My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho is a heartwarming fantasy romance that blends humor, mythology, and love. The story stars Lee Seung Gi as Cha Dae Woong, an aspiring actor with big dreams and little responsibility, and Shin Min Ah as Gumiho, a legendary nine-tailed fox who yearns to live as a human. Dae Woong's life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally releases Gumiho from a centuries-long imprisonment in a sacred painting. At first terrified, Dae Woong soon finds himself indebted to Gumiho, who saves his life with her mystical "fox bead." As they begin to live together, their unlikely relationship grows, with Gumiho embracing the modern world while Dae Woong grapples with his feelings for her. Noh Min Woo adds an intriguing twist as Park Dong Joo, a mysterious half-human who knows Gumiho's tragic past and holds the key to her transformation. With Gumiho's human aspirations on the line, the trio navigates a world of danger, deception, and heartfelt moments. Packed with charm, My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho explores themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. The series delights viewers with its witty dialogue, emotional depth, and the undeniable chemistry between Lee Seung Gi and Shin Min Ah, making it a must-watch for K-drama fans.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 내 여자친구는 구미호
🌎 Also Known As: My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox, Nae Yeojachinguneun Gumiho, My Girlfriend is Gumiho
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Supernatural
🏷 Tags: Female Chases Male First, Interspecies Romance, Nine-tailed Fox, Noble Sacrifice, Love Triangle, Supernatural Being, Naive Female Lead, Clingy Female Lead, Character Development, Korean Mythology
✍ Screenwriters: Hong Jung Eun, Hong Mi Ran
🎬 Director: Boo Sung Chul
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: August 11, 2010 – September 30, 2010
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday, Thursday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 10 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- First Encounter in the Forest: Cha Dae Woong accidentally releases Gumiho from her centuries-long imprisonment, setting the magical tone of the series.
- Meat-Eating Date: Gumiho hilariously devours plates of meat, showcasing her playful yet naive personality and developing her bond with Dae Woong.
- Rainy Confession: Dae Woong admits his feelings for Gumiho during a romantic, rain-soaked scene, highlighting their growing love.
- Heartbreak on the Bridge: Gumiho contemplates sacrificing her immortality for Dae Woong, a powerful moment that defines her love and devotion.
- Final Scene Reunion: The emotional finale ties the story together, delivering a heartwarming conclusion to their epic love story.
Filming Locations
- Seoul Forest: The mystical forest where Gumiho is first released is a key location filled with enchanting vibes.
- Namsan Tower: A pivotal scene features the iconic Seoul landmark, adding a romantic backdrop to their evolving relationship.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Gumiho explores traditional Korean houses, blending mythology with modern-day Korea.
- Han River Park: Several outdoor training and bonding moments between the leads take place here, offering picturesque views.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza: Showcasing a modern aesthetic, this location adds contrast to the historical and mystical elements.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Traditional Hanbok with a Twist: Gumiho’s outfits blend traditional elements with modern touches, reflecting her mythical origins and adaptation to modern life.
- Dae Woong’s Casual Fashion: His wardrobe highlights his youthful, carefree personality, contrasting with Gumiho’s elegance.
- Special Effects Makeup: Gumiho’s glowing eyes and fox-like features are created with detailed makeup and CGI, adding authenticity to her character.
- Mystical Glow: The use of soft lighting in Gumiho’s scenes creates a magical ambiance that enhances her ethereal presence.
- Costume Symbolism: The gradual shift in Gumiho’s clothing from mystical to modern parallels her journey to becoming human.
Themes and Messages
- Love Beyond Differences: The drama explores the challenges and beauty of a relationship between a human and a supernatural being.
- Sacrifice for Love: Gumiho’s willingness to give up immortality symbolizes unconditional love.
- Self-Discovery: Both leads grow individually, learning the importance of trust and vulnerability.
- Breaking Stereotypes: Gumiho defies traditional portrayals of fox spirits by being kind-hearted and loyal.
- Friendship and Support: The secondary characters show the value of having a support system during challenging times.
Interesting Facts
- Shin Min Ah’s Fox Bead Prop: The mystical fox bead featured prominently in the series was a custom-designed prop for authenticity.
- OST Popularity: The soundtrack, particularly “Fox Rain,” became a chart-topping hit, complementing the drama’s magical atmosphere.
- Mythological Inspiration: The drama is rooted in Korean folklore about the nine-tailed fox, bringing traditional myths into a modern setting.
- Cameo Appearances: Popular actors like Park Shin Hye and Lee Hong Ki made special appearances, delighting fans with their roles.
- Global Fanbase: The drama was a massive hit internationally, earning a cult following for its unique blend of romance and mythology.
Awards
“My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho” has received several awards and nominations, including:
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2011 Baeksang Arts Awards: Nominated for Most Popular Actor (Lee Seung-gi).
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2011 Seoul International Drama Awards: Nominated for Best Mini-Series.
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2010 SBS Drama Awards: Excellence Award, Actress in a Drama Special (Shin Min-ah).
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2010 SBS Drama Awards: Top 10 Stars (Shin Min-ah).
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2010 SBS Drama Awards: Best Couple Award (Shin Min-ah and Lee Seung-gi).
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2012 USTv Students’ Choice Awards (Philippines): Best Foreign Soap Opera.
Real-Life Loves on Set
While the on-screen chemistry between Shin Min Ah and Lee Seung Gi in “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho” captivated audiences, there is no evidence to suggest that their relationship extended into real life. Shin Min Ah has been in a relationship with actor Kim Woo Bin since 2015.
Lee Seung Gi was previously linked to Girls’ Generation’s Yoona; however, they have since parted ways.
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Music / OST
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