Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung

Set at the dawn of the 19th century in the Joseon era, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung follows a scholar who fights against the era's rigid gender rules. She writes and researches in a world that dismisses female scholars, trading respect for quiet conformity. Undaunted, she applies keen analysis to politics, culture, and daily life, hoping to widen what women can do with a pen and a mind. When she encounters Prince Yi Rim, the royal heir who is curious about the past, a cautious alliance forms. Their meeting sparks conversations about power, duty, and the costs of challenging tradition, all while a subtle romance begins to brew amid palace intrigue and social pressure. The show also explores the tension between formal scholarship and practical influence, as Goo Hae-Ryung negotiates patronage, public opinion, and the fragile lines between knowledge and power.

Released in 2019, the series is directed by Kang Il-soo and Han Hyun-hee and written by creator Sohn Hyung-suk. It blends meticulous period detail with sharp dialogue and a restrained romantic thread, anchored by the performances of Shin Se-kyung as Goo Hae-Ryung and Cha Eun-woo as Yi Rim.

The series found a niche audience among fans of historical fiction who value intellect and agency in female characters. It's noted for countering typical passive moments in period drama by giving Goo Hae-Ryung room to reason, debate, and lead. The show's solid performances from Shin Se-kyung and Cha Eun-woo helped anchor those ideas, making scholarly pursuit feel exciting rather than academic.

Audiences responded mostly positively, praising how the show treats ambition and romance without gloss. Its main themes include curiosity, duty, and the costs of challenging strict social norms. The performances and writing balance palace intrigue with study and dialogue, and its approach to classroom and court life invites discussion about how education and governance intersect.