Gu Family Book
Gu Family Book follows the extraordinary journey of Choi Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi), a young man born as half-human and half-gumiho (a mythical nine-tailed fox). Abandoned as a baby, Kang Chi grows up unaware of his true nature, longing to live as a normal human. His life changes when he discovers his supernatural powers and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his origins and the legendary Gu Family Book, said to hold the key to becoming fully human. Dam Yeo Wool (Bae Suzy), a skilled martial artist and archer, crosses paths with Kang Chi and becomes an integral part of his journey. Yeo Wool’s unwavering support and budding romance with Kang Chi create a touching love story amidst the chaos of Kang Chi’s battles with inner demons and external enemies. The drama also features Jo Gwan Woong (Lee Sung Jae), a ruthless villain who manipulates people for his gain, and Park Tae Seo (Yoo Yeon Seok), Kang Chi’s friend who faces his struggles. The complex web of relationships, including Yeo Wool’s father (Jo Sung Ha), adds depth to the narrative, intertwining themes of loyalty, revenge, and redemption. With its action-packed sequences, heartfelt moments, and captivating fantasy elements, Gu Family Book offers a perfect blend of drama, romance, and mythology. Featuring stellar performances by Lee Seung Gi, Bae Suzy, and a talented supporting cast, this K-drama is a must-watch for fans seeking a tale of courage, self-discovery, and eternal love.
Details
🌎 Also Known As: Kang Chi, The Beginning
🎭 Genres: Action, Historical, Fantasy, Romance
🏷 Tags: Gumiho, Half-Human Half-Creature, Martial Arts, Forbidden Love, Revenge, Mythology, Family Secrets, Hero’s Journey
✍ Screenwriters: Kang Eun Kyung
🎬 Directors: Shin Woo Cheol, Kim Jung Hyun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 24
🗓️ Aired: April 8, 2013 – June 25, 2013
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- Kang Chi’s Transformation: The intense scene where Choi Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) discovers his gumiho powers, marking a turning point in the story.
- Yeo Wool’s Confession: Dam Yeo Wool (Bae Suzy) confesses her feelings for Kang Chi, a heartwarming and bittersweet moment of love amidst chaos.
- The Moonlit Duel: A visually stunning fight between Kang Chi and Jo Gwan Woong (Lee Sung Jae) under a full moon, symbolizing their clashing destinies.
- The Farewell Scene: Kang Chi’s emotional goodbye to Yeo Wool, filled with love and the pain of inevitable separation.
- Wol Ryung’s Redemption: Gu Wol Ryung (Choi Jin Hyuk) redeems himself in a gripping scene, showcasing his love for Seo Hwa and his humanity despite being a gumiho.
Filming Locations
- Namsangol Hanok Village: Used for historical and traditional Korean scenes, adding authenticity to the setting.
- MBC Dramia (Yongin): The primary filming location for the drama, known for its large-scale historical sets.
- Hwagae Marketplace: Featured in key market scenes, highlighting the bustling everyday life of the Joseon era.
- Jinan Red Ginseng Spa Village: A serene backdrop for reflective and romantic moments in the series.
- Hanok Streets of Andong: Known for its traditional architecture, this location was used for scenes involving the gisaeng house.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Gumiho Aesthetics: Kang Chi’s half-gumiho look with glowing blue eyes and veins added a supernatural and captivating element.
- Traditional Joseon Costumes: Vibrant hanboks were worn by Yeo Wool and Chung Jo, highlighting the cultural setting.
- Villain’s Dark Wardrobe: Jo Gwan Woong’s dark, lavish outfits emphasized his menacing and corrupt personality.
- Wol Ryung’s Mythical Look: Choi Jin Hyuk’s ethereal design, including flowing robes and haunting details, added to his character’s mystique.
- Action-Ready Attire: Yeo Wool’s martial arts uniform was both functional and stylish, reflecting her strong personality.
Themes and Messages
- Identity and Acceptance: Kang Chi’s journey is a powerful message about embracing who you are, even when faced with societal rejection.
- Love Beyond Boundaries: The romance between Kang Chi and Yeo Wool highlights the strength of love that defies norms and challenges.
- Good vs. Evil: The series portrays the eternal battle between light and darkness through its characters and their choices.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Wol Ryung’s story shows how even the darkest souls can find redemption through love and sacrifice.
- Fate and Free Will: The drama explores how destiny shapes lives but also emphasizes the power of personal choice.
Interesting Facts
- Lee Seung Gi’s Action Training: He underwent extensive martial arts training for his role as Choi Kang Chi, performing many stunts himself.
- Bae Suzy’s Archery Skills: Suzy learned archery for her role as Yeo Wool, adding authenticity to her character.
- Choi Jin Hyuk’s Breakout Role: Gu Wol Ryung’s tragic love story gained massive popularity, cementing Choi Jin Hyuk as a fan favorite.
- Historical Fiction: The series blends real historical figures, like Admiral Yi Sun Shin (Yoo Dong Geun), with its fantasy storyline.
- Award-Winning OST: The soundtrack, featuring emotional tracks like “Love Hurts” by Lee Sang Gon, became a hit among fans.
Awards
“Gu Family Book” received several awards and nominations during its run. Here are some of the notable accolades:
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2013 MBC Drama Awards:
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Lee Seung Gi for his role as Choi Kang Chi.
- Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Bae Suzy for her portrayal of Dam Yeo Wool.
- Popularity Award: Lee Seung Gi.
- Best Couple Award: Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy.
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2013 Seoul International Drama Awards:
- Outstanding Korean Drama Actress: Bae Suzy.
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2013 Mnet 20’s Choice Awards:
- 20’s Drama Star – Female: Bae Suzy.
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2013 6th Korea Drama Awards:
- Best OST: “Only You” by 4MEN, featured in the “Gu Family Book” soundtrack.
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2013 2nd Daejeon Drama Festival – APAN Star Awards:
- Best Action: “Gu Family Book”.
- New Actor Award: Choi Jin Hyuk for his role as Gu Wol Ryung.
- New Actress Award: Lee Yoo Bi for her role as Park Chung Jo.
These awards highlight the drama’s popularity and the exceptional performances of its cast.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no confirmed reports of a real-life romance between the cast members of Gu Family Book. While the on-screen chemistry between Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy captivated audiences, any speculation about an off-screen relationship remains unverified. At the time of filming, Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy both focused on their professional careers, and neither actor publicly acknowledged any romantic involvement related to the drama. Their connection was limited to their roles, leaving fans to admire their dynamic as a purely fictional love story.
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