'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung': Release date, plot, cast, trailer, and everything you need to know about the Korean historical drama

Set in the early 19th Century of the Joseon Dynasty, 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung' tells the story of Goo Hae-Ryung, a female historian challenging gender norms

Each addition to Netflix's South Korean pool of dramas gets us excited. Most recently, we have been obsessed with 'One Spring Night' (on Netflix from July 12) for its realistic portrayal of love and relationships in today's world. Upcoming historical drama 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung' is next on our list. 

Set in the early 19th Century of the Joseon Dynasty, 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung' tells the story of Goo Hae-Ryung (played by Shin Se-Kyung), the first female historian in the 300-year history of the dynasty. The story challenges gender norms at a time when everyone is orthodox. 

Release date

'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung' will be coming to Netflix on July 17, 2019.

Plot

According to the official plot released by Netflix, 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung' is a story set in the early 19th Century of the Joseon Dynasty – a time when pretty much everyone is old-fashioned and holding onto things from the past. But then something unbelievable happens.

In order to make records about the queen's quarters, which are off-limits to male historians, an unprecedented government exam is held to select female historians. They have to be moderately brazen and honest. No one, not even the king, can talk to someone in private without the presence of a historian in the room. These historians answer to no one, but would this autonomy still apply to female historians? The series is also a love story about Yi Rim, who is second in succession to the throne, and Goo Hae-Ryung, the female historian who believes that the brush can be mightier than the sword.

Cast

Shin Se-Kyung plays the role of the female historian Goo Hae-Ryung. Prince Yi Rim will be played by Cha Eun-woo.

Shin Se-Kyung plays the role of the female historian (Instagram)


 

Creators 

The series is written by Kim Ho-soo, and directed by Kang Il-soo and Han Hyun-Hee. 

Trailer

You can watch the trailer to 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung' here:



 

On 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung', Goo Hae-Ryung is not just another woman of the Joseon dynasty; neither is Prince Yi Rim (Cha Eun-woo) your typical royalty of the Joseon Palace. At first, the two characters seem poles apart but there is something about their unique personalities that brings them together. Paths collide and love blossoms, with a touch of politics, backstabbing and palace drama.

Where to watch

All 20 episodes of 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung' will be available on Netflix July 17, 2019, onwards. 

If you liked this, you'll love these:

'One Spring Night'

'Something in the Rain'

'Sweet Revenge'

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Sean Reagan’s past shapes a rescue in ‘Boston Blue’ Season 2 Episode 6 as Mika Amonsen discusses continuing the character’s ‘Blue Bloods’ story.
2026-11-14T19:02:59.000Z
Left Bank Pictures has responded to a tragic incident at the Edinburgh studio used for ‘Dept. Q’ as police inquiries into the circumstances continue.
2026-11-14T15:25:47.000Z
A fan-favorite ‘Matlock’ star shares a behind-the-scenes update as the CBS drama prepares for its Season 3 return.
2026-11-14T14:08:57.000Z
‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary ‘Drink Coffee, Talk Fast’ brings back familiar cast members, including Jared Padalecki and Scott Pattersonts
2026-11-14T10:08:21.000Z
'CSI' veteran Marg Helgenberger was once one of the highest-paid small-screen actresses
2026-11-14T09:17:43.000Z
Dexter sets his sights on the Jaw Splitter in Season 2, Episode 3, while a fan theory links the mysterious killer to actor Jack Dylan Grazer.
2026-11-14T07:37:35.000Z
‘Law & Order: SVU’ showrunner Michele Fazekas addresses Benson and Stabler’s future after their emotional reunion in the milestone 600th episode
2026-11-14T07:25:13.000Z
‘Station 19’ alum Jay Hayden joins ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 as Mason Ellis, whose return to Edgewater sparks a new conflict between Bode and Jake
2026-11-14T06:34:18.000Z
CBS brings ‘Marshals’ and ‘Tracker’ back to its Sunday lineup on November 15 with new episodes following a one-week break for ‘Cupertino.’
2026-11-14T05:54:18.000Z
Boone and Mickey's relationship gets complicated with Emmy's arrival in 'Sheriff Country'
2026-11-14T04:43:33.000Z