Season 1 Plot
Kim Yoonhee is a smart, responsible young woman with an independent drive. Since her father passed away, she has worked to support her family, but also managed to do well in her studies. When her younger brother's illness worsens, and their family is in danger of being evicted from their house for lack of money. In her desperation to support him, Yoonhee decides to take the men's only national exam under her younger brother's name and disguises herself as a boy. On the day of the exam, Kim Yoonhee meets Lee Seonjoon and becomes friends. Lee Seonjoon comes from a privileged background and also possesses good looks. He is also arrogant. They both pass the national exam, and she has to share a room together with him at Sungkyunkwan University, while hiding her true nature. There, she becomes friends with the playboy, Goo Yongha, and rebellious Moon Jaeshin.
Sungkyunkwan Scandal Season 1 aired on August 30th, 2010.
Season 1 Episodes
1. Lesson 1
Kim Yoonhee dresses as a man to provide for her family by copying manuscripts. When the debt collectors up their game, Yoonhee decides to do the same.
2. Lesson 2
Lee Seonjoon arranges for Yoonhee to take the imperial examinations under her brother’s name, but her answer on the test catches the eye of the king.
3. Lesson 3
Yoonhee saves Seonjoon from the upperclassmen’s initiation punishment, but she gets herself into a new spot of trouble.
4. Lesson 4
Classes begin, and Yoonhee attends her very first lecture. Ha Insoo’s hatred of Seonjoon leads him to set his sights on Yoonhee.
5. Lesson 5
Professor Jeong Yakyong stumbles upon Yoonhee’s secret after her rescue. Later, Seonjoon helps Yoonhee prepare for the archery competition.
6. Lesson 6
Professor Jeong tells Yoonhee she must win the archery competition to continue her studies at Sungkyunkwan. Yoonhee and Seonjoon continue training.
7. Lesson 7
Yoonhee’s team and Insoo’s team go head-to-head in the archery contest, but someone is plotting against Yoonhee in the shadows.
8. Lesson 8
Insoo embarrasses Yoonhee in front of everyone. Yoonhee dejectedly heads home, but someone is secretly following after her.
9. Lesson 9
The scholars return to find their valuables missing, and people suspect Yoonhee. The king presents her with a way to prove her innocence.
10. Lesson 10
Seonjoon runs into trouble in his search but is saved from danger. A vital clue helps to finally reveal the identity of the true culprit.
11. Lesson 11
The king’s investigation takes a surprising turn. Yoonhee opens up to Seonjoon, who says he wants her to stay by his side.
12. Lesson 12
Seonjoon and Yoonhee spend a night stranded on an uninhabited island. Seonjoon struggles with his emotions. Moon Jaeshin and Yoonhee grow closer.
13. Lesson 13
Yoonhee tries to mend her relationship with Seonjoon, but he reacts coldly. Seonjoon and Jaeshin clash over Yoonhee.
14. Lesson 14
The rumor that Yoonhee and Jaeshin are lovers spreads like wildfire. Yoonhee thinks Seonjoon started it. Insoo calls for an inquiry.
15. Lesson 15
After the inquiry, Seonjoon drops out of Sungkyunkwan and decides to marry Ha Hyoeun. But before he does, he confesses his feelings to Yoonhee.
16. Lesson 16
Seonjoon is shocked to find out that Yoonhee is a girl. He tries to convince her to drop out before her secret gets out, but Yoonhee wants to stay.
17. Lesson 17
In hopes of reforming Joseon, the king gives the group a secret mission. As they work to solve a mystery, Seonjoon and Yoonhee share their feelings.
18. Lesson 18
Seonjoon is stunned by his father’s implication in the incident. He looks for the one witness who can reveal the truth, but the trail goes cold.
19. Lesson 19
When Jaeshin is injured, Seonjoon names himself as the Red Messenger. Yoonhee leads the student body in an attempt to save Seonjoon.
20. Lesson 20
The king accepts the students’ petition and releases Seonjoon. Yoonhee receives the king’s thanks for her efforts. Insoo learns Yoonhee’s secret.