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Sungkyunkwan Scandal: Episode 4

[Well, you asked, and you asked, and some of you cried…so here’s red pill to answer your prayers and comfort your souls. Sungkyunkwan lovers of the world, rejoice! -GF]

Dear Micky Yoochun’s acting coach,

You’re doing a bang-up job. Please keep it up.

Love, red pill

SONG OF THE DAY

윤하 (Yoon-ha) – “My Song And…”

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LESSON 4 RECAP

While somewhere across the campus Yoon-hee is asking Sun-joon to switch dorms, Jae-shin is being fussed over by his (only?) friend Yong-ha. Is he sick? That’s the only logical explanation why the “mad horse” Jae-shin would’ve spent a night in the same room with Sun-joon, son of the leader of the Noron political faction. After all, Jae-shin abhors anyone who’s a Noron. So why did Sun-joon get the a-okay to stay in the room?

Jae-shin hasn’t given his consent to anything just yet; he wants to see how long Sun-joon can last in the room.

 

Yoon-hee naively believes that the only way the mini-war with In-soo will end is if Sun-joon moves to the west wing, where all the Noron boys live.

Sun-joon wants to know what’s so wrong about following a simple principle. Sungkyunkwan (hereafter “SKK”) is supposed to be a place of equality, where birth determines nothing, especially not who lives where. Yet he’s being pressured to act against his principles by the majority and those with power.

The other students don’t care about his sincere intentions, but it’s mutual in that he doesn’t care about them either. “What I care about is your opinion.” (Swoon. Yes, I realize he doesn’t like-like her yet, but I’m still swooning here. What can I say? I’m a total sap.)

But Yoon-hee doesn’t have the leisure to consider anything other than survival. Her only desire is to make it through SKK in one piece; that’s her principle, philosophy and wish. The glistening tears and the desperate earnestness render Sun-joon at a loss of words.

Seems In-soo’s plan to get to Sun-joon through Yoon-hee will work.

 

The Red Messenger’s latest red leaflet reads that the thief of the Geumdeungjisa is a corrupt subject of the nation, and the king who ignores the blood-stained truth is a coward. The Geumdeungjisa is a mysterious book that supposedly tells all about how the Norons tricked King Yeong-jo into bringing about the death of his son, Crown Prince Sado. [History lesson provided at the end of this recap.]

The king orders the war minister, Minister Ha, to capture the Red Messenger to settle the matter. How they expect to catch anyone with a police sketch that only shows the eyes is beyond me, but wanted posters are dutifully put up around the city and guards are posted at the gates to check the eyes of everyone entering the city.

Minister Ha wants Red at all costs before the king’s private guards catch him first. He does have a lead: during the last chase, Red disappeared into banchon, the area around SKK (think Westwood near UCLA).

Yong-ha is still concerned about Jae-shin, but this time for a different reason. “Were you okay? Didn’t you *hic* last night?” Hilariously, Jae-shin has this nervous disorder where he hiccups around anything and everything female (this is gonna be loads of fun later). Yong-ha expected him to show some kind of physical reaction to Yoon-hee, but the hiccups must be mental because Jae-shin believes there isn’t a female for miles and therefore slept just fine.

Just as Jae-shin’s about to take a swig of his liquor, Yong-ha stops him and reminds him that it’s the first day of classes. If Jae-shin fails another class, he’ll be kicked out of school. And Yong-ha for one won’t let that happen. Lighten up, Jae-shin replies, this (seriousness) isn’t like you.

Yes, Yong-ha, you’re cutest when you’re cheeky and smirky (though your serious look is pretty hot as well!).

 

It’s time for the first lesson, and all the freshman (plus Jae-shin, who probably has to make up the class for failing it before) file towards the classroom. Do-hyun the super senior is the person to go to for the 411 on professors. Unfortunately, this is Professor Jung Yak-yong’s first year of teaching so all Do-hyun has on him are rumors and nothing concrete.

Rumor has it that Professor Jung was fired from his last government job for corruption and taking bribes.

I don’t know about corruption, but looks to me that Professor Jung will be that quirky professor who charms us as well as dispenses invaluable knowledge. Oddball professor that he is, he takes a chamber pot to his first class instead of books. The ever-serious Professor Yoo Chang-ik is appalled.

 

We see Jae-shin in proper school attire for the first time when Yoon-hee runs into him outside the classroom. Hilariously, he closes the door on Yoon-hee. Just wait until he starts mooning over her (I have my fingers crossed that this’ll happen!).

Inside, there are exactly two seats left: one beside Sun-joon and one beside Jae-shin. It’s a rock and a hard place, but it’s telling that Yoon-hee would rather sit beside Jae-shin. Unfortunately for her, Jae-shin decides he’ll take the class lying down. She’s stuck sitting beside Sun-joon.

This class is about the Analects of Confucius. Students are graded pass/no-pass at the end of each class, five no-passes will result in failing the class, and three failures at SKK lead to expulsion and other dire consequences.

Enter the chamber pot. Or shall we call it “the bribery pot”? A small donation will result in an improved grade. On schedule, Sun-joon’s forehead begins to wrinkle. Most students dump what coins or rings they have into the pot; Sun-joon and Yoon-hee pass on partaking.

 

Professor Jung collects quite a bit in his chamber pot. He claims the pot to be a widow’s cruse and proceeds to… put on a magic show? He pulls different colored cloths from it, sets fire to it by snapping his fingers and produces fruit from it, much to the amazement of most of his class.

Except, of course, Sun-joon, who calls for a stop to all this foolishness. It’s a waste of time. (Man, if I were his classmate, I’d instantly hate him…)

The other students clamor that the magic tricks are great fun while Sun-joon stays a stick in the mud. He asks if Professor Jung disregards the study of Confucianism and the classics because he is a believer of shilhak (practical learning). Professor Jung denies this and proceeds to smash the chamber pot on the floor (it’s now empty – Woo-tak mutters, “My gold ring…”).

There were lessons to be learned in what appeared to be foolishness: (1) A wise man is not limited in capacity. If he truly seeks truth, he should not be bound by his prejudices. How brave (of Sun-joon) to assume that Professor Jung hates the classics because he is well-informed of Western Learning. (2) A man of little education becomes easily stuck in his narrow-minded views and can become unnecessarily obstinate. Hence, one must study harder to better learn the truth. They must keep in mind that they’re SKK students now and no longer the big fish on campus in a small pond.

Jae-shin sits up, his face taking on an expression of respect.

“Your education comes from the blood and sweat of the people. Study hard and repay the debt. There is such a thing as ‘a better future for the people.’ It’s your duty to dream of a better Joseon. Please, let’s earn our keep.” Truly a wise man.

The only person who receives a pass for this particular lesson is Sun-joon. Reason being that the others happily enjoyed the magic show while Sun-joon was the only one who questioned the absurdity of the lesson. After all, wisdom is learned from the questions asked and not the answers. The world represented by the chamber pot no longer exists; in fact, a teacher is as useless as the pot. But one who questions will find the answers of his own accord. Like Sun-joon.

The Analects of Confucius are a record of the arguments between the inflexible Confucius and his smart students, all in an attempt to find a better world. Professor Jung suggests that they do the same.

 

Whether it’s the 18th century or the 21st, it’s never easy being the star pupil. Hae-won and Woo-tak sneeringly claim that Sun-joon’s passing mark is due to his father’s political influence (jealous much?) and we see Sun-joon lose his cool for the first time. He says that he should’ve used his father’s influence to stop cowards like these two from getting into SKK and wasting the country’s resources.

What could’ve ended up being a scuffle is stopped by Jae-shin’s laser glare, which makes Hae-won cower. Is Jae-shin feeling newfound respect for Sun-joon? We’ll have to wait and see to find out.

The other students decide to go drinking to celebrate their first day of classes and smooth things over between Sun-joon and the others. Sun-joon curtly declines the invite; he hates glossing over matters through drinking. The others drag Yoon-hee along, eager to begin a major Sun-joon gripe-fest.

Jae-shin calls Sun-joon out on his antisocial behavior. People come to SKK to hang out and form cliques, not to study. The “only I matter” and “holier than thou” attitude of Sun-joon’s doesn’t fit in at SKK.

Sun-joon astutely points out that by this reasoning, Jae-shin doesn’t fit in at SKK either, which Jae-shin willingly admits is true. But the difference between them two is that Jae-shin can leave at any time while Sun-joon needs to forge political connections and make allies if he wants to be someone someday. That’s what Norons do, and that’s the real reason Sun-joon is at SKK.

In other words, Sun-joon needs to choose: either he’s a human being or a Noron. According to Jae-shin logic, you can’t be both.

Then Jae-shin really drives the point home: “In the end, you’re no different from the other Noron guys you despise. So stop talking about equality between classes and pretending to be a human being. You’ll confuse an idiot like me.”

Time for some lightheartedness. In-soo’s self-indulgent sister Hyo-eun has fallen hard for Sun-joon and tries to express herself in a love letter. But everything she writes comes off as either trite or desperate. On top of that, she’s been pining and worrying so much, she’s gained wrinkles! She now looks (gasp!) at least twenty.

 

At a bar in banchon, the freshmen are having fun drinking and reenacting the lesson. We have Do-hyun pretending to be Professor Jung and Hae-won attempting Sun-joon. In this little parody, Sun-joon gets a no-pass for being a presumptuous show-off. Do-hyun’s magic trick is more up my alley: he makes Joseon boilermakers with red wine from Jindo (which I had in Korea and remember to be quite strong).

The first drink must be downed in one gulp (one shot!); apparently there’s a legend that says if you can’t drink it in one gulp, you’ll end up getting kicked out of SKK. Gullible Yoon-hee chugs like no tomorrow.

Then she’s pressured into eating raw octopus. She’s chewing diligently when she spots the bookshop owner Hwang gesturing to her.

Basically Hyo-eun wants to hire Yoon-hee to write a love letter for her, something that isn’t too trite yet not too desperate either. Yoon-hee understands immediately: “In other words, she’s mad for this guy but doesn’t want him to know, right?”

Hyo-eun’s hiding behind the bookshelves, and in her stead, her servant girl asks if Sun-joon is in the banchon as well. She’s heard of his illustrious reputation, that he is perfect physically, mentally, has a talent in writing and has sound judgment.

Yoon-hee smirks. Unfortunately, he’s SO perfect, he’d never show up to drink like the others.

Said Mr. Perfect is diligently studying in the library, but he can’t get over Jae-shin’s taunt that he’s no different from the other Noron guys. He ends up outside the bar, hesitant to go in, especially when he overhears the other guys trash-talking him. He probably doesn’t like these guys either, but even so, it’s gotta sting.

But Yoon-hee calls the guys out on their disgraceful behavior. She calls them cowards, pathetic and shameful. If they’re unhappy about their no-pass grades, they should’ve gone to Professor Jung. Or better yet, study their butts off and show up Sun-joon. (I love you, Yoon-hee. You’re pretty darn awesome as a guy.)

The other guys are taken aback; they thought Yoon-hee hated Sun-joon.

“I do hate him. More than you can possibly imagine. Even so, this isn’t right. He did nothing wrong today. You guys know that better than I do.” (Did I mention that I love her?)

Woo-tak spots Sun-joon outside when he goes out to pee. Yoon-hee is surprised that he came, but she invites him to join them. Of course, she can’t help taking a little jab at him, “Didn’t you say you hate solving altercations through alcohol?”

But see, he has this principle about joining in extracurricular activities. That boy and his principles.

 

But first he has to drink a shot in a single gulp. Only what should be a bowl looks like a basin. He isn’t one to back down so he chugs the whole thing, impressing everyone there. For the first time, he’s accepted by the others.

I told myself I wouldn’t spazz too much while writing this recap, but how adorable is his little burp after drinking?

 

In sharp contrast, In-soo is at the gisaeng house, fuming that Cho-sun refused to meet him. She’s supposedly ill, but she’s actually chatting with Yong-ha in the other room (who isn’t he close with?).

Yong-ha warns Cho-sun not to piss In-soo off too much. After all, In-soo’s the school president and the son of the war minister.

But Cho-sun isn’t impressed. She replies that as a soft-hearted person, Yong-ha should understand how she feels. Men can buy sex with their money and power, but never love. See, even gisaengs wish to be faithful.

Yong-ha correctly guesses that Cho-sun has feelings for Yoon-hee, something he definitely didn’t foresee happening (and very “Painter of the Wind”).

In-soo overhears their conversation, and he throws the gauntlet. He’s willing to bet that his power will be greater than her so-called faithfulness. Oh, do I smell even more trouble for Yoon-hee in the future?

 

Walking side-by-side for the first time like friends, Sun-joon tells Yoon-hee that he’ll keep his promise and move to the west dorm. He was a bit touched when she stood up for him, especially since he thought she didn’t approve of his passing grade. But she actually questioned his grade because she was curious about Professor Jung’s thoughts and the truth he spoke of. Her eyes are starry as she talks about this being the first time she was ever taught by a teacher in a classroom full of classmates. And she has Sun-joon to thank. In gratitude, she takes back her wish so that he longer has to switch dorms.

Sun-joon’s face twitches a bit, which Yoon-hee mistakes as him being touched by her words. But actually, he just needs to puke. Which he does. There goes his perfect image.

 

The inebriated freshmen hurry back to the dorms in order to meet curfew. They don’t tell us what the punishment for breaking the curfew is, but it’s implied that it’s something terrible.

But Sun-joon is out cold, leaving Yoon-hee to carry him back (I love this role reversal – we hardly ever see the girl piggybacking the guy). Drunk Sun-joon is adorable and useless as he falls all over the place. Gotta give Yoon-hee props for not ditching him.

Knowing that Yoon-hee isn’t back yet, In-soo orders the gates to be closed. She throws Sun-joon aside (ha!) and runs, but it’s too late.

Fortunately for our heroine, an adorably inebriated Yong-ha shows her a secret entrance, and she and Sun-joon are in time for the curfew check. I think Yong-ha’s already nearly won over by both Yoon-hee and Sun-joon. Can’t wait until the Joseon F4 become official.

Yoon-hee thanks Yong-ha profusely, but he says there’s no need since he’s simply untying the knot that he himself created. She doesn’t understand, but we do: he’s the one who decided on Yoon-hee’s mission, which was to send her to Cho-sun. That’s precisely what sparked In-soo’s jealousy and this little cheap trick for revenge.

Yong-ha mischievously reminds Yoon-hee that it’ll be just her and Sun-joon in the room tonight since Jae-shin probably won’t be home. And just as he expected, this freaks Yoon-hee out.

 

So where is the truant Jae-shin? Enjoying an illegal gambling session that’s soon crashed by the police. Jae-shin gets caught and is taken to the prosecutor’s office (so to speak, in modern terms) and comes face to face with the Attorney General, Moon Geun-soo, his father and the head of the Soron faction.

His father chastises him for his unruly ways, mentioning how his dead brother would be so disappointed. This is clearly a sore spot for Jae-shin because his voice drips with bitterness as he tells his father that he has no right to criticize. He can stand everyone else’s pointing fingers, but not his father’s.

Kickass fighting skills AND a troubled past? We’re in for an emotional rollercoaster with this tortured soul. And we now have a faint idea as to why he hates the Noron faction so much: his family is of the rival faction Soron, and there seems to be some backstory about the dead brother.

 

Sun-joon feels the heat of the alcohol and starts undressing, throwing Yoon-hee into a deep panic. She ends up rushing out when Sun-joon reaches for his pants. Ah, what the 800,000 Cassies of this world wouldn’t give to be in her position.

There’s a hilarious moment when Sun-joon wakes up in the morning to find himself nearly naked. He looks absolutely dumbfounded.

 

Jae-shin comes home to find Yoon-hee sleeping on the porch. He wakes her up, warning her that if she sleeps in the cold, she’ll end up with a twisted mouth. (“The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry,” anyone?)

Inside, Sun-joon is studying like nothing ever happened, to Yoon-hee’s disbelief.

How beautiful is this shot?

Anyway, Sun-joon actually doesn’t remember what happened, at least not until his servant tells him that he basically acted like a dog and everyone knows about it. That’s when he recalls the details and nearly chokes on the drink his servant brought. So the servant performs the Heimlich maneuver. Such a silly scene with such a beautiful background.

 

Yoon-hee points out that Sun-joon’s principles shouldn’t allow him to pretend that nothing happened last night. Sun-joon claims to only remember how Yoon-hee thanked him for helping her get into SKK. Oh, and she also begged him not to switch dorms.

Is that Sun-joon’s first mischievous smile? You’ve won me over, boy.

The king announces an archery tournament at SKK. The winner will receive 50 merit points and liquor issued by the king himself. Anyone who fails the preliminaries will be punished. It’s a team effort, meaning that if one person in your dorm room fails, everyone fails.

Yoon-hee’s a terrible archer, which leads to Sun-joon teaching her the proper stance and technique. His excuse is that he doesn’t want to fail the prelims because of her, but we’re not falling for that. We all know he’s incredibly grateful for her loyalty and care while he was drunk.

But it’s more than that. He honestly and openly admits, “It was the first time that someone wasn’t just a classmate. Kim Yoon-shik, you’re the first person to ever take my side.”

Do I smell love in the air?

Across the yard, In-soo and his posse see Sun-joon and Yoon-hee practicing together. Clearly this means that Sun-joon will not be switching dorms and that In-soo has managed to break neither Sun-joon nor Yoon-hee.

The archery competition has Minister Ha’s panties in a bunch. Crown Prince Sado used to love the archery competition at SKK, which explains why it was banned by King Yeong-jo after his son’s death. Bringing back the competition suggests that King Jeong-jo (son of the late crown prince) has something up his sleeve.

Minister Lee reaffirms with Minister Ha that the Geumdeungjisa is truly gone. But the uneasy expression on Minister Ha’s face tells us that might not be the case.

But Minister Lee doesn’t lose his cool. He suggests that if they watch the king and figure out his plan, a solution will come to them naturally.

I was hoping that Sun-joon’s father wouldn’t be a bad guy, but seems I’ll be disappointed. Sun-joon has such respect for his father, I’d hate to see him hurt when he discovers this side to his father.

 

So what is the king’s plan? Jung Yak-yong.

The belongings of the late Professor Kim Seung-hun of SKK were recently sent to the king, and they included a letter of resignation that’s actually a coded will. And the will is about the mysterious Geumdeungjisa.

That’s the reason the king has sent Jung Yak-yong to SKK, hinting that perhaps the Geumdeungjisa can be found at SKK.

Yoon-hee is practicing alone when she’s approached by In-soo and his posse. Dumb and Dumber (aka Byung-choon and Go-bong) tease her for playing lackey to Lee Sun-joon, but she denies this and says she’s doing everything of her own will. In fact, she starts expressing that will by questioning In-soo.

Yoon-hee: You claimed that a Noron staying in the east wing is against the rules.
In-soo: So I did.
Yoon-hee: You said I wouldn’t survive if I went up against you. You have enough power to make good on your claim.
In-soo: But?
Yoon-hee: But, sir, if it is a grave sin for a Noron to stay in the east wing, why can’t a powerful person like yourself change the official rules? If you changed the rules so that each student must stay in a particular dorm according to his political faction, Lee Sun-joon wouldn’t put up such a fight.
In-soo: In other words, Sun-joon has done nothing wrong. You’re right. I went overboard. I was narrow-minded. Let me make it up to you by giving you some guidance.

 

And by guidance, he means he wants to shoot an apple placed on her head, a la William Tell. It’s a terrifying moment; In-soo’s eyes spell murder and Yoon-hee has no choice but to face the arrowhead.

His pretense is that he wants her to overcome her fear of arrows, but we all know that’s a bunch of bull feces.

 

Fortunately, Sun-joon is informed of the situation.

We also have Yong-ha and Jae-shin in the area. Yong-ha is wondering why Jae-shin looks so gloomy when he’ll clearly win the competition. He is, after all, the best archer in school.

 

Sun-joon knocks In-soo’s arm just as the arrow is released, and he’s too late. But Jae-shin is on time and pushes Yoon-hee out of the way, saving her from a similar fate to that of Saint Sebastian. But it was a close shave, and she faints.

  

Professor Jung, who’s been put in charge of the infirmary during the competition, makes an astounding discovery in the school records: Yoon-hee is the late Professor Kim Seung-hun’s son (cough, daughter). And speak of the devil, the unconscious Yoon-hee is carried in by Jae-shin.

Jae-shin looks overwrought with worry, and Sun-joon looks no better.

 

Yoon-hee wakes up to what seems to be an empty infirmary and is quick to check if she’s been undressed. She seems to be missing something and is searching frantically when Professor Jung appears. He appears conflicted as he stares at her. Then he drops the bomb.

“Are you a girl?”

Hana Kimi, anyone?

COMMENTS

I’ll just come out and say it: Yoochun is a pretty good actor.

I had my doubts, particularly since I still remember what his acting was like back in the banjun drama days. But I’m impressed as he seems to get better and better with each passing episode. And while the character Sun-joon could easily draw a tepid and bored response from the viewers (seriously, he would’ve been majorly ostracized at my high school), it’s the little things like him burping and that mischievous smile that hook the heart. At least, it did mine.

The drama is shaping up to be full of mystique and suspense. I have to admit that I thought this would be a fluffy, trendy-drama-placed-in-sageuk-settings kind of series, and I’m happy to say I’ve been proven wrong. This drama has more depth and intricacies than I expected, particularly for any history buffs out there.

I particularly love the twist that Professor Jung discovers Yoon-hee is a girl right after he finds out she’s the late Professor Kim’s daughter. He could easily have her expelled (and worse), but now he won’t because she’s tied to the Geumdeungjisa affair.

Oh, and did I mention that I love Yoon-hee?

HISTORY LESSON

King Yeong-jo (son of Dong-yi) kills his son, Crown Prince Sado, by ordering him into a rice container, where he suffocates after eight days. For those who have seen “Yi-San” (and as implied in this drama), the crown prince was wrongfully framed of mutinous intentions, most likely by the Noron faction. However, some historians claim that the crown prince was a pervert and sadist, and that’s why his father had him killed. Either way, the crown prince’s son, King Jeong-jo (the king featured in this drama) spent the majority of his reign trying to clear his father’s name.

The Geumdeungjisa is supposed to be memoirs by King Yeong-jo, written in his later years when he regretted what he did to his son. It supposedly claims that the Norons tricked him into believing his son to be mutinous.

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I like all "guys"! together they make such beautiful pairs.

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Wow, red_pill, spectacular review! As great as the episode itself. Congrats and looking forward to your recaps along with cassie's. You two are a terrific tag-team.

As for something subtantial - heh, I have nothing to say other than SKKS is so entertaining.

Oh, and I'm here to announce the formation of a third faction (after much deliberation and discussion last night).

The Moony Faction is hereby christened. Join us all ye who swoon, moon, and drool over Moon Jae Shin aka Pool Boy/Ninja Assassin Yoo Ah In. :-D

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I will gladly join the Moony Faction :D

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Let me join,too!! As a member,I will do my duty by swooning and mooning over Moon Jae shin day and night....

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Can I join your Moony faction, while I am also a fervid member of the rival Song Joong Ki faction?
I swear, before K dramas I was the most apolitical person ever! Now I am joining factions and probably going to be involved in intrigues and what not. :)

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omg me too! Moony and SJK!

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Count me in..... Yoo Ah In <3

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The Moony Faction, FTW! :D

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The Moony Faction = Team Jae Shin >> I'm definitely in! :-D

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Me, too! Me, too! Me, too!

I am enamored by this guy! Moony for the win!

I just love the tough silent type guys!

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Moony Faction all around the world!!

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So, for everyone asking for membership, no need to ask my permission, its open door revolving faction, but I highly doubt anyone would jump this ship.

Our salute to arms is:

Moony Fighting \^^/

Kinda like Team Park Kyu! had its necessary exclamation mark.

Cheers mates!

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omo you even have a salute to arms?! I am all kinds of jealous now. Note to self, think up appropriate salute to arms! :)

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Moony? okay for some reasons it took me a while to understand that.

WOW! finally now more people know how superly awesome Yoo Ah-in is. thank God. people need to know how cool he is.

And I want to join the Moony Force (hah that sounds like Power Rangers) and dedicate my life to it :DDD

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Yes, Moony! Moony! Moony! Yeh!

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Yeah, Moon Jae Shin!!!

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admit me to the faction too ok!

hehe..
Red you are such a gem of a recapper!

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I joint this faction too!! Moony banzai!!

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*signs up*

Count me in! XDDD

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Welcome and thank you, Red Pill, for the recap. The "history lesson" is also much appreciated.

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before i finish this reading this recap..yes, BEFORE, i would like to say that this IS the Best recap site in the world!!

with the best commenters too! and lurkers!

i ADORE this site (and the dramas it adores-like this sweet sweet gem) i don't even!! compare maybe to something even hotter than jae shin

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JaeShin and YongHa together are the best, thanks for recapping!

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AGREED! I'm loving the interactions between the two unlikely friends. Wonder how they met and became friends....? Can't wait for more!

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Wonderful recap!! At the end of the episode, I totally got the Hana Kimi vibe too. Actually, a lot of this series reminds me of Hana Kimi (which is definitely a good thing, in my book.)

And thank you so much for adding that history lesson at the end! I've actually seen Yi San, but had no idea that's what the Geumdeungjisa was referring to (or even what it was.) All the political strife makes so much sense now! Thanks again.

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yeah, it also reminds me of HanaKimi a lot ! But I should say that I think SKK has more depth and intricacies, as redpill said !

Red_Pill, you're the best (alongside with Dramabeans and Girlfriday I'd say LOL)
I wanted more historical explanations, and it feels very much clearer now

FIGHTING !

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Wow,amazing recap !!! Is this your first time ? I enjoyed reading it immensely.... From now on,I'm looking forward to your recap of SKKS~~And,yeah,I love Yoonhee ,too.She is soooo brave and fierce. Btw,I'm suffering from sleepless nights due to that hot beastie soul JaeShin.......Anyone has cure 4 me??

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Sometime after the final episode you will return sound sleep --Maybe ;-D

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I'm with you! I think Yoon Hee is absolutely adorable!

I actually picked up SKKS because I "had the time to browse through some new dramas" but then I got hooked! I usually don't camp at the computer and wait for new episodes (my last was "you're beautiful") but after starting on SKKS yesterday, I couldn't wait and so had finished all 6 episodes by... NOW! HAHA

I do agree with you: I like the additional depth to the plot, rather than just being another trendy fluffy cute eye candy drama (not that I mind the eye candy). It gives it more substance and also makes the entire drama more intriguing.

My favourite boy? Sorry girls, but it's definitely Soong Joong Ki. He melts me, and I suspect that he, like Jae Shin, has a troubled past/background. Seriously, in Kdrama land, which troubled soul has no scarred past attached to him? But I still love him, troubled or not, playboy or not!

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omfg complete ditto.
1. im hooked and havent been (like this) since YB
2. yoon hee is awesome
3. trendy cute+dark and political=total win, bring it on!
4. Song Joong Ki!! have u watched him on running man?

SkkS fighting!

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Let me join,too !!!

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Oh no one mention the little boys who ran errands around SKK.... they were absolutely adorable...they rang bells, woke the students...and run to inform the friends of student who were about to be shot by an arrow...LOL.

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Not to mention they are the ever handy supplier of urine for the creek. keke

But they are cute. Like little house elves.

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Thanks, Red Pill, for the recap AND the brief history lesson! It cleared things up a lot re what the Geumdeungjisa was and its relation to everyone. ^_^

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I still don't really care for MY (no haters plz) but I absolutely love love love YAI and SJK. They are LOVE. lols. I hope they build up a great love line with YAI and PMY. I know I know PMY is meant to be and only be with MY but a girl can dream right! YAI is the main attraction for me. He oozes charisma! lols. fangirl.

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Very entertaining, witty and informative recap. I especially liked the mini history lesson and all the outside references you made, I learned quite a few new things today! Keep up the witty work :)

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I guess I'm glad I decided not to watch SKK. More anti-historical silliness about Prince Sado I don't need. Yi San made my blood pressure go up. I wish TV sageuk writers would fantasize about something else. No wonder young Koreans say they have little respect for their own history.

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I agree that sageuks have skewed history, and no doubt this will have detrimental effects on the younger generation who will believe "Dong Yi," "Yi San," etc. to be absolute fact. However, if the historical aspect of SKK is the thing that's turning you off, I think you're missing the main objective of the series. This series isn't about Crown Prince Sado's death; it's about four young people who embark on a journey where the ultimate goal may be the truth, but the process of getting there far outweighs in terms of significance.

Maybe I just want to convince you to watch the series because I personally love it so much, but maybe take the historical context with a grain of salt and focus on the bildungsroman aspect of the story?

BTW, what are your thoughts on Crown Prince Sado and his death?

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Haha, I just had to jump into this appropriate thread to say the quick history mention reminded me of the book The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble over a Crown Prince being placed in a box for his death. So thanks on the history bit as now I'll need to find and dig it up.

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Crown Prince Sado in my imagination is really like King Jeong yo...dreaming of a new Korea....

Prince Sado's death cause by this dream coz Noron will not allow it...

thanks for the lesson at the last part of the recap..its really help a lot (understanding) what Geum jung ji sa,,,,,

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@kellie, I'm confused by your comment. I admit that there are lots of creative reinterpretations going on in sageuks, but many times, it's inevitable because a lot of the detailed facts are in fact unknown. For instance, historians still continue to debate on whether Crown Prince Sado was truly mentally ill, whether King Yeongjo regretted his action later in his life, and whether Geumdeungjisa ever really existed. With the lack of such certainties, it is the job of the sageuk writers to depict the historical background as to fit their fictional drama. After all, this is not a documentary.

Second, although this is not related to SKKS, I take offense to your comment, "No wonder young Koreans say they have little respect for their own history." I don't know where you'd pick up this idea, but as a young Korean myself, I have a huge respect and admiration for Korean history. Despite the tragedies and obstacles Korea and its people faced over the years, I think Korean history is one that of individuals taking stances and overcoming such obstacles. And I know I'm not alone in sharing this belief.

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yeah I totally agree kimkim. I find korean history interesting although they were times that I cringed, and sort of didn't want to learn....but I still think it is very different. Every country has a different history and I can definitely surely know that myself as a history student. Also, as you said it is not a documentary. The whole reason why there are korean dramas are to entertain people. That's prob why is a little more creative.

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do u go to UCLA?? I know random.. just saw the reference and cuz I am going there too, I was like wow I know this place..

I think now I can start watching the series.. I just wanted to know how is it gonna go before watching it.. thanks fo recap :)

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Song Joong Ki fans, lets come up with some equally clever name for our faction. Hmm... adorable faction, flower power faction, cuter than puppies ......? ( for some odd reason these names fails to inspire; well maybe some giggles but nothing else) *sad*

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My suggestion - The Yummy Faction. No explanation needed - but it should start with a Y since his name is Yong Ha.

Just my 2 cents. :-P Back to taking rollcall for The Moony Faction.

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Actually, your faction name does catch something, since Yong-ha's nickname is "Yeo-rim", right?

It can be "Yummy", but to spell that in Korean & in Hanja might be a bit tricky...
...since I dunno the Korean of "faction", it might spell to something like this: 여미 or 요미.

I WANNA BE PART OF THE YUMMY FACTION!! @_@

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Welcome sister/ brother Rovi. Your dedication, expressed in the form of attempting to write Yummy in Korean is especially appreciated. ;) Also, thank you for pointing out the similarities with Yeo-rim, I hadn't considered that. :)

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WAAAH!!

(as they say in front of the King when receiving grace)
hwanggunghaomnida~!
(tho I dunno the exact Korean...XP <- utter fail...)

...

I got it! "YUMMY" can be a contraction of Yong-ha's nickname and his yummyniness...
Like this: YEO(-rim)-MI(-nam)
(Rough) translation: Womanizer-Handsome

*U*

---

Other comments in passing:
-BTW, I already saw the nicknames of the 4 thru an online news article about S(eonggyungwan)S(candal), and since Yoon-hui is already "Dae-mul", & "YUMMY" Gu Yong-ha is "Yeorim", should I divulge what Seon-joon & "Moony"'s nicks are???
-OMG! I hadn't noticed Ahn Nae-sang was Jeong Yak-yong "THE GAY DOCTOR"!! He was so weird in First Wives Club...!
-Yeorim's hanja is 女林, which contains both words "Woman/Girl" & "Forest". Can anyone help me here. ^o^

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...just attempts, okay, to further my explanation...

YEO(-rim)-MI(-nam) = YEOMI /slash/ YUMMY
Korean: (림)-(남)
Hanja: (林)-(男)
(Rough) translation: Womanizer-Handsome Man

EQUALS...
Korean transliteration: YEOMMI-DANG
Korean: 여미당
Hanja: 女美黨
Fan English translation: Yummy Faction

...
(you can still see that I'm inebriated as of present to YAB...it's hard to let go when you had something as wonderful as YAB, rytrytryt?!!!)

(sorry, I'm overdoing it a bit...it's been a while since I see something which would interest me so...and I'm such a sageuk-fan it's addicting & at the same time bit annoying...ask my parents XD)

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Omg Rovi, you are not in the least annoying, I find your efforts effing Amazing! Don't worry about overdoing anything, addiction by its definition is anything but moderate, and we are all drama addicts here. :)

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Thank you Ockola for your brilliant naming skillz. This is what I call cross factional cooperation. If the ever so righteous Sun Joon could see us now, it would warm the cockles of his principle loving heart.

*pretentiously clears throat a la bearded ministers* (this always makes me giggle, tee hee) Ahem..where was I? *portentous voice *

Let this be proclaimed throughout Dramaland, that the fans of Yong-ha should henceforth be known as the Yummy Faction. Let the reverberating echo of his cuteness bless the heart of all.

( why do I have the strange urge to finish with an amen?) :)

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But what do we call the joint collaboration of the Moony and Yummy factions, those who enjoy the Yong-ha/Jae-shin bromance? O_o

And remember - membership in these factions are not mutually exclusive. ;)

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The Yummy Moony Coalition, but of course.

We can salute either faction, and then gather for a coaltion celebration from time-to-time.

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@Hjkomo
If there was a mutually exclusive clause, I think I was the first one to violate it. I joined the Moony faction even before I posted about the Yummy faction! And the founder of the Moony gave Yummy, its name, so lets share the love ;)

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OK! yummy moony coalition has been created. im in : D plz update us on celebrations!

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Hear Hear! I volunteer to host the next get together! :)

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I agree! Great naming skills! Sign me up for both Yummy and Moony!

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I'm with you. How about "YongHoon" a.k.a "Cuteness Faction"? Who wants to join Yong Ha's faction?
He's such a beauty with all the clothes he's wearing. Jae Shin looks great only with long hair and Sun Joon have a awesome personality.

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Welcome to the pretty side! We don't have cookies, but adorableness is buckets ;)

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joint this faction...

How about wink faction??? ^_~

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cute! :)

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YA! that belongs to Nichkhun...

(me <- is totally losing his mind ryt now...typing things note related at all to the show...훽훽훽훽...)

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OMG I LOVE HIM

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initially I only watched this drama as yet another excuse to gaze at Yoochun, and surprisingly it really exceeded my expectations. it’s nice to see Yoochun growing with each episode. I really like Park MinYoung and the other actors as well. so much eye candy! lovely recap. thanks!

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You and Cassie really made us wait like anything.....but it seems the wait was worth it.....
I guess people were getting impatient mainly because of the historical knowledge that is required to appreciate the story better....

Aaah....if only i were a few years younger.....i would have joined the swoon club of all the eye-candies in the show

Well......i understand about lesson no.1 but how is lesson no. 2 related to the pot ??? (i don't really have a perceptive mind)

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We have established on this site that it is okay to swoon over younger men and feel no guilt about it. (This is how I justify my love of TOP.)

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Swoon away!

and @nikkyp28

we have firmly established that there are no age limits either on swooning or on squeeing.

And @colorado - while he's absolutely swoon-worthy with the hair down, he's adorable with the hair up. 8-)

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Did you just mention Westwood and UCLA? HA. Go Bruins! ;)

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i never read recaps of dramas I don't watch, but for some reason I was really intrigued by this drama. :p I think i'm gonna have to watch it now. You've made me so curious I can't stand it anymore. XD

Thanks for these!!!!!!

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Redpill, thanks for the great recap and the short history lesson...

I want to join Moony faction too and I dare say that he truly is a chameleon as JB stated before. YAI was such a dork in Man who can't marry, a cute troublemaker in Antique Bakery and Boys of the future while here in YSKS, he is stealing hearts with his charm and sexiness... woohoo HOTNESS!!

SJK amazes me as well with his playfulness..I didn't know he could carry the mischief-maker role so well..

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Really like the history info at the end! Quite helpful!

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Love Micky!!!! Don't know why people are so negative about my baby but he is doing the best he can and is improving each episode. Don't hate! He's better than the other idols who tries to act but can't (no name).

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It's like Free Candy Day here in Dramaland! :oD

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indeed! *waves fistful of chocolate covered Song Joong Ki's smile* Want some? :)

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Fabulous recap! Love the history lesson. Count me in to the moony, loony, toony and all other factions out there. I love them all :)

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Thanks Red for that bit near the end about my Yoochun! :)

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Thank you so much!

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Love love your recap, your choice of screen cap is certainly beautiful and compliments your writing really well. Thanks a million. I got to read 2 recap of SKKS in one day! *dancing with joy*

In this episode, Mickey surprised me with his acting specially the drunken scene and YH was such adorable. Although I can't understand Korean, I'm hooked with SJ"s voice , his sageuk dialogues (which I couldn't possibly know whether he pronounced all the words correctly or just read it out from the book). This drama really intrigued me, kudos to the writer, beautiful scripts indeed.

Heard about the protest of using 'Sungkyunkwan' as a drama title, now after it's on air, I think the institution benefit greatly from this(well, let's leave room for the scandal part). At least a non-Korean like me know how to spell the name right (becuz I needed to google it!) and more over the drama made it looked like such a great place for learning, all the philosophy and stuffs. The scenery was awesome too.

At this point, I'm not so interested in the romance part yet, just friendship business alone can carry this drama for now.

And for Mickey, please keep it up, first time knowing you and I'm impressed. Your expressive eyes (for me) and great smile(for me) just ...*swoon*

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i´m starting to love Mickey too! well SJ XD
keep going!

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"I was hoping that Sun-joon’s father wouldn’t be a bad guy, but seems I’ll be disappointed. Sun-joon has such respect for his father, I’d hate to see him hurt when he discovers this side to his father."

Unfortunately, the nature of politics is to contain both good and bad, at the same time. We've already seen Minister Lee as a wise and good father to Sun-joon. Yet, we are shown that he is quite capable of doing 'bad' things, in the name of whatever.

I think Sun-joon will get a rude awakening. He has to, in order to realize that the world is not 'black versus white'.
And, if he follows Professor Jung's lesson and questions everything, eventually, he will perceive that good and bad exist in everyone and everything.

But, he still has lessons to learn. For instance, although he questioned the Professor's actions, he doesn't apply the same rule and question his father. If a person truly wants to learn, then one can't be selective in what or who to question. One must question everyone, regardless of who it is. Otherwise, one will end up with a skew and bias view.

I am so glad that this drama isn't just a 'showcase' for idol publicity. Although, I'm not complaining about having something to swoon, moon and giggle about ... hee, hee.

Thank you so much to red pill for a great recap. (Thanks for reminding me to take my red Sudafed, too.)

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that's why I have an ambivalent attitude on (mainly Joseon Dynasty) sageuk dramas...

I love the costumes (esp. female ones), the dialogue (rare to hear sageuk-mal these days...wanna learn it someday), the royal family interactions (& the extended members of the Inner & Outer Ministries), the sceneries, & the vividness of old times...
What I hate is the UBERLY-EXTENDED political discussions, the deadly factions fighting/slash/killing for domination, asassinations & killings, over-the-top-in-the-face-subtly-scalpelled-insults debates & arguments, & the Ministers lording it over everything (even the poor King). That's mainly the reason why younger ppl don't wanna watch, because the negative is so much emphasized.

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But really, isn't that facet a part of human nature and still present today? Not only in Joseon politics, but think of present day political conspiracies in both the eastern and the western world. Don't just look at the portrayal of human greed from these dramas (which I think is very realistic), but look at the internal conflict of the characters and that there are always those people who seek to do what's right despite the evil around them, even at the expense of their own lives.

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you have a point dearie...

there is a quote I saw in a mag article about an upcoming show (not related at all to SS), and it mirrors your final statements: To protect & uphold the good, some commit evil (not the exact quote per se...but I already forgot it...hmm, maybe gonna check later; I'll get back to this later)

all of this "evilness" just stems from 3 things:
1) ambition
2) power, &
3) domination,
and I tell this in a not Puritan way, okay? Just explaining what I had in mind...

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I too was hoping his dad wouldn't be a bad guy, but I like your explanation on that the fact that his father seems to be caught up in this scandal is important for Sung Joon's growth in this story and moving pass seeing everything as either black or white.

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I just read the swoon, moon, and giggle part, because it is what the main cast do to me..

swoon: SJ
moon: JS
giggle: YHa

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Awesome Recap!! I was very entertained!! LOVE THIS DRAMA!!!!

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Hey Hey red_pill..Welcome ..& thank you for fabulous recap..PS the History TIP is greatly helpful !

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BRAVO!!! i love your recap
"think Westwood in UCLA"...i take it u live in CA?

thank you for wonderfully recapping this episode...by far this is my first favorite episode. i already have favorite scenes from the previous ones...but this episode really got to me....it's like high school all over again.

and for picking the perfect screencaps....you captured the essence of this episode. i will be patiently waiting for your next one!

-heidi

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@2 ockoala

Can I join the Moony faction too? swoon... :)

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I found Goo Yongha and Moon Jae Shin (aka Geoh Ah) interesting characters. When Yoo Ah In's character appeared I was thinking, "Bidam you came back to life." He could easily play his teenage version most definitely. Anyways, Yongha seems to be a bridge between the noron and soron citizens. He's something that will be invaluable when things get a little harder in SK.

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Well, in those days (leading up to the days of the Daewon-gun; Gojong's father), neutrality (meaning none of the above choice of factions) gets you the extended lifepoints...
(this is the main reason why the Daewon-gun's family line (extending from Sado Seja) had primarily existed until the early-to-mid.-19th cen.)

...moreso since during this time, the Andong Kims (where Jeongjo's step-grandmother Queen Jeongsun aka Yeongjo's 2nd wife; the split-personalitied Queen in "Yi San") are gradually extending their tentacles on Kingdom-wide domination.

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Thank you so much for the recap! Eventhough I've already watched this episode with subtitles I really enjoyed your recap. Some parts got me bursting out laughing. I've already seen Yi San and watching Dong Yi now but the history lesson will really help viewers who hasn't seen these other dramas to understand SKKS more. You're doing a great job. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to reading more of your recaps. ^_^

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SKK Mon-Tue
Gumiho Wed-Thur

That pretty much ensures that the week goes by in a flash! Work does not seem so bad anymore.

And now there even are recaps for SKK as well. Thanks a lot to both recappers - Good Jod, good job or was it Job Well Done? No, I think that's another subject!

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DITTO!

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I think any civilization, with enough years, will have shameful history because when most humans are given money and power, they feel above the herd, the law, and can make their own rules, take anything they want sort of thing. But there are honorable kings and leaders, mover and shakers as well. We can't change the past, but we can make our own circle a better place to start.

I am enjoying this drama a lot, with its multi layer plot. I wonder if all 3 or 4 of the main guys kind of knows/feels Yoon Hee is a girl but don't want to say it in fear it will get her expelled ?? She's so cute. Thank you for your recap. It's so nice.

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"After all, wisdom is learned from the questions asked and not the answers...But one who questions will find the answers of his own accord." -> Socratic Method of Teaching...
very nice Jeong Yak-yeong...(tho I haven't watched the cable TV drama on him...) I WUV U OWEDY!!!

OMG!!! JEONG YAK-YEONG IS THE GAY DOCTOR!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! haven't we seen this in Hwang Jin-i (the colorful drama) before?

Cho-seon=Yoon-hui =equals= Yoon-bok=Moon Chae-won's chracter... :)

LOVE THIS!!!
(I really should be doing homework now...maybe later...XD)

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"JEONG YAK-YEONG IS THE GAY DOCTOR!!! "

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA you killed me !!!
Even though I catched the feeling of HanaKimi, I didn't make the link between the two doctors ! LOOOL
ermmm, that said, I didn't really like the gay doctor in HanaKimi, way too stereotype, but I think I'll root for Jeong Yak-yeong, may he be gay or not !

(BTW, I should also be doing my thesis now too.....well, maybe later..PROCRATINATORS let's rule the world !!!.......Tomorrow)

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Great post! Thanks for the history lesson.

I encourage you, to please, spazz all you want!!

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sorry, my post on this:
"OMG!!! JEONG YAK-YEONG IS THE GAY DOCTOR!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! haven’t we seen this in Hwang Jin-i (the colorful drama) before?"

should've contained: "...even gisaengs wish to be faithful..."

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thanks so much for the awesome recap!
i love Yoochun in real liife and i´m impressed with his acting ^^
...
about characters i believe i like Yong - Ha the most coz he is so funny XDXD

thanks again !
love SKKS !!!

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Thanks for the history lesson, it really helps. When i was watching the episodes, i barely caught half of the story with the geumdeungjisa because my korean is so poor. Now i feel better in knowing what that's all about...

I'm totally loving this series... surprisingly well done and well casted. Song joong ki and yoo ah :) just absolutely perfectttt. and park min young pulls off the pretend guy look well. yoochun can do better with his acting, but i would say he's doing great for his first time!! can't wait for joseon f4!!!

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thanks red pill and cassie for taking up the recaps!

can i just say that after watching all 6 episodes so far, yoochun is actually a GREAT actor. i did feel he was a little flat in the first one, but now i'm really thankful for it, whether it was intentional or not. because that juxtaposition gives a really profound effect when it's shown how he changes and he becomes more human and emotes more (albeit unwillingly) around yoon shik/hee.

it begins with this episode i think, and builds up, especially in episode 6. :) i started this for song joong ki, and have no fallen in love with yoo ah in and yoochun along the way. :D

can i not join a faction? i opt for political harmony like the king and i want all three. heh heh heh. xD

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Wow!!... Last week there was a spell of drought, now it's raining heavily with SKKS recap back to back! I'm loving every minute of it. I'm watching this one RAW without sub and although I don't understand a thing of what they are saying, for some reason I'm enjoying it so much...THANK YOU RED_PILL....I'll understand it better now while waiting for the the proper eng_sub from GOE_SS fansubber (thank you too!) This is my 2nd sageuk drama after Hong Gil Dong. I'm not a fan of historical drama of any kind as they tend to drag a lot and I had enough of that when I was in school (ages and ages ago) :) But what made me watch this is how the intrigue was weave so intricately with the supposed bromance/romance of this 4 young people and how it will affect their lives as friends and as young scholars of that time. And the fact that finally, another gem of a kdrama where the heroine is not a dunce of a knucklehead (sorry for the redundant adjective :)) or shown as someone who suddenly just falls retardedly in love with the lead guy but smart, intelligent, can go toe to toe with the guys and has commendable characters - it's very refreshing. Here's what I loved about this episode:

1- The fist BROmance interaction between GYH and MJS (I'm getting the hang of this initialed names for the characters) was a killer! I never go for yaoi but this is too much, like the director is really egging them on showing all those extreme close-up like they are about to smooch, the chemistry was too close for comfort i say but what the heck! more more more :) That few moments really fired up my viewing (not to mention my fertile imagination LOL!)

2- The chamber pot lover Prof. Jung. if I had one of those inspiring historian teacher when I was doing history classes, I might have fallen in-love with history for sure and made it as a career too. Prof. Jung is an added bonus to SKK... a vital character that puts valuable lessons as the shows goes on.

3- The drunkenness of LSJ. How cute was that, even a pedigree of his caliber got con by these guys to drink from the basin instead of the bowl hehehehe... then the issuing drunkenness that followed him. He pulled that one very well, it was both funny and endearing at the same time. And for the finale, LSJ disrobing infront of YH, I bet a lot of fans screamed on that one heh! I nearly did, almost when I got reminded that I'm not in an age group allowed to do that anymore :) LSJ staid personality was transformed in an instant! love it!

4- Who is GYH? Helping YH and SJ during the curfew hours made me want to know more about this guy. He is hiding something and I want to know what it is darn it! Chosun too, she's a strong side character, she reminds me of the gisaeng in capital scandal. I love this show for having females with backbone!

5- Jeez...I can go on and on..but I have to get to work.
just want to rave on this drama that really got me re-hook afte YAb hiatus! so to all that cntribute to this drama, making it non-speaking korean friendly. Thank you so much!!!! did I say, I love hearing RED_PILL's side comments on the recap too!!! You added so much fun in reading this.

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Thanks for the great recap, red_pill! :D

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Ah.. your history lesson totally cleared my confusion about the whole scheming and stuff! Thanks red_pill :D ! Love the recap and I'm wondering how the ratings are doing for this drama, because I LOVE IT!

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thanks red-pill for the recap and for that history tidbit, it all comes clearer now! ^_^

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I'm glad you like micky's acting - I really like him too and I was worried that others did not so much. :D
I'm loving all of the characters more and more. Thanks for the recap :)

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i am sooo in love with Yong-ha. can he be the main lead, please?? i am always looking forward for his part. can he get for screen time please??
i am loving this drama,, just started watching it yesterday. and i cud not stop. so, i watched all 5 episodes yesterday :)

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thanks for your recap and your name brings back memories of the matrix back when it was good.

there are so many things i agree with you on this epi. i definitely get painter of the wind vibes with the gisaeng.

i also love yoon hee in this episode. and song joong ki is utterly adorable as the mischievous playboy. unfortunately, song joong ki is a little annoying on running man but at least he's a pretty good actor.

micky isn't as bad as i thought and i'm also thankfully proven wrong since i, too, thought this would just be a light fluffy romance.

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he is NOT annoying on running man, (but yes he does whine from time to time) i fn luv him more cuz of tht show: being all cute and chivalrous to female guests and his hyungs, plus he is prty smart and strategic, most of all he's funny!
and yes he is a good actor, micky-me likey now

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