Ever wanted to watch a sageuk drama but felt like they are too ”out there”? Sungkyunkwan Scandal would be the perfect introduction to historical Korean dramas – it has a common plot and quirkiness that can be found similar to the popular rom coms, such as "You’re Beautiful", for example. Just when you have got used to the traditional culture - the customs, the clothing and the way of speaking - you get to like it, more and more and you find yourself hooked on the sageuk dramas. Although the plot that consists mainly of a woman pretending to be a man, is rather used in Asian dramas, it does that freshly in SKKS. Main character, Kim Yoon Hee, is a smart, determined and an independent woman opposite to those clueless girls who just happen to find themselves in a situation where they can not reveal that they have the XX-chromosomes rather than those of XY. Although that our main heroine needs some help time to time it doesn't make herr too helpless or naive. Actually, who wouldn't need some helping hand, as you live as an only woman in a man inhabitant dormitory? The group around Yoon Hee, the upright Lee Sun Joon, the smart playboy Goo Yong Ha and the rebellious Moon Jae Shin, forms eventually a close group of loyal friends who help each other in a need and value and fight for their views of life. It is refreshing to watch the group power that only grows with each episode. Sungkyunkwan Scandal blends very well many different genres in a one drama: it has romance, drama, mystery, investigation, historical, action, school life and for the most – humor. Still it doesn't feel like losing under the number of genres but continues to surprise after each episode. Unlike the most dramas, it doesn't lose touch even in the very end and you get easily hooked on the flow. What I loved to follow the most in this drama, was the relationship between Moon Jae Shin and Goo Yong Ha. They are completely opposite but was it then the plot, the direction or the brilliant acting, the viewer gets the feeling of a strong friendship and appreciation between them. As mentioned about the acting already, I would say that I’m not too convinced about Park Yoochun's and Park Min Young's acting - which was a bit stiff for my liking – but to compensate these actors you get Song Joon Ki and Yoo Ah In who are both gifted with amazing talents. If I could have changed something in this drama, it would have been those overly acting sidekicks of Ha In Soo and the weird “time leaps” witch leave you with multiple question marks saying “how did THAT happen?”. Despite these lacks, Sungkyunkwan Scandal is a fresh, warm drama that I don’t regret watching! --- Story 8.5 - The story was full of great little twists that wouldn't let the drama turn out to be boring, even towards the very end. There were couple of moments than just seemed to happen though, against any logical reasoning, and made me reduce some points in this section. The most of the characters, on the other hand, were fresh and really likable. Acting/Cast 8 - I wasn't that convinced for Park Yoochun's and Park Min Young's acting but loved Yoo Ah In and Song Joong Ki! Music 6 - Nothing special with the soundtrack. It was not bad but it didn't stick in my mind either. Overall pleasant but not amazing! Rewatch value 8 - There happened a lot in this drama which is a part of the reason that it wouldn't get boring to rewatch it - on the other hand though there were many things that stirred the excitement to me while watching it and knowing the things that will happen in the drama may make it a bit boring while rewatching it. Overall 9 - Overall I loved it, despite of it lacks. The characters, the humor, the power of friendship, the freshness of the drama and the brilliant acting (mostly by Yoo Ah In and Song Joong Ki) got me hooked till the very end. Highly recommend!!