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Gu Family Book (2013) K-Drama posterGF

South Korea · Drama · 2013

Gu Family Book

구가의 서 Also known as Kang Chi, The Beginning, Gu Ga Eui Seo

MBC · 24 episodes · 1 min · Monday, Tuesday · 15+ - Teens 15 or older Completed

Action Fantasy Historical Romance
8 Apr 2013
Premiere
25 Jun 2013
Finale
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Binge Brief

  • Gu Family Book ran for 24 episodes on MBC, airing Monday and Tuesday nights from April 8 to June 25, 2013.
  • The drama carried a 15+ (Teens 15 or older) content rating for its full 24-episode run.
  • Production carried a reported budget of about ₩8.4 billion, per Wikipedia.
  • Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy led the cast across all 24 episodes as Choi Kang Chi and Dam Yeo Wool.

Synopsis

"Gu Family Book" is set in the Joseon era and follows Choi Kang Chi, a half-human, half-gumiho whose two natures are constantly at war inside him. His father, Gu Wol Ryung, is a mountain spirit who fell in love with the noblewoman Yoon Seo Hwa; their union produced Kang Chi, but soldiers killed Wol Ryung before his son ever knew him, leaving the boy's true nature hidden from the world.

Raised in secret by the nobleman Park Mu Sol, Kang Chi grows up believing he is fully human until his suppressed gumiho powers begin to surface. That awakening forces him out of hiding and into the path of Dam Yeo Wool, a skilled martial arts instructor, and Jo Gwan Woong, a power-hungry noble who sees Kang Chi's existence as both a threat and a weapon to exploit.

At the center of the story is the Gu Family Book itself, a text said to hold the secret to becoming fully human, which Kang Chi pursues while trying to understand who his father was and what Wol Ryung's death set in motion. Around him, Park Chung Jo, Park Tae Seo and Gon each carry their own stake in the growing conflict between the human and gumiho worlds.

The series, directed by Shin Woo Cheol and Kim Jung Hyun and written by Kang Eun Kyung, aired 24 episodes on MBC from April 8 to June 25, 2013, and built its story around Kang Chi's search for identity, family and a place in a world that was never built for someone like him.

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Gu Family Book cast

Main cast
Supporting cast
Guest appearances
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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 used glowing blue eyes and visible veins to mark the shift between his human and gumiho sides.
  • Traditional Joseon Costumes: Yeo Wool and Chung Jo wore hanboks styled to the Joseon setting, distinguishing their social roles.
  • 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.

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.

Episodes

Ep Title Air date Status Rating
1 2013-04-08 Aired
2 2013-04-09 Aired
3 2013-04-15 Aired
4 2013-04-16 Aired
5 2013-04-22 Aired
6 2013-04-23 Aired
7 2013-04-29 Aired
8 2013-04-30 Aired
9 2013-05-06 Aired
10 2013-05-07 Aired
11 2013-05-13 Aired
12 2013-05-14 Aired
13 2013-05-20 Aired
14 2013-05-21 Aired
15 2013-05-27 Aired
16 2013-05-28 Aired
17 2013-06-03 Aired
18 2013-06-04 Aired
19 2013-06-10 Aired
20 2013-06-11 Aired
21 2013-06-17 Aired
22 2013-06-18 Aired
23 2013-06-24 Aired
24 2013-06-25 Aired

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