Saimdang: Light's Diary (Herstory)

Seo Ji Yoon is offered the tremendous opportunity to write a research paper on a 500-year-old painting, but things go south in her personal and professional life soon after. When she travels to Italy, her mysterious fate begins to unravel.

An accident brings Ji Yoon into the past after she discovers Saimdang’s diary, which details her interest in art and the beginning of her relationship with Lee Gyeom.

Ji Yoon and Sang Hyun read about Saimdang and Gyeom's plan to travel to Mount Geumgang and beyond, a plan that would require the two to wed.

Saimdang and Seok Soon witness a terrible event at Woonpyeongsa. The subsequent happenings affect Saimdang's plans for the future dramatically.

Saimdang and her children leave for Hanyang, but they have trouble getting settled in. Gyeom is set to marry, but his heart still lingers elsewhere.

Reuniting with Saimdang leaves Gyeom feeling more lost than ever, until he finds inspiration. Saimdang struggles to provide for her family.

Saimdang tries to secretly warn Gyeom about Min Chi Hyung. Saimdang's children become fed up with their quality of life in Hanyang.

Whieumdang and the other mothers try to prevent Hyun Ryong from attending school. Gyeom decides to hold a contest, but not everyone is willing to play fair.

Saimdang embarks on a potentially lucrative endeavor. A mother-son art and poetry contest is held at Hyun Ryong's school.

Gyeom tries to find out what really happened at Woonpyeongsa. Saimdang sets out to sell her paper, but Whieumdang is watching her every move.

Saimdang's attempt to sell her paper is thwarted, and the drifters soon find themselves in trouble with the police.

Gyeom is distraught when he learns what truly happened 20 years ago. Saimdang and the drifters find the secret to paying off their debt, but can't seem to perfect it.

Hyun Ryong receives top scores at school, angering Whieumdang and Ji Kyun. Gyeom goes above and beyond to maintain the king's good favor.

Saimdang worries she won't be able to pay the drifters' taxes in time, but the Ming Dynasty's problems may offer her profitable solutions. Ji Yoon takes the first step toward taking Professor Min down.

Saimdang and Pal Bong arrive at Woonpyeongsa, with Whieumdang close behind. Min Chi Hyung enlists the help of an old enemy of Gyeom's family.

The king sentences Min Chi Hyung to death, swayed by the ministers. Saimdang and Gyeom travel back to Hanyang, but they are not yet free from danger.

Gyeom is bewildered when the king allows Min Chi Hyung to participate in the goryeoji competition. Saimdang tirelessly tries to figure out the secret within the poem.

Ji Yoon, Sang Hyun, and Hye Jung must regroup when "Mount Geumgang" is stolen from them. Sabotage keeps coming Saimdang's way in the goryeoji competition.

Ji Yoon learns that she may have lost more than just "Mount Geumgang." Back in Joseon, Saimdang realizes she's losing something of her own.

Crown Prince Yi Ho seeks Gyeom's guidance in learning more about his people. Won Soo's presence grows scarce, but his ability to hurt Saimdang does not.

Princess Jungsoon's trip to the south quickly goes awry. Saimdang's children suspect that their father has wronged her.

A portrait of the king is commissioned, but an artist must be chosen when Gyeom turns the offer down. The laws concerning women working for the government come into question.

Gyeom is ordered to paint the king's portrait along with Saimdang. When the portrait is complete, the king plans an unforgettable reveal.

Gyeom confronts the king, unable to fake his blind devotion any longer. Saimdang realizes there is only one place she can go.