Kim Yun Hee supports her mother and sick brother by posing as a boy and taking odd writing job for a local book seller.  When the merchant offers to pay her a large sum to take the national exam for someone, she can't refuse.  But when a young scholar catches her and recognizes her natural talent, he pressures her into coming to study for herself.  Now, surrounded by roommates and friends who all believe she is just one of the guys, she has the chance to achieve her scholarly dreams.  But close proximity makes it hard for her to keep her secret, and as hearts and emotions become involved, things get much more complicated.  

Park Min Young as  Kim Yoon Shik/Kim Yoon Hee

Kim Yoon Hee's father was killed when she was young, and because her brother suffered from illness, she became the main provider for their family.  Her skill for writing and learning gave her plenty of opportunities.   When she is offered a job as a proxy, taking the national exam in someone's place, she considers it easy money.  But when she is caught and cornered into taking the exam for herself, she finds herself a reluctant student at the Sungkyunkwan University.  Being a student is like a dream come true, but living in a dorm and having to pretend she is a man is risky and challenging.  And when she develops feelings for her close friend and roommate, life becomes even more challenging.

Kim Yoon Hee is a bright, forward-thinking young woman who just wants the opportunity to compete based on her skills instead of her gender.  Her genuine kindness makes her popular at school, even with her prickly roommate, Moon Jae Shin.  When her father was alive, he had dreamed of a world where his daugther's natural talent for scholarly pursuits would be respected and encouraged. I really enjoyed Park Min Young as the perky, determined student, and her individual friendships with the other characters were fun to watch.

Yoo Ah In as Moon Jae Shin

Moon Jae Shin is nicknamed "Crazy Horse".  He is known for being abrasive and rude.  By night, he spreads red messages hoping to expose the corruption within the government and avenge the death of his brother.  He is Sun Joon and Yoon Shik's roommate, and he quickly forms an attachment to Yoon Shik.  When he finds out she is really a woman, he tries to protect her secret so no one else will find out. Even though he falls in love with Yoon Hee, she never sees him as anything but a friend.

♥ Goo Yong Ha

Song Joong Ki as Goo Yong Ha was the ultimate scene stealer.  From his silly grin to his charismatic winks, he stole this show.  He also got bonus points for his absolute loyalty to Jae Shin.  After 10 years, the pair knew and understood each other on a deep level and I really enjoyed their interactions.  

 ♥ Tangled Backstories

I really liked the way so many characters in this story had a backstory that linked them to the other characters.  It formed an intricate web of interactions that was interesting and not always obvious.  It also made it all the more rewarding when the older generation stepped out in the end to do what was right, not just for the present, but to make amends for the wrongs of the past.  Each character had a clear purpose to the story as a whole that made this series feel meaningful.

Female Characters

For a drama that highlights gender inequalities, the female characters were really under-utilized.  Aside from the lead, of course, there is so much wasted character potential.  The mothers, Cho Sun, and Ha Hyo Eun all had an interesting perspective that could have been explored.  

Advantage:  Good Guys

This drama spent a lot of time, especially in the first half, with school games and competitions, which gave it that fun college drama feeling.  But I would have enjoyed a bit more dramatic tension, instead of just letting the good guys win everytime, regardless of the challenges.  Sure it's fun to watch our heroes celebrate their victories, but usually the bad guys pose at least a bit more challenge.  

The ending, while a bit rushed, offers a happy ending for our Jalgeum Quartet.  But first, after everyone finds out that Yoon Shik is a woman, her life and the king's dreams are at risk.  Sun Joon goes to the king to plead for her life, and the king honors his request.  He burns the geumdeungjisa and tells the Ministers it wasn't inside after all.  But the King makes Yoon Hee promise that she will continue to work toward the Joseon he has dreamed of.  Yoon Hee is called by Sun Joon's father, who asks her to stay by Sun Joon's side and keep them both on the "straight path".  And Jae Shin, in one last gesture, tells Sun Joon that from now on, Yoon Hee is his responsibility.  So. our main couple has received everyone's blessing!  So, where does our quartet end up when all of this is over?  Yong Ha becomes a merchant, flirting with beautiful women in the marketplace and selling beautifully designed clothing.  Jae Shin becomes a police officer, keeping the capital safe.  A run in with a mysterious new "Blue Messenger" turns out to be a beautiful woman who immediately gives him the hiccups.  Aw!  Love is in the air again.  And our main couple are both teachers at the university by day, while they recreate some of the racy novels Yoon Hee transcribed by night.  Married life seems to be treating them well!