Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung (2019)

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword

In a world for of societal pressures, what will you be?

I have a lot of appreciation for what RHGHR was going for, the good, the bad, and the cuteness.

The era this is set in was full of turmoil as the world around it changed, but time stood still there. This drama captures those struggles and happenings within the palace, mainly focusing on the women's role within the walls. It's a mystery, romance, adventure drama that was easy to watch and a nice break from other body count heavy historical dramas (yes, I'm looking at you Scarlet Heart).

There is some drama (what would a historical drama be without some power hungry mongrel) but all is well in drama land as this issue is dealt with quite quickly and concisely. The ending was almost too quick for my liking, but left a smile on my face nevertheless, so I didn't have a big problem with it.

The music is lovely, the acting good (nothing groundbreaking), and the conflicts and humor were well-placed. There is much character development to be had, and a lot of light moments are spread throughout to keep the viewing experience pleasant. This drama faces societal pressures and norms head-on, and I'm very much here for it. There were challenges as to what was right and wrong, and where the grey in society should be placed. The male lead's character here was also very soft in comparison to a lot of dramas, with the woman saving him most of the time, but his character had balance between brave and sweet. It was nice to watch. The women here are kickass and meddlesome in the best ways as well.

All in all, a lovely, romance driven, light watch with some plot to it that keeps the drama from dragging. This is by no means a fast pace, heart-pounding, watch. It was highly enjoyable since I needed a break from the heaviness of other dramas. I would recommend if you're looking for something cute and fresh with some plot.

Leggi di Più

How to turn your government internship into a main character moment and achieve justice

Have you ever asked yourself, what would it be like to be a scribe interning in the royal palace of 1700s Korea? Most certainly, I had not. But I’m so glad I randomly came across this drama, because it’s probably my favorite that I’ve ever watched so far.

First of all, to be clear, Rookie Historian is an elaborate and dynamic political drama far before it is a romance. Rather, it is an intricate exploration of duty, integrity, and ethics that continues to escalate in a narrative filled with twists and turns. There are indeed some pleasant comedic hijinks (just skirting the lines of ridiculousness in a way that works), and a delectable but absurdly petite romance plot between the female and male lead (don’t be mislead by the romance novelist antics of the pilot); as well as often feeling slightly like an office dramedy, but the at the end of the day, you’re in for a ride of court politics that will keep you binging until the intense finale. Just remember to savor the happy and silly times, because they will be over by the third act!

Setting: I found this drama to be a deeply interesting cultural exploration as an American who knows very little of Korean history, let alone palace culture. If you like western governmental political dramas like me, this will hit the spot in a way you would never see coming.

Theme: I was not expecting this drama to be so rich thematically! Clashing of ideals, tradition versus change, power versus equity, loyalty and ambition, justice and truth, and the importance of history, literacy, and free expression. A great recipe with a surprisingly satisfying result.

Characters: The protagonist Hae-Ryung is likable and fierce, and among many characters that you will find yourself rooting for, even as you witness them make humanizing mistakes. Yi Rim is totally adorable, that’s about all I have to say on that.

Romance: I am the tiniest bit irked that we got edged on the romance, of course–the kisses were barely more than chaste! At the same time, I would have been completely happy for GHR and YR to just be platonic partners in crime, but since they decided to include catching feelings, I wanted that to actually go somewhere..oh well. They got an ending that suited their desires.

I’m already concerned that I may not be able to find other dramas that engage me like this one.

Leggi di Più

My favorite drama ever.

I went into this drama not expecting much, it was my first period drama and I just fell in love with it.
The show overall just made sense in every aspect.
The romance was not rushed or too slow, it is unproblematic, no major twists at the end, and it had a nice and clear ending. I especially appreciate that there's absolutely no filler and every scene has a purpose.
Everything about this drama is so beautiful, the costumes, the music, the acting... I just love it.
I love the politics in this drama as well and highlights feminism a lot in it.
I thouroughly enjoyed all the side characters and they all contributed to the story in some way and were very nicely thought out.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to start getting into period dramas, or just kdramas in general.
It's so rewatchable and really easy to follow and to understand!

Leggi di Più

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.

Leggi di Più

This is by far my favorite Korean historical dram I've ever seen i love the balance between the romance and the conspiracy. the political intrigue was interesting and it went in a lot of interesting directions. Eunwoo got to play a different character to what i usually see him doing. Glad to see him show a little bit of range . This is a show that could have been a very basic love story and that is what I was expecting but it took it's concept a different direction and elevated it's story to something truly special and I loved every second of it. None of the characters are basic they all have motivations and you can see why they do the things they do. It know where to add humor and where to be serious and for Korean drama that is always a plus.

Leggi di Più

This drama was a lot more than your average k-drama full of fluff gorgeous male main lead and a trying to fight hard female lead. It was more than just romance & banter. It's the story of how two kids fight for their father, the right & the betterment of their country. It involved mystery, drama, comedy, romance all in equal amounts. It was never about getting the throne, like every other historic drama. It showed how powerful a historian can be. Just by being just and doing right, a historian can change the fate of a kingdom. It's about how a boy isolated from the world his whole life comes to know of his right and fights for the wrong done to him.

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.

Leggi di Più

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.

Leggi di Più

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

Leggi di Più

Si Joseon m'était contée...

Avec déjà plusieurs dramas historiques à mon actif, je peux dire que peu rentrent dans mes bonnes grâces à part peut-être Hwarang : the beginning et ... celui-ci. Effectivement, j'ai beaucoup aimé ce drama et pour de nombreuses raisons que je vais expliquer ci-après, mais bien sûr il y a des points négatifs que je relèverais en fin de critique.

Par contre, j'espère que vous m'excuserez par avance, j'ai un problème pour retenir les noms de beaucoup de personnages quand il s'agit de dramas historiques, donc, il m'arrivera de ne pas mentionner les noms des personnages ou des acteurs mais je ferai tout pour qu'ils vous soient reconnaissables.

L'histoire :

Le récit nous plonge dans le Joseon du XIXe siècle (donc approximativement les années 1800), et dans l'intimité et le quotidien de la famille royale du moment via l'intronisation d'historiennes - une première pour l'époque! - au sein du bureau des enregistrements royaux.

Ce drama aborde, sur fond de romance, de nombreux thèmes encore importants de nos jours comme, en premier lieu, le féminisme et l'inégalité des droits hommes-femmes mais également le manque de parité entre différents niveaux de la société. L'histoire nous parle également de recherche de vérité, de désir de liberté face aux responsabilités de chacun mais aussi de la notion d'abnégation et d'honneur dans son travail et enfin de l'importance cruciale des écrits historiques face à la littérature populaire.
Pour développer tout ça, il a été choisi comme toile de fond une époque qui commence à changer face au progrès venu d'occident. Une histoire bien chargée déjà, à laquelle il faut rajouter des secrets de cour et sur fond de romance bien évidemment au vu des deux personnages principaux qui ne peuvent que s'aimer.

Les personnages :

Concernant notre couple lead, nous avons donc en premier lieu, Shin Se Gyeong qui joue le rôle de Gu Hae Ryeong, une jeune femme de 26 ans qui apparaît comme quelqu'un de déterminé et qui n'a pas l'habitude de se laisser faire. Elle nous montre qu'elle fera tout pour réussir la voie qu'elle s'est elle-même choisie, elle veut être là pour raconter l'histoire et ce sera son sacerdoce tout au long de l'histoire. De plus, c'est aussi une femme qui a de la répartie et, bien qu'elle respecte la plupart des règles et lois, elle est souvent considérée comme impertinente car elle ne se laisse pas faire, mais c'est ce qui lui a permis de réussir à devenir historienne en définitive. J'avais déjà rencontré Shin Se Gyeong dans le rôle de So Ah dans le drama Bride of the Water God et je l'avais déjà beaucoup appréciée mais ici c'est incomparable! Son caractère déterminé, sa dévotion dans son travail et également son humour dans ses blagues et ses réparties m'ont tout de suite conquis.e.
Ensuite, passons à Cha Eun Woo qui incarne le prince Lee Rim. Il est vrai que je lui ai tout de suite trouvé une belle tête de naïf et également assez « difficile de la comprenette ». Dès l'épisode 5, je l'avait catégorisé comme le gamin naïf sous des ressorts de « demoiselle en détresse », mais, au contact de notre lead féminine, celui-ci va commencer à changer subtilement et aussi à cause de (ou grâce à) plusieurs situations assez difficiles qui vont s'imposer à lui. Il vérifie ici l'adage qui dit que les épreuves nous font grandir et le gamin naïf se change peu à peu en homme et, quel homme! Il développera des trésors de bravoure tout en sachant rester fidèle à ses convictions et ses désirs.

À propos du personnage de Min Wu Won, joué par Lee Ji Hoon que j'ai apparemment croisé dans Hymn of Death (je n'en ai aucun souvenir, désolé Jee Hoon ssi !), il développe ici un historien plein de droiture au passé douloureux. Il m'a beaucoup touché dans sa façon de faire comme l'a fait également le frère de Lee Rim, le prince héritier donc, qui se montre très protecteur et très présent auprès de son petit frère malgré les responsabilités énormes qui pèsent sur ses épaules.

Enfin, beaucoup de seconds, voire troisièmes rôles m'ont beaucoup plu surtout parce qu'ils m'ont fait énormément rire comme les historiens du bureau (big up pour l'historien en chef, au passage) et également le personnage de l'eunuque du jeune prince ou ses suivantes que j'ai surnommée « Tic et Tac les potiches du Prince » car il est vrai qu'au début, elle ne servent clairement à rien, puis, par la suite apportent un peu de fraîcheur par leur rôle comique.

Seul le rôle du roi en place ne m'a pas entièrement convaincu.e mais c'était quelque chose d'assez court dans le déroulement des épisodes, le reste du temps il collait bien à son rôle alors, je ne lui en tient pas rigueur.

Et, mention spéciale pour l'acteur Fabien Yoon qui joue le rôle de Jean-Baptiste Barthélemy, enfin un acteur français qui joue bien dans une production coréenne! Ah! Ça fait du bien! Parce que, je sais pas vous, mais moi j'en ai croisé dans d'autres dramas, au secours! S'ils représentent la France de cette façon et ben on est pas sortis des ronces! S'il vous faut une preuve, regardez donc le premier épisode de Shopping King Louis, quand le héros se rend dans une boutique de luxe, je vous mets au défi de ne pas ressentir un frisson de honte pour notre beau pays.

La réalisation :

Le drama nous plonge dans la trame dès le début avec des images particulièrement fortes parce qu'on assiste d'entrée de jeu à... un autodafé, rien que ça.
L'histoire veut nous montrer qu'il est important de relater les faits réels de l'Histoire avec un grand H pour les générations futures et qu'il faut le faire envers et contre tout mais sans vouloir non plus ajouter ou retirer quelque chose à ce qu'il s'est passé et rien de mieux, à mon sens, ne peut illustrer ce que le drama défend que la citation tirée de l'épisode 8 : « Dès qu'on décide de changer l'opinion de quelqu'un (...) on devient un romancier décrivant l'histoire à sa guise »
Le sujet est on ne peut plus sérieux et grave mais le drama sait instiller des scènes très drôles malgré les difficultés que les personnages pourront rencontrer. (Petit clin d'œil, d'ailleurs, à l'épisode 11 en mode « Règlement de comptes à OK Corral »)

Si on parle de la romance, celle-ci apparaît tout d'abord comme un simple aparté par rapport au reste de l'histoire puis elle prend une place prépondérante dès le dernier quart du drama. Bon, y'a pas de quoi grimper au rideau, c'est un drama historique donc ça reste tout mignon, genre amourette de cour d'école. SAUF la dernière scène de romance à la toute fin du drama, elle est juste ABSOLUT priceless!!!!! Mais je vous laisse découvrir...
Et certaines mises en scènes autour de la romance sont très rigolotes ( voir l'épisode 9 avec la baignade, je vous en dit pas plus, mais amateurs/trices de jolis pecs, foncez!)

Ensuite, certains pourraient dire qu'il y a des lenteurs, ( notamment dans l'épisode 12) mais celles-ci sont faites à dessein donc, dès qu'on a compris ça, ça passe nickel. Enfin, concernant, l'OST, rien d'exceptionnel mais il accompagne toujours idéalement les scènes.

Voilà pour tout ce qui m'a plu dans ce drama est ça fait beaucoup mais effectivement, certaines choses m'ont déplues.
Tout d'abord, on aborde la religion et plus particulièrement le catholicisme qui, par moment est dépeint comme une religion où tous sont considérés comme égaux aux yeux de Dieu, alors, aux yeux de Dieu, je dis d'accord mais dans les faits et la réalité (surtout celle de l'époque), je dis... C'TE BLAGUE!
Ensuite et pour finir, on prend comme exemple venant de l'occident, un personnage venant de France et un personnage qui est instruit mais là il se conduit de manière ahurissante comme un gros barbare, du coup, ses détracteurs ont un peu raison de le traiter de la sorte. Pour ceux qui le veulent, je m'explique davantage en zone SPOIL.

ATTENTION SPOIL
Il se met « cul nu » devant tout le monde pour pisser sur les fleurs devant la maison du prince, mais QUI FAIT ÇA?? Même à cette époque et en plus si on est quelqu'un de lettré donc d'une échelle sociale un peu élevée.
FIN DU SPOIL

Voilà, j'ai beaucoup apprécié ce drama tout de même car j'ai souvent été déçu.e, comme je l'ai dit, par les œuvres se passant à l'époque Joseon. Je n'ai pas abordé la photo réalisation car comme d'habitude c'est magnifique et toujours très bien travaillé.

Maintenant, à vous de vous faire votre avis.

Leggi di Più

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!

Leggi di Più

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!

Leggi di Più