Spoiler-Free Korean Drama Review | Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

Annyeong Haseyo!

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth  is a South Korean Drama which featured Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik, Go Ara, Choi Min-ho, Do Ji-han, Jo Yoon-woo, BTS` Kim Tae-hyung also known as "V," Kim Ji-soo and Seo Ye-ji.

Genre/s: Coming of Age, Historical, Romance
Episodes: 20 excluding 4 special episodes
Time: Approximately 1 hour/regular episode
Location/s: Kingdom of Silla (one of the three kingdoms of Korea before)

Main Cast:

Park Seo-joon as Moo-myung / Kim Sun-woo / Kim Isabu / Dog-Bird
Park Hyung-sik as Sammaekjong / Kim Ji-dwi / King Jinheung
Go Ara - Kim Ah-ro


BRIEF SUMMARY:

Hwarang is about a special group of men known as “Hwarang” who were deemed as the best of the best among the young men of Silla, one of the three kingdoms of Korea. They were mostly true bones or the sons of high officials in the palace so that the queen may be able to protect the hidden young king from the treacherous and opposing officials. The Hwarangs are all sacred bones with one half-breed. Two of the Hwarangs have relatively mysterious backgrounds which will eventually confuse their mates and those who are outside as to their real identity. The Hwarangs were created in order to protect the royal family and the kingdom of Silla but their roles will prove to be simply more than this.

REVIEWS

STORY

The main characters seemed like they`re in conflict with each other. It was quite confusing who the main threat is in this drama. The seemingly main antagonist doesn`t seem much of a threat compared to the main characters although they`re relatively in the same level of threat to the main protagonist. Also, there are quite a lot of characters to catch up to. I couldn`t seem to attach myself to the main protagonists because they might end up being the antagonist at the end. This is seemingly somehow intentional by the production team to also make the viewers appreciate the other characters of Hwarang.

There were twists and turns that made me think this Korean drama would have a lot of episodes almost like Flower in Prison. The story was quite confusing. The main female character has an unconventional way of thinking. There was a certain part of the story which can make viewers quite uncomfortable because the female character was doubting whether her brother was really her sibling because she finds herself caring for him more than just a family. Regardless of whether he`s her real brother or not, we should be able to keep our emotions in check. The top 2 prominent Hwarangs have odd treatment towards each other which involves reckless fights and unnecessary or irrational decisions. This is most probably because of the youth and age range of the Hwarangs which is about 17-22.

As I continued to watch, the story seemed to flow wayward that it became uninteresting. However, as the story neared its ending, its` story suddenly made more sense and fascinating. The ending was good but it was confusing why there was a missing hwarang that should`ve been shown at the ending. Nonetheless, as the story of this drama went on, it became more unpredictable and quite confusing. There were some funny and entertaining scenes which were enjoyable to watch. Overall, the ending was unexpectedly great.

CHARACTERS:

The actors who played Hwarang, the special group of young men, played different personalities. Park Hyung-sik played a young and unsure man who often doubts and rethinks his actions and decisions. He played this role well as I could really see his character flowing in a way that can make even viewers doubt him. Park Seo-joon played a strong and fearless yet unknowing Hwarang. His character is quite unusual but in the drama, he often had a blank poker face which seemed to match his instinctual character. Go Ara played a seemingly unpredictable young lady with silly and sometimes mindless quirks. She played the character quite well because she seems different from the role she played.

OTHERS

Like a lot of Korean dramas, the production and videography was well-made with high quality. The story started with the scene where they show the place outside the capital. The difference between the clothes of those who are inside and outside of the capital were greatly shown w/ those in the capital wearing more colorful and standard clothing mostly made of silk while those who are outside wearing clothes without much colors and with holes and dirt.


All in all, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth is a South Korean drama with an unpredictable story. There were really interesting, silly and funny scenes to keep viewers entertained. However, because of the quite confusing and wayward direction of the story, I didn`t quite find the story appealing. It somehow lacked the main ingredient that makes a drama amazing because it seems to showcase the good looks of the characters more.

RATING:(3/10)

Have you seen this drama already? If yes, what did you think of it? If no, would you watch it after reading this review? You may share your thoughts in the comments` section below. 

Have a blessed and beautiful day!

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