress in this one but is fighting headstrong. Unlike the usual titsy bitsy FL, she helped actually make progress in their search.
Cha Eun Woo's acting can really be seen here, unlike his usual tsundere roles. I love the chemistry that the brothers shared. Jin was a just king and I loved that he was able to get the throne. Yi Rim in spite of being the legal heir was never interested in the throne. He always wanted to explore the world, as he mentions during their trip to Pyongyang. I love how he was able to finally do that at the end.
Though it might have certain plotholes, I loved a k-drama a lot after a really long time. I'm not much of a re-watcher so its ratings are low. But it has managed to cover lots of bits. some confusing plots at the beginning like Minister Min secret meeting with the king, the banning of the book becoming a big issue, Prince Dowon being isolated, the Queen's secretive propaganda, French guy's brother all seemed like not a necessary part of the storyline but all make so much sense by the end.
I usually don't go for this kind of genre. But this was a refreshing one, and I'm going to be looking more at other drama of this kind.
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This review may contain spoilers
Joseon itch? This show will scratch it.
It's good. Really. Not amazing, when I look back at it, but it had some great moment like when the Historians boarded themselves in the office.I'll say no, I don't think Cha Eun-Woo is a *bad* actor. He got too much hate for his role in this, and I think he's fine, especially as he's better here than in his previous work and only improves as an actor throughout the series. I think the people who are complaining are maybe just not that used to Joseon dramas and don't realise the weight of the characters words. (That being said, I'm all set to never see that man cry again, because gosh I saw him do it enough in this show.)
I especially feel like he's gotten a tough time because it's hard to remember what an *amazing* cast is surrounding him. Not a single person was bad in this, in my opinion. They were very strong actors and it was probably just difficult for him in a big role for something of this budget.
Anyway. Yeah. It's a Joseon drama. If you've watched one, you know. The evil dude in the red robe, a crown prince is hurt or killed, there's ninjas and poverty and bitchy court women and a grumpy elder. And a plethora of great, epic songs and misunderstandings and run ins between the characters. I appreciate that Hae Ryung kept her independence as a person whilst still dating Yi Rim, but the plot beyond that is a mess.
It felt like the first half of the show started off incredibly strong, and then by episode 13 or so, it crumbles at the mention of the Seoraewon plot. It's like the show *forgets* what made it so great as it goes on, and found myself bored towards the end and squinting at plot twists and character motives. Really? The characters went through ALL that, just for Yi Rim to go "nah, I'm good. Really. I'm still renouncing my title and going for a walk around the world". Why did no one ask Yi Rim what he thought until *after* they'd won?
Not to mention the glaring issues;
What was the point of the weird romantic tension between U-won and Hae Ryung?
Why did they make such a fuss about sneaking Jean out the palace when Hae Ryung used a hole in the wall that directly entered Nokseodong? For a smart person, why didn't she mention that?
There's more, but I'd be here a while, and they were just examples of what I didn't like it and why it constantly took me out of the immersion and stopped me getting back into the plots. (Especially since the final scene was just one big conversation for 10 minutes where everyone surprisingly listened to the prince nobody took seriously at first).
That being said, it had a great production value, and everything was done well with good music. (One complaint is how strong the overhead lights actually were and how they looked too fluorescent in some scenes so you could tell and it didn't look natural, and that dubbing over in some parts is overwhelming and the actors are too close to the mics, and even in some scenes, the dubbing is timed wrong so they don't match the actors' lips.
AND ALL THAT BEING SAID, it was still a great drama with a nice ending. It's not Scarlett Heart Ryeo or The Moon Embracing the Sun, but it never claimed to be them. It was just a nice drama that didn't leave you bawling your eyes out at it.
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Perfect for late evenings when you are tired
It's funny, like really funny. Everyone has a personality, literally everyone. As the title suggests, this drama really focuses on Goo Hae Ryung. The struggles of a woman taking a male dominated job was too realistically portrayed without losing the comedy. The romance is not the main part but the drama isn't a serious thriller either. Each and every moment is light hearted until the last few episodes, and once they go in that serious mode they stay there. I will admit i skipped a few scenes because they ware just too 'slow', but it was not a lot of times. The only thing you need to know before diving into the drama is... absolutely nothing. That's it. Go into it open minded without expecting anything. .That's actually the usual philosophy i use for watching anything. You don't have to worry about sloppy editing or bad acting, because there isn't any in the drama. Some might think that the male lead was a bad actor and even for this drama he might be. He was supposed to make cartoonish expressions and the expressions were funny but it also easily distracted you from the show. My favourite funny characters must be Goo Hae Thing's maid and Prince's eunach.All being said the drama is a lovely watch. I won't say you must definately watch it, but it's really comedic.
Kind-of SPOILER
I was worried a good character would turn bad around 19th episode.
All characters are secretly good.
SPOILER
they don't kiss
Until eleventh episode
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This is a very good feminist kdrama in some way. It follows the main character who decided to be a female historian for the first time ever. Which of course is a big no no in Joseon Dynasty lol. Its very good built in my opinions, so many pure relationships get formed, many likeable characters as well. Eunwoo plays here as well, okay to be honest his character is the cliche cold guy but atleast hes a bit silly here and cute, he really did well here. Romance is the last thing i remember here tbh, im glad it didnt focus on that a lot and it was mostly about people accepting women in work. Really recommend this kdrama! Was this review helpful to you?
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Good stuff
I will not deny that I watched this series because I adore Cha Eun Woo. I wanted to explore and watch his works, so I stumble upon this series on my list so there's that. I kinda liked the plot for a historical romance but I'm not super impressed though. FL did have an okay-chemistry with ML. This period series is a delightful blend of romance, history, and palace intrigue! The love story between the main leads is sweet, and while the romantic moments could’ve had a bit more spark or a bit deeper dive, their chemistry was undeniable, and their relationship unfolded naturally. The plot follows Goo Hae Ryung’s journey as a historian, diving into palace politics, hidden secrets, and incredible character growth throughout. The cast shines in bringing these characters to life, with the supporting roles playing just as vital a part in the story. Expect a mix of action, heartfelt tinge yet believable romance, moments of tragedy, and perfectly timed humor that lightens the heavier palace drama. It's a well-rounded watch that strikes a perfect balance, making it a truly enjoyable experience. Definitely worth watching!Was this review helpful to you?
I have to praise Se-kyung for getting so much better in acting, seriously she has improved a lot. Eunwoo wasn't as good but I think that's okay considering he's a rookie actor. The rest of the cast was incredible as well and they all seem to have lots of experience.
Plot was good, but there were some chapters where I got bored and then got lost and didn't understand what was happening. I think the story could have been shortened a bit, but still it was enjoyable.
Definitely this is the best historical drama I've seen to date (I haven't seen many, though. But the few I checked out kinda sucked..), so I'm excited to keep diving into this sub-genre.
7.5/10
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A Beautiful Drama That Isn't Just About the Romance
The first thing I will say about this drama is that I found it very beautiful. Literally. The costumes and sets were all very pretty. The lighting was used to appropriately set the mood in different scenes. I loved watching this drama just to see all of the beautiful historical costumes and hairstyles.Second, Cha Eun-woo actually really surprised me in this drama. I had previously only seen him in My ID is Gangnam Beauty and True Beauty. His character in both of those dramas was pretty serious and what I would even describe as stoic, but I saw a different side of his acting in Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung. His character was pretty funny and made me laugh many times. His crying scenes are also very realistic and beautifully acted. I feel like this character highlighted his wide range of acting abilities better than the other 2 dramas I have seen him in. Although I loved True Beauty, I feel that this was my favorite role of his thus far.
Third, this is actually the only drama I have watched where I actually noticed and enjoyed the music. Most of the time the music does not even impact me at all and I mostly don't even notice what kind of music is in the drama. However, the score for this drama was a great combination of bright and lively pieces as well as dark and somber pieces. The music always complimented the tone and ambience of the scene in my opinion.
I originally watched this drama because of the romantic storyline that I expected to be in it (because 95% of dramas have some kind of romantic storyline). However, this drama offered so much more that I actually became more interested in. While I did enjoy the romance between Hae Ryung and Li Rim, I found myself putting that story on the backburner in favor of the political intrigue that took the forefront in the second half of the drama. I really was invested in the outcome of the kingdom and the royal family. Also, I found that I really cared about supporting characters. I wanted all of the female historians to be accepted as official historians, I wanted U-min to be rid of his father's shadow, I wanted the remnants of the medical school to succeed. I really enjoy dramas that invest in supporting characters and make me care about them.
I took off half of a star because I did feel like the drama was very long. On Netflix, it is presented as twenty, hour-long episodes, so it is bit of a commitment. The rewatch value diminished because of that for me, but overall I still loved this drama and I would consider it to be one of my top 10 dramas.
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I took quite a bit of time to finish watching this drama but I'm glad that I finally did. This is a sweet and beautiful drama, thanks to Shin Sekyung and Cha Eunwoo and lighthearted enough to be enjoyed while also having some serious bits of plot here and there and at the end. But mind you, as much as the drama was about historians doing their jobs, the setting itself was quite fictional; as in there weren't any such king that have been dethroned in the way depicted in this drama and no female historian were ever established. And while some of the key scenes like the arrival of Christianity to Joseon, the beginning of the vaccination practices of treating small poxes as well as groups taking interest in science were based on real life events, the events didn't actually happen as it's portrayed in the drama. So as long as you're aware of that, you should be able to enjoy this drama as it is. So far to date, there weren’t any other dramas that actually focused on historians in the time period and the kind of work they do. I mean, you do see them in some other stories but they rarely became the central role. Because of that, it was interesting to see how such profession could have functioned during the Joseon period. And I have to say that it was interesting to see how the early methods to vaccination to treat a disease first started or how the process of compiling daily records of the palace were compiled into annals.
That aside, the drama also had some romcom elements like the romance between Prince Dowon and the rookie historian Goo Haeryung, which also had some kinda triangle with a senior historian Min Uwon. There were also a few other pairs like the relationship between the Crown Prince with fellow rookie historian Song Sahui, amongst a few others. And it was fun to see how the characters juggle between doing their job and romance as well as deciding where should their loyalties stand as the historians fought in making sure that history was written and recorded accurately.
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Not your usual Palace drama and it was MOST entertaining :)
Palace dramas usually focus on the king and his beloved so it was so refreshing that this storyline was between one of the princes and a court historian.The FL was pretty and witty and paired well with the boyishly charming ML. Theirs was a romance that was sweet and funny and made me feel good.
Learning about how historians played an important role in the palace was eye opening and this focus made the whole drama more appealing to me as it was something I had not known about before.
Do watch this if you need something lighthearted and romantic.
You will find yourself smiling at the end of the drama :)
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