Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938
"Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938" continues the mesmerizing story of Lee Yeon (Lee Dong Wook), the charismatic gumiho who finds himself unexpectedly transported to the year 1938. Stripped away from his modern life, Lee Yeon must navigate a dangerous era filled with mystical creatures, complex human relationships, and a chaotic political landscape. The drama brings a thrilling blend of fantasy, action, and history, captivating fans of the original series. Reunited with familiar faces and encountering new ones, Lee Yeon crosses paths with Ryu Hong Joo (Kim So Yeon), a powerful and enigmatic mountain goddess who shares a mysterious history with him. Alongside them is Lee Rang (Kim Bum), Yeon's estranged brother, whose complex emotions add tension and depth to the narrative. The introduction of Cheon Moo Young (Ryu Kyung Soo), a former friend turned rival, raises the stakes as alliances shift and secrets unravel. Set against the vivid backdrop of 1938 Korea, the drama blends traditional folklore with historical elements. It dives deeper into the mythology of the gumiho while exploring the societal changes of the time. The intricate storyline interweaves personal struggles, loyalty, and redemption, creating an emotional and action-packed journey that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With Lee Dong Wook’s magnetic performance as the titular gumiho and Kim So Yeon’s commanding presence as Ryu Hong Joo, "Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938" delivers a visually stunning and narratively rich sequel. Fans of the original and newcomers alike will find themselves drawn into this fantastical world filled with danger, romance, and otherworldly charm.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 구미호뎐 1938
🌎 Also Known As: Tale of the Nine-Tailed Season 2, Gumihodyeon 1938, Gumihodyeon 2, Gumihodyeon Sijeun 2, 구미호뎐 2, 구미호뎐 시즌2
🎭 Genres: Historical, Horror, Romance, Fantasy
🏷 Tags: Nine-tailed Fox, Action, Supernatural, 1930s, Bromance, Brothers’ Relationship, Time Travel, Badass Male Lead, Friendship, Suspense
✍ Screenwriter: Han Woo Ri
🎬 Directors: Kang Shin Hyo, Jo Nam Hyung
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 12
🗓️ Aired: May 6, 2023 – Jun 11, 2023
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 10 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
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.
Awards
“Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938” has not received any awards. The series, which aired from May 6 to June 11, 2023, is a prequel to the 2020 series “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” and features actors Lee Dong-wook, Kim So-yeon, Kim Bum, and Ryu Kyung-soo.
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.
