Supernatural Korean dramas have seen a rise in number and popularity in recent years. The novelty of its folklore-based narrative attracts local and global viewers alike.
It goes without saying but these stories have further propelled the presence of the Korean wave as international viewing platforms also started picking up these gems from the vast collection of K-Dramas through the years.
Interestingly, gumiho (nine-tailed fox) and jeoseung saja (grim reaper) are recurring favorites. Although most popular in Western culture, blood-sucking monsters like vampires and zombies have also been highlighted in a few dramas and films.
Popular K-Dramas Featuring Gumiho Characters
In 2010, Shin Min Ah brought life to the endearing nine-tailed fox in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. Her male lead Lee Seung Gi also portrayed a half-breed gumiho in Gu Family Book three years later.
Kim Bum and Lee Dong Wook are also gumiho brothers in Tale of the Nine-Tailed. The series also provided a slew of informational references to popular feared Korean folktale monsters such as Imoogi or Korean giant serpent-dragon.
My Roommate is a Gumiho is the latest series highlighting the supernatural fox that is portrayed by Jang Ki Yong.
Jeoseung Saja (The Grim Reapers): Korean Grim Reapers
A few Korean dramas have taken Grim Reapers as key roles in fan-favorite series.
Jung Il Woo also charmed the audience with his portrayal in 49 Days. Lee Dong Wook also made a lasting impression for his character in the hit drama The Guardian: Lonely and Great God.
OCN drama Black presented a unique crime-busting grim reaper. Blockbuster franchise film Along With The Gods is also another work that puts Grim Reapers in the spotlight.
Dokkaebi (Goblin)
Scoring a character that would become synonymous with him, Gong Yoo received immense love in his portrayal as a Goblin in Guardian: The Great and Lonely God.
Gwisin (Ghost)
The Master’s Sun, Sell Your Haunted House and Hotel Del Luna are dramas that give an overview of variants of unrested spirits recognized in Korean culture.
Cheonyeo Gwisin (virgin ghost) would probably ring a bell if you love dramas Arang and the Magistrate as well as Oh My Ghost.
Blood-Hungry Creatures
In Korean folklore, creatures that feed on blood are generally categorized as heup hyul gwi. The massive hit movie Train to Busan and Netflix’s original franchise series Kingdom have used these creatures as key characters in their narratives.
Additionally, the supernatural series The Scholar Who Walks The Night, Vampire Prosecutor, and Orange Marmalade are stories that incorporate these blood-sucking beings.
Korean Myth Deities
Shin or god is also a well-represented character in Korean Dramas. A Korean Odyssey and Bride of the Water God would be an example of chronicles elaborating on these mythical immortals. Meanwhile, in Doom At Your Service, deities of creation and destruction are also highlighted.
Shamans and Exorcists
Recently, acclaimed dramas, The Guest and The Cursed explore the world of shamanism and spirit possession. For historical drama fans, shamans are also often featured in conducting rituals.
Make sure to add these dramas to your watch list if you want to explore Korean folktales!
Photos: Respective networks of Aforementioned Dramas
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