Sungkyunkwan Scandal: Episode 19

186 November 10, 2010January 24, 2016

by girlfriday

Hold onto your wide-brimmed hats, people. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, and this train ain’t slowin’ down for no one. In this penultimate episode, Yong-ha gets outed, Jae-shin gets locked up, Sun-joon gets roasted as the sacrificial lamb, and Yoon-hee gets found out…FINALLY. Looks like we’re headed into the finale with eyes wide open and hands in the air.

LESSON 19 RECAP

Yoon-hee searches the shrine, but comes up empty handed. Sun-joon races inside to find her, relieved that she’s unharmed. As he goes in for a hug, he notes that she’s wearing her couple ring around her neck.

Outside, Jae-shin is being filleted by the sword, trying to keep the soldiers at bay. He fights back, even while his chest is sliced open (Okay, I know you’re a badass, but WTF, Show?) and somehow manages to slip away.

Yong-ha appears just in time with some backup, and has Jae-shin carried safely into Sungkyunkwan. He lays his beloved down oh-so gently. Sorry. I can’t help it. It’s just such a tender moment.

Yoon-hee waits impatiently outside, worry and panic setting in.

Meanwhile, In-soo and his father receive word that the Red Messenger has escaped, and In-soo decides to take matters into his own hands. He leads the soldiers and marches into Sungkyunkwan, laws be damned, to arrest Jae-shin himself. The Sungkyunkwan sentries protest, but In-soo pulls his weight as the student body president, and declares that he’s given the soldiers license to enter.

He orders them to search for the injured Red Messenger, and the geum-deung-jisa while they’ve gained access inside. They turn the campus upside-down, putting all the students on edge, and feeling that their safe haven…isn’t so safe anymore.

They finally amass outside of Yong-ha’s room, and In-soo questions Yoon-hee about the Red Messenger. Yong-ha hears them coming and makes a move to head them off, but Sun-joon stops him. He tells Yong-ha that In-soo can’t be stopped by sly words this time, and declares that he’ll get arrested in Jae-shin’s place.

Yong-ha can’t believe that Sun-joon is willing to be framed as the Red Messenger, but he answers that it’s his way of upholding his faith in the Joseon that he believes in. Aw, you should’ve just confessed your love for Guh-ro. We know that’s the real reason.

Even Yong-ha is impressed with Sun-joon’s ~~love~~, ~~devotion~~, er…sacrifice for Guh-ro, and that’s saying a lot.

In-soo makes a move toward the door, but Yong-ha bursts out, telling him to stop. He grabs In-soo by the arm, and reminds him that all the students are looking on. In-soo doesn’t care, and plans to abuse his power publicly. He nods for the soldiers to go inside.

They delare that the Red Messenger is inside, and then come out with Sun-joon as their captive. Both Yoon-hee and In-soo stare gobsmacked, and Yong-ha puts his hand on Yoon-hee’s shoulder, to let her know that it’s going to be okay.

They watch silently, unable to do anything as Sun-joon gets carted away to jail for being the Red Messenger. Even In-soo, who knows that Jae-shin is the man they’re looking for, can’t stop his father from taking Sun-joon in this power play.

Back inside, Yong-ha assures Yoon-hee that Sun-joon will be okay. He never would’ve agreed to the plan if Sun-joon wouldn’t be protected by his father’s political position. Jae-shin stirs awake and asks angrily what’s going on. He’s about as happy as you’d expect, to hear that Sun-joon got carted off to jail to protect him, and tries to get his sliced ass out of bed to go knock Sun-joon around for trying to be a hero.

Yong-ha and Yoon-hee remind him that he is near death and would surely die if he were to spend the night in jail. Jae-shin pounds his fist, angry that his super-human body isn’t…more super-human. Sheesh. Heroes.

Yong-ha adds that In-soo crossed a line, bringing soldiers into Sungkyunkwan. He’ll see to it that this infringement doesn’t go unpunished. After all, he’s Gu Yong-ha.

In-soo discovers that his father plans to make Sun-joon into the Red Messenger, regardless of the truth. It’s interesting to see him balk at that, because despite being Eeeeevil, In-soo cares that the real Red Messenger, Jae-shin, is captured and brought to justice. He may not be above breaking the rules to serve what he thinks is ultimately just, but he is above sending the wrong guy away for political gain. Good to know there are a few scruples in your bag.

Sun-joon’s father visits him in jail. He notes the ring on his son’s finger, and declares rather matter-of-factly that his son is choosing quite a rough road of rebellion, if all this is about what happened ten years ago to Jae-shin’s brother and Yoon-hee’s father. He says that he isn’t the guilty party in that incident, which Sun-joon acknowledges, but adds that he did cover it up for ten years afterward. He says with no remorse that he is simply following the path that his father taught him. Ouch.

The next morning, Yoon-hee and Yong-ha pace back and forth over how to proceed, when Jae-shin appears, declaring that he’ll go make it right, since no one would believe that the bumbling idiot they have in custody is actually the Red Messenger. Heh.

But Yoon-hee’s not having any of that. She stands in his path, hands stretched as far as they reach. It’s comical how cute it is, because physically it’s ridiculous that she would actually be able to block his path, but it’s not so much her size, but her gesture that gives him pause. She declares, tears in her eyes, that there’s someone who took his place; she won’t forgive him if he doesn’t honor that sacrifice. Oooh. Nice. Good way to get it through his thick heroic skull.

She adds, “Because…for you…I would’ve done the same.”

Siiiiiiigh. Why aren’t you two making babies yet? You’re killing me, Show.

Jae-shin smiles at her, moved, but ever still the oppa. He tells her to let him go anyway; someone’s got to make things right, especially since he found out that In-soo’s father, not Sun-joon’s, was the one who murdered their family members. She looks up at him wide-eyed, as he lifts the giant weight on her heart. You’re free to love him is what he says, but doesn’t say.

As he walks off, he turns back to remind Yong-ha to set the overthrowing of President In-soo in motion. Yong-ha smiles, “Of course. I’m…” Jae-shin smiles back, “That’s right. You’re Gu Yong-ha.”

Jae-shin heads for his father’s house, to ask for his help in setting Sun-joon free. He begs his father not to resort to the same tactics as the enemy, and when Daddy is unmoved, he shows him the gash in his chest, declaring that he’s going to confess to being the Red Messenger. Well that’s not very smart of you, now is it? He gets stopped by Daddy’s henchmen, since clearly he’s not about to give up his only remaining son in place of his enemy’s. Duh.

Yong-ha approaches In-soo in the schoolyard, and throws down the gauntlet. The student body is charging him with abuse of power in letting soldiers into Sungkyunkwan, and will be holding a hearing to strip him of his title.

In-soo doesn’t get ruffled in the least. He leans into Yong-ha’s ear to tell him that he doesn’t think Yong-ha will be going to that hearing, since if he does, the world will know that he is nothing but a merchant’s son dressed in a nobleman’s clothes. Yong-ha trembles at the words, letting his cool façade down in front of In-soo for the first time. He’s clearly shaken to his core, stunned to be faced with his biggest weakness, while In-soo smiles at him smugly.

He hears word that Jae-shin is trapped in his father’s house (gah, why did you even go there, stupid?), and Yoon-hee wonders if the student upheaval is their last resort. Yong-ha sighs, saying that even that might be a long shot now. He can’t bring himself to disappoint her with the words, so he just says that they might not succeed.

It’s time for In-soo’s trial, and Yong-ha hesitates, knowing the tidal wave that’s about to hit. But he remembers Sun-joon’s brave words before going to jail, and Jae-shin’s faith in him to set things in motion. He steels himself and walks out into the light.

In front of the student body, he faces off with In-soo, who does as he promised: he passes out evidence of Yong-ha’s merchant-class background. Shaking, Yong-ha turns towards his classmates and confesses: “I…am not a nobleman.” He admits to having been given the outer shell of a nobleman (metaphorically and literally, a nobleman’s clothes) by his father.

The students reel from the news, and pretty much skewer him for lying, and not being of noble birth. They basically make a complete 180, treating him like he’s the dirt beneath their feet. I know they’re supposed to be bigoted and hateful, but still, I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut.

Stripped of the right to challenge In-soo directly, he passes the torch onto Yoon-hee. He says it’s not because of his class, but because he was ashamed of himself. He grits his teeth, declaring that he’s no longer going to live that way.

Yoon-hee looks up at him proudly, with tears in her eyes. With that weight off his chest, he turns to In-soo boldly, tears brimming, “Your threats mean nothing to me now, Ha In-soo. This is Sungkyunkwan. And I…am Gu Yong-ha.”

Gu Yong-ha! Gu Yong-ha!

I love this moment of personal triumph for Yong-ha, overcoming his own demons while stepping up to do the right thing to save his friends.

He’s turned himself into an outcast, though, as he returns to his room and finds all of his belongings thrown to the curb, so to speak. Yoon-hee helps him clean up, and tells him that it must feel like a weight’s been taken off his shoulders. He replies that to live a lie means that you’re always prepared for some sort of consequence. This would be a great time for Yoon-hee to confess her own secret (not that he doesn’t know), but sigh…she doesn’t.

Yong-ha adds, showing a non-cynical side for the first time, that he truthfully helped look for the geum-deung-jisa in part because he really wanted to see, if that world where class doesn’t matter…could actually be a reality. He worries that he’s put too much on Yoon-hee’s shoulders now, but encourages her that she can do it.

She heads out to try and rally people for the cause, but they all dismiss her soundly, knowing that Yong-ha is behind it. In-soo comes by to bully her out of it, stating proudly that the old adage isn’t: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” He decides it’s: “He who wields power, MAKES a way.”

Yoon-hee doesn’t bat an eyelash as she spits back: “Then that power…I’ll have to make it mine.” Niiice. Love the cajones on this girl.

She asks Yong-ha how all the students could actually believe that Sun-joon is the Red Messenger, after having spent all this time with him at school. Yong-ha half-smiles at her, asking if she really thinks that time spent together means that people really know each other…when there are those who share a room, but don’t know how the other person feels. Aw, poor Jae-shin and his wounded puppy heart. Yoon-hee, of course, remains clueless on the matter, further proving Yong-ha’s point.

The headmaster sneaks over to offer his two cents: what they need is evidence, not to prove Sun-joon’s innocence per se, but to prove that the Red Messenger is still about, and therefore NOT Lee Sun-joon. Well, I knew you’d finally be good for something, silly old man.

Yong-ha and Yoon-hee initiate Mission: Rescue Boyfriends that night, their only hiccup being that Yong-ha is decidedly unhappy in plain black clothes. Ha. But one swift compliment from Yoon-hee is enough to alleviate his fashion worries.

Their first order of business: rescue Guh-ro. He’s being held captive in his father’s house, and Crazy Horse really is going crazy. He tears the room apart, screaming at the top of his lungs and still bleeding out of his gaping chest wound. Daddy finally comes in to throw his weight around, but Jae-shin just pleads with him to let Sun-joon go. He adds that retaliating like this, by framing Sun-joon…just makes him one of them.

Daddy Moon shows the same Crazy Horse anger brewing underneath the surface (like father like son), as he says that he’s been waiting patiently for ten years…for this day. It’s finally time to wield his power and protect his son (this time he means Jae-shin, not his brother).

But Jae-shin has finally seen the error of their ways, and cries out, “Will doing any of this bring hyung back?” Tears. Those aren’t mine, I swear. They’re someone else’s.

Tears streaming down his face, Jae-shin ekes out, “I…I was wrong. I was immature and thought that I was hurting more than you. I was wrong…Father.” Utter heartbreak. He pleads with his father to let Sun-joon go, because the two of them have yet to start in life. Daddy Moon is shaken, but doesn’t turn back or reply. Have you a heart of STONE, sir? Does everyone with Moon blood have to be a badass? Goddamn family of posturing males. Where’s Mom when you need her? He walks out without a word, leaving Jae-shin clutching his heart in tears.

Thankfully, it’s Gu Yong-ha to the rescue. He sends Soon-dol out as a decoy while he and Yoon-hee rush in to save the big hero from his daddy issues. Yong-ha rushes over, clutching Jae-shin’s face in his hands. Omo, kiss?

Damn, no kiss. A hug will have to suffice. Jae-shin tries to get out of the bromance explosion before he loses cool points in front of the lady, but there’s no stopping Yong-ha today. He clutches Jae-shin like it’s been years, not 24 hours since they’ve seen him last.

Yoon-hee explains with a laugh that even for Yong-ha, he was especially awesome today. So cut him some slack and let him hug you, dude.

When the guards report that Jae-shin’s friends have come to rescue him, Daddy Moon decides to let him go. Aw. You big ol’ softie. That must run in the family blood too.

Jae-shin writes a new note as the Red Messenger, proving that he isn’t Lee Sun-joon. They litter the town in red, stirring the soldiers.

The three of them head towards the jail to visit Sun-joon, and Yong-ha sends the other two ahead of him, to give them some alone time. Cute that he’s still so doggedly on Jae-shin’s side. Too bad that ship’s already sailed.

Yoon-hee cluelessly rattles on and on the entire way about Sun-joon: what he’s thinking, what if they’re too late, blah-de-blah, until Jae-shin can’t take it anymore. He finally stops her before he bleeds his heart out right in front of her, and tells her to go in without him.

It’s his final gesture to let her go. And it’s KILLING me. He adds as she turns to leave…

Jae-shin: Kim Yoon-shik. Have I ever told you? Thank you.
Yoon-hee: For what?
Jae-shin: You. Thank you, for you.

Sob. I mean, he’s too perfect, it’s almost ridiculous. Siiiiiiigh.

Yoon-hee finds Sun-joon sleeping in his cell, and looks at him longingly, dropping a silent tear as she gets up to leave. He stirs awake, rushing up to meet her. She cries as she touches his face, and he sees the ring, back on her finger. He asks for her forgiveness for his father, but she replies that forgiveness is not hers to give, because people can’t choose their parents. Right on. Please take note, kdramaland.

She tells him that what she can give is her heart…the heart of a girl…

…which is exactly what Hyo-eun overhears when she comes to visit her betrothed.

Oh crap.

Outside, Yong-ha catches up to Jae-shin, sighing at his hopeless lovelorn friend. He tells him to stop now, before it becomes a habit, and tells him to forget her. “Make this the last time…that you watch her from afar.”

The students gather to present their case to the king, and even Jae-shin comes dressed in his fancy Sunday best. Yoon-hee and Yong-ha take turns looking him up and down and it makes him so uncomfortable that he squirms. Yoon-hee’s eyes practically bug out of her head to see him looking so nice. You should’ve dressed this nicely from the start. Perhaps if you had bathed with more regularity, you woulda gotten the girl!

In-soo and his toadies show up to block the procession, to no effect. Yoon-hee charges ahead, leading the pack. Yong-ha reminds In-soo that they didn’t leave him; he threw Sungkyunkwan away first, even as Yong-ha warned him that the students were always watching. Even two of his most faithful lackeys leave him, the biggest sting coming from the bumbling idiot, who says that even he, the stupid one, knows that In-soo is wrong.

Yoon-hee leads the students to the palace, where they chant for Sun-joon to be set free, and plead their case to the king. Yoon-hee looks on at her classmates, proud and amazed at the power a group of vocal students can wield. It’s akin to the feeling you have at your first student protest, when the world is open and full of hope, and you feel for the first time that with enough people on your side, you could move mountains and change the world.

In voiceover, Yoon-hee speaks to her father:

Yoon-hee: You asked if it was right, to plant a desire in your daughter’s heart, knowing that she would never have the chance to see her dreams fulfilled. I want to ask: Here, today, as a woman, is it right to have the desires that I have? The new Joseon that you dreamt of, Father…what kind of world is it? In that place, are my dreams…no longer a sin?

She takes out her father’s puzzle, and it triggers a memory. She remembers it, as a child, and asking her father if it represented her. He had replied, “It’s you, and it’s hope.” With tears brimming in her eyes, she looks down at the solved puzzle to see an etching. It sends her running, to the door of Sungkyunkwan.

In-soo sits at home, brooding over his impending loss of status…that is until his sister arrives home, mouthing off about her shock that Kim Yoon-shik…is a girl.

Double crap.

Yoon-hee digs at the entrance to Sungkyunkwan, and she unearths…the geum-deung-jisa.

COMMENTS

Well, usually the penultimate episode isn’t as strong, because it’s a lot of setup for the finale, but this episode was actually really great as a standalone. I enjoyed the character beats for Yong-ha and Jae-shin, as well as Yoon-hee’s moment of reconciliation with her father, as she begins to understand what it means to be a Sungkyunkwan scholar, in the world and not just in books and classrooms.

The cliffhanger is also great in this episode as well, because In-soo’s discovery that Yoon-hee is a girl runs parallel to her questions to her father about what it means to have these dreams and ambitions in a world where they aren’t sanctioned for her.

The problem is, though, that it bodes badly for the finale, because that means the outing of her female status is going to be resolved too quickly for my taste. This is a crucial part of the drama for me, and I can’t foresee myself being happy with having only one episode to sweep this giant question under the rug. Here’s hoping…

186

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1 gominam

November 10, 2010 at 8:25 PM

love this drama to pieces!!!
thanks for the recaps..

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2 Harriet Cha

November 10, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Just wanted to say Thank you for your recaps. I enjoyed and appreciate it very much. This is all new to me and the Kdrama world is adding joy to my day.

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3 abc

November 10, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Thanks!

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4 ilukd

November 10, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Damn ... thanks GirlFriday ...feeding my addiction ... missing SKK day and night ... i miss noron, soron, namin, King and everyone ...

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5 kitkatx

November 10, 2010 at 8:35 PM

I've liked SKKS for a while now and there's something I realized. I thought it was Park Min Young that I adored, but I realized what I really liked was the CHARACTER of Yoon Hee, but the acting of Park Min Young... nothing special for me. :|

Meanwhile for Song Joon Ki and Yoo Ah In, I really like THEIR ACTING more than their characters. They really managed to bring life into the kind of characters that we're already so familiar with. (the playboyish and the troubled type of guys)

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Kristy

November 11, 2010 at 2:18 AM

@kitkatx you totally brought me the "AH HA!!" moment with your comment there. Thanks for your comment. It actually helped me answer that lingering question to why I'm not overly impressed with Park Min Young here but still love this story about YoonHee.

Seriously OMG agree with you on Song Joongki and Yoo Ah In, they made the characters their very own versions of them. They had a pretty stereotypical roles that are quite 1-2 dimension. But because they made it their own, they create depth to their characters. Definitely appreciated that. Also appreciated their subtle movements & reactions that were so powerful. Great acting ability.

What do you think about YooChun? At least he exceeded my expectation and did a better job than quite a few actors/actresses out there. I think he has a future as an actor as well.

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kitkatx

November 11, 2010 at 4:53 AM

Yay! Someone agrees with me! I thought it was just me at first, but yeah, I realized I loved the character of Yoon Hee, but I can imagine other actresses playing her. Meanwhile, I can't think of any other actor that would be able to play Yong Ha or Jae Shin and give the same life that their current actors have already given them.

As for YooChun, he definitely exceeded my expectations, deifnitely better than Kim Hyung Joong for example, but maybe because he's new, I really just... didn't feel the chemistry between him and Park Min Young as much as I did between Joong Ki and Ah in!

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anotheraddict

November 11, 2010 at 7:21 AM

IMHO, the casting of Park Min-young and Micky Yoochun was quite good, but I can imagine other actors in their roles (though I'm so attached to this drama now that I don't want to). However, the casting of Song Joon-ki and Yoo Ah-in was absolutely perfectamundo, I shudder at the very thought of a Jae-shin that didn't have those sorrowful eyes, that oh-so-kissable nose, those luscious lips.... (I could go on and on). And, Song Joon-ki, as you have repeatedly said, you ARE Gu Yong-ha!

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RoastedSweetPotato

November 11, 2010 at 7:46 AM

I couldn't agree more with your insightful comments about Song Joon Ki and Yoo Ah In's amazing ACTING, while only Yoon Hee the CHARACTER was amazing.

Park Min Young's acting was overall ineffective for me; instead, I would imagine what it feels like to be the character Yoon Hee and that was very special for me.

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6 leslie

November 10, 2010 at 8:36 PM

mighty big thanks GF, u are truly awesome peeps...
i can't help it but i hated the ending :(

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7 gominam

November 10, 2010 at 8:38 PM

yeeey first this time!!! thank you..

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8 fangirl

November 10, 2010 at 8:41 PM

ah! so cute :)
was waiting impatiently for the recaps over the past week!

it was agonising to see the recaps for MSOAN when this wasn't out :(

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9

November 10, 2010 at 8:43 PM

“Your threats mean nothing to me now, Ha In-soo. This is Sungkyunkwan. And I…am Gu Yong-ha.”

Gu Yong-ha! Gu Yong-ha!

--- for me Yong Ha has always been the hero!!! and I miss him and their bromance with Jae Shin!!!

Thanks GF for the recap!!

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Melissa

November 10, 2010 at 9:29 PM

I want more than bromance dammit!!!

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:D

November 10, 2010 at 10:19 PM

i know!!! they deserve each other ^^

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Eleven11

November 10, 2010 at 9:54 PM

Gu Yong Ha was the best. I lol'd when I read that part of the recap because I remember cheering 'Gu Yong Ha!' at my screen at exactly the same point.

I think this was really a fantastic episode/resolution for his character. Song Joong Ki really played his weakness and triumph perfectly.

I think I'm gonna get a picture of Gu Yong Ha for my wall as a motivation poster - if something seems tough i'll just be like: 'bitch, I'm Gu Yong Ha!'

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rayray

November 11, 2010 at 8:02 AM

hehehe omg best motivational line ever! kekeke Now I want to do that to anytime anyone messes with me hehehe!

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Ani

November 11, 2010 at 1:39 AM

I read in another blog something that I have come to find as true about this drama and that's the fact that I love Gu Yong-ha's catchphrase. "I am Gu Yong-ha." I wish I had a catchphrase like that.

"Watashi wa Ani desu." Yeah, that's pretty cool.

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10 brookeeve

November 10, 2010 at 8:43 PM

This episode.... so nice.... Really, I'm not crying!

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11 kitkatx

November 10, 2010 at 8:44 PM

But anyway, I watched this episode a long time ago already, and the last one. And gah, all the (b)romance between Yong-Ha and Jae-Shin... I love when they rescued him and Yong-Ha practically latched onto him and was like, "I've had such a long day." and the look on his face was he hugged Jae-Shin made it seem like it got all better just because he was there. Maybe it's because I've got my period, haha, but come on, that can't just be friendship. HAHAHAHA!

And gah, the entire time with Yong-Ha being skewered by his fellow classmates left my gutted. I could barely watch, especially when Song Joong Ki's eyes were starting to grow wet. Such great acting! :D

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12 kitkatx

November 10, 2010 at 8:46 PM

3rd post... hahaha! Well, I've always found Song Joong Ki cute on Music Bank and the couple episodes I've seen of Running Man, but he's got a new fan in me - and I'm sure many other people now! :D

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13 LeeLey

November 10, 2010 at 8:49 PM

Yes, those were MY tears...Sob... Jae Shin, I'm officially missing you....

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14 lovenyc52

November 10, 2010 at 8:50 PM

thaaank you so much GF!!

As much as I love and adore Moony and all his silent heroics... i think i loved the Yong Ha moments even more this ep... One moment he's super badass, standing up to In Soo and proclaiming that he is Gu Yong Ha, and the next moment he's pouting over wearing an unfashionable black outfit and making super freakin cute 'angel of death' faces lol. i've watched that scene about 47 times, no joke. and i laugh everytime :D

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15 achique

November 10, 2010 at 8:55 PM

thanks dramabeans, girlfriday, cassie n red pill. love your recaps.

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16 ilukd

November 10, 2010 at 8:58 PM

"You should’ve dressed this nicely from the start. Perhaps if you had bathed with more regularity, you woulda gotten the girl!" ...LOL.... hahaha ... so GF you're MOONY fraction ....

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Soo Ae

November 11, 2010 at 6:08 AM

I know! I LOLd at the comment too! Girlfriday, you never fail to crack me up!

Glad we're on the same faction! I really miss SKKS...

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Anyalyn

October 4, 2012 at 7:59 AM

SHIPPING FOR MOONY! Although this is like two years agoooo but omggggg Gul-oh why are you such a background hero! I love your relationship with Yoon Hee more than LSJ. T.T

Hate that we're seeing him in heartbreak. YOU SHOULD JUST GRAB THE GIRL THE MOMENT YOU FOUND OUT ABT IT IN HWANG GAN CHUNG OR WHATEVER THAT PLACE IT

T.T T.T T.T for the Moony fraction

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17 indigowine

November 10, 2010 at 8:58 PM

me personally, have no problem whatsoever with the 19th and 20th episode. I think they ended it it AWESOMEly...
HAHAHAAHAHA..

even til the very last minute...

damn I'm in love with SKKS

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18 amy

November 10, 2010 at 9:03 PM

GIFs of the Yong-ha and Jae-shin hug! :D

http://thais84.tumblr.com/post/1537069409

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amy

November 10, 2010 at 9:04 PM

I love how he runs his thumb along Jae-Shin's cheek.

DEADZ.

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19 miss_procrastination

November 10, 2010 at 9:04 PM

thank you. thank you. thank you. I adored this episode. Yong Ha, Jae Shin, Sun Joon and Yoon Hee are full of such love. They have one of the best friendships I have ever seen in k-drama land. I cried, clapped and cheered in this episode. Good drama does that to me.

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20 Ladymoonstone143

November 10, 2010 at 9:10 PM

Thank you so much Girlfriday for this recap. I was ready to shut down my laptop when I decided to take one last peek here at dramabeans....and my fangirl shriek of seeing your recap almost awaken the entire household.

My heart bleeds for Jae Shin on this episode especially the part where he lets go of Yonhee...saying his "thanks..for being you" part......the tears were all mine.

And my heart breaks some more with that scene between the Moon's......how awesome Jae Shin's acting was?

And I will never forget Yongha's too...I think I cried lots on this episode compared to the past ones.

Like many others, I miss SKKS so much...infact I just started watching it from Episode 1 today...mostly watching Jae Shin's and Yongha's part. I know that there will never be a Season 2 but silly old me still longing for Jae Shin's and Yongha's story.

"....You should’ve dressed this nicely from the start. Perhaps if you had bathed with more regularity, you woulda gotten the girl!.."

What you written GF cracked me up so much....BUT I love the rugged Jae Shin though...and even if he looks like he haven't bath regularly...he will still smell good. I wouldn't mind giving him a hug..bath or no bath at all...lol

If am still in high school or college years...I will have my room decorated with anything related to SKKS and will have a huge album of Jae Shin's snapshot or an entire wall with his face on it....until I will be over with my SKKs obsession...:))

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koreandramalover/kay

November 11, 2010 at 11:53 PM

I agree with you Ladymoonstone143 with what you said, especially about how AWESOME Yoo Ah In's acting was talking with his father while he was being imprisoned... sooo spot-on acting - from his actions, to his heartbreaking voice trying to contain his emotions...

ooohhh...how his emotional outburst was so REAL, I was literally shaking with emotion myself...

I cried buckets watching this episode too...

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21 rayray

November 10, 2010 at 9:15 PM

the bromance just made me melt into a one big puddle of awwww! hahaha oh man I seriously miss SKKS already. I ve finished it over the weekend and its going to be so weird to not watch it.Poor moony! *huggles*. I ve always had my doubts about yong-ha's 'real' feelings for Moony but I think this episode proved that Yong-ha really does love him!kekeke they re so cute!

I think this episode was superb and I think they really needsed maybe two more episodes before the finale.

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22 beppu10

November 10, 2010 at 9:17 PM

Thanks for the recap, girlfriday!

Putting aside the b/romance stuff...Whoa, the twist at the final part is really a "twist" for me; I didn't expect that the geumdeungjisa would be laid at the Banchon, the lowliest society of Joseon and I was totally surprised by it. It just didn't occur to me that the Banchon area would play a crucial role in the geumdeungjisa hunt later in the series.

"...Yong-ha rushes over, clutching Jae-shin’s face in his hands. Omo, kiss?
Damn, no kiss. A hug will have to suffice."

LOL at that scene!

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23 jaejoongwangja

November 10, 2010 at 9:20 PM

yup i watched ep 20 already, i am satisfied with the ending, it makes sense till the very end. the drama makes me wanna watch it till the final episode coz i have no idea whatsoever how its going to end. but so true about HE is actually SHE is solved in1 episode is pretty much ... it solved already ?

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24 Bownie!

November 10, 2010 at 9:20 PM

I started watching this for song joong ki and yoo ah in but fell in love with micky yoo chun and park min young too. We couldn't ask for a better cast! The four casts are superb!!!!!

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25 Asha

November 10, 2010 at 9:25 PM

Jae-shin: You. Thank you, for you

Sob. I mean, he’s too perfect, it’s almost ridiculous. Siiiiiiigh.

My sentiment exactly!

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26 Noypi

November 10, 2010 at 9:26 PM

I'm rewatching the series again, ALREADY!!

Anyone with me?? Lol..

I need my SKKS addicition fixed!!

Thanks for the recap GF!!

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hbfrack

November 10, 2010 at 9:42 PM

hi noypi.. im assuming you're pinoy? right... i'm with you.. i'm actually rewatching the series too...lol

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Noypi

November 11, 2010 at 10:31 AM

haha.. yup! =)

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hbfrack

November 10, 2010 at 9:45 PM

sorry i forgot to thank GF for the wonderful recap!

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27 :D

November 10, 2010 at 9:28 PM

Girlfriday!
hiiiiiii :D

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28 Nahan

November 10, 2010 at 9:30 PM

Thanks soooo much for the recap because I watched this on Saturday and I was just hoping that I wasn't the only one who thought (hoped/wished) Yong-ha and Jae-shin were going to kiss when he grabbed Jae-shin's face...the hug was nice though

Awesome ep and series

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29 jamie

November 10, 2010 at 9:30 PM

can i do the hugging.... OMG i am this site everyday for the update... thanks for the summaries.. cant wait for the last one...

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30 Lisa Purba

November 10, 2010 at 9:33 PM

My most fave scene: Yongha grabs Jaeshin face, hugs him so tight and won't let him go.. <3

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moony meia46

November 11, 2010 at 4:04 AM

Mine too :)))) <3.

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31 Helena

November 10, 2010 at 9:35 PM

Thank you GF for many moments of blissfull joy! I've seen quite a number of dramas before but I think this one captivated me the most.I already miss them all( before I surrender to a new addiction) !

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32 John

November 10, 2010 at 9:36 PM

damn damn damn this drama.... I did not expect to be hooked on this drama before starting to watch episode 1 but ...damn. I got hooked.

I loved the Jae Shin-Yoon Hee interactions in this episode and how it kinda showed how this relationship has passed.

Sure, she tried to block him in the beginning and said..."Because…for you…I would’ve done the same." and a sliver of hope remained for this relationship until Jae Shin..damn Jae Shin has to tell her about who was really responsible for her father's death.

And then how he thanks her for being her as they approach Sun Joon.

Fucking. Heart. Break. times a million.

It's kinda sad because he rescued her from being attacked from those group of thugs...and man, it seems like he's always protecting her at the cost of his own feelings,etc.

He protected her identity when it could have been discovered by Sun Joon(since they were all rooming together) and by others when she went to take a bath in Sung Kyung Kwan among other occasions that do not come to mind at the moment. He could have called her out on being a woman at SKK but he never did.

He made that archery thing to protect her thumb. He gave her tips on how to shoot. He knew about the archery sabotage and went after In-Soo a little bit because of it.

I just....he's done so much and she never really considered him as nothing more than a big brother. I don't understand...it just doesn't make sense...I..but He did so much..and She...

...

Women are dopey.

Also, I was yelling at Yoon Hee to take the Geum Deung Jisa to read the Geum Deung Ji Sa somewhere else after having discovered it. Why why why would you read that out in the open and risk getting discovered? Argh.

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Anyalyn

October 4, 2012 at 7:01 PM

MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY! I love Jae Shin to the end, I was shipping Moony fraction all the way, but but but, sigh.

AND YESS WHY DOES SHE HAVE TO READ IT THERE OMIFUCKGODDDD

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33 mellowyel

November 10, 2010 at 9:37 PM

"Yong-ha and Yoon-hee initiate Mission: Rescue Boyfriends"

LOLOLOLOLOL love it! Would love to use that line someday.

Awesome episode - awesome recap. Thanks, GF!

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34 jandoe

November 10, 2010 at 9:43 PM

GIRLFRIDAY I HEART YOU! your recaps are always so awesome :D (i'm holding off Mary's one till sub for ep 2 is released!)

anyway.

what i love about SS is the dialogue - this scriptwriter sure knows what he/she's writing! the dialogues flow effortlessly and the interpretations are often beautiful and thought-provoking that that adds weight to the drama in itself. I LOVE EM.

onto ep 20, can't wait to hear (read) everyone's thoughts!

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35 izuyam

November 10, 2010 at 9:46 PM

Great recap as usual, GF.. thanks a bunch
oh.. am so in luv with Jae Shin. ..dying to see more of YAI in the lead role

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36 Crazymoonyfan

November 10, 2010 at 9:47 PM

Thanks girlfriday!!! You ROCK!!!! Love your recaps....you made our SKK days so fun.

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37 leslie

November 10, 2010 at 9:48 PM

Thank you so much Girlfriday for this recap!!!
I gotta get this off my chest though, while I truly loved this drama, i just can't get over that Jae Shin-Yoon Hee didn't end up together.
i mean, I can't watch the last 2 episodes...my loss i'm sure.

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38 zandra

November 10, 2010 at 9:52 PM

thanks GF can never miss your joyful recaps even that I've already watched and re-watched the subbed eps.
:)

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39 doozy

November 10, 2010 at 9:53 PM

Thanks for the recap, girlfriday! Awesome choice of cover screen capture!

While I love this episode, there are a couple things that bother me slightly.
-So the Red Messenger and suit were found in Yong Ha's room but is there a reason as to why Yong Ha wasn't punished or held accountable for aiding and abetting a fugitive? (not that I'd want this to happen coz my fangirl side loves Yong Ha)
-Personally, I'm not really feeling the student protest/support for Sun Joon because the 180 change was too quick to be believable. So the scene when Yoon Hee was leaving the protest and each gave her his nod of support fell a little flat for me. But I guess since this is episode 19, things gotta happen fast, so we gotta move along.
-While I can understand that it's symbolically significant for Yoon Hee to discover and go through the geum deung jisa in front of the gate to Banchon, common sense tells me that it would, perhaps, be safer if she read the scroll in her room instead of in front of a public entrance, in broad daylight.

p.s. Will you (girlfriday), javabeans, red_pill, and cassie be your take on the finale and show as a whole in Episode 20 recap?

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40 maechan

November 10, 2010 at 10:07 PM

"Sob. I mean, he’s too perfect, it’s almost ridiculous. Siiiiiiigh." Moon Jae Shin I loved you since the beggining! <3
This series is just too good, and the recaps too... I would watch the episode and then read the recap! Honestly I loved Sungkuynkwan Scandal *Joseon Crack* and the Jalgeum Quartet!

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41 Roziah

November 10, 2010 at 10:10 PM

It is very sad for me to see the near end of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Before this, Kdramas are something that I watched on and off, when I got time to escape from my busy "real world". What SKKS did to me is to get me interested to learn Korean language (I am very impatient to wait for recaps) and to seek more information about Joseon era (try to imagine myself live there during that time).

Kudos to the actors and actresses of SKKS for their good work. It is nice to know that even during the era where women were not recognised for their cleverness, still one or two escaped the pack and defied the rules.

When Yoon Hee leads SKK students to plead for Sun-Joon's release, I feel proud for her. Dare to defy the rulings even though has to do it under the cover of being a man. Go girl, fighting!!!! Show to the world that even at the beginning of time, women do have brain and can use it smartly.

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42 Roziah

November 10, 2010 at 10:15 PM

It is very sad for me to see the near end of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Before this, Kdramas are something that I watched on and off, when I got time to escape from my busy "real world". What SKKS did to me is to get me interested to learn Korean language (I am very impatient to wait for subtitles) and to seek more information about Joseon era (try to imagine myself live there during that time).

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43 Roziah

November 10, 2010 at 10:21 PM

It is very sad for me to see the near end of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Before this, Kdramas are something that I watched on and off, when I got time to escape from my busy "real world". What SKKS did to me is to get me interested to learn Korean language (I am too impatient to wait for subtitles) and to seek more information about Joseon era (try to imagine myself living there during that time).

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44 aida

November 10, 2010 at 10:23 PM

Thank you for your recap for this drama..:) am keep on refreshing this website waiting for your recap.. hahaha.. i just love this drama.. errmmm...

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45 jyyjc

November 10, 2010 at 10:31 PM

thanks GF for the recap :D

This might be a stupid question but.... There was this one scene where yongha high-fived yoonhee and then proceeded to do so with jaeshin but got ignored, i don't think it's in this episode but that doesn't matter. Anyway, people in the joseon era, they did the high-five? has the high-five action been around since ancient times or was that just a modern throw-in because this is a fusion-saeguk?

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girlfriday

November 11, 2010 at 1:59 PM

See reply below.

Also, *high five*

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46 Roziah

November 10, 2010 at 10:32 PM

Sorry, don't know what happened to my computer. Tried three times to lodge my comment but cannot go through. When it did come out, there three of them, same version some more.

Mian-hada....

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47 Marres

November 10, 2010 at 10:35 PM

Wow! so many awesome teary screencaps! this was a great episode. Can't wait for the final.

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48 DNAR

November 10, 2010 at 10:54 PM

Dear girlfriday, hope tht I'm not imposing too much. If posibble, can translation of the letter as being read by KYS be done too... we know tht it is the GDJS, but wht is the literary words in the letter tht i'm most interested about...
as well as the title of the book tht LSJ read (during the holding hand scene-before the date scene) in Ep17 at 42:30. Tht scene never ceased to bring a smile to my face. Thank you in advance.

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girlfriday

November 11, 2010 at 1:56 PM

Beyond my paygrade. I'm Korean, but I was born in this century. :)

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girlfriday

November 11, 2010 at 1:57 PM

Errr....wait....I guess I was born in the last century.....

Pfffft.

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DNAR

November 12, 2010 at 6:34 AM

Me too.. ;-)

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samgetang

November 11, 2010 at 9:21 PM

Hi DNAR -- if the little korean history i know is correct, during the earlier part of the joseon era korea used chinese characters/writing before the time of King Sejong, the one who invented the hanggul so that the common people can understand each other better. in SKKS they are still using the traditional chinese characters and not korean as we know it now. i studied a bit of mandarin but the ones in the scenes you mentioned are way beyond the little knowledge that i have. maybe there are chinese-speaking natives here in dramabeans, among the commenters? im also interested to know the translation on the book that LSJ was holding during his holding-hand scene w KYH (was wondering also why they panned the camera on that particular book :-) thanks! :-)

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DNAR

November 12, 2010 at 6:47 AM

Tis Ok.. chinese friend tht I have only read simplified chinese.. so, that's no help... but then, I think I can let it go as part of the drama that forever will represent the "I have to learn other language" sigh moment..

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49 Haina

November 10, 2010 at 10:59 PM

I've been waiting for this recap for a while now! This is a great episode, although it could have just been called daddy issue galore. But hey, it's kdrama.