This review may contain spoilers
RHGHR is easily one of my favourite dramas of this year. I loved my Wednesdays and Thursdays, coming home to this. There is much to be praised, but there were some shortcomings as well.First of all, I have to congratulate this drama for giving us a strong female lead in a historical drama, that was essential to the plot until the end. I often see in sageuk dramas, that the female starts strong and towards the end, she just lets everyone else handle the situation. This was not the case here, which made me very happy.
The theme of keeping history was very strong and even though it seemed laughable at the beginning, when they spoke about it so pathetically, the message was well received and important in the age of fake news and "believing opinions rather than facts". Massive thumbs up from me.
Other strength of RHGHR was in developing minor characters and various themes within the drama. The whole historian gang was so awesome, I am going to think about them a lot. Lee Ji Hoon shined here, as well as
Sung Ji Ru (him screaming "Mámáááá!" all the time was the funniest thing ever). The leads were cast very well, I enjoyed their performances and loved the fact, that the female lead was older than the male lead.
The additional episodes didn't feel as empty, as they usually do in other dramas. They saved quite enough agency, so it was still quite dynamic but I personally feel like some of the characters were not quite themselves and even though they tried to present it as a development, it just rubbed me the wrong way. The tempo was also a bit distorted and although I loved the first three quarters of the drama, it became a chore for me to finish it.
Nevertheless, I had so much fun, laughed aloud a lot and enjoyed myself. Good riddance, Goo Hae Ryung and please, just dip the brush in ink sometimes.
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This is not a historical drama, it's a 21st century workplace drama dressed up in period costume
Noble women drinking on the street with a bunch of men? Is this supposed to the late Joseon period? Moreover, Joseon women didn’t learn literary Chinese (which was used to write the sillok), they read and wrote in hangul. I really could go on …I’ve probably given this drama a somewhat undeservedly low score, but this really isn’t a historical drama, it’s a 21st century workplace drama dressed up in period costume. As much as I tried to forgive that on account of the cuteness, ultimately, I found it frustrating to no end, hence the low rating.
BTW, ensuing rant on historical accuracy aside, I still probably wouldn’t give this drama higher than a 6.0 due to the completely unmemorable plot, generic romance, and cheesy presentation of the some of the themes. It's your typical mediocre fusion sageuk rom com with an extra dash of anachronistic feminism.
I’m REALLY not a stickler for historical accuracy. Sure, I’ll grumble a bit at premodern monarchs expressing anachronistically egalitarian ideals, and I’m not the biggest fan of cross-dressing plot lines (though there’s a fair amount of cross-dressing in premodern East Asian literature, so I probably shouldn’t complain). I make it a point to let everyone know that Mishil is a character drawn from the Hwarang segi, which is widely considered to be a 20th century forgery (there was a real document called the Hwarang segi, but there's no extant copy). But I still enjoyed those dramas and didn’t get too hung up on the inaccuracies. I loved Empress Ki, despite the fact that the writers completely invented a Goryeo king, drastically changed the life and character of Empress Ki, and didn't use Mongol hairstyles.
I recognize that there are legitimate reasons to take liberties with the facts for the sake of creating a good show, and that true historical accuracy is impossible and would often alienate the contemporary viewer. I know authenticity is not the aim of most dramas, but this drama just took it too far for me. If you want to make a drama about the issues women face in the contemporary workplace, great, go for it! But why would you set that drama in the late Joseon period, when noble women were largely confined to their homes? What’s the point about using a historical setting if you’re going to throw out half the elements of said historical setting? Shouldn't a Joseon drama be about the struggles of Joseon women? This is trying to be a very pro-women drama yet it completely disregards everything about the lives of the women who actually lived in this society. Most dramas are pretty inaccurate, but even fusion sageuks generally at least kinda try, or they find some somewhat legitimate (if very implausible) way to circumvent the rules. Rookie Historian just blatantly sticks their 100% modern women into the most restrictive period in Korean history and doesn’t even attempt to justify it. And, though certainly the most prevalent and blatant example, it's not just the female characters' behavior that is anachronistic. If you don’t want to make a period drama, don’t make a period drama. Otherwise, have at least a little respect for the history, ESPECIALLY if you’re going to make a show about historians, truth, and integrity. The subject matter of this show is quite ironic given how little regard it seems to have for history.
To end on a slightly positive note, I'll say that this is the first drama I've seen where I actually enjoyed Shin Se Kyung's performance, and Cha Eun Woo was rather charming.
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The main character was interesting, first of all, and probably the highlight of the drama. Her story was entertaining and original, until they added that cliche twist in the end. The romance was kind of weak too, as the two didn't have much chemistry and the love story didn't have a smooth pace. They just had a moment and that was it? Still, this was Eun woo's best performance to date. He was confident and he handled the dramatic scenes better than his other drama's. The other performances were good too.
So, overall, six out of ten, because the drama got boring and predictable.
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Shin Se Kyung who played the Historian Goo Hae Ryung Cha Eun Woo who played Prince Yi Rim did great and I became an immediate fan. I did look at their age and Cha Eun Woo did great acting for his age and very mature for his age. Whereas Shin Se Kyung who is like 7 years older than Cha Eun Woo and you wouldn't know that if you didn't research their birthdates. I loved it. Afterward, I researched Cha Eun Woo and found that he belongs to a Korean Music Group. This young man can sing! I love some of the songs he sang. I love how the Asian Movie makers have their main leads sing the main title song. I will check out their other TV shows or movies they made as well. Thank you to all the Cast, Writers, Visuals, and the music.
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Honestly I only finished watching because SSK's character was lovable and refreshing in some ways and I felt like she deserved some of my attention. However the rest of the drama is an absolute skip. Sometimes I will accept thin script and bad plot for some sweet romance, but not even that worked in this show. Not even the music was interesting, or the locations/clothes design. Everything about it is mediocre to the limit of what's actually bearable.
Unless you are a huge fan of any of the actors involved or a completist, I do not recommend watching this one. Waste of time.
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Plus points include a great female lead (and an actor who really stepped up to the role, I thought); strong supporting characters in the other historians -- both rookie and established -- and a really interesting character in the crown prince, played with flourish by Park Ki-woong. But the best thing about the show is that it is above all a sweet and persuasive political plea for equality and fairness, and it completely succeeds in making you care about that.
The romance was the least convincing aspect of the show, but it was also never meant to be its focus; its family intrigues were similarly milquetoast. In keeping with the spirit of the show I think what you end up enjoying and thinking about after it's done are the friendships and intellectual comradeships that it leaves intact. How lovely is that? I'm so pleased with how it developed, and more importantly with its vision of what constitutes a happy ending. So thank you, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung; thank you, Shin Se Kyung; and thank you, Korean entertainment. :)
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Where do I begin? First of all, the plot was so well written. Every episode was interesting and flowed together so well. From start to finish it kept its pace and momentum throughout the entire show. I gave this same compliment to 'Pinocchio' (2014) which was also a 10. It was so refreshing how it didn't lose its quality (like many other dramas have a habit of doing).
Next, the acting. Everybody brought their A game to this drama, everybody plays their characters so well and brought them to life seamlessly.
The costumes, set and the soundtrack are also A+
They also touch on themes you don’t normally see in dramas, especially historical ones. We get to see what it was like (well, a dramatized version, of course) for not only historians, but female historians too. There's also other aspects, from the banning of books, vaccinations, protests against the king, and even the introduction of Catholicism in Joseon. Amazing
And never before have I seen a male lead love someone as sincerely and passionately as Prince Dowon/Yi Rim loves Goo Hae-ryung. He loved her from the moment he saw her and I'm not even kidding when I say she occupies his thoughts every minute of every day. [To be fair, he is cooped up in a private garden/inn area inside the palace with nothing to do for 20 years]
He constantly supports her, would do anything for her and puts her first always. She is honestly his entire world and I love it.
And Goo Hae-ryung loves him too and holds him so dear. What I love is that there is no bs in their story. They have communicated with each other and had such a pure and true love story that is so mature. There are no 'misunderstandings' or 'lies' or 'deceit' like so many others. Of course they must have a temporary split like every Kdrama ever written but it doesn't last long thankfully. But their relationship is just so refreshing.
I also love love love how headstrong and fierce Goo Hae-ryung is. In general and in her relationship with the prince. She is never afraid to speak her mind, or back down from her beliefs/views. She is such a queen and an icon. And so intelligent as well.
Prince Dowon/Yi Rim:“you’re pretty”
Goo Hae-ryung: “i know, i have a mirror at home”
THAT BDE I'M DEFJDKDK
I especially love how she always handles herself. Even with the prince, throughout their story she has made all the right moves. Was always honest with him, helped him make decisions, and done right by him.
I just have so many feelings with this couple. The dynamic between Yi Rim the romantic and Goo Hae-Ryung the realist is sooo cute. Their chemistry feels so natural and authentic.
But it has also got great funny moments too. 30 pages of writing ‘His highness turned another page’ iM CACKLING
Another thing I love is Goo Hae-Ryung’s friendship with her fellow female historians and how they protective they are of Hae-Ryung omg. The sisterhood was so beautiful.
This whole drama just feels so well made. It lacks nothing and has a mature feel to it. An honest joy to watch, and that’s why it's a 10.
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Not so historical, not a great romance
It's a fair distraction to kill some time, though a bit boring in some political parts. Could easily have 16 episodes (one hour each).Historically there's a lot of flaws, if you care about it, don't watch. Is a good story if you want to watch some totally made up plot to emphasize the need of records managing, and the struggles it may brings.
About romance, if you want some sweet fluffy romance that makes you sigh, is not the case. A little bit of romance and comedy, the right amount if you don't want to feel depressed cause you're single.
Eun Woo character was too comical at beginning, and at some point it was a little bit annoying. I think Se Kyung is very pretty but her romantic scenes always make me disappointed, really seems like Eun Woo was kissing a door.
Crown Prince and officer Min got my attention, nice acting.
Overall, not a really great story, some clichés, some loose ends, but it's decent. But they try to make it less sexist, and in a historical scenario it doesn't fit very well.
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Young and naive Prince Dowon/Yi Rim, a dreamer who writes popular romantic novels while waiting for life and love. He's been ostracized by the palace for reasons that only become clear in the final episodes.
He meets Goog Hae-ryung, a courageous young woman who foregoes marriage in order to become independent and be somebody rather than be merely a cooking and breeding little wife in the shadow of a man. She becomes a historian together with 3 other young and strong women. After initial sparring Prince and Historian begin to fall in love. After much intrigue involving the deposed and murdered previous king the mystery of Prince Dowon's real birth is finally revealed. The ending of the 20 episodes leaves room for a sequel.
The plot is good, the action pace is good, the acting is good. 5 stars. Not embarrassed to say I've watched it more than once.
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will definitely be rewatching :)
(review from 2022)this has become my current favorite historical while watching it nearly three years after its release. it's almost on the red sleeve level — and i'm not saying that lightly. it's a romcom in many parts, but as someone who doesn't care much about that genre anyway; it's like a sugary snack — it gives a fleeting sense of mild enjoyment but its tropes and cheesy antics rarely fill up a full series — i found the romance in this show, which was quite minimal actually, very enjoyable due to the characteristics of the leads and their combined dynamic.
to elaborate, in contrary to the usual trope depicted in mediums, where the leads are portrayed as a damsel in distress and her rescuer, the roles are reversed here, where the male lead — portayed by cha eunwoo, whom i found was casted perfectly in contrary to his notorious acting reputation — is a lonesome prince, locked away in a palace from the rest of the royals and is very childlike due to his lack of human interaction and thus, lacks judgement and common sense. the female lead on the other hand, is an ambitious educated noble, who doesn't take no for an answer from anyone and cleverly fights for her ideologies with the tip of her ink brush. she doesn't indulge in the common romance novels circulating around the country per other noblewomen and seeks to become an intellectual with a firm set of beliefs and virtues. in some intangible way, the two leads' story was almost like rapunzel: the damsel in distress locked away in her (or his in this case) tower, and the smart, firm heroine who finds him and slowly brings him out of his oblivion to show him the world. (the story of rapunzel actually makes a small appearance in the drama and the female lead disses the silly nature of the fairy tale :‑D) but as you can imagine, when combined, the female and male lead's dynamic and advancing romantic relationship felt very refreshing and innocent given their respective temperaments.
another thing that i found particularly refreshing and i loved was how minuscule, for a lack of better word, the conflict was. this is a historical first and foremost, and historicals always have to include some sort of political intrigue within the palace walls, no matter the genre or time period. due to this, i have begun to find historicals repetitive and uninteresting given the nature of their drama structure. however, the political aspect of this drama is barely nonexistent for the first half of the series; there's no prominent villains, arising problems or high stakes. instead, the conflict and the extent of the political conspiracy slowly creeps onto the characters in the latter half of the show as the leads begin to learn more about themselves and the environment around them. even so, i didn't find it tedious per usual historicals — it was original and exciting! especially because we are introduced to it near the end of the show so it explains a ton of the prior scenes and ties into all of the characters' pasts and clearly explains their motives! everything felt like puzzle pieces coming together, and it felt so satisfying watching the characters come to terms with their origins and backstories.
and lastly, the aspect that i found the most interesting and delightful about the show were the topics introduced. the show takes place in the early nineteenth century, where new advancements had arrived from neighbouring countries and joseon had begun to adopt new ideologies and ways. in many parts, this show depicted the change in society, and the turmoil that followed — similarly to mr sunshine, another one of my favorites. mr sunshine depicted the time period of the japanese colonization in korea — decades before rookie historian. the difference in moods is worlds apart. and yet, rookie historian still touches upon topics of importance — just with a considerably lighter manner. topics like sexism and the faint ideas of feminism; oppression related to views and ideas; the banning and burning of books; political views and how they can often snowball; dethronement and the legitimacy of the heir to the throne; foreign medicinal remedies; religious intolerance (more specifically how catholiclism came to be in joseon) and finally, the importance of historians, not only in the royal court but also in broader korean history. all of these topics made appearances in the drama, whether it was an underlying theme or a small subplot. i found myself learning a lot about early joseon and how it came to be the korea that we know of it now — even despite the fact that i've seen a ton of other historicals already. even so, i found myself fascinated with rookie historian's content and the type of story it decided to tell.
as a whole, rookie historian goo hae-ryung stands apart from other historicals due to its refreshing nature in which it depicted a soft and swoony romance, all while keeping a consistently light tone, even when discussing heavy topics like politics and sexism. i found it particularly fresh as i had seen several historicals prior (as mentioned before), so i was well-versed in the content and format already, but rookie historian gave a new take and perspective on the historical genre and offered a wonderful pacemaker amidst all of the other repetitive genres — investigative crime, cheesy romance, fantasy, melodrama — that i had been stuck in a loop watching. the show occasionally made me smile or crack up with laughter, but other than the laughs it produced, i appreciate how it had something to say above anything else. bold and (arguably) still relevant social and political commentaries that popped up here and there ultimately made a meaningful and informative watch.
i wouldn't rate this drama incredibly high because it's not my style on paper, but i still had a very enjoyable time watching it and will treasure the memories of it for a long time to come. for anyone who's skeptical that it might be unpleasant or cheesy due to its advertised romance tag, i, an avid thriller and action lover, found myself completely enamoured by the antics and messages rookie historian told. i loved the characters: historians who fought for what they wrote and believed in, royals and crown princes who pursued to create a great reign, and physicians who struggled to spread knowledge about medicine; each character added great depth and personality to the story — whether it be from their hilarious antics and comedic microexpressions or their frequently deep revelations and resolute dialogue. the acting, music, cinematography and costumes were all dreamlike and on point as well, so props to all of the wonderful actors and the masterful team who wrote, acted, and produced; consequently bringing such a story to life.
before i end this lengthy review, i just wanted to leave a quote from the show to sum up its message and essence;
“Even if you slash my throat, our brushes will not stop writing. If I die, another historian will take my place; if you kill that historian, another will take their place. Even if you kill every historian in this land, and take away all the paper and brushes, you won't be able to stop us. From mouth to mouth, teacher to student, elder to child, history will be told. That is the power of truth" - Goo Hae-ryung.
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Minister Min is hot lol
Now in all seriousness Rookie Historian is a lovely kdrama. I remember while recommending it to others that I mentioned how I loved that it was historical and the costumes were beautiful! The element of an ongoing mystery with the banned books and the prince's nightmares was a great element well. I also made a point of appreciating the feminism and girl power! Goo Hae-ryung is differentfrom some female leads I've seen in dramas and tv shows that constantly need help/ are damsels in distress. I loved that our female lead is strong willed and willing to fight for what she believes in! ^_^ Prince Dowon was a nice male lead, I enjoyed his interactions with Goo Hae-ryung! The supporting cast were loveable as well, like the fellow historians hehe. Also Dowon's attendants were hilarious. Plus minister Min <3 <3 Anyway I was sad to see it end, but it got me back into watching kdramas.Was this review helpful to you?
