Finding Lee Yeon’s reincarnated first love seems to be the first of more trials to be faced by the hero of Tale of the Nine Tailed.
Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah inches to a more solid relationship in Episode 5 of Tale of the Nine Tailed. Along with that, the series has also unveiled key supporting characters that are part of its big pictured narrative.
We also saw a glimpse of Lee Rang’s past which partly explained the seemingly quenchless grudge he has for his brother.
Episode Recaps: 01 & 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | Mid-Series | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | Finale
abbyinhallyuland watches Tale of the Nine Tailed on iQIYI
Tale of the Nine Tailed Episode 5 Key Moments
Nursing the rich, spoiled and handsome gumiho
After cushioning Ji-ah’s fall and braving the arduous punishment at Blade Mountain, blademan, I mean gumiho Lee Yeon recuperates through the help of Ji-ah. Fortunately, his supernatural power as a gumiho warrants fast-healing process.
In the morning, Vet Shin-ju (Hwang Hee) rushes to his master’s aid against Lee Yeon’s hushing because Ji-Ah is sleeping by his side. Getting emotional about Lee Yeon’s 600-year wish finally came true, he embraces him in tears.
Sensing Ji-ah’s curious gaze, he introduces himself as Lee Yeon’s right hand man, housekeeper, bodyguard and doctor. Knowing Lee Yeon is better off with Ji-ah, who carries the “power of love” cure for Lee Yeon, he leaves to go to his clinic. Before that, he lists down the child-like whims of his high-maintenance boss to Ji-ah.
Apparently, the mighty gumiho also likes bathing with rubber duckies aside from his special penchant for mint chocolate ice cream.
Lee Rang’s cold heart
The ‘imoogi’ Lee Rang helped to live again in the world has been growing at a rapid speed and knowledge. His attitude is naturally rude while pictured as a young boy, and his meal appears to be feeding on human flesh. His loyal servant has also been revealed to be the president of the broadcast company where Ji-ah is working.
After another meddling with a human life, Lee Rang surprisingly shows his first kind act by rescuing a wounded dog being tortured by young baseball athletes. Serving them punishments they deserve, the dog tries to appeal with his puppy look so Yu Ri and Lee Rang take him. But the latter refuses.
Reckoning that moment when his brother left him alone in the mountains and his pet dog died pierces to his heart and memory. Yu Ri, who was won over by the dog’s pleading look, brings it to Vet Shin-ju to be treated.
Ji-ah’s unfinished business
When not working for a new show or mulling over her plans for her parents’ disappearance, Ji-ah has this generous spirit to spread compassion. Even after being endangered if not for Lee Yeon’s saving, she helped the two ghost sisters get their closure. Through Lee Yeon and Ji-ah, their father learned that it was his jobless younger brother who caused their deaths and even molested them.
Later, the two share an umbrella and take a quick walk. Both are obviously feeling undeniable feelings that make them feel closer to each other. They go for a drink and talk about their preferences. Albeit, having plenty of differences, they happily cheer finding common likes.
Curious about Lee Yeon’s dream, Ji-ah asked the question. Lee Yeon genuine replies how he only wishes to be a human. Surprised at his answer, Ji-ah quips how human life is all but suffering and he can just get a taste of it easily at the subways like how underworld is. Citing how careers require stress, all-nighters, overtimes and nagging boss make up his strange wish.
After hearing Ji-ah’s wish to just be with his parents, Lee Yeon makes up his mind to help with her earnest wish.
Mission Finding Ji-ah’s parents
Bribing grandma Taluipa with iced americano, Lee Yeon asks for help to trace what happened to Ji-ah’s parents. He was led to Jang-seung, the same man who helped Ji-ah not board the bus that met the accident previously. Forcing the information he needs, he disrupts Ji-ah’s lunch for them to meet someone who can give information to Ji-ah’s vanished parents.
Meanwhile, unlucky Jang-seung was also visited by Lee Rang asking information for tiger’s eyelash which he also needs. Ji-ah and Lee Yeon drive to where the district magistrate is. Telling Ji-ah to stay on a spot, he goes to look for the person. When he gets back at the spot where he left her, she is nowhere to be found.
Ji-ah, who saw a hanbok rental in the place availed one and was roaming happily. Lee Yeon spots her amidst the crowd and follows to where she is heading. Amazed on a pretty bridge decorated with colorful cloths, Ji-ah beams happily. Gazing at her smiling face,
Tale of the Nine Tailed Episode 5 Musings
With Tale of the Nine Tailed utilizing Korean folklore elements, we keep crossing on mythical creatures as well as traditions from Korean culture. In episode 5, we learned about how in the past, Korea does not give children proper graves so that their parents won’t visit them. It is a sad tradition meant to make the process of moving on for parents easy.
I’ve been a fan of Lee Dong Wook since My Girl, and I am amazed on how he is literally glowing even more handsome through the years. His presence on-screen does not need backlight, he is so radiantly beautiful.
Another mission of this episode conveyed the “kind” side of Lee Rang. So, yes we still have hope he won’t fully go to the dark side. This series is serving us bitter and sweet bromance featuring Lee brothers as well as Lee Yeon and his loyal Boy Friday – Vet Shin-ju.
So far, Tale of the Nine Tailed has not been wasting its episodes by presenting the plot details to support its projected picture. Swiftly moving, the love story is perched to fascinate and prepare for the approaching surge of conflict.
However, to be honest, I can’t feel the chemistry that needed a thousand years to be fulfilled between Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah. There’s just a missing nudge somewhere. I don’t know if more lip-locks or intended “sweet moments” can salvage this missing point. Nevertheless, the narrative itself is still enjoyable.
Tale of the Nine Tailed airs on tvN every Wednesday and Thursday.
Photos: tvN | Screencap from iQIYI
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