Explore 'Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938', a thrilling Korean fantasy sequel that blends mythology, action, and time-travel.

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938: Myth Meets Mayhem

Introduction

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938: Myth Meets Mayhem What happens when a powerful gumiho is thrown into the past, forced to survive a world of shifting powers and supernatural chaos? Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 brings back fan-favorite Lee Yeon in a high-octane fantasy sequel that mixes Korean mythology with time-travel thrills. For U.S. viewers, it’s now available on Amazon Prime Video, packed with action, charm, and dark magic.

Overview

• Title: Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
• Korean Title: 구미호뎐 1938
• Year Released: 2023
• Genre: Fantasy, Action, Supernatural, Historical
• Main Cast: Lee Dong-wook, Kim So-yeon, Kim Bum, Ryu Kyung-soo
• Episodes: 12
• Episode Duration: 60 minutes
• Available On: Amazon Prime Video (U.S.)

Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)

Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook), the once-immortal gumiho who walked the boundary between the human world and the supernatural, finds himself hurled back in time to the turbulent year of 1938. Korea is under Japanese colonial rule, and the world is fractured—not just politically, but spiritually. An ancient artifact has disturbed the timeline, and Lee Yeon is its unwilling traveler. Trapped in a past he thought he left behind, he must restore balance and find a way back to his present.

What begins as a quest to retrieve the artifact quickly evolves into a personal reckoning. In 1938, he reunites with his younger half-brother Lee Rang (Kim Bum), a version of whom is still alive, unburdened by the betrayals and grief of their modern-day history. Their relationship is tense—brimming with unsaid apologies and painful affection—but it offers a rare chance at reconciliation in a second timeline.

Lee Yeon's journey is further complicated by Ryu Hong-joo (Kim So-yeon), a powerful guardian spirit who runs a glamorous yet dangerous restaurant for supernatural beings. Fierce, seductive, and loyal, she walks the fine line between ally and rival—harboring lingering feelings for Yeon and her own ambitions in the shadow world.

As Yeon navigates battles with monstrous yokai, manipulative deities, and colonial conspirators, he must also confront the timeless questions: Can destiny be rewritten? Can love survive across timelines? And is it ever possible to truly protect those you’ve already lost? The series intricately weaves mythology, action, and emotional depth into a story that is as much about brotherhood and redemption as it is about magic and mayhem.

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 doesn't just rewind time—it reopens old wounds, reimagines fractured relationships, and reminds us that even gods are vulnerable to the ghosts of their past.

Highlight Moments / Key Episodes

• Episode 1: Lee Yeon crash-lands into 1938 and faces off with a massive yokai in the city streets.
• Episode 3: Ryu Hong-joo’s backstory is revealed, showcasing her strength and emotional depth.
• Episode 5: A tense standoff between Lee Yeon and colonial officials turns into a battle with spirits.
• Episode 8: Yeon and Rang team up in a thrilling heist against a yokai-controlled gold vault.
• Finale: The confrontation between Yeon and the main antagonist is emotionally devastating and mythologically rich.

Memorable Lines

• Ep. 2 – "Even gods are bound by the choices they regret."
  — Lee Yeon, reflecting on his journey.
• Ep. 4 – "I guard what I love, even if it kills me."
  — Ryu Hong-joo in a fierce declaration of loyalty.
• Ep. 9 – "This time, I won’t lose you again."
  — Lee Rang to his brother.
• Finale – "Time is a cruel hunter. But some monsters bite back."
  — Narration as the final battle unfolds.

Why It’s Special

• Expanded Mythology: The sequel dives deeper into Korean legends, adding new deities and creatures.
• Time-Travel Twist: 1938 provides a rich, dramatic backdrop—unlike anything in the original.
• Character Development: Lee Rang’s alternate timeline arc adds emotional weight and redemption.
• Visual Spectacle: VFX, costumes, and sets are stunning, blending period drama with fantasy elements.
• Balance of Humor & Heart: Despite the dark setting, witty banter and heartfelt moments shine.

Popularity & Reception

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 received high ratings and critical acclaim in South Korea and among international fans. Many praised it for refining the original’s themes and raising the stakes. It quickly trended on Twitter and was heavily streamed across Asia and the U.S. via Amazon Prime.

Cast & Fun Facts

• Lee Dong-wook as Lee Yeon: Returning with the same haunting grace and sly humor that defined the original series, Lee Dong-wook adds layers of maturity to Yeon’s character—this time as a time-tossed guardian wrestling with the weight of unfinished business and emotional debts. His performance anchors the series with charisma and quiet sorrow.
• Kim So-yeon as Ryu Hong-joo: After her iconic villainous turn in Penthouse , Kim So-yeon brings elegance and intensity to Hong-joo—a seductive yet principled deity. Her complex feelings for Yeon and commanding screen presence elevate every scene she’s in.
• Kim Bum as Lee Rang: This alternate version of Rang is more playful, less hardened—but still carries the scars of abandonment. Kim Bum navigates his character's emotional contradictions with nuance, making the dynamic between the brothers deeply affecting and sometimes heartbreaking.
• Ryu Kyung-soo as Cheon Moo-young: A new antagonist whose motivations blur the line between villainy and tragic righteousness. His ties to the spiritual realm and past betrayals add rich narrative tension.
• Historical Accuracy: The show’s depiction of 1938 colonial Seoul incorporates real historical sites and customs. Much of the costuming and set design was inspired by photos from the era, blending authenticity with supernatural aesthetics.
• Mythical Expansion: The drama explores lesser-known Korean folklore, including dokkaebi (goblin spirits), bulgasari-like monsters, and mountain deities, offering international audiences a deeper taste of Korean mythology.

Conclusion / Warm Reminders

If you enjoyed the original series—or simply love fantasy with a historical edge— Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 will keep you enthralled. With emotional stakes, epic battles, and divine drama, it proves some legends are worth revisiting, even if it means going back in time.

Hashtags

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