South Korea · Drama · 2020
Tale of The Nine Tailed
Synopsis
Tale of the Nine Tailed follows Lee Yeon, a thousand-year-old gumiho who gave up his post as a mountain guardian centuries ago and now works with the Afterlife Immigration Office hunting down supernatural threats in modern Seoul. His work brings him into contact with Nam Ji-ah, a television producer who bears an unmistakable resemblance to Ah-eum, a woman Yeon loved hundreds of years earlier and lost when she died saving him from a malevolent being called the Imoogi.
As Yeon tries to confirm whether Ji-ah is truly Ah-eum reincarnated, he has to contend with his half-brother Lee Rang, who has never forgiven Yeon for abandoning his duties on the mountain for Ah-eum's sake, and with the Imoogi itself, which returns from its long defeat with Ji-ah once again in its sights. The reawakened threat forces Yeon to protect the woman he may have waited centuries to find while old wounds between him and Rang resurface alongside it.
Lee Dong-wook stars as Lee Yeon, with Jo Bo-ah as Nam Ji-ah and Kim Bum as Lee Rang, in the 16-episode series that aired on tvN from October to December 2020.
Tale of The Nine Tailed cast
Best scenes
- The breathtaking CGI effects during action-packed fight scenes between Lee Yeon and mythical creatures.
- Heart-wrenching moments as Lee Yeon and Nam Ji Ah confront their pasts and fight for their love amidst adversity.
- The visually stunning scenes showcasing the mystical realm of gumiho and other supernatural beings.
- Lee Rang's emotionally charged scenes as he grapples with his identity and desires, adding depth to the storyline.
- The thrilling climax where destinies are revealed and the fate of both human and supernatural worlds hangs in the balance.
Filming locations
- The lush landscapes of Jeju Island, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor scenes.
- Historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, adding authenticity to period scenes.
- Modern urban settings in Seoul's Gangnam district, juxtaposing ancient folklore with contemporary city life.
- Dense forests and mountainsides in Gangwon Province, creating an atmospheric ambiance for supernatural encounters.
- Traditional temples and shrines scattered throughout South Korea, adding cultural richness to the series' mystical elements.
Visual design and costumes
- Intricately designed gumiho transformations, blending traditional Korean folklore with modern CGI technology.
- Exquisite hanbok costumes adorned by the characters, reflecting both their historical roots and contemporary flair.
- Elaborate set designs of the gumiho's realm, featuring mystical forests, ethereal waterfalls, and ancient temples.
- Creative use of lighting and special effects to enhance the magical atmosphere and supernatural encounters.
- Attention to detail in props and accessories, from mystical talismans to enchanted artifacts, enriching the visual storytelling.
Themes and messages
- Exploration of love and sacrifice across different realms, emphasizing the power of enduring bonds.
- Confrontation of personal demons and inner struggles, illustrating the journey towards self-acceptance and redemption.
- Examination of the consequences of greed, jealousy, and ambition, highlighting the importance of humility and empathy.
- Reflection on the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between good and evil.
- Celebration of Korean folklore and mythology, showcasing the timeless appeal of ancient legends in a modern context.
Interesting facts
- The series marks Lee Dong Wook's return to the fantasy genre since his iconic role in "Goblin."
- Jo Bo Ah's portrayal of Nam Ji Ah received acclaim for her dynamic and relatable character.
- Kim Bum underwent rigorous martial arts training to prepare for his role as Lee Rang, the half-brother of Lee Yeon.
- "Tale of the Nine-Tailed" is inspired by various Korean folklore tales, reimagined for a contemporary audience.
- The drama's OST, featuring emotional ballads and haunting melodies, received widespread praise and topped music charts.
Real-life loves on set
While rumors swirled about off-screen romances among the cast of "Tale of the Nine-Tailed," the real-life loves on set remained largely undisclosed. However, fans couldn't help but speculate about the chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah, who portrayed the lead characters Lee Yeon and Nam Ji Ah, respectively. Their on-screen rapport and natural camaraderie fueled rumors of a potential romance behind the scenes, though neither actor confirmed any romantic involvement. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, viewers enjoyed witnessing the genuine friendship and professional synergy between Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah, which undoubtedly contributed to the captivating on-screen chemistry that made "Tale of the Nine-Tailed" such a beloved drama.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Incident That Occurred on Yeou Gogae | 2020-10-07 | Aired | |
| 2 | I've Been Waiting for You | 2020-10-08 | Aired | |
| 3 | The Secret of the Dragon King | 2020-10-14 | Aired | |
| 4 | Verge of Death | 2020-10-15 | Aired | |
| 5 | I Also Waited for You | 2020-10-21 | Aired | |
| 6 | Four Pillars of Destiny | 2020-10-22 | Aired | |
| 7 | The Trap of Samsara | 2020-10-28 | Aired | |
| 8 | Reincarnation | 2020-10-29 | Aired | |
| 9 | Spirit of Darkness | 2020-11-04 | Aired | |
| 10 | Déjà Vu | 2020-11-05 | Aired | |
| 11 | Ground Cherries | 2020-11-11 | Aired | |
| 12 | Catch the Tail | 2020-11-12 | Aired | |
| 13 | The Other Imoogi | 2020-11-25 | Aired | |
| 14 | Dead End | 2020-11-26 | Aired | |
| 15 | Without Knowing Imoogi's Plan | 2020-12-02 | Aired | |
| 16 | The Rewritten Tale of the Nine Tailed | 2020-12-03 | Aired |



