South Korea · Drama · 2019
Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
Synopsis
Goo Hae-ryung is a free-spirited noblewoman who has no interest in the marriage her family expects of her, and instead ends up recruited into the palace as one of Joseon's first female historians, a role the court creates as a way to plant spies among the very officials who keep pushing to ban books and suppress dangerous ideas. Her job is to record the king's words exactly as spoken, without omission or flattery, a principle the historians are willing to fight for even when it puts them directly at odds with the court.
Among the people she's assigned to record is Prince Dowon, Yi Rim, who has a secret of his own: he writes popular romance novels under a pen name, a pursuit entirely unfitting for a royal and one that puts him and Hae-ryung on a collision course before anything between them turns personal. Running alongside their story is a second timeline set twenty years earlier, following a Western-influenced academy whose ideas the crown ultimately crushes, a history that turns out to be more connected to the present-day court than either Hae-ryung or Dowon initially realizes.
"Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung" aired on MBC from July 17 to September 26, 2019, across 20 episodes, starring Shin Se-kyung as Hae-ryung, Cha Eun-woo as Prince Dowon, and Park Ki-woong as Crown Prince Yi Jin.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung cast
Best scenes
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Hae Ryung's Bold Entrance: In the opening episode, Hae Ryung (Shin Se Kyung) challenges societal norms by reading forbidden literature aloud, showcasing her rebellious spirit.
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Secret Romance Unveiled: The clandestine relationship between Prince Yi Rim (Cha Eun Woo) and Hae Ryung reaches a poignant climax when they share a heartfelt conversation under the moonlight, revealing their true feelings.
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Historical Confrontation: Hae Ryung stands up to senior historians, advocating for women's rights in the royal court, marking a pivotal moment in the series.
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Crown Prince's Dilemma: Crown Prince Yi Jin (Park Ki Woong) faces a moral conflict between duty and family loyalty, adding depth to his character.
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Epilogue Revelation: The final episode offers a glimpse into the future, highlighting the lasting impact of Hae Ryung's trailblazing efforts.
Filming locations
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Changdeokgung Palace: Many palace scenes were filmed here, capturing the grandeur of Joseon-era architecture.
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Bukchon Hanok Village: The traditional Korean houses provided an authentic backdrop for various scenes.
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Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park: This location's historical gates and pathways were used for several outdoor sequences.
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Yeolhwajeong Pavilion in Boseong: Featured in the series, this pavilion is located in Ganggol Village, Deungnyang-myeon, Boseong County.
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Hadong House of Choi Champan: A popular filming site for historical dramas, it added authenticity to the series.
Visual design and costumes
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Authentic Hanboks: The characters donned meticulously designed traditional Korean attire, reflecting their social statuses.
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Vibrant Color Palette: The use of rich, vibrant colors in costumes and set designs enhanced the visual appeal.
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Detailed Set Designs: The production team recreated historical settings with attention to detail, immersing viewers in the era.
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Symbolic Accessories: Characters' accessories, such as hairpins and hats, were chosen to symbolize their roles and personalities.
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Cinematic Lighting: Strategic lighting techniques were employed to evoke the desired mood in various scenes.
Themes and messages
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Gender Equality: The series highlights the struggle for women's rights and equality in a patriarchal society.
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Pursuit of Knowledge: It emphasizes the importance of education and intellectual freedom.
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Love vs. Duty: Characters grapple with personal desires conflicting with societal expectations.
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Historical Integrity: The role of historians in preserving unbiased records is a central theme.
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Breaking Stereotypes: The narrative challenges traditional gender roles and societal norms.
Interesting facts
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Netflix Collaboration: The drama's entire 13 billion won budget was financed by Netflix, marking a significant investment in Korean historical dramas.
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Real Historical References: The series incorporates elements from the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty, adding authenticity to the storyline.
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Shin Se Kyung's Sageuk Experience: Lead actress Shin Se Kyung is known for her roles in historical dramas, bringing depth to her portrayal of Hae Ryung.
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Cha Eun Woo's Dual Role: ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo plays Prince Yi Rim, who secretly authors romance novels under a pseudonym, showcasing his versatility.
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Cultural Heritage Sites: Filming at various cultural heritage sites across Korea added authenticity and visual richness to the series.
Real-life loves on set
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of "Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung." While the on-screen chemistry between Shin Se-kyung and Cha Eun-woo is compelling, it remains within the realm of their professional performances. Both actors have expressed gratitude for their roles and the experiences during filming, but no indications suggest any off-screen romance.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2019-07-17 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2019-07-18 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2019-07-24 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2019-07-25 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2019-07-31 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2019-08-01 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2019-08-07 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2019-08-08 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2019-08-14 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2019-08-15 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2019-08-21 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2019-08-22 | Aired | |
| 13 | Episode 13 | 2019-08-28 | Aired | |
| 14 | Episode 14 | 2019-08-29 | Aired | |
| 15 | Episode 15 | 2019-09-04 | Aired | |
| 16 | Episode 16 | 2019-09-05 | Aired | |
| 17 | Episode 17 | 2019-09-18 | Aired | |
| 18 | Episode 18 | 2019-09-19 | Aired | |
| 19 | Episode 19 | 2019-09-25 | Aired | |
| 20 | Episode 20 | 2019-09-26 | Aired |
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