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My Country: The New Age (2019) K-Drama posterMC

South Korea · Drama · 2019

My Country: The New Age

나의 나라 Also known as My Country, My Country: New Age, Naui Nara

JTBC, Netflix · 16 episodes · 80 min · Friday, Saturday · 15+ (Teens 15 or older) Completed

Action Drama Historical Romance
4 Oct 2019
Premiere
23 Nov 2019
Finale
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Synopsis

Set during the final years of the Goryeo dynasty and the rise of Joseon, Seo Hwi and Nam Seon Ho grow up as close friends, bound by the same teacher and the same ambitions, until Seo Hwi's father, a respected swordsman, is falsely accused and executed. The event fractures Seo Hwi's trust in the system his friend serves and sets him on a path toward uncovering the truth behind his father's death.

Nam Seon Ho, the illegitimate son of a powerful official, pursues military rank and royal favor to escape the stigma of his birth, and the ambition that drives him increasingly puts him at odds with the friend he grew up with. Han Hee Jae becomes entangled with both men as political currents pull the country toward the overthrow of Goryeo.

Prince Yi Bang Won, who plays a central role in his father's founding of the new dynasty, struggles for recognition despite his contribution to the regime change, adding a third front to the power struggle unfolding around Seo Hwi and Seon Ho. As dynasties change hands, the former friends end up on opposite sides, each trying to protect his own idea of the country and the people he loves.

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My Country: The New Age cast

Main cast
Supporting cast
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Best scenes

  • The intense duel between Seo Hwi (Yang Se Jong) and Nam Sun Ho (Woo Do Hwan), where their friendship and loyalty are tested against the backdrop of political turmoil.
  • The powerful confrontation between Lee Bang Won (Jang Hyuk) and his father, Lee Sung Gye, showcasing the brutal struggle for power within the royal family.
  • Han Hee Jae (Kim Seol Hyun) bravely standing up against injustice, highlighting her strength and resilience as a woman in a male-dominated society.
  • The emotional reunion of Seo Hwi with his sister Seo Yeon, emphasizing the deep familial bonds that drive much of the drama’s conflict.
  • The final battle scene, where the fates of the characters are sealed, delivering a climactic and heart-wrenching conclusion to the series.

Filming locations

  • Many scenes were filmed in historical locations throughout South Korea, including the scenic Korean Folk Village, which provided an authentic backdrop for the drama's period setting.
  • The sweeping battle scenes were shot in vast open fields and mountains, capturing the raw beauty of Korea’s landscape and enhancing the epic scale of the story.
  • The royal palace scenes were filmed at the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, offering a realistic depiction of the era’s grandeur and political intrigue.
  • The gritty, war-torn village scenes were shot in specially constructed sets that added to the authenticity and immersive experience of the drama.
  • Several scenes were filmed in traditional Korean houses (hanok), adding to the cultural richness and historical accuracy of the setting.

Visual design and costumes

  • The drama’s visual design features a dark and moody color palette, reflecting the intense and often brutal atmosphere of the story’s historical period.
  • The elaborate costumes are meticulously designed, with characters from different social classes and factions wearing distinct attire that reflects their status and roles.
  • The armor and weapons used in the battle scenes are historically accurate, adding a layer of authenticity to the drama’s depiction of the era’s warfare.
  • The detailed set design, including the royal palace interiors and the commoners’ village, helps create a vivid and immersive world that transports viewers to the Goryeo-Joseon transition period.
  • The use of lighting, particularly in night scenes, creates a dramatic and tense ambiance that enhances the emotional impact of key moments.

Themes and messages

  • My Country: The New Age explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, highlighting how personal relationships are tested by the pursuit of power and survival in a turbulent era.
  • The drama delves into the moral complexities of war and politics, questioning the cost of ambition and the sacrifices made in the name of building a new nation.
  • Friendship and brotherhood are central themes, with the bond between Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho serving as the emotional core of the story.
  • The series also addresses the role of women in historical conflicts, with characters like Han Hee Jae challenging the limitations imposed on them by society.
  • The struggle between tradition and change is a recurring theme, as characters navigate the shifting dynamics of a society in transition from one dynasty to another.

Interesting facts

  • My Country: The New Age was praised for its high production value, with its detailed sets, costumes, and battle scenes setting a new standard for historical dramas.
  • The drama marked Yang Se Jong’s return to the historical genre, earning him acclaim for his intense and layered portrayal of Seo Hwi.
  • Woo Do Hwan received significant recognition for his role as Nam Sun Ho, solidifying his status as one of Korea’s rising stars.
  • The drama was partially filmed in the famous Naju Image Theme Park, known for its historical drama sets, adding to the visual authenticity of the series.
  • My Country: The New Age attracted international attention through its availability on Netflix, introducing global audiences to a pivotal moment in Korean history.

Real-life loves on set

In My Country: The New Age, there were no confirmed real-life romantic relationships that developed between the cast members. Although the on-screen chemistry between the actors, particularly between Yang Se Jong, Woo Do Hwan, and Kim Seol Hyun, was compelling, there were no reports of any off-screen romances. The cast maintained a professional relationship throughout the production, and the intense relationships depicted in the drama remained strictly within the realm of fiction.

Episodes

Ep Title Air date Status Rating
1 Episode 1 2019-10-04 Aired
2 Episode 2 2019-10-05 Aired
3 Episode 3 2019-10-11 Aired
4 Episode 4 2019-10-12 Aired
5 Episode 5 2019-10-18 Aired
6 Episode 6 2019-10-19 Aired
7 Episode 7 2019-10-25 Aired
8 Episode 8 2019-10-26 Aired
9 Episode 9 2019-11-01 Aired
10 Episode 10 2019-11-02 Aired
11 Episode 11 2019-11-08 Aired
12 Episode 12 2019-11-09 Aired
13 Episode 13 2019-11-15 Aired
14 Episode 14 2019-11-16 Aired
15 Episode 15 2019-11-22 Aired
16 Episode 16 2019-11-23 Aired

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