juliek-47406

As a retired teacher, I had little sympathy for the FL. Laws are there for a reason & if she was a male we would probably think he deserved gaol time. As an inexperienced teacher, I hold the head teacher responsible as she wasn't given much support. She knew of the rumours about the boy & didn't council him, nor did she remove the young teacher out of harm's way. Later she gave her a reference, even though she knew the FL had to accept the responsibility as the adult. It seemed like the students were getting away with a lot, such as the one spreading the rumours online.

Just because the ML was the aggressor in most instances, the moment she got off the bus after the fireworks, she became legally responsible. Love doesn't trump child protection.

I give it to the young teacher as she tried to start a new life, but the internet does not allow that these days. Teaching was something she shouldn't have pursued, but she wasn't charged with a crime. Surely the educational system would alert schools about the sexual misconduct.

The other characters were quite bizarre at times. The fiancé kept being swayed between the 2 women. Haraguchi, the fiancé's boss, was very interfering in her advice, which caused more trouble at times. The ML's mother didn't seem to have a great relationship with him to start, so she resorted to trying to control him rather than dialogue. The friend group were just confused teenagers.

I know why they ended this like they did, but I would like to know what happened to the relationship 10 years down the track. They would have felt they had to stay together no matter what after all they went through.

I was a bit hesitant to tackle another historical K drama, especially one that had 20 episodes. It was a slow burn at first, but then I really got into it as it explored many issues, some of which can resonate today. The theme of how some people don't like the status quo to change, especially when they are benefitting from it. Another aspect was what makes a good leader. We had a variety of examples extending from a king to a Crown Prince to a head historian. Luckily, Prince Dowon realises he is not cut out to be one.

Cha Eun-woo is excellent as the very naive, child-like prince who has been hidden away to 'protect' him. In doing this, he feels insignificant & unloved. He is just ripe for the FL, Shin Se-kyung, to sweep in to impress him. She is a fair bit older in age, but seems even much older in her demeanor. The chemistry is believable. It is his series. He shines. You just want to give him a hug as he tries to court the feisty Hae-ryung.

The politics of the times always seems to have an evil, controlling official, in this case, Min Ik-pyeong. As usual, he manipulates behind the scene, with the king being a figurehead.

The historians were very interesting. The idea that they were there to make sure the truth was documented for future generations is something I knew nothing about. We seemed to have lost this ability in present times to define the truth. The interactions between the historians provided at times comic relief, but also displayed their commitment to their job. They use protests & withdrawal of their services to push their issues, which are also used today in disputes.

The medical aspects of the plot showed how the outside world was infiltrating Joseon culture. The introduction of inoculation to fight smallpox is part of the storyline.

As usual, the females in the Joseon era were not treated as equals, but the historian apprentices go to some extent to try & address the imbalance.

I really liked the ending as it was not as predictable as most dramas. The romance was suitably consummated.