Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (Korean: 화랑; Hanja: 花郞; lit. Hwarang) is a South Korean television series starring Park Seo-joon, Go A-ra, and Park Hyung-sik.[1] It revolves around an elite group of young men called "Hwarang", who discover their passion, friendship and love in the turmoil of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–AD 935).[2] The series aired every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 (KST) on KBS2, from December 19, 2016 to February 21, 2017.[3][4][5]
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth | |
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Genre | Historical Coming-of-age Romance |
Created by | Han Suk-won Park Sung-hye |
Developed by | KBS Drama |
Written by | Park Eun-yeong |
Directed by | Yoon Sung-sik Kim Yeong-jo |
Starring | Park Seo-joon Go A-ra Park Hyung-sik Choi Min-ho Kim Taehyung . --> |
Theme music composer | Oh Joon-sung |
Country of origin | South Korea |
Original language | Korean |
No. of episodes | 20 + 4 specials |
Production | |
Executive producer | Jung Hae-ryong |
Producers | Kim Sang-hee Kim Hyung-suk Lee Yeong-bum |
Cinematography | Jang Byung-wook Choi Ki-ha |
Editors | Kim Tae-yeong Song Eun-jung |
Running time | 60 mins |
Production companies | Hwarang SPC Oh!Boy Project |
Distributor | KBS KBS Media (Worldwide) |
Release | |
Original network | KBS2 |
Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) |
Audio format | Dolby Digital |
First shown in | South Korea |
Original release | December 19, 2016 – February 21, 2017 |
External links | |
Website |
Although it was fully pre-produced with an ensemble cast, the series underperformed commercially and averaged a single-digit audience rating of 8.4% in its run.[6][7][8][9] The show was noted for its star-studded cast, which includes industry veterans, such as Sung Dong Il, as well as popular young actors, such as Park Seo-joon, Go Ara and Park Hyung-sik.[10] The cast were praised for their performances and the show garnered multiple acting award nominations.[11] This includes Choi Won-young's win for "Best Supporting Actor" and Park Seo-joon's nomination for the prestigious "Top Excellence Award, Actor" at the 31st KBS Drama Awards.[12]
Synopsis
Queen Ji So has been ruling the Kingdom of Silla as regent since King Beopheung died, keeping her young son Sam maek jong hidden outside of the capital Seorabeol and safe from enemies and assassins. As Sam maek jong comes of age, nobles, citizens, officials and Sam maek jong himself, have all grown impatient for her to cede power. However, the powerful nobles that tried to usurp power in the Kingdom continue to eye the throne and Ji So fears the consequences of her ceding it.
In order to break the power of the nobles, who have grown accustomed to their privileges under the bone rank system, Ji So plans to create a new elite group, the Hwarang, that will cut across the existing power factions, and to bind them to protect Sam maek jong and the throne. As this new elite group of male youths bond and grow,[13] they are unaware that within their number is their future king, Sam maek jong, and Kim Seon-u, a commoner with a secret even he is not aware of.
Cast
Main
- Park Seo-joon as Moo-myung 무명/ Kim Sun-woo 김선우/ Kim Isabu / Dog-Bird[14]
- A young man of low birth who rises above his situation in life to become a legendary hwarang warrior. He assumes the identity of his best friend Kim Sun-woo, Ah-ro's biological brother, after he is killed by one of the Queen Dowager's men. Later, he realized he was of the sacred bone, belonging to the royal family.
- A "half-breed" (derogative term for aristocrat (jin-gol)—lower class offspring) with a cheerful and straightforward personality, whose father is of jin-gol birth while her mother a servant. She works multiple part-time jobs to support her family; in particular as physician to the Hwarang. She easily make friends. Later she fell in love with Sun-woo.
- Park Hyung-sik as Sammaekjong / Kim Ji-dwi 김지뒤 / King Jinheung[14]
- The young and distrustful king who goes into hiding due to assassination attempts and secretly becomes a hwarang warrior, gaining strength and leadership ability in the process. He joins the hwarang under the assumed identity Kim "Ji-dwi" as the Hwarang Chief Kim Wi-hwa's fake "nephew."
Hwarangs
- Kim Tae-hyung as Suk Han-sung 석한성
- The youngest hwarang of the lot who has a warm personality and gets along well with everyone. He is a bright and innocent boy who carries a heavy burden as the last jin-gol of his clan, Wolseong. Dan-se's younger half brother. He treats Sun-woo as his brother.
- Sung Dong-il as Lord Kim Wi-hwa 김위화
- The first Chief (pungwolju) of the hwarang who acts as a fatherly figure towards the boys. Secret adviser of Ji-dwi.
- Choi Min-ho as Kim Soo-ho 김수호 [16]
- A jin-gol aristocrat born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Hot-blooded and chivalrous, he aces in swordplay and is seen as a shameless playboy but is devoted in love. Kim Soo-yeon's overprotective brother.
- Do Ji-han as Park Ban-ryu 박반류
- Having been taught politics (by his two fathers – Park Young-shil and Park Ho as his adoptive and biological fathers respectively) from an early age, he is a cold-blooded jin-gol, who is competitive and seeks for more power. He takes interest in Soo-ho's younger sister, Soo-yeon.
- Jo Yoon-woo as Kim Yeo-wool 김여울
- A man who "has a mysterious charm and loves dressing up more than most women," but is also extremely thoughtful and caring. Hence, beautiful and mysterious, he possesses a sharp tongue. His mother is the sister of the previous king while his jin-gol father's identity still remains as a mystery, which makes him a half seong-gol, but he takes no interest in the throne. He is often seen carrying a fan.
- Jin Ju-hyung as Jang Hyun
- Part of Soo-ho's clique.
- Jun Bum-soo as Kim Shin
- Part of Ban-ryu's clique.
- Ooon as Kim Ki-bo
- Part of Ban-ryu's clique.
- Park Ki-hoon as Joo Ki
- Lee Do-hoon
- Kim Hyeon-jun as Suk Dan-se 석단세
- 22 years old, part of Soo-ho's clique. He is Han-sung's elder half-brother of the same father but different mothers, who is powerless due to his "half-breed" status and is always looked down by their grandfather. Assigned as Sun-woo's trainee.
- Yoo Jae-myung as Pa-oh
- Sammaekjong's personal bodyguard who cares for him like a father, as well as "Ji-dwi"'s assigned trainee.
- Jang Se-hyun as Kang Sung
- Part of Ban-ryu's clique. Originally one of the hwarang rejects, scouted by Park Young-shil to undermine the Hwarang. Assigned as Ban-ryu's trainee.
Royal Family
- Silla's acting Queen Regent for 10 years in the name of her son Sammaekjong, whom she has hidden ever since the death of her father the previous king 11 years ago. She is the founder of the Hwarang and has many dark secrets within.
- Seo Yea-ji as Princess Sook-myung
- Sammaekjong's maternal half-sister, as well as future consort. She is interested in Sun-woo. Momentarily residing with the hwarang under the Queen Mother's orders.
- Song Young-kyu as Lord Kim Hwi-kyung
- The Queen Mother's elder brother and originally the Crown Prince of Silla, his name was removed from the royal family records due to polio. Sun-woo (Moo-myung)'s biological father.
Royal Capital citizens
- Choi Won-young as Lord Kim Ahn-ji
- A jin-gol who was driven to poverty and was separated from his only son Sun-woo 12 years prior. Works as a physician aided by his daughter Ah-ro dispensing free aid to the people.
- Kim Kwang-kyu as Pi Joo-ki
- Owner of the store Dayiseo, as well as its subsidiary tea house Sutabaksu.
- Lee Da-in as Kim Soo-yeon
- Younger sister of Soo-ho; Ah-ro's only friend; In love with Ban-ryu.
Makmangchon people
- Lee Kwang-soo as Mak-moon / Kim Sun-woo (Ep. 1-2)[18]
- Moo-myung's best friend. Originally named "Sun-woo", he was separated from his family for 12 years by the Queen Mother's men and ended up at Makmangchon. Killed because he saw the King's face; even before he was even reunited with his family.
- Kim Won-hae as Woo Reuk (Ep. 1-3, 6, 8-10)
Ministers of Silla
- Ban-ryu's adoptive father. A cruel and cunning leader of the opposition who yearns for more power, and would do anything to overthrow and kill the king.
- Ban-ryu's biological father. Member of the opposition due to indebtedness to Park Young-shil.
- Ko In-bum as Kim Seup
- Soo-ho and Soo-yeon's father. Main supporter of the royal family.
- Kim Jong-goo as Suk Hyun-jae
- Han-sung and Dan-se's grandfather. Member of the opposition.
Extended
- Kang Dong-woo as Mu-cheol
- Kim Dae-hoon
- Yoon Jin-ho
- Song Min-hyung as Kim Hyung-won
- Baek Jae-jin as Yang Jo-jang
- Ban Min-jung as Mi Roo-hyang
- Lee Kwan-hoon as A-chu
- Song Bo-eun
- Lee Kyu-hyung as Do-go
- Cha Oh-bin
- Lee Min-ho as So-gam
- Park Ha-yan as Yoo-ji
- Jang Yoo-tae
- Oh Eun-ho as Mo-yeong
- Han Jeong-hun
Special appearance
- Kim Min-joon as Crown Prince Chang (later, Wideok of Baekje) (Ep. 14, 15)[19]
Production
Development
The series reunited Sung Dong-il and Go Ara who previously worked together as father and daughter in tvN's Reply 1994 (2013) as well as Sung and Yoo Jae-myung who both starred in the hit series Reply 1988. It also serves as a reunion to Park Hyung-sik and Choi Won-young who worked together in the 2013 SBS hit drama The Heirs. It also reunited Park and Kim Won-hae who worked together on Nine: Nine Time Travels.
The first script reading took place in March 2016. Filming began on March 31 and finished on September 1, 2016.[20][21]
Original soundtrack
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth Original Soundtrack | |
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Soundtrack album by Various artists | |
Released | 2017 |
Genre | K-Pop, Soundtrack |
Language | Korean, English |
Label | Oh!Boy Project, Sony Music |
Producer | Park Sung-hye (executive) |
OST Part 1
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Wherever You Are" (그 곳이 어디든) | Kim Jin-ah | Oh Joon-sung | Han Dong-geun | 04:48 |
2. | "Wherever You Are" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 04:48 | ||
Total length: | 09:36 |
OST Part 2
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "It's Definitely You" (죽어도 너야) | Kim Yoo-kyung | Oh Joon-sung | V, Jin (BTS) | 03:50 |
2. | "It's Definitely You" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 03:50 | ||
Total length: | 07:40 |
OST Part 3
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Dream" (드림) | June | Oh Joon-sung | Bolbbalgan4 | 04:26 |
2. | "Dream" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 04:26 | ||
Total length: | 08:52 |
OST Part 4
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Only You" (너만보여) | June | Oh Joon-sung | Seulgi, Wendy (Red Velvet) | 03:19 |
2. | "Only You" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 03:19 | ||
Total length: | 06:38 |
OST Part 5
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Our Tears" (서로의 눈물이 되어) | Kim Yoo-kyung | Oh Joon-sung | Hyolyn (Sistar) | 04:23 |
2. | "Our Tears" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 04:23 | ||
Total length: | 08:46 |
OST Part 6
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "The Divine Move" (신의 한 수) | Kim Yoo-kyung | Oh Joon-sung | Yoseob (Highlight) | 04:08 |
2. | "The Divine Move" (Acoustic Ver.) | Kim Yoo-kyung | Oh Joon-sung | Kim Juna | 03:55 |
3. | "The Divine Move" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 04:08 | ||
4. | "The Divine Move (Acoustic Ver.)" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 03:55 | ||
Total length: | 18:12 |
OST Part 7
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "I'll Be Here" | Kim Yoo-kyung | Oh Joon-sung | Park Hyung-sik | 04:18 |
2. | "I'll Be Here" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 04:18 | ||
Total length: | 08:36 |
OST Part 8
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Memories of Miracle" (주문을 외우다) | Kim Yoo-kyung | Oh Joon-sung | Jeon Woo-sung (Noel) | 04:00 |
2. | "Memories of Miracle" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 04:00 | ||
3. | "Hwarang The Beginning" | Oh Joon-sung | 01:41 | ||
4. | "Hwarang Spirit" (Opening Title) | Oh Joon-sung | 01:37 | ||
5. | "Cloud Of Love" (Main Theme) | Oh Joon-sung | 02:11 | ||
6. | "Night Story Princess" | Oh Joon-sung | 02:01 | ||
7. | "Open The Gate" | Oh Joon-sung | 01:48 | ||
8. | "Victory March" | Oh Joon-sung | 01:40 | ||
9. | "Blossom" | Oh Joon-sung | 01:56 | ||
10. | "Chorus Of Hwarang" | Oh Joon-sung | 01:40 | ||
Total length: | 22:34 |
OST Part 9
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Our Tears" (서로의 눈물이 되어) | Kim Yoo-kyung | Oh Joon-sung | Park Seo-joon | 04:23 |
2. | "Our Tears" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 04:23 | ||
Total length: | 08:46 |
OST Part 10
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Don't Leave Me Alone" (날 혼자 두지마) | June | Oh Joon-sung | Jung Dong-ha | 03:50 |
2. | "Don't Leave Me Alone" (Inst.) | Oh Joon-sung | 03:50 | ||
Total length: | 07:40 |
Charted Songs
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
KOR Gaon | ||||
"It's Definitely You" (V, Jin (BTS)) |
2016 |
|
||
"Dream" (Bolbbalgan4) |
54 |
|
Part 3 | |
"I Can Only See You" (Seulgi, Wendy (Red Velvet)) |
2017 | 80 |
|
Part 4 |
"Our Tears" (Hyolyn (Sistar)) |
50 |
|
Part 5 | |
"A Move of God" (Yoseob (BEAST)) |
68 |
|
Part 6 |
Ratings
- In this table, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
- NR denotes that the drama did not rank in the top 20 daily programs on that date.
Ep. | Original broadcast date | Average audience share | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TNmS[27] | AGB Nielsen[28] | ||||
Nationwide | Seoul | Nationwide | Seoul | ||
1 | December 19, 2016 | 7.9% (18th) | 8.5% (11th) | 6.9% (NR) | 6.8% (NR) |
2 | December 20, 2016 | 6.9% (19th) | 6.5% (18th) | 7.2% (16th) | 6.7% (17th) |
3 | December 26, 2016 | 11.1% (6th) | 11.0% (4th) | 13.1% (5th) | 13.8% (4th) |
4 | December 27, 2016 | 7.4% (19th) | 7.8% (15th) | 7.5% (17th) | 7.2% (17th) |
5 | January 2, 2017 | 7.4% (18th) | 7.6% (14th) | 7.6% (19th) | 7.4% (20th) |
6 | January 3, 2017 | 7.6% (18th) | 8.0% (16th) | 8.0% (16th) | 7.2% (18th) |
7 | January 9, 2017 | 7.2% (19th) | 7.5% (17th) | 6.9% (NR) | 7.2% (18th) |
8 | January 10, 2017 | 7.2% (20th) | 8.0% (15th) | 7.6% (19th) | 7.7% (15th) |
9 | January 16, 2017 | 6.2% (NR) | 6.8% (20th) | 6.7% (NR) | 7.2% (NR) |
10 | January 17, 2017 | 7.1% (18th) | 7.5% (18th) | 8.3% (12th) | 8.2% (12th) |
11 | January 23, 2017 | 9.3% (14th) | 9.8% (7th) | 11.0% (5th) | 11.1% (5th) |
12 | January 24, 2017 | 8.7% (15th) | 8.9% (11th) | 10.5% (5th) | 10.2% (5th) |
13 | January 30, 2017 | 6.9% (NR) | 7.9% (NR) | 9.7% (16th) | 9.1% (16th) |
14 | January 31, 2017 | 7.0% (NR) | 7.6% (17th) | 9.1% (12th) | 8.8% (12th) |
15 | February 6, 2017 | 6.8% (20th) | 6.9% (18th) | 8.6% (14th) | 8.2% (15th) |
16 | February 7, 2017 | 6.4% (18th) | 5.8% (NR) | 7.9% (13th) | 7.4% (14th) |
17 | February 13, 2017 | 6.2% (20th) | 6.7% (20th) | 8.2% (17th) | 8.6% (13th) |
18 | February 14, 2017 | 6.4% (20th) | 6.5% (20th) | 7.7% (17th) | 7.6% (15th) |
19 | February 20, 2017 | 6.0% (NR) | 6.8% (NR) | 7.6% (19th) | 7.4% (17th) |
20 | February 21, 2017 | 6.2% (20th) | 5.9% (20th) | 7.9% (16th) | 8.0% (16th) |
Average | 7.4% | 7.7% | 8.4% | 8.3% | |
Special | December 16, 2016 | 2.6% (NR) | (NR) | 2.0% (NR) | (NR) |
December 26, 2016 | 4.2% (NR) | (NR) | 4.6% (NR) | (NR) | |
January 30, 2017 | 2.2% (NR) | (NR) | 2.5% (NR) | (NR) | |
3.0% (NR) | (NR) | 3.2% (NR) | (NR) |
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2017 | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Park Seo-joon | Nominated | |
Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama | Nominated | |||
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama | Go Ara | Nominated | ||
Best Supporting Actor | Choi Won-young | Won | ||
Kim Won-hae | Nominated | |||
Netizen Award | Park Seo-joon | Won | ||
Park Hyung-sik | Nominated | |||
Melon Music Awards | Best OST[31] | V, Jin | Nominated | |
2018 | 13th Annual Soompi Awards | Best Idol Actor [32] | V | Won |
References
- "Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik and Go Ara to star in 'Hwarang'". The Korea Times. January 5, 2016. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
- "Beautiful men come of age in new KBS period drama". Yonhap News Agency.
- '화랑' 측 "오늘(31일) 첫 촬영 시작..하반기 방송". Star News (in Korean). Retrieved October 14, 2016.
- '화랑' 측 "오늘(1일) 촬영 종료…12월 19일 첫방 예정"[공식입장]. TV리포트 (in Korean). Retrieved October 14, 2016.
- "KBS "'화랑: 더 비기닝', 오는 12월 방송 예정…월화 편성은 논의 중"". TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved October 30, 2016.
- 꽃미남 통할까…‘화랑’ 첫 시청률 6.9% [Hwarang premieres with 6.9%]. Biz Center (in Korean). December 20, 2016.
- [사전제작드라마①] '태후'빼고 전멸, 사전제작 위기론 [Pre-Production Crisis]. Sports Chosun (in Korean).
- "[3분 Talk]'화랑'→'사임당', 사전 제작 드라마의 추락은 어디까지" [Hwarang to Saimdang: The Fall of Pre-produced Dramas]. News1 (in Korean).
- "[TV:스코어] '화랑', 종영 시청률 7.9%로 퇴장…동시간대 꼴찌" [A Lonely End: "Hwarang" Finishes Last with 7.9%]. XSportsNews (in Korean).
- "Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik and Go Ara to star in 'Hwarang'". Korea Times. May 5, 2016.
- "Star-studded KBS drama 'Hwarang' falls flat". Korea Times. December 23, 2016.
- Lee, Kyung-ho. "김영철·천호진,KBS 연기대상 공동 수상..아버지의 힘!(종합)". Star News. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- hajima. "New Character Stills and Details Released For "Hwarang: The Beginning"". Soompi. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
- "Idols explain their roles in drama 'Hwarang'". Yonhap News Agency.
- "Go A-ra to Stand Out in Ancient Knight-Themed Drama". The Chosun Ilbo. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
- Kim Young Shin (February 24, 2016). "SHINee's Minho to Appear in Drama 'Hwarang: the Beginning'". BNT News. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
- Ahn Sung-mi (March 7, 2016). "Kim Ji-soo confirmed to star in 'Hwarang'". K-Pop Herald. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
- "Lee Kwang-soo gets key role in historical drama". The Korea Times. February 24, 2016.
- '화랑' 김민준, 오늘부터 본격 등장…美친 존재감 [공식]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved January 31, 2017.
- "'화랑' 측 "오늘(31일) 첫 촬영 시작..하반기 방송"". Retrieved October 30, 2016.
- '화랑' 측 "오늘(1일) 촬영 종료…12월 19일 첫방 예정"[공식입장]. TV리포트 (in Korean). Retrieved October 30, 2016.
- Cumulative sales for "It's Definitely You":
- "Gaon Download Chart – December, 2016". gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- Cumulative sales for "Dream":
- "Gaon Download Chart – Week 53". gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- "Gaon Download Chart – Week 1". gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
-
- "Gaon Download Chart – Week 1". gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
-
- "Gaon Download Chart – Week 2". gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- "2017 Gaon Download Chart – Week 3". Retrieved January 26, 2017.
- "TNmS Daily Ratings". TNMS Ratings (in Korean). Retrieved December 19, 2016.
- "Nielsen Korea". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
- "시청률 사냥 위해…KBS '화랑' 1~12회 150분 압축 방송". Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- Lee, Kyung-ho (January 1, 2018). "김영철·천호진,KBS 연기대상 공동 수상..아버지의 힘!(종합)". Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- "2017 Melon Music Awards Announces Nominees For Category Awards + Voting Begins". Soompi. November 13, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- "13th Annual Soompi Awards: The Winners". Soompi. April 16, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
External links
- Official website (in Korean)
- Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth on KBS World
- Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth at Daum (in Korean)
- Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth at Naver (in Korean)
- Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth at IMDb
- Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth at HanCinema