Title: 화유기 | Hwayuki | Hwayugi | A Korean Odyssey
Genre: Fantasy | Romance | Comedy
Episodes: 20
Broadcast Network: tvN
Broadcast Period: December 23,2017 to March 4,2018
Synopsis:
Son Oh Gong is a deity of the heavens that was punished due to his arrogance and was banished but freed by Sam Jang when she was young. Sam Jang sees this supernatural world such as ghosts and had difficulty of growing up. She was hoping that Son Oh Gong will protect her when she freed him but she was tricked to do so. She grew up and became a successful real estate business owner but still lonely and alone until she discovered that she’s a chosen human being who can save the world. Woo Ma Wang, another powerful being, wants to be deity to save the woman he loves, so, to get the heavens grant him his wish, he encouraged Sam Jang to trick Son Oh Gong into a new contract by locking him in to wear a powerful bracelet, Geumganggo, that will make him fall in love with her and do all her bidding. Son Oh Gong will have no choice but protect her till the end. Sam Jang was glad she had the protection of Son Oh Gong in fighting evil spirits until she found herself wanting more from Son Oh Gong the real love she’s been craving all her life.
Characters:
- Lee Seung Gi as Son Oh Gong
- Cha Seung Won as Woo Hwi | Woo Ma Wang
- Oh Yeon Seo as Jin Sun Mi | Sam Jang
- Gal So Won as Younger Sun Mi
- Lee Hong Ki as PK | Jo Pal Gye
- Jang Kwang as Yoon Dae Shik | Sa Oh Jong
- Sung Hyuk as General Winter | Fairy Ha
- Kim Sung Oh as Lee Han Joo
- Lee El as Ma Ji Young
- Sung Ji Roo as Guru Soo Bo Ri
- Lee Se Young as Jung Se Ra | Jin Boo Ja | Ah Sa Nyeo
- Lee Yong Yi as Jin Sun Mi’s Grandmother
- Im Ye Jin as Peddler
- Jung Jae Won as Peddler’s Grandson | Hong Hae Ah
- Kang Sung Pil as Gangster
- Yoon Bo Ra as Alice | White Dragon Horse
- Kim Ji Soo as Cha Hee | Seo Yun Hee | Na Chal Nyuh
- Song Jong Ho as Kang Dae Sung
- Michael K. Lee as Jonathan
- Kim Hyun Bin as Younger Jonathan
- Ok Ye Rin as Han Byul
- Kim Hyung Suk as Superstar Audition’s Judge on Episode 1-2
- Kim Yun Woo as Superstar Audition’s judge on Episode 1-2
- Choi Dae Sung as broadcasting PD on Episode 1-2, 6
- Yoo Yun Jung as Lee Da In on Episode 1
- Park Sang Hoon as Eun Sung on Episode 1
- Baek Seung Hee as Wooden Doll Ghost’s Bride on Episode 1
- Lee Eun Hyung as Newlywed on Episode 2
- Kang Jae Joon as Newlywed on Episode 2
- Min Sung Wook as Lust Ghost on Episode 2
- Jang Geun Suk as Peacock on Episode 3
- Seo Yoon Ah as Mi Joo on Episode 3
- Ham Na Young as Akiko on Episode 5, 16
- Park Seung Tae as Kang Myung Ja on Episode 5, 16
- Bang Soo Jin as Mermaid on Episode 7
- Oh Ah Rin (오아린) as Lee Soo Jung on Episode 9-10
- Choi Seung Hoon as Lee Soo Jung’s Older Brother on Episode 9-10, 20
- Lee So Yun as Devil Bookseller on Episode 9-10
- Seo Eun Woo as Fairy Ha on Episode 15
- Oh Yun Ah as Egret on Episode 16
My Review:
A Korean Odyssey is a k-drama I waited until it ended its run on tv because I feel like it will be something that will frustrate me to wait the next episode for. My gut feel was right and glad I was able to watch it without the encumbrance of waiting week after week. It is one of the best fantasy romcom I’ve seen in a long time and has shown great entertainment for me to sit, relax and enjoy the ride.
So, What do I Like About this K-Drama?
(1) Lee Seung Gi may not have the typical handsome boy next door looks I swoon over but he certainly is a great actor and he, certainly, brought his A-game here even after being away for 2 years for his mandatory military training. Surprisingly, he actually exudes a devilish charm in this k-drama and truly fit for the role rather than Park Bo-Gum who was initially offered to do this character. He made his character come alive and more than 2 dimensional. He is the reason why the story telling of this fantasy became a success.
(2) This is one of the k-dramas wherein the supporting characters are interesting and not boring. Majority plays an integral part of the story, thus, they are not just inserts to make the story longer. The actors are all wonderful and it made the k-drama one hell of an interesting story to watch.
(3) I often wonder why people are so in love with Goblin, when I believe it is such a mess of a fantasy k-drama and its only redeeming quality is having Gong Yoo there. So, comparing Goblin to Korean Odyssey is quite an insult to the latter in my book. A Korean Odyssey has a tight and focus story. It didn’t go haywire in its premise and stuck to what should happen. The characters stayed true to who they are and what they stand for and the ending may not be typical happily ever after we always want but it is the ending that is suitable to the story from the very beginning. A Korean Odyssey is far way superior in all aspects than Goblin even if it had some misfortunes along the way of its broadcast and may not have the weird high rating of Goblin.
(4) I felt for the love triangle among PK, Bong Soon and Alice. Their story and how they love each other were so touching especially in the end.
(5) I can’t help myself but play often the song “When I Saw You” by Bumkey. It was such a terrific song that this is one of the few K-OST that I really play as often as I can and effectively uplift my spirit.
(6) The special effects were a class of its own and the production really took time to make it world class in quality so it can effectively deliver the story in its truest essence of the fantasy world.
What I do Not Like About this K-Drama?
I often said in most of my reviews that I am not a guru or someone who will review by nit picking every production, directorial and technical aspects of k-drama making. I review base solely on the level of entertainment it brings me and possible to others and its effectivity and integrity of its delivery, so, for “A Korean Odyssey”, it is close to perfection when it comes to fantasy romcom genre. There’s nothing I can think of that I would change.
Would I recommend this K-Drama? Definitely 100% Yes. Highly Recommended.
My Rating to this Drama
( See My Rating System: ) 5/5 Stars
OST:
01. When I Saw You – Bumkey
Play Me:
02. Let Me Out – NU’EST W
03. I Will Be By Your Side – MeloMance
04. Back – Suran
05. If You Were Me – Shin Ji Min | Seo Yoo Na of AOA feat. Yoo Hoe Seung of N.Flying
06. If We Were Destined – Ben
07. Like a Miracle (Someday) – Hwang Chi Yeul
08. Always You – leeSA
09. Believe – Mackelli
10. Justify – Various Artists
11. Sam Jang’s Fate – Various Artists
12. Mawang Tension – Various Artists
13. Fire – Various Artists
14. Ghost Scene – Various Artists
For Lyrics in English, Romanization and Hangul, CLICK HERE