South Korea · Drama · 2010
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho
Synopsis
College student Cha Dae-woong accidentally frees a nine-tailed fox spirit from a painting, and she saves his life with her magical fox bead before taking human form. He names her Mi-ho, and the two strike a deal: she lends him the bead to boost his stunt work, and he helps her find a way to become fully human.
As they grow closer, they learn what that deal actually costs. If Mi-ho completes her transformation into a human, the process will kill the person whose life essence she draws on to do it, and if the bead isn't returned to her within a hundred days, she dies instead. Half-human veterinarian Park Dong-joo and Dae-woong's former love interest Eun Hye-in complicate the arrangement further as the deadline closes in.
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho starred Lee Seung-gi as Cha Dae-woong and Shin Min-a as Mi-ho, with No Min-woo, Park Soo-jin, and Sung Dong-il in supporting roles. The 16-episode series aired on SBS in 2010.
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho cast
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.
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.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2010-08-11 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2010-08-12 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2010-08-18 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2010-08-19 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2010-08-25 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2010-08-26 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2010-09-01 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2010-09-02 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2010-09-08 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2010-09-09 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2010-09-15 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2010-09-16 | Aired | |
| 13 | Episode 13 | 2010-09-22 | Aired | |
| 14 | Episode 14 | 2010-09-23 | Aired | |
| 15 | Episode 15 | 2010-09-29 | Aired | |
| 16 | Episode 16 | 2010-09-30 | Aired |
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