Ep 4. Episode 4

In Sungkyunkwan Scandal season 1 episode 4, titled "Episode 4," we see the continuation of Kim Yoon-hee's journey as she disguises herself as a man in order to study at Sungkyunkwan, the most prestigious school in the Joseon Dynasty.

The episode opens with Yoon-hee struggling to keep up with her studies, facing difficulty in understanding Chinese characters, a mandatory subject for class. Han Seong-ju, one of the top students in class, offers to help her, much to her surprise and appreciation. We see the strain in their relationship as Han Seong-ju, who was initially cold and distant towards her, finally starts to warm up to her now that he sees her in a new light as a fellow student.

Meanwhile, rumors start to spread about the presence of a woman studying at Sungkyunkwan. Nam Myeong-shik, the leader of a group of bullies in school, takes upon himself to find the woman and expel her from the school, as he deems it inappropriate for a woman to be in a man's school. Yoon-hee is terrified when she hears about this and decides to stay out of sight. However, Han Seong-ju, who has developed an interest in Yoon-hee's well-being, offers to protect her and keep her identity a secret.

In a heartwarming scene, Yoon-hee meets the young Crown Prince Hyomyeong, who is disguised as a commoner, in order to mingle with his people. Yoon-hee helps him retrieve a kite, and the two strike up a conversation about their respective situations. Hyomyeong reveals the loneliness he feels as a prince, unable to make friends due to his status, and Yoon-hee empathizes with him, knowing the struggles of trying to fit into a society where one is not accepted. This scene helps to showcase the interpersonal dynamics of the characters and adds a layer of depth to their relationships.

As the episode progresses, we see Yoon-hee getting better at her studies and impressing her peers with her knowledge. Han Seong-ju also starts to develop romantic feelings for her, though he is unaware of her true identity. However, things take a turn for the worse when Nam Myeong-shik discovers Yoon-hee's presence and tries to expel her.

In a dramatic scene, Yoon-hee is confronted by Nam Myeong-shik and his gang, who corner her in a secluded area in the school. However, Han Seong-ju comes to her rescue, and the two engage in a fight with Nam Myeong-shik's group. The fight sequence is well choreographed, and it highlights the strength and resilience of Yoon-hee, who holds her own against the bullies despite being outnumbered.

The episode ends with Yoon-hee being welcomed back to the class, and Han Seong-ju confessing his feelings to her, though she is unable to reciprocate due to her secret identity. The episode serves as a turning point for Yoon-hee, who starts to gain the respect and admiration of her peers, while also showcasing the themes of friendship, loyalty, and love.

Overall, Sungkyunkwan Scandal season 1 episode 4 is an engaging and entertaining episode that builds upon the previous ones and sets the stage for future developments. The plot moves at a steady pace, and the characters are well developed, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and romance.