[HanCinema's News] "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" Completes Uneven Run

June 11th saw the premiere of the final episode of "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" on tvN. With closing ratings of 8.024%, "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" was a modest success in a highly competitive season for television dramas, with "Doctor Cha" and "Dr. Romantic 3" standing out as other major titles on the weekend. Perhaps not coincidentally, Dr. Romantic 3" was not airing on Sunday, when "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" climaxed with nearly twice the ratings of its penultimate episode.

Advertisement

The inconsistent performance of "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" is not so surprising when one recalls that "Tale of the Nine Tailed" back in 2020 was not an especially strong performer. Indeed, despite the television drama market of three years ago generally being stronger than the one of today, "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" had consistently better ratings. It opened with 6.463% on its way to 8.024%. But "Tale of the Nine Tailed" began with only 5.804% ratings, closing with 5.785% ratings.

That "Tale of the Nine Tailed" would receive any sequel series at all was a bit remarkable in light of these numbers. But the fantasy romance had the benefit of a strong fandom. Lead actor Lee Dong-wook, despite his long presence as a leading man in South Korean dramas, had perhaps his best-known role as deriving from "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" where he was only the second lead, the angel of death in a hybrid fantasy world.

"Tale of the Nine Tailed" has come the closest to repeating the magic of that performance, as Lee Dong-wook's best talent is his ability to inhabit multiple genres at once and switching tones at short notice. In this regard, "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" was an even more elaborate use of his talents than the original series. Where "Tale of the Nine Tailed" was billed as an action fantasy romance, "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" added a historical setting into the mix.

"Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" may be Lee Dong-wook's last attempt at a broad mainstream television hit. His next confirmed project is "A Shop for Killers" for Disney+. A streaming platform may be the better place for Lee Dong-wook's particular charms. "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" will be followed in its timeslot by "See You In My 19th Life" on June 17th on tvN.

Written by William Schwartz

___________

"Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" is directed by Jo Nam-hyung, Kang Sin-hyo, written by Han Woo-ri, and features Lee Dong-wook, Kim So-yeon, Kim Beom, Ryu Kyung-soo, Hwang Hee, Kim Yong-ji. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/05/06~2023/06/11, Sat, Sun 21:20 on tvN.