Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Tale of the Nine Tailed (구미호뎐), which has been mesmerizing Netflix audiences worldwide with its captivating blend of Korean mythology, supernatural romance, and the epic journey of a nine-tailed fox searching for his lost love across centuries.
Tale of the Nine Tailed aired from October 7 to December 3, 2020, as a South Korean urban dark fantasy drama featuring Lee Dong Wook, Jo Bo Ah, and Kim Bum. This tvN and Netflix exclusive consists of 16 episodes, each running approximately 70 minutes. The series has achieved an impressive 8.4 rating on IMDb and a remarkable 92/100 user rating on AsianWiki, showcasing how Korean mythology can be transformed into compelling contemporary entertainment that resonates with global audiences.
The series explores themes of eternal love, sacrifice, and the collision between ancient mythology and modern life. The mythical nine-tailed fox Lee Yeon had to settle in the city many centuries ago, able to transform into human form while eradicating supernatural beings that threaten humans. A TV producer discovers a secret supernatural world as she becomes entangled with this former deity who has spent centuries searching for his lost lover. What makes this drama particularly compelling is how it weaves Korean folklore into contemporary settings while creating one of the most romantic and visually stunning supernatural love stories in recent memory.
Lee Yeon’s Eternal Quest for Love
Lee Dong Wook delivers a masterful performance as Lee Yeon, the nine-tailed fox who was once the mountain spirit of Baekdudaegan but sacrificed his divine status to save the woman he loved. Lee Dong Wook brings both otherworldly elegance and deeply human vulnerability to the role, creating a character who feels both mythically powerful and emotionally accessible. His portrayal captures the weight of immortality and the pain of endless searching for lost love.
The series effectively shows how Lee Yeon’s centuries of existence have made him both wise and weary, creating a character who maintains hope despite repeated disappointments. Lee Dong Wook demonstrates how immortal love can be both blessing and curse, making Lee Yeon’s journey feel both epic and intimately personal. His character development explores themes of duty versus desire in ways that feel both supernatural and universally relatable.
Nam Ji Ah’s Journey Into the Supernatural
Jo Bo Ah brings fierce determination to Nam Ji Ah, a TV producer whose investigation into supernatural phenomena leads her into Lee Yeon’s extraordinary world. Jo Bo Ah creates a character who is both skeptical journalist and the reincarnation of Lee Yeon’s past lover Yi Ah Eum, making her performance complex and layered. Her portrayal balances modern independence with ancient destiny in ways that feel authentic rather than contrived.
The chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah creates one of the most compelling supernatural romances in K-drama history. Their relationship develops through both present attraction and past-life connections, making their love story feel both destined and earned. The series uses their connection to explore how love can transcend time, death, and even species boundaries.
Lee Rang’s Complex Brotherhood
Kim Bum delivers an exceptional performance as Lee Rang, Lee Yeon’s half-brother whose resentment and pain create both conflict and emotional depth. Kim Bum creates a character whose villainous actions stem from genuine hurt and abandonment, making him sympathetic even when he’s dangerous. His relationship with Lee Yeon adds family drama to the supernatural elements, creating stakes that feel both personal and mythological.
The climax effectively resolves the complex family dynamics while delivering satisfying conclusions to both the romantic and supernatural storylines. The resolution respects the mythology while providing emotional satisfaction for the character relationships that viewers have invested in throughout the series.
Stunning Visual Effects and Mythology
The series creates a believable supernatural world within modern Seoul, with impressive visual effects that bring Korean folklore creatures to life. The production design successfully integrates mythological elements into contemporary settings, creating a world where ancient magic feels natural in urban environments.
Success on Netflix
Tale of the Nine Tailed achieved remarkable international success on Netflix, becoming one of the most popular supernatural K-dramas globally. The series demonstrated how Korean mythology could be adapted for international audiences without losing its cultural authenticity. Production values were exceptional, with stunning cinematography and elaborate supernatural sequences that brought Korean folklore to vivid life. The show’s success led to a sequel series, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, proving the enduring appeal of the mythology and characters. Social media engagement was particularly intense among international fans discovering Korean supernatural folklore for the first time.
Perfect for Supernatural Romance Enthusiasts
If you love stories about mythical creatures and eternal love, Tale of the Nine Tailed is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show delivers both the magic of Korean folklore and the emotional satisfaction of epic romance that transcends time and species.
Why This Mythical Romance Became a Global Phenomenon
Positive Aspects:
- Lee Dong Wook delivers a career-defining performance as the charismatic nine-tailed fox
- Stunning visual effects and production design that bring Korean folklore to life
- Jo Bo Ah and Kim Bum provide excellent supporting performances with complex character development
- Beautiful integration of Korean mythology with contemporary urban fantasy elements
- Epic love story that spans centuries while maintaining emotional authenticity
Negative Aspects:
- Some mythology elements may be confusing for viewers unfamiliar with Korean folklore
- Pacing occasionally slows during exposition-heavy episodes explaining supernatural rules
- Supporting supernatural creatures feel underdeveloped compared to the main characters
- Certain plot conveniences in the reincarnation storyline strain believability
- Ending resolution may feel rushed given the complexity of the mythological elements
Tale of the Nine Tailed proves that Netflix’s Korean content can successfully introduce global audiences to Korean cultural mythology while delivering universally appealing romantic entertainment, making it essential viewing for fans of supernatural romance.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 16 episodes
- Platform: Netflix (worldwide), tvN (South Korea)
- Release Year: 2020
- Current IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
- Production Type: Korean drama (K-drama)
- Status: Completed series (aired October 7 – December 3, 2020)
- Protagonists: Lee Dong Wook (Lee Yeon), Jo Bo Ah (Nam Ji Ah)
- Supporting Cast: Kim Bum (Lee Rang), Kim Yong Ji, Hwang Hee, Jung Yi Seo