Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

In today's world, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth has become a topic of constant interest and debate. With the advancement of technology and globalization, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth has taken a prominent role in modern society. From its impact on the economy to its influence on culture and politics, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth has generated conflicting opinions and has been the subject of numerous studies and investigations. In this article, we will explore the different aspects and dimensions of Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, analyzing its implications in different areas and its evolution over time.

This article is about the South Korean television series. For the Silla elite youth, see Hwarang.

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Promotional poster
Also known asHwarang: The Beginning
Genre
Created by
  • Han Suk-won
  • Park Sung-hye
Developed byKBS Drama
Written byPark Eun-yeong
Directed by
Starring
Music byOh Joon-sung
Opening theme"Hwarang Spirit"
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes20 + 4 specials
Production
Executive producerJung 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 time70 minutes
Production companies
  • Hwarang SPC
  • Oh!Boy Project
Original release
NetworkKBS2
ReleaseDecember 19, 2016 (2016-12-19) –
February 21, 2017 (2017-02-21)

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (Korean: 화랑; Hanja: 花郞; lit. Hwarang) is a 2016 South Korean television series starring Park Seo-joon, Go Ara and Park Hyung-sik. 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). The series aired every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 (KST) on KBS2, from December 19, 2016 to February 21, 2017.

The show was noted for the star-studded cast, but received criticism for its storytelling and undeveloped plot.

At the 31st KBS Drama Awards, Choi Won-young won the "Best Supporting Actor" and Park Seo-joon received a nomination for the prestigious "Top Excellence Award".

Synopsis

Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-soo) as regent, has been the ruler of Silla since the death of her father, King Beopheung, while keeping her son, Sammaekjong (Park Hyung-sik), hidden from enemies and assassins.

As the young King comes of age, citizens, officials and Sammaekjong himself, have all grown impatient for her to cede power. However, the powerful nobles that tried to usurp the power continue to eye the throne, and Jiso 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 group, the Hwarang, that will cut across the existing power factions, and to bind them to protect her son and the throne.

As this new elite group of male youths bond and grow, they are unaware that within their number is their King, Sammaekjong, and Kim Sun-woo (Park Seo-joon), a commoner with a secret even he is not aware of.

Cast and characters

Main

A young man of low birth, who rises above his situation in life and becomes a legendary Hwarang warrior. He assumes the identity of his friend, Kim Sun-woo, after he is killed by one of the Queen Regent's men.
A "half-breed" (derogative term for an offspring born to a Jingol father and a low-class mother), with a cheerful and straightforward personality. She works multiple jobs to support her family.
The young and distrustful King, who goes into hiding due to assassination attempts. He joins the Hwarang under the name of "Kim Ji-dwi", Lord Kim Wi-hwa's nephew.

Supporting

Hwarangs

The 1st Pungwolju of the Hwarang, who acts as a fatherly figure towards the boys. Secret adviser of Ji-dwi.
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 Seonggol, who is competitive and seeks for more power.
A Seonggol 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 older brother.
The youngest Hwarang, who has a warm personality and gets along with everyone. He is a bright and innocent boy who carries a heavy burden as the last Seonggol of his clan. Dan-se's younger half-brother.
A man who "has a mysterious charm and loves dressing up more than most women", he is thoughtful and caring, but possesses a sharp tongue. His mother is the previous King's sister, while his Jingol father's identity still remains a mystery.
  • Kim Hyun-jun as Seok Dan-se
22 years old, part of Soo-ho's clique. He is Han-sung's elder half-brother, 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, he is later scouted by Park Young-shil in order to undermine the Hwarang. Assigned as Ban-ryu's trainee.
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

Royal Family

Silla's acting Queen Regent, who has hidden her son, Sammaekjong, 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.
Sammaekjong's maternal half-sister, as well as future consort.
  • Song Young-kyu as Lord Kim Hwi-kyung
Queen Jiso's elder brother and originally the Crown Prince of Silla, his name was removed from the Royal Family's records due to polio. Sun-woo (Moo-myung)'s biological father.

Royal Capital citizens

A Jingol 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.
Owner of the store Dayiseo, as well as its subsidiary tea-house, Sutabaksu.
Younger sister of Soo-ho and Ah-ro's only friend.

Makmangchon people

Moo-myung's friend. Originally named "Sun-woo", he was separated from his family for 12 years by Queen Jiso's men, and ended up at Makmangchon. Killed because he saw the King's face.
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 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 and Soo-yeon's father. Main supporter of the Royal Family.
  • Kim Jong-goo as Seok Hyun-jae
Han-sung and Dan-se's grandfather. Member of the opposition.

Extended

  • Kang Dong-woo as Mu-cheol
  • 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
  • Lee Kyu-hyung as Do-go
  • Lee Min-ho as So-gam
  • Park Ha-yan as Yoo-ji
  • Oh Eun-ho as Mo-yeong

Special appearance

Production

Development

The series reunited Sung Dong-il and Go A-ra, who previously worked together in tvN's Reply 1994 (2013), as well as Sung and Yoo Jae-myung, who both starred in the hit series Reply 1988 (2016). It also serves as a reunion to Park Hyung-sik and Choi Won-young, who worked together in SBS's hit drama, The Heirs (2013). It also reunited Park and Kim Won-hae, who worked together in Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013).

Filming

The first script reading took place in March 2016. Filming began on March 31, and finished on September 1, 2016.

Original soundtrack

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Original Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Various artists
Released2017
Genre
Language
  • Korean
  • English
Label
ProducerPark Sung-hye (executive)

Part 1

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

Part 2

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."It's Definitely You" (죽어도 너야)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungV, Jin (BTS)03:50
2."It's Definitely You" (Inst.) Oh Joon-sung 03:50
Total length:07:40

Part 3

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

Part 4

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

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

Part 6

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."The Divine Move" (신의 한 수)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungYoseob (Highlight)04:08
2."The Divine Move" (Acoustic Ver.)Kim Yoo-kyungOh Joon-sungKim Juna03:55
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

Part 7

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

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

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

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

Chart Performance
Title Year Peak chart
positions 		Sales Notes
KOR
Gaon
"It's Definitely You"
(V, Jin (BTS)) 		2016
34
  • KOR: 76,657
Part 2
"Dream"
(Bolbbalgan4) 		54
  • KOR: 47,657
 Part 3
"I Can Only See You"
(Seulgi, Wendy (Red Velvet)) 		2017 80
  • KOR: 24,912
 Part 4
"Our Tears"
(Hyolyn (Sistar)) 		50
  • KOR: 29,357
 Part 5
"The Divine Move"
(Yoseob (Highlight)) 		68
  • KOR: 24,576
 Part 6

Ratings

Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
Nielsen Korea TNmS
Nationwide Seoul Nationwide Seoul
1 December 19, 2016 6.9% (NR) 6.8% (NR) 7.9% (18th) 8.5% (11th)
2 December 20, 2016 7.2% (16th) 6.7% (17th) 6.9% (19th) 6.5% (18th)
3 December 26, 2016 13.1% (5th) 13.8% (4th) 11.1% (6th) 11.0% (4th)
4 December 27, 2016 7.5% (17th) 7.2% (17th) 7.4% (19th) 7.8% (15th)
5 January 2, 2017 7.6% (19th) 7.4% (20th) 7.4% (18th) 7.6% (14th)
6 January 3, 2017 8.0% (16th) 7.2% (18th) 7.6% (18th) 8.0% (16th)
7 January 9, 2017 6.9% (NR) 7.2% (18th) 7.2% (19th) 7.5% (17th)
8 January 10, 2017 7.6% (19th) 7.7% (15th) 7.2% (20th) 8.0% (15th)
9 January 16, 2017 6.7% (NR) 7.2% (NR) 6.2% (NR) 6.8% (20th)
10 January 17, 2017 8.3% (12th) 8.2% (12th) 7.1% (18th) 7.5% (18th)
11 January 23, 2017 11.0% (5th) 11.1% (5th) 9.3% (14th) 9.8% (7th)
12 January 24, 2017 10.5% (5th) 10.2% (5th) 8.7% (15th) 8.9% (11th)
13 January 30, 2017 9.7% (16th) 9.1% (16th) 6.9% (NR) 7.9% (NR)
14 January 31, 2017 9.1% (12th) 8.8% (12th) 7.0% (NR) 7.6% (17th)
15 February 6, 2017 8.6% (14th) 8.2% (15th) 6.8% (20th) 6.9% (18th)
16 February 7, 2017 7.9% (13th) 7.4% (14th) 6.4% (18th) 5.8% (NR)
17 February 13, 2017 8.2% (17th) 8.6% (13th) 6.2% (20th) 6.7% (20th)
18 February 14, 2017 7.7% (17th) 7.6% (15th) 6.4% (20th) 6.5% (20th)
19 February 20, 2017 7.6% (19th) 7.4% (17th) 6.0% (NR) 6.8% (NR)
20 February 21, 2017 7.9% (16th) 8.0% (16th) 6.2% (20th) 5.9% (20th)
Average 8.4% 8.3% 7.4% 7.7%
Special December 16, 2016 2.0% (NR) (NR) 2.6% (NR) (NR)
December 26, 2016 4.6% (NR) (NR) 4.2% (NR) (NR)
January 30, 2017 2.5% (NR) (NR) 2.2% (NR) (NR)
3.2% (NR) (NR) 3.0% (NR) (NR)
  • In the table above, 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.
  • On January 30, 2017 at 12:35 (KST), KBS2 aired a 'Lunar New Year' two special episodes condensing the first 12 episodes of the drama into 150 minutes episode.

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Recipient Result
2017
31st KBS Drama Awards
 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 A-ra 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 It's Definitely You Nominated
2018 13th Soompi Awards Best Idol Actor Kim Tae-hyung Won

References

  1. ^ "Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth". KBS World. Archived from the original on April 6, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  2. ^ "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.
  3. ^ "Beautiful men come of age in new KBS period drama". Yonhap News Agency.
  4. ^ '화랑' 측 "오늘(31일) 첫 촬영 시작..하반기 방송". Star News (in Korean). Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  5. ^ '화랑' 측 "오늘(1일) 촬영 종료…12월 19일 첫방 예정"[공식입장]. TV리포트 (in Korean). September 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  6. ^ "KBS "'화랑: 더 비기닝', 오는 12월 방송 예정…월화 편성은 논의 중"". TV Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 3, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  7. ^ "Star-studded KBS drama 'Hwarang' falls flat". The Korea Times. December 23, 2016.
  8. ^ Lee, Kyung-ho (January 2018). "김영철·천호진,KBS 연기대상 공동 수상..아버지의 힘!(종합)". Star News. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  9. ^ hajima (April 4, 2016). "New Character Stills and Details Released For "Hwarang: The Beginning"". Soompi. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Idols explain their roles in drama 'Hwarang'". Yonhap News Agency.
  11. ^ "Go A-ra to Stand Out in Ancient Knight-Themed Drama". The Chosun Ilbo. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ Ahn Sung-mi (March 7, 2016). "Kim Ji-soo confirmed to star in 'Hwarang'". K-Pop Herald. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
  14. ^ "Lee Kwang-soo gets key role in historical drama". The Korea Times. February 24, 2016.
  15. ^ '화랑' 김민준, 오늘부터 본격 등장…美친 존재감 [공식]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  16. ^ "'화랑' 측 "오늘(31일) 첫 촬영 시작..하반기 방송"". Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  17. ^ '화랑' 측 "오늘(1일) 촬영 종료…12월 19일 첫방 예정"[공식입장]. TV리포트 (in Korean). September 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  18. ^ Hwarang OST singles on Gaon Digital Chart:
  19. ^ "Gaon Download Chart – December 2016". Gaon Chart. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  20. ^ Cumulative sales for "Dream":
  21. ^ "Gaon Download Chart – Week 1 of 2017". Gaon Chart. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  22. ^ "Gaon Download Chart – Week 2 of 2017". Gaon Chart. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  23. ^ "Gaon Download Chart – Week 3 of 2017". Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  24. ^ "Nielsen Korea". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
  25. ^ "TNmS Daily Ratings". TNMS Ratings (in Korean). Retrieved December 19, 2016.
  26. ^ "시청률 사냥 위해…KBS '화랑' 1~12회 150분 압축 방송". Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved January 27, 2017.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ "2017 Melon Music Awards Announces Nominees For Category Awards + Voting Begins". Soompi. November 13, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  29. ^ "13th Annual Soompi Awards: The Winners". Soompi. April 16, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2020.

External links

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