K-Drama Review: Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010 TV Series)
“Sungkyunkwan Scandal” is a K-drama TV series about students who dream of making Joseon a better country for all. So what’s the scandal?
“Sungkyunkwan was the foremost educational institution in Korea during the late Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties.” The word can be broken down and this is its meaning.
- Sung (RR: Seong) (성, 成) — accomplish, achieve. To become capable, successful or to win. “To perfect or develop human nature”.
- Kyun (RR: Gyun) (균, 均) — balance, to be. Strengthen culture according to social standards or norms. “To build a good society”.
- Kwan (RR: Gwan) (관, 館) — institute, academy, university.
The school’s purpose was (and still is) to foster the leaders of the country who will serve in prominent positions of authority. (Source)
This TV series is about a group of young scholars pursuing their studies at Sungkyunkwan, who are eventually called upon by the king to participate in a secret mission. Their mission was to find the Geum Deung Ji Sa (the will of the late King Yeongjo). I watched, re-watched, and enjoyed every episode but I still can’t pronounce the name. ☺ Korean is not my native language.