Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is available for streaming on platforms like Viki and other popular streaming services that carry Korean dramas. Depending on your region, you may also find it on services like iQIYI or Kocowa. Be sure to check the availability based on your location.
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 Full Review: Unraveling the Secrets of the Past
The whole audience was eagerly waiting for the return of Lee Yeon where so many mysteries would be solved, and the makers came up with the prequel Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938. Fans were thrilled when this prequel took them back to the time when they could unravel the past of their beloved Gumiho, Lee Yeon. Now let me write, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 full review to smooth your nostalgic journey. In 2020, Tale of the Nine Tailed was a massive hit and then the next one took us to the 30’s. It was a time that was full of danger, mystery and emotional depth. Through this prequel, we will get to know our favorite Gumiho and his surroundings more thoroughly. But the question is, “Did Tale of the Nine Tailed 1983 live up to expectations?” Let’s find the answer.
Plot Overview:
Lee Yeon unexpectedly goes back in time to the year 1938. He is involved in a case for which he is compelled to time travel. At that time he meets Ryu Hong Joo who is Lee Yeon’s childhood friend. She has another identity, she was one of a mountain god like Lee Yeon but now she runs a high-end restaurant called Myoyeongak in Gyeongseong (in current time Seoul). In their childhood, Hong Joo used to love him but he chose to love A-Eum and somehow their friendship ended for an unfortunate reason. When they meet again in 1938, Ryu Hong Joo becomes excited and again tries to have him as her partner. However, Lee Yeon here meets his brother Lee Rang who now is a thug. Yeon understands what his abandonment did to his brother, and he regrets that. So he wants to do the best for him. But the main goal of Lee Yeon is to catch the masked man who is messing with the balance of humanity and the supernatural, to which he was sent here. And the masked man was none other than Cheon Mu Young who once used to be another mountain god and the friend of both Lee Yeong and Ryu Hong Joo. Now all Lee Yeon has to do is settle the mess and come back to the present.
Cast and Characters
One of the greatest strengths of the drama Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is the stellar cast and their performance. Each and every character did their best to bring the 1938 setting to life. Now let’s take a close look at the key characters of Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, the prequel of Tale of the Nine Tailed.
Lee Dong Wook as Lee Yeon – The Fearless Gumiho
Lee Dong Wook captivated the audience with his performance as Lee Yeon and made everyone fall in love with a nine tailed fox but in this chapter, we see his younger version. The 2020 Lee Yeon was calm and composed but in 1938 we explored a more fiery, emotional and reckless side of Lee Yeon. This time his journey is more fearful and evokes more tension in the narrative. His new journey is full of battles, headaches and self-discovery which makes his character even more refined and more compelling.
Kim So Yeon as Ryu Hong Joo – The Charismatic Mountain Goddess
The beautiful actress Kim So Yeon gracefully played the character of Ryu Hong Joo. Ryu Hong Joo once used to be a powerful mountain goddess who is the symbol of elegance and danger. She shares a love-hate relationship with Lee Yeon. You will catch being an ally and a rival at the same time. Hong Joo once fell in love with Lee Yeon but he chose a human to love instead of her so now she hates him but her love for him never died as well. She adds a dynamic to the story with her intense screen presence and strong personality.
Kim Bum as Lee Rang – The Younger, More Vulnerable Brother
In Tale of the Nine Tailed, we see Lee Rang who is an anti-hero. He loves his brother and hates him too and he willingly tries to kill his brother’s lover. The reason we knew behind it was he did not like the fact that his brother abandoned him for someone. But in this part, we can see how great his pain was. In 1938 we see the young and more fragile version of Lee Rang, who is played by Kim Bum. In this prequel, we see his struggle and fear and evolving bond with his brother Lee Yeon makes his character arc deeply emotional.
Ryu Kyung Soo as Cheon Moo Young – The Mysterious Antagonist
Cheon Moo Young is a mysterious character who brought Lee Yeon into this maze of time. He is the antagonist of the prequel tale of the Nine Tailed 1938. He too once used to be a mountain god and one of the best friends of Lee Yeon. But an unfortunate incident occurs and he misunderstands Lee Yeon and breaks their friendship and becomes a villain from being a mountain god. As his story opens up we get to know him more. Ryu Kyung Joo played the role of Cheon Moo Young whose dark motives, powerful presence and deep-rooted grudge evolve major conflicts that push the story forward.
Cinematography & 1930s Aesthetic
One of the richest aspects of Tale of Nine Tailed 1938 is the skillful cinematography and historical rich settings. The previous one is set in the time 2020 but this prequel took us to the turbulent yet visually captivating era of 1938 and the production team proved their skills. They skillfully and successfully blend fantasy and history together and create a cinematic spectacle that feels real and authentic. Let’s explore it.
A Vivid Recreation of 1938 Korea
This drama is set in the 1930s when Korea was occupied by the Japanese and the Koreans were planning a revolution. In this drama, we can see the circumstances of the revolution. The well-crafted visuals like the narrow-lined traditional Hanoks and the western-influenced architecture give a vivid picture of Korea of that time. People were fighting for independence and being suppressed by the Japanese, all of these were beautifully pictured. The roads, vehicles, the attires of the people and everything give a historical vibe. And with these pictures, the makers blended supernatural elements like ghosts, gods, foxes and mermaids and this fine work for sure deserves a compliment.
Color Palette & Cinematic Techniques
The cinematography mostly relies on a mixture of tone, shadow, lighting and all the setting. In this drama, we see the perfect blend of earthy tones, deep shadows, and warm lighting. In one sentence this drama has the most perfect color palette to create a nostalgic and mystical atmosphere. The use of golden color refers to the chaotic yet romantic era when the fight for freedom and love blooms in the same atmosphere. The dim light, muddy and wet roads show us the picture of then Korea. We can also witness the contrast between traditional Korea and the modern influence of the occupation era.
Action Sequences & Supernatural Effects
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is for sure a fantasy drama but does not hold back the tension of high-energy fighting scenes and mythological showdown, as in the very first episode we see the encounter of the Lee brothers who were about to kill each other absolutely this is how their love-hate relationship is. The cinematography here shins in the fast-paced and well-choreographed action scenes. The fighting scene between Lee Yeon and Ryu Hong Joo on the train is one of the most dynamic scenes of this whole drama, in my opinion. Also, the mythical creatures shown in this drama are the result of CGI effects which feel grand but not exaggerated. The slow motion shots and the dramatic close-up shots were just like the cherry on the top of the cake.
Traditional vs. Modern Contrasts
The blending of past and present makes the drama unique. The cinematography also captures the whole concept beautifully. The attire of each character highlights the cultural shifts as we see some of them wearing hanbok and some of them wearing western-style suits and military uniforms. The settings of old-style markets and rural markets show the picture of traditional Korea. The ancient myth is present everywhere but the rapidly changing society somehow compelled it to fade the idea of mythology. However, in this drama we see the difference between traditional Korea, modern Korea and the changing picture of Korea which makes the unique setting an important character of its own.
Action, Romance, and Mythology
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is no doubt a perfect blend of thrilling action, heart-flutter romance and mythology. The previous one focused on modern fantasy romance and this new one is filled with instance battles, historical intrigue and deeper exploration of folklore. Let’s explore them in this section.
High-Octane Action: Gumiho Battles and Historical Turmoil
One of the most thrilling parts of this drama Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is the action-packed storyline. Action starts with the very first episode which includes sword fights, fist fights and even national arts with a touch of supernatural abilities.
If I talk about the dynamic fighting choreography then I have to mention Lee Yeon’s graceful yet brutal swordsmanship. The other mythical characters also have their unique style of fighting. This drama features some cinematic battle sequences like rooftop chasing, alleyway duels, large-scale supernatural fights and many more that make the drama more fancy and enjoyable. This drama will give you the most fancy fantasy vibe when you see the supernatural creatures using their supernatural powers. Apart from the supernatural elements we also witness the historical fight of the Koreans and Japanese when Korea was occupied by the Japanese. But the most exciting part of the action was the clash between Lee Yeon, Lee Rang and Ryu Hong Joo.
Romance: A Love That Transcends Time
In the midst of large-scale action, romance did not fade away in this prequel too. You will witness love in the air between many couples and even in people who are not lovers. So the very first love story is of Lee Yeon and Nam Ji Ah, as in the previous part they are already married and in this prequel, suddenly Lee Yeon does time travel but in the due time he eagerly keeps finding the way to go back to Ji Ah in the present time. The rebellious brother of Lee Yeon, Lee Rang also falls in love with a mermaid and their love is so pure that they don’t even care for themself because they are each other’s priority. One-sided love is also present here. Ryu Hong Joo, Lee Yeon and Cheon Moo Young were childhood friends. They literally grew up together and were with each other in their good and bad times. When Lee Yeon fell in love with a human, Hong Joo fell for Lee Yeon, meanwhile, Moo Young fell in love with Hong Joo. Hong Joo expresses her feelings to Lee Yeon but Moo Young chooses to be silent. Apart from love, strong scenes of friendship and loyalty are also evident in this drama.
Mythology: Expanding the Gumiho Universe
The storyline of this drama takes us deep into the traditional Korean folklore and we get introduced to more legendary creatures, gods and supernatural beings apart along with the Gumihos.
In this part of Tale of the Nine Tailed, we explore the legacy of the Gumohos. Lee Yeon played a significant role in history due to Koreans occupied by the Japanese. Again he is one of the mythical protectors who was one the most powerful mountain gods, they maintained the balance of the human world and the supernatural. We get to know everything about Lee Yeon.
Ryu Hong Joo is another mountain goddess, she is more aggressive than Lee Yeon. Her powers, determinations and intentions reveal more about her and the balance between gods, spirits and demons.
Cheon Moo Young is the new villain who once used to be a mountain god just like Lee Yeon and Hong Joo. But he was timid and calm in comparison to them. When he misunderstood his friends and became vengeful he turned into a dark power. His tragic backstory introduces us to a fresh mythology and showcases the consequences of divine and supernatural conflict. The other supernatural creatures we can see are Korean Yokai, demons, mermaids, spirits and many more with unique abilities and backstories. And with their presence Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 successfully expands the rich mythology of the series.
OST and Soundtracks
There are a total of 67 OSTs in the drama Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 including vocal tracks, instrumental tracks and instrumental scores. And all these comprehensive soundtracks enhance the storytelling. Let me give you a list of them.
Vocal Tracks
- Full Moon by Kihyun (MONSTA X)
- Kiss The Rain by Thama
- Love Song by Kei
- Wind Song by Kei
- Keep Silence by GRASS
You can also find the instrumental version of these vocal tracks.
Instrumental Scores:
- The Hunt Begins
- Phony Western
- The Youth of the Mountain Gods
- Chasing Red and White Mask
- The Uninvited in the Night
- Dong Bang Sak
- A Eum Da Eum
- A Mirror Here?
- The Fight for Two Lee Yeon
- Juk Hyang
- Gu-Ji-Ga (Turtle Song)
- The Undertaker
- Blind Fight
- Don’t Look Back
- Yeo Hee
- Angst of Moo Young
- Battle With Monk Soldiers and Appearance of Saetani
- Tale of Twin Sisters
- My Name is Jin Dal Rae
- Yeo Hee, The Mermaid
- How Dare You Bring Seafood to My Family
- The First Date
- Horse Riding Lesson
- The Founding
- Single Parenting Game
- Protect Mi Ho!
- Man Pa Shik Juk (train sequence)
- Ryu Hong Joo
- Freaky Hong Joo
- The Modern Boys
- Miss Joseon Beauty Pageant
- Handsome Guys from the Louvre, Paris
- Sam Choong
- The Drinking Contest
- That Things That Must Be Protected
- Cheon Ho Young and Cheon Moo Young
- Protective Magic
- 1938 Lee Yeon
- Extreme Mother (the Fox Song)
- Always Watch You From Behind
- Terrible Smell of Blood
- Hong Joo and Jae Yoo
- The Heart of Moo Young
- Jang Sang Bum
- The Seven Wishes
- Into The Other World
- The Bride of Jang Sang Bum
- The Support of the Support of the Support
- The Imitator
- The Azalea
- A Jade Comb
- Lee Rang And Yeo Hee
- Dok Gak Gwi
- The Indigenous Gods
- Missed Each Other
- Comrade
- Two Loves
- Last Farewell
- Gumiho Lee Rang
- Protecting Joseon
- The Showdown
- Lee Yeon and Ji Ah
As I previously said, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is a superfine blending of action, romance, mythology and nostalgia. The rich narrative, complex character, exceptional cast and crew and their stellar performance made this drama stand out in the genre of Fantasy. The time travel with a limited time span puts another level of thrill that will Our beloved Gumoho be able to escape this maze of time?
But now, the question is, did this prequel of Tale of the Nine Tailed live up to the expectations of the fans? In my personal opinion, both of them have different types of thrill because both of them chose a different type of narrative. The first one mostly focused on the eternal love of Lee Yeon and Ji Ah and the second one blends history and fantasy in the most exciting way possible. Though I was missing Ji Ah and Imoogi here in this part, I thoroughly enjoyed the new and expanded story of Lee Yeon. So don’t wait, If you already watched Tale of Nine Tailed then get set ready for the new and more exciting journey of the likes of Gumiho with Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938. And as a bonus, let me warn you to get ready for the most unexpected yet thrilling transformation of Lee Rang, for me that was one of the best parts of this prequel. So hurry up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 about?
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is a fantasy drama that follows the adventures of a nine-tailed fox, Lee Yeon, who is transported back in time to 1938, during the Japanese colonial period in Korea. As he navigates the challenges of the past, he encounters historical figures, struggles with supernatural threats, and unravels deep mysteries that tie into his past and his love story. The show blends mythology with historical fiction and intense action sequences.
2. Who are the main characters in Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938?
The key characters are:
Lee Yeon (played by Lee Dong Wook), the nine-tailed fox, who must navigate the challenges of the 1938 era.
Nam Ji Ah (played by Jo Bo Ah), a modern-day woman who is linked to Lee Yeon’s past.
Ryu Hong Joo (played by Kim So Eun), a powerful supernatural being with a mysterious connection to Yeon.
These characters, along with various mythological beings, form the central emotional and action-driven dynamics of the show.
3. How does Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 connect to the original Tale of the Nine Tailed series?
While Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is set in a different time period, it is a continuation of the original Tale of the Nine Tailed series. It explores the backstory and the past of Lee Yeon, giving fans a deeper look into his mythology, his relationship with Ji Ah, and the events that led to his transformation into a nine-tailed fox. It blends elements from both the original and new timelines, enriching the characters’ development and the supernatural lore.
4. Is Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 worth watching for fans of fantasy dramas?
Yes, if you’re a fan of fantasy dramas that mix mythology with romance and action, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 is definitely worth watching. The show combines intriguing supernatural elements with thrilling historical fiction and a deep emotional storyline. The performances, especially Lee Dong Wook’s portrayal of Lee Yeon, are widely praised, making it a must-watch for fantasy lovers.
5. What supernatural elements are featured in Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938?
The series includes various supernatural beings from Korean mythology, such as the nine-tailed fox, gumiho, and other spirits and gods. These beings possess extraordinary powers and often clash with human characters. The supernatural world is intricately tied to the historical plotline, with mythical creatures playing key roles in the unfolding drama.
6. How does the historical setting of 1938 influence the storyline?
The historical backdrop of 1938, during Korea’s Japanese occupation, adds depth and tension to the plot. The show explores themes of resistance, betrayal, and the struggles of the Korean people, while also introducing historical figures who impact Lee Yeon’s journey. The juxtaposition of mythological fantasy with real-world events creates a unique atmosphere and raises the stakes of the story.
7. What are the major themes in Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938?
Key themes in the show include love, sacrifice, destiny, and the battle between good and evil. The series also delves into historical struggles, loyalty, the concept of time, and the consequences of tampering with the past. It weaves these themes together with elements of fantasy and adventure to create a captivating narrative.