Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama My Roommate Is a Gumiho, which proves that sometimes the most magical love stories begin with the most accidental encounters. This enchanting K-drama starring Jang Ki-yong and Lee Hyeri (Girl’s Day) aired on tvN from May 26 to July 15, 2021, featuring 16 episodes with approximately 60 minutes each. The series is available for streaming on Netflix, Viki, iQIYI, Prime Video, and Apple TV, bringing this delightful supernatural romance to international audiences worldwide.
My Roommate Is a Gumiho is based on the popular webtoon by Na, which was published from August 2017 to November 2020 on Naver. The story follows Shin Woo-yeo, a 999-year-old nine-tailed fox who has spent centuries collecting human energy in his fox bead to become human, and Lee Dam, a college student who accidentally swallows his precious bead. Forced to live together until they can safely extract the bead, they discover that cohabitation with a mythical creature brings both magical complications and unexpected romance.
The show succeeds by blending traditional Korean mythology with modern romantic comedy elements, creating a unique viewing experience that feels both fantastical and grounded. With exceptional chemistry between its leads and a supporting cast that brings heart to every supernatural situation, My Roommate Is a Gumiho delivers both laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely touching romantic development.
The Ancient Fox: Shin Woo-yeo’s Centuries-Long Quest
Shin Woo-yeo has spent 999 years preparing to become human, maintaining careful distance from mortals while collecting their energy in his fox bead. Jang Ki-yong delivers a captivating performance as someone who appears sophisticated and worldly but is actually quite naive about genuine human emotions. His character represents the ultimate outsider learning to navigate not just human society, but human feelings for the first time.
The brilliance of Jang Ki-yong’s portrayal lies in showing how someone with centuries of experience can still be completely unprepared for love. My Roommate Is a Gumiho follows Woo-yeo’s journey from detached observer to passionate participant in human life. His evolution from someone who sees humans as energy sources to someone willing to sacrifice his dream of humanity for love creates compelling character development that feels both magical and deeply human.
The Accident-Prone Student: Lee Dam’s Chaotic Energy
Lee Dam is the definition of a messy college student whose tendency to act first and think later leads her into the most extraordinary situation of her life. Lee Hyeri brings infectious energy and natural comedic timing to a character who could easily have been just a plot device. Instead, Dam becomes a fully realized person whose optimism and resilience make her the perfect match for an immortal fox learning to be human.
The chemistry between Lee Hyeri and Jang Ki-yong creates one of K-drama’s most believable supernatural romances. Dam’s journey from someone terrified of having a fox bead inside her to someone fighting to protect the fox who owns it shows remarkable character growth. Her ability to see Woo-yeo as a person rather than just a mythical creature forms the emotional foundation of their relationship.
Supporting Characters: Friends, Rivals, and Fellow Supernaturals
Kang Han-na brings complexity to Yang Hye-sun, the fellow gumiho whose romantic history with Woo-yeo creates tension and jealousy. Kim Do-wan rounds out the cast as Gye Seon-woo, Dam’s best friend whose own romantic subplot adds depth to the college setting. The supporting characters create a believable world where supernatural beings exist alongside ordinary humans, each bringing their own perspective on love, friendship, and the challenges of living between two worlds.
The series excels at showing how supernatural elements affect not just the main couple, but their entire social circle. Friends and family members must adapt to magical complications while dealing with their own very human problems, creating opportunities for both comedy and deeper exploration of what it means to accept someone completely different from yourself.
When Magic Meets True Love’s Complications
The emotional climax of My Roommate Is a Gumiho occurs when Woo-yeo must choose between his centuries-long dream of becoming human and his newfound love for Dam. The series builds to this moment through careful development of both characters’ understanding of what they truly want versus what they think they should want. The resolution requires both supernatural intervention and very human courage as they fight for their right to be together.
The most powerful moments come when the magical elements serve the emotional story rather than overwhelming it. Their relationship succeeds because it’s built on genuine understanding and acceptance, with the supernatural aspects enhancing rather than replacing realistic romantic development. The series proves that even mythical love stories work best when grounded in authentic human emotions.
Success on Netflix and Global Platforms
My Roommate Is a Gumiho became a beloved supernatural romance on Netflix and other streaming platforms, introducing international audiences to Korean gumiho mythology wrapped in accessible romantic comedy. The series benefits from its perfect balance of fantasy and romance, making it appealing to viewers who might normally avoid supernatural dramas. The 60-minute episode format across 16 episodes allows for thorough world-building and character development while maintaining the comedic pacing that keeps audiences engaged. My Roommate Is a Gumiho succeeds globally by exploring universal themes of belonging, identity, and finding love while respecting traditional folklore in ways that feel fresh and contemporary.
A Magical Romance Worth Believing In
If you love supernatural romances, forced cohabitation tropes, and couples who bring out the best in each other, My Roommate Is a Gumiho is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show succeeds by treating its mythical elements seriously while never losing its sense of humor and heart.
Why This Fox Tale Deserves Your Heart
My Roommate Is a Gumiho delivers a charming supernatural romance that balances fantasy elements with genuine emotional depth. Here’s why it should bewitch your watchlist:
What Works:
- Jang Ki-yong and Lee Hyeri create magical chemistry that makes their impossible romance completely believable
- Perfect blend of Korean mythology and modern romantic comedy that respects both traditions
- Excellent supporting cast adds richness to both supernatural and human world-building
- Beautiful production values bring the magical elements to life without overwhelming the story
- Strong character development shows realistic growth within fantastical circumstances
What Might Challenge You:
- Supernatural elements may feel unrealistic to viewers preferring grounded romantic dramas
- Some mythology-heavy episodes might slow pacing for those seeking constant romantic development
- Fantasy premise requires suspension of disbelief that may not appeal to all audiences
- Certain magical rules and limitations might feel inconsistent or confusing
- Middle episodes occasionally feel repetitive as characters navigate their unusual living situation
My Roommate Is a Gumiho proves that the most enchanting love stories happen when two very different beings discover they’re perfect for each other, supernatural complications and all.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 16 episodes (completed)
- Platform: Netflix, Viki, iQIYI, Prime Video, Apple TV
- Release Year: 2021
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Genre: Fantasy, Romantic Comedy, Supernatural
- Production Type: K-Drama (South Korean)
- Status: Completed series
- Main Cast: Jang Ki-yong, Lee Hyeri, Kang Han-na, Kim Do-wan
- Antagonist: Supernatural rules and rival gumiho rather than traditional human villain