South Korea · Drama · 2023
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938
Synopsis
Lee Yeon, a nine-tailed fox and former mountain spirit, is unexpectedly dragged back through time to 1938, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, a period the present-day Tale of the Nine-Tailed left largely unexplored. Stranded in an era defined by surveillance and quiet resistance, Lee Yeon has to navigate a Korea very different from the one he knows.
In 1938 he crosses paths with Ryu Hong-joo, a former western mountain god now running a restaurant, and his own younger half-blood brother, Lee Rang, whose history with him takes on new weight in this earlier timeline. Cheon Moo-young, a former northern mountain god devoted to caring for the dead, rounds out a cast of immortals each carrying their own unfinished business from the occupation era.
A sequel built around the same gumiho mythology as its predecessor, Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 aired on tvN from May 6 to June 11, 2023, across 12 episodes, with Lee Dong-wook, Kim So-yeon and Kim Bum reprising their roles.
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 cast
Best scenes
- Lee Yeon’s time travel arrival: The dramatic sequence where Lee Yeon lands in 1938 showcases stunning visuals and sets the tone for the thrilling journey ahead.
- Ryu Hong Joo and Lee Yeon reunion: A tense yet emotional encounter highlighting their shared history and unresolved tensions.
- Battle with Cheon Moo Young: A powerful fight sequence combining supernatural action and personal stakes between Lee Yeon and Moo Young.
- Lee Rang’s protective moment: A heartwarming scene where Lee Rang shows his loyalty and love for his brother, adding emotional depth to the story.
- The gumiho’s transformation: Lee Yeon’s mythical transformation during a critical battle is both visually stunning and narratively significant.
Filming locations
- Gyeonggi Province: Many outdoor scenes were filmed here, capturing the historical essence of the 1930s.
- Jeonju Hanok Village: A perfect backdrop for showcasing traditional Korean architecture and cultural elements.
- Historic Seoul Streets: Streets were recreated or enhanced to reflect the bustling yet chaotic atmosphere of 1938.
- Mountains of Gangwon-do: Used for mystical and action-packed scenes, emphasizing the natural beauty of Korea.
- Traditional Korean Houses (Hanok): Key scenes take place in these settings, reflecting the cultural richness of the era.
Visual design and costumes
- 1930s-inspired costumes: From Lee Yeon’s tailored suits to Ryu Hong Joo’s elegant traditional attire, the costumes are a perfect mix of style and period authenticity.
- Dark, moody lighting: Creates a mysterious atmosphere that complements the supernatural elements of the story.
- Mythical creature designs: The series features intricate CGI designs for gumiho transformations and other mystical creatures.
- Vintage set pieces: From furniture to street signs, every detail reflects the 1938 setting authentically.
- Traditional and modern blend: Combines historical accuracy with fantasy aesthetics for a visually rich experience.
Themes and messages
- Time and destiny: Explores how time travel can alter destiny while presenting moral dilemmas about changing the past.
- Brotherhood: Highlights the deep bond and emotional struggles between Lee Yeon and Lee Rang.
- Unresolved past relationships: Revisits Lee Yeon’s past connections, showcasing the complexities of loyalty, love, and betrayal.
- Courage and resilience: Characters face overwhelming odds and challenges, emphasizing the value of persistence and bravery.
- Supernatural justice: Examines how mythical beings interact with humanity, often questioning the fairness of their actions.
Interesting facts
- Returning cast: Lee Dong Wook and Kim Bum reprise their beloved roles, continuing the gumiho saga.
- Kim So Yeon’s addition: The acclaimed actress brings charisma and depth as Ryu Hong Joo, adding new dynamics to the storyline.
- Historical setting: The drama seamlessly blends Korean history with folklore, creating a unique narrative experience.
- Highly anticipated sequel: Following the success of the first season, "Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938" was met with high expectations and praise.
- Global popularity: The series became a hit on streaming platforms, attracting fans worldwide for its mix of fantasy and historical drama.
Real-life loves on set
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of "Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938." While the series features compelling on-screen chemistry, particularly between Lee Dong Wook and Kim So Yeon, these dynamics remain within the realm of their characters. Lee Dong Wook's most publicized relationship was with singer and actress Suzy in 2018, which lasted four months. Kim So Yeon has been happily married to actor Lee Sang Woo since 2017. Other main cast members, such as Kim Bum and Ryu Kyung Soo, have not publicly disclosed any current romantic relationships.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2023-05-06 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2023-05-07 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2023-05-13 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2023-05-14 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2023-05-20 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2023-05-21 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2023-05-27 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2023-05-28 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2023-06-03 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2023-06-04 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2023-06-10 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2023-06-11 | Aired |
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