My Country:The New Age

My Country: The New Age is an epic historical K-drama set during the turbulent transition from the Goryeo to Joseon dynasties. The story follows two childhood friends, Seo Hwi, portrayed by Yang Se Jong, and Nam Sun Ho, played by Woo Do Hwan, whose paths diverge due to a series of tragic events. Both driven by their own sense of justice and loyalty, they find themselves on opposing sides in the fight for power, loyalty, and survival.

Seo Hwi, a skilled warrior with a strong sense of duty, is forced to navigate a dangerous world where he must protect his family and honor. His journey is marked by intense battles and deep personal sacrifices. Meanwhile, Nam Sun Ho, the illegitimate son of a powerful noble, struggles with his own ambitions and the burdens of his lineage. His complex relationship with Seo Hwi becomes a central focus as they are torn apart by political intrigue and personal betrayals.

The drama also stars Kim Seol Hyun as Han Hee Jae, a courageous and intelligent woman caught between her love for Seo Hwi and the harsh realities of a world dominated by men. Jang Hyuk delivers a compelling performance as the ruthless and ambitious Lee Bang Won, who seeks to establish his own vision of a new nation, no matter the cost.

My Country: The New Age masterfully blends action, drama, and romance, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cost of power. With its intricate plot, intense battle scenes, and strong performances from a talented cast, this K-drama offers a gripping look at a pivotal moment in Korean history, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 나의 나라 (Naui Nara)
🌎 Also Known As: My Country, My Country: New Age
🎭 Genres: Historical, Action, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Power Struggle, Goryeo Dynasty, Joseon Dynasty, Bromance, War
✍ Screenwriters: Chae Seung Dae
🎬 Directors: Kim Jin Won
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: October 4, 2019 – November 23, 2019
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: JTBC, Netflix
⏰ Duration: 80 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)

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.

Awards

My Country: The New Age received recognition and acclaim, but it did not win any major awards at prominent award ceremonies. While the drama was praised for its high production value, strong performances, especially by Yang Se Jong, Woo Do Hwan, and Jang Hyuk, and its gripping storyline, it did not secure specific accolades. The show remains well-regarded among fans and critics alike for its impactful portrayal of a tumultuous period 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.