Growing up I have heard one saying, time and again, that when a sun shower takes place, it is because far in a forest a fox is getting married, either to a fellow fox or a human. Within 15 minutes of the show, you see Lee Yeon giving the same reason when it is sun-showering at a wedding venue. And I immediately feel connected. From its opening moments, comprising an eerie but titillating opening scene with a fusion of gallows humour, “Tale of the Nine Tailed” captures the imagination, blending Korean folklore with contemporary drama.
The story is about Lee Yeon, a mystical nine-tailed fox known as a gumiho, a character of depth and nuance, haunted by his past and grappling with the weight of his own existence. When he crosses paths with Nam Ji-ah, an intrepid television producer seeking answers about her parents’ disappearance, their encounter sets the stage for a love story that transcends the ordinary.
I have always avoided watching supernatural genres for the same reason why many people avoid American or South Korean (lol) shows, the lack of relatability. But, I am glad I watched this show. Honestly, I started it only for Lee Dong Wook (this man served in each and every frame), but by the end of the series, I felt like I traveled through the dreamesque landscapes of Eastern-Asia in these 16 episodes. Every episode provided a lot of creative fodder to feed on, with its subtle but deep metaphors and symbolisms, along with myths and legends popular in Korea but it did not seem foreign to me.
“Tale of the Nine Tailed” tells you tales of love, loss, and redemption, but to me it is a tale of love. A love so great that a deity is pushed by the tugs of his heart to give up his position, his stature, his power, and the status of being a mountain god. All for love. Does he regret being demoted from a deity to a gumiho, all for a human he loved? No, he does not want power, he does not want anything except growing old, and dying with the human he loved, centuries ago. In one of the scenes where he gets vexed on why his lover has not been reincarnated yet, he mentions that he does not care if she comes back as an animal, a man or someone with a different face. He would wait, and once she is back, he would love her with all his heart and soul.
From the very beginning, “Tale of the Nine Tailed” ensnares its audience with its mystical charm, weaving together elements of Korean mythology with contemporary storytelling. Yeon, a mythical nine-tailed fox known as a gumiho, personifies a complex blend of power and vulnerability, haunted by a tragic past and burdened by a centuries-old curse. The seven minute long montage in the second episode takes you to an idyllic world where you want the time to stop.
What sets Yeon apart as one of the most compelling lovers in K-dramas is not just his supernatural abilities or his brooding charm, but his capacity for selflessness and sacrifice. Throughout the series, Yeon’s love for Ji-ah (we will come to her) is tested time and again, as he grapples with the weight of his past and the forces that seek to tear them apart. Yeon’s character in “Tale of the Nine Tailed” epitomizes the essence of an ideal partner, raising the bar to extraordinary heights. His relentless dedication, selflessness, and profound love for Ji-ah makes him an exceptional ‘boyfriend’. Yeon consistently prioritizes Ji-ah’s well-being above all else, standing by her side through every trial and tribulation. Moreover, Yeon’s innate understanding of Ji-ah’s needs and desires allows him to anticipate her every need, creating a bond of trust and intimacy. In the face of adversity, Yeon remains steadfast in his devotion, willing to defy fate itself to protect the woman he loves. At times you might feel angry or restless to see what all is at stake in order to save Ji-ah’s life. It’s a perfect example of a trolley problem, for Lee Yeon.
One of the most poignant aspects of Yeon and Ji-ah’s relationship is the theme of redemption that permeates their journey, and also the show overall. As secrets are unearthed and truths come to light, both characters are forced to confront their pasts and reconcile with the mistakes they’ve made. It is through their love for each other that they find the strength to heal old wounds and embrace a future filled with hope and possibility. The show also masterfully explores the concept of soulmates and the idea that true love transcends the boundaries of time and space. Yeon and Ji-ah’s connection is depicted as a cosmic inevitability, a union that was fated to occur across multiple lifetimes. Theirs is a love that endures across centuries, defying the constraints of mortality and destiny. In this spirited love-saga, Yeon emerges not only as a formidable supernatural entity but also as a deeply empathetic and compassionate figure. His love for Ji-ah serves as a catalyst for his own growth and retrieval, as he learns to embrace his humanity and confront his inner demons. In doing so, he becomes not just a protector but a partner, willing to stand by Ji-ah’s side as equals in the face of adversity.
Now coming to Nam Ji-ah, the fearless television producer and the woman Yeon has waited for for centuries. Ji-ah embodies resilience and determination in her quest to unravel the mystery surrounding her parents’ disappearance. Fuelled by an unwavering dedication to bring them back, Ji-ah navigates life with an independent and fearless outlook. Her strength lies not only in her investigative skills but also in her unwavering belief in herself and her abilities. Despite the dangers she faces, Ji-ah refuses to back down, facing each challenge head-on with a tenacity that inspires those around her. Her journey is a testament to the power of courage and perseverance, reminding us of the importance of holding onto hope even in the darkest of times.
Another relation to look forward to in the show is the relationship between Lee Rang and his half-brother Yeon. It is a poignant exploration of guilt, sacrifice, anger, and ultimately, redemption. Lee Rang, the mischievous and conflicted half-brother of Yeon, harbors deep-seated resentment towards his big brother, stemming from a complicated misunderstanding, jealousy, and a sense of perceived abandonment. Throughout the series, Lee Rang’s journey is marked by a tumultuous mix of emotions, fueled by a desire for recognition and validation from Yeon. His anger and bitterness drive him to commit acts of betrayal and vengeance, as he struggles to reconcile his own sense of identity and purpose. Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, there are moments of vulnerability that shine through, revealing the depth of Lee Rang’s inner turmoil and longing for reconnection. As the series unfolds, Lee Rang’s path towards redemption becomes intertwined with his relationship with Yeon, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and confronts the true nature of his feelings towards his brother. In the end, it is through acts of selflessness and sacrifice that Lee Rang finds recoupment, forging a new path towards healing and reconciliation with Yeon, and ultimately, with himself. Their relationship serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and forgiveness, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Other than the main characters, the show has many mythical creatures. One of the characters that stood out for me was Darkness. The character of the Spirit of Darkness, the antagonist’s ominous partner, preys on individuals’ deepest fears, manifesting as a relentless force that seeks to sow chaos and despair. Through its ability to exploit the vulnerabilities of its victims, the Spirit of Darkness becomes a formidable antagonist, posing a threat not only to Yeon and his allies but also to the very fabric of existence itself. Its presence serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of the human psyche and the inherent darkness that lurks within us all. As the series unfolds, the Spirit of Darkness emerges as a formidable adversary, challenging Leon, Rang, and Ji-ah to confront their inner demons and overcome their greatest fears in order to prevail against the forces of darkness.
“Tale of the Nine Tailed” stands as a testament to the enduring themes of longing, love, sacrifice, and redemption. Through the relationships of its characters, the series explores the depths of (human) emotion and the complexities of the supernatural world. It shows you how far someone can go in the name of love (Lee Yeon), family (Ji-ah, Rang, Ki Yu-ri), and friendship (Shin Joo, Jae-hwan). It reminds us that love knows no bounds, transcending time, fate, and even the boundaries between life and death. As we journey through the mystical landscapes of Korean folklore and modern drama, we are captivated by the resilience of the (human) spirit and the transformative power of forgiveness.
World of Shubhika 
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