Set in the Joseon Dynasty, "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" follows the lives of four handsome young scholars studying at Sungkyunkwan University, delving into their bonds of love and friendship. Kim Yun-Hee (Park Min-Young), a diligent and intelligent young woman, shoulders the responsibility of supporting her family after her father's demise while excelling in her studies.
In a twist of fate, she assumes her brother's identity to take part in a men's only national exam. During the exam, she befriends Lee Seon-Joon (Micky Yoochun), a privileged and handsome but arrogant peer. Their journey unfolds as they both pass the exam and end up sharing a room at Sungkyunkwan University.
At Sungkyunkwan University, Ku Yong-Ha (played by Song Jong-Ki) excels in singing, drinking, and holds a magnetic appeal for the opposite sex. When he uncovers Kim Yun-Hee's true identity as a woman, he decides to keep her secret for his own amusement, stealthily observing her within the school's confines. Over time, however, Ku Yong-Ha finds himself developing feelings for Kim Yun-Hee.
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Sungkyunkwan Scandal Plot Overview And Context
Meanwhile, Moon Jae-Sin (portrayed by Yoo Ah-In) grapples with personal issues at Sungkyunkwan. Known for his impulsive nature, Moon Jae-Sin often acts before considering the consequences. He harbors deep resentment towards his politician father and his opportunistic ways, using his time at Sungkyunkwan as an opportunity to confront him.
Moon Jae-Sin also uncovers Kim Yun-Hee's hidden identity and endeavors to shield her from harm, all while secretly harboring desires to spend his life with her. Set in an era where societal norms prohibit women from pursuing education or employment, Kim Yoon-hee (portrayed by Park Min-young) assumes the guise of her brother, Kim Yoon-shik, to support her family financially.
After struggling through various odd jobs, primarily at a local bookstore, she seizes the chance to augment her income by illegally substituting for the upcoming entrance examination at Sungkyunkwan, the most prestigious educational institution in the Joseon Dynasty. She is apprehended by the principled Lee Sun-joon (portrayed by Park Yoo-chun), who later recognizes Yoon-hee's abilities and encourages her to enroll in the university.
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Once there, she navigates through the constant mischief of upperclassman Gu Yong-ha (played by Song Joong-ki), copes with the unpredictable behavior of her rebellious roommate Moon Jae-shin (portrayed by Yoo Ah-in), avoids clashes with the strict student body president Ha In-soo (portrayed by Jun Tae-soo), and strives to safeguard her secret identity while grappling with her burgeoning feelings for Lee Sun-joon.
Set against the backdrop of King Jeongjo's reign and his struggles with factional politics, the drama unfolds with the quartet becoming embroiled in the monarch's challenges. The concluding episodes revolve around the Geumdeung document. Sungkyunkwan, revered as a bastion of Confucian scholarship, serves as a crucible where students and mentors engage in transformative exchanges, fostering profound shifts in their perspectives.
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Such is the sanctity of the institution that even royal guards are barred from its premises. The series garnered a passionate fan following that exceeded its modest mid-teen ratings. Its cult status was evident through the substantial online engagement on its official website's message boards and the popular portal DC Inside, as well as the impressive number of episode views on the KBS website, and the robust sales of DVDs and OST albums.
The original soundtrack, featuring Park Yoo-chun's band JYJ, quickly sold 110,000 copies within a couple of weeks. Utilizing the historic campus of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) as its backdrop added to the allure of the fusion historical drama, especially with the inclusion of SKKU alumnus Song Joong-ki in the cast. This led to heightened interest in SKKU from international audiences who tuned in to watch the drama.
