Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Genre Historical
Coming-of-age
Romance
Created by Han Suk-won
Park Sung-hye
Written by Park Eun-yeong
Directed by Yoon Sung-sik
Kim Yeong-jo
Starring Park Seo-joon
Go A-ra
Park Hyung-sik
Theme music composer Oh Joon-sung
Country of origin South Korea
Original language(s) Korean
No. of episodes 20 + 4 specials
Production
Executive producer(s) Jung Hae-ryong
Producer(s) Kim Sang-hee
Kim Hyung-suk
Lee Yeong-bum
Kim Tae-Hyung
Cinematography Jang Byung-wook
Choi Ki-ha
Editor(s) Kim Tae-yeong
Song Eun-jung
Running time 60 mins
Production company(s) Hwarang SPC
Oh!Boy Project
Distributor KBS
Release
Original network KBS2
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Audio format Dolby Digital
First shown in South Korea
Original release December 19, 2016 (2016-12-19) – February 21, 2017 (2017-02-21)
External links
Website www.kbs.co.kr/drama/hwarang/index.html

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (Hangul: 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 evolves around an elite group of young men called hwarang who discover their passions, love and friendship in the turmoil of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. - A.D. 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]

Despite being fully produced before its premiere with an ensemble cast, the series was a commercial failure and averaged single-digit audience rating of 8.4% in its run.[6][7][8][9] It was criticized for its distracted storytelling, inappropriate use of background music and unnatural acting of lead actors.[10][11][12]

Synopsis

Jiso has ruled the Kingdom of Silla as regent since King Beopheung died, keeping her young son Sammaekjong hidden outside of the capital Seorabeol and safe from enemies and assassins. As Sammaekjong comes of age, nobles, citizens, officials and Sammaekjong 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, Jiso plans to create a new elite, the Hwarang, that will cut across the existing power factions, and to bind them to Sammaekjong and the throne. As this new elite of male youths bond and grow[13] they are unaware that within their number is their future king, Sammaekjong, and Kim Sun-woo, a commoner with a secret even he is not aware of.

Cast

Main

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. It is revealed that he is the son of Prince Hwi-kyung, making him King Jinheung's cousin.
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-wu.
A 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."

Supporting

Hwarang

The first Chief (pungwolju) of the hwarang who acts as a fatherly figure towards the boys. Secret adviser of Ji-dwi.
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 over- protective brother.
Having been taught politics (by his two fathers – Park Youngshil 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.
A man who "has a gender-neutral 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.
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-sae's younger half brother. He treats Sun-woo as his brother.
  • Kim Jin-tae as Jang Hyun
Part of Soo-ho's clique.
  • Jun Bum-soo as Kim Shin
Part of Ban-ryu's clique.
Part of Ban-ryu's clique.
  • Park Ki-hoon as Joo Ki
  • Lee Do-hoon
  • Kim Hyun-joon as Suk Dan-se
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.
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.
Sammaekjong's maternal half-sister, as well as future consort. She is interested in Sunwoo. Momentarily residing with the hwarang under the Queen Mother's orders.
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

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.
Owner of the store Dayiseo, as well as its subsidiary tea house Sutabaksu.
Younger sister of Soo-ho; Ah-ro's only friend; In love with Ban-ryu.

Makmangchon people

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.
Refugee from the conquered Daegaya. Renowned musician and inventor as well as master of the gayageum, he becomes the music and dance teacher of the hwarang. Mak-moon & Moo-myung's care-taker/foster father in Makmangchon, who (along with Kim Hwi-kyung) holds the secret to Moo-myung's true identity.

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 & Soo-yeon's father. Main supporter of the royal family.
  • Kim Jong-goo as Suk Hyun-jae
Han-sung & 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 Hyun-chu
  • Lee Da In as So-yoon
  • Song Bo-eun
  • Lee Kyu-hyung as Do-go
  • Lee Pung-woon
  • Cha Oh-bin
  • Lee Min-ho as So-gam
  • Kim Taehyung as Hansung
  • Park Ha-yan as Yoo-ji
  • Jang Yoo-tae
  • Oh Eun-ho as Mo-yeong
  • Han Jeong-hun

Special appearance

Production

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 Hyung-sik and Kim Won-hae who work together on Nine: Nine Time Travels tv series.

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
OST Album
Soundtrack album
Genre K-Pop, Soundtrack
Language Korean, English
Label Oh!Boy Project, Sony Music
Producer Park Sung-hye (executive)

OST Part 1

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Anywhere" (그 곳이 어디든)Kim Jin-ahOh Joon-sungHan Dong-geun04:48
2."Anywhere" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 04:48
Total length:09:36

OST Part 2

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Even If I Die, It's You" (죽어도 너야)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungV, Jin (BTS)03:50
2."Even If I Die, It's You" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 03:50
Total length:07:00

OST Part 3

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Dream" (드림)JuneOh Joon-sungBolbbalgan404:26
2."Dream" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 04:26
Total length:08:52

OST Part 4

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistsLength
1."I Can Only See You" (너만보여)JuneOh Joon-sungSeulgi, Wendy (Red Velvet)03:19
2."I Can Only See You" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 03:19
Total length:06:38

OST Part 5

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Our Tears" (서로의 눈물이 되어)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungHyolyn (Sistar)04:23
2."Our Tears" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 04:23
Total length:08:46

OST Part 6

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."A Move of God" (신의 한 수)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungYoseob (Highlight)04:08
2."A Move of God" (Acoustic Ver.)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungKim Juna03:55
3."A Move of God" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 04:08
4."A Move of God (Acoustic Ver.)" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 03:55
Total length:18:12

OST Part 7

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."I'll Be Here"Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungPark Hyung-sik04:18
2."I'll Be Here" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 04:18
Total length:08:36

OST Part 8

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Memories of Miracle" (주문을 외우다)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungJeon 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.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Our Tears" (서로의 눈물이 되어)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungPark Seo-joon04:23
2."Our Tears" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 04:23
Total length:08:46

OST Part 10

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Don't Leave Me Alone" (날 혼자 두지마)JuneOh Joon-sungJung Dong-ha03:50
2."Don't Leave Me Alone" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 03:50
Total length:07:40

Charted Songs

Ratings

Episode # Original broadcast date Average audience share
TNmS Ratings[27] AGB Nielsen[28]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area Nationwide Seoul Capital Area
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 7.36% 7.74% 8.4% 8.29%
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)

International broadcast

References

  1. ↑ "Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik and Go Ara to star in 'Hwarang'". The Korea Times. 5 January 2016. Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 2016-03-23.
  2. ↑ "Beautiful men come of age in new KBS period drama". Yonhap News Agency.
  3. ↑ "'화랑' 측 "오늘(31일) 첫 촬영 시작..하반기 방송"". Star News (in Korean). Retrieved 2016-10-14.
  4. ↑ "'화랑' 측 "오늘(1일) 촬영 종료…12월 19일 첫방 예정"[공식입장]". TV리포트 (in Korean). Retrieved 2016-10-14.
  5. ↑ "KBS "'화랑: 더 비기닝', 오는 12월 방송 예정…월화 편성은 논의 중"". TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  6. ↑ "꽃미남 통할까…‘화랑’ 첫 시청률 6.9%" ["Hwarang premieres with 6.9%]. Biz Center (in Korean).
  7. ↑ "[사전제작드라마①] '태후'빼고 전멸, 사전제작 위기론" [Pre-Production Crisis]. Sports Chosun (in Korean).
  8. ↑ "[3분 Talk]'화랑'→'사임당', 사전 제작 드라마의 추락은 어디까지" [Hwarang to Saimdang: The Fall of Pre-produced Dramas]. News1 (in Korean).
  9. ↑ "[TV:스코어] '화랑', 종영 시청률 7.9%로 퇴장…동시간대 꼴찌" [A Lonely End: "Hwarang" Finishes Last with 7.9%]. XSportsNews (in Korean).
  10. ↑ "Star-studded KBS drama 'Hwarang' falls flat". Korea Times.
  11. ↑ "3 reasons why 'Hwarang' did not meet expectation". Korea Herald.
  12. ↑ "'Hwarang': Idol-studded show offers bland taste". Yonhap News Agency.
  13. ↑ hajima. "New Character Stills and Details Released For "Hwarang: The Beginning"". Soompi. Retrieved 2016-04-25.
  14. 1 2 "Idols explain their roles in drama 'Hwarang'". Yonhap News Agency.
  15. ↑ "Go A-ra to Stand Out in Ancient Knight-Themed Drama". The Chosun Ilbo. Retrieved 2016-12-26.
  16. ↑ Kim Young Shin (24 February 2016). "SHINee's Minho to Appear in Drama 'Hwarang: the Beginning'". BNT News. CJ E&M. Retrieved 2016-03-23.
  17. ↑ Ahn Sung-mi (7 March 2016). "Kim Ji-soo confirmed to star in 'Hwarang'". K-Pop Herald. Retrieved 2016-03-23.
  18. ↑ "Lee Kwang-soo gets key role in historical drama". The Korea Times.
  19. ↑ "'화랑' 김민준, 오늘부터 본격 등장…美친 존재감 [공식]". Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved 2017-01-31.
  20. ↑ "'화랑' 측 "오늘(31일) 첫 촬영 시작..하반기 방송"". Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  21. ↑ "'화랑' 측 "오늘(1일) 촬영 종료…12월 19일 첫방 예정"[공식입장]". TV리포트 (in Korean). Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  22. ↑ Cumulative sales for "Even If I Die, It's You":
  23. ↑ Cumulative sales for "Dream":
  24. ↑
  25. ↑
  26. ↑ "2017 Gaon Download Chart – Week 3". Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  27. ↑ "TNMS Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". TNMS Ratings (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  28. ↑ "AGB Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  29. ↑ "시청률 사냥 위해…KBS '화랑' 1~12회 150분 압축 방송". Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved 2017-01-27.
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