Hey, everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Today, I’m diving into the Korean series Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, which has enthralled viewers with its intriguing mix of time travel, fantasy, and historical drama.
Debuting on tvN on May 6, 2023, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 offered 12 episodes, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 KST until June 11, 2023. This installment acts as a continuation of the 2020 hit Tale of the Nine Tailed, serving as a prequel to the original tale. Featuring Lee Dong-wook, Kim So-yeon, Kim Bum, and Ryu Kyung-soo, the series is available for streaming on TVING in South Korea and through Amazon Prime Video in certain regions.
The narrative centers on Lee Yeon, the nine-tailed fox, who is unexpectedly thrown back to the year 1938, a chaotic era during Japanese colonial rule in Korea. The series stands out by blending beloved characters from the original with an entirely new backdrop, fostering fresh dynamics while retaining the fantasy aspects that made the first installment so beloved.
Lee Dong-wook: The Timeless Nine-Tailed Fox
Lee Dong-wook returns as Lee Yeon, the formidable nine-tailed fox who unexpectedly finds himself in 1938 Korea. His performance displays an impressive range as he faces the hurdles of being out of time and strives to return to the present. Yeon’s character development in this prequel offers viewers insights into different aspects of his personality and abilities.
Dong-wook’s portrayal merges the known charm of the original character with newfound vulnerabilities due to his separation from the modern era. His interactions with the 1938 era create humorous moments as he adjusts to the historical setting while retaining his supernatural powers and strong desire to return home.
Kim So-yeon: Mysterious Ryu Hong-joo
Kim So-yeon joins the lineup as Ryu Hong-joo, a fascinating new character pivotal to the 1938 storyline. Her performance introduces layers of mystery and romance, fostering compelling chemistry with Lee Dong-wook’s character. Hong-joo is depicted as cool, beautiful, intelligent, strong, and possessing a tsundere nature that makes her captivating to watch.
So-yeon’s role adds sophistication and depth to the historical context, with her character’s evolution throughout the series receiving acclaim from viewers. Her interactions with other characters enrich the emotional core of the series, adding new romantic nuances distinct from the original season.
Kim Bum: The Saga of Lee Rang
Kim Bum reprises his role as Lee Rang, Yeon’s younger sibling, continuing their intricate brotherly bond in the 1938 setting. Their relationship remains fiery and intense, contributing emotional layers to the series. Rang’s character arc in this prequel provides significant backstory and growth for fans of the first series.
Bum’s performance preserves the intensity and emotional depth that made Lee Rang a standout character in the first season. His interactions with Lee Dong-wook highlight their excellent chemistry and the complex bond between the fox brothers that spans ages.
1938: Colonial Korea’s Historical Drama
The series effectively immerses viewers in 1938 Korea during the Japanese colonial period, crafting a rich historical backdrop for the fantasy narrative. This chaotic era serves as a perfect setting for supernatural clashes, while delving into themes of resistance, identity, and survival during a turbulent chapter in Korean history.
The production excels in recreating the 1938 ambiance, from costumes to set design, offering an immersive experience that anchors the fantasy elements in historical realism. The juxtaposition of supernatural characters against the genuine historical struggles fuels compelling dramatic tension throughout the series.
Impressive Performance and Audience Feedback
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 has garnered overwhelmingly positive viewer feedback, with many considering it superior to its predecessor. The series maintained a commendable pace throughout its 12 episodes, with no dull moments and a harmonious mix of action, humor, and romance. The chemistry of the mountain god trio has been notably praised, with fans hopeful for a potential third season focusing on their narratives.
The series adeptly expanded the Tale of the Nine Tailed universe while narrating a complete story that stands alone yet complements the broader mythology. Its emotional richness, coupled with high production values and strong performances, has distinguished it in the fantasy K-drama genre.
For fans of time-travel fantasy K-dramas with intricate historical backdrops and supernatural romance, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is a must-watch on Netflix. The combination of Lee Dong-wook’s charismatic portrayal, Kim So-yeon’s enigmatic Hong-joo, and the captivating 1938 setting offers a viewing experience that is both emotionally fulfilling and visually spectacular.
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 provides an extraordinary fusion of fantasy, romance, and historical drama, surpassing its forebear while crafting a compelling standalone narrative.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 12 episodes Platform: Netflix (via Amazon Prime Video and TVING) Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb) Genre: Fantasy, Historical Drama, Romance, Time Travel Protagonists: Lee Dong-wook (Lee Yeon), Kim So-yeon (Ryu Hong-joo), Kim Bum (Lee Rang), Ryu Kyung-soo Antagonist: The forces hindering Lee Yeon’s return to the present and the turmoil of 1938 colonial Korea