Sung Tan Chuk Ha

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This is Korean's Christmas greeting, Sung Tan Chuk Ha!

People around the world celebrate the birth of Christ. We may have different ways to celebrate and different languages as greetings but we have a common love and joy for the infant Jesus.

It’s nice to know that 25% of South Koreans are Christians and Christmas Day is also an official holiday there. Exchange gifts are also popular and they usually have snow at Christmas! Oh I would love to experience that. Korea is one of the countries on my to visit list. Watching Korean Dramas almost every single day made me accustomed to various Korean activities and way of living. Of course language would be a great barrier but if they have car rental South Africa then it may work out fine.

On Korean Drama note, I finished watching Flower Boy Ramyun Shop but don’t have time to blog my thoughts about it. It might be my last Korean Drama for this year (or may not) because of other commitments. And I’m working on my squidoo lenses which are all about the Top 10 Korean Dramas for 2011.

So once again Sung Tan Chuk Ha (Merry Christmas) and Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo (Happy New Year)!

Heroes of Sungkyunkwan

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Sungkyunkwan is the center of learning for scholars during the Joseon era (Korea 14th to 16th century). During this period, only males are given the privileged to study and hold positions on the government.

So the Sungkyunkwan Scandal is about one female who was able to break into Sungkyunkwan and change the history. Well, this is a fiction of course but I can't help to compare it with Mulan and thus the song Reflections kept playing in my head

I am now /In a world where I have to /Hide my heart /And what I believe in /But somehow /I will show the world /What’s inside my heart /And be loved for who I am 

I am glad I was born in this time where I can show what I really can do and not be restricted with the norms of the society. There are still some places where females are regarded as lesser but that's a totally different story.

Let's go back to Sungkyunkwan Scandal and the heroes that helped our female lead to achieve her impossible dream.

Our pretty female lead is Kim Yoon Hee, she used her sick brother's identity as Kin Yoon Shik and entered Sungkyunkwan. She had to take care of her sick sibling and widowed mother. She is bright, talented and determined that even the King took a liking on him (as male).

The dashing Garang (term for most eligible bachelor), Lee Sun Joon being the son of the Left Prime Minister, head of Norons. He is quite stoic and idealistic. He isn't afraid to challenge anyone on his beliefs and quest for truth and justice.

My love Moon Jae Shin or Geol Oh, the third wheeler but definitely the better choice (am I being obvious?). He is the Robin Hood/ bad boy here. His quest for justice for his slain brother and hatred for Norons drove him to be a vigilant.

Goo Yong Ha, the son of the richest merchant made him both street wise and a brat (but I love him anyways). He's been a friend and confidant of Moon Jae Shin; knows a lot as he is also very observant.

I am already on the last two eps but was afraid to continue as something bad might happen to Jalgeum Quartet. Pls spare these 4, no dying or I'll gonna be crazy!

Late Rave about Sungkyunkwan Scandal

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It's 3:20 am and I'm wide awake, feeling giddy while watching Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Am I crazy? I guess it's more of I am crazy about Yoo Ah In aka Moon Jae Shin! He's the third wheeler here, why am I always like this, falling more on the other guy. Is it pity? No, it's because they are more sensitive, understanding, thoughtful and not to mention more handsome than the lead guy. It's just that female leads fall on the bad ass guy. Hmp! I'll have you Moon Jae Shin any time of the day. 

Okay, there are cute moments (or here pictures) with the 3 plus the other friend.

 

It's a late rave because Sungkyunkwan Scandal was shown in 2010, more than a year had past. 

Currently Watching: Sungkyunkwan Scandal

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I am not much into historical KDrama, I think I only watched Dae Jang Geum or Jewel in the Palace among the many out there. So when Sungkyunkwan Scandal came out I didn't bat an eyelash even though I read positive reviews about it.

So why did I change my mind? Boredom I guess, since I only have Flower Boy Ramyun Shop on my current list. And I am glad I did because it was not the stereotype historical where it is heavy drama but more on a playful note. 

And the female lead is Park Min Young aka Nana Bear of City Hunter and the gf of Lee Min Ho. I assume I remember her because of the latter, imagine Lee Min Ho's girl? She sure is very very lucky.

I'll blog more when as I progress as I am still at ep 4.

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Details

Title: 성균관 스캔들 / Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Genre: Period, romance, comedy
Episodes: 20
Broadcast network: KBS2
Broadcast period: 2010-Aug-30 to 2010-Nov-02
Air time: Monday & Tuesday 21:55

Synopsis

Sungkyunkwan Scandal is set in Sungkyunkwan University in the late Joseon era during the reign of King Jeongjo, revolving around the exploits and love stories of four youths. When her younger brother's illness worsens and their family is in danger of being evicted from their house for lack of money, Kim Yoon Hee enters the school under his name, disguised as a boy in her desperation to support him. There, she becomes friends with the intelligent and upright Lee Sun Joon, the playboy Goo Yong Ha and rebellious Moon Jae Shin.
Cast

Micky Yoochun as Lee Sun Joon
Park Min Young as Kim Yoon Hee
Bang Joon Seo as young Yoon Hee
Song Joong Ki as Goo Yong Ha
Yoo Ah In as Moon Jae Shin
Seo Hyo Rim as Ha Hyo Eun
Kim Min Seo as Cho Sun
Jun Tae Soo as Ha In Soo

Details from Drama Wiki