The Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)

Vampire classic from 2015 still great in 2021

Okay, lots of vampire-style blood and fangs in this, but Lee Joon Gi is at his best playing the double-edged sword of a man trapped inside the beast. Twists and turns, betrayals too, as well as some characters who start out bad and then get bitten by the good in all of us. A lot of good acting, yet our scriptwriter (who was part of the 'Coffee Prince' writing team in 2007) fails with a super-naive heroine who's still arrogant enough to believe that she doesn't have to listen to anybody, but to follow her heart, which often gets her and her 'heart-throb' in a lot of trouble. Which is my least favourite trope, but Lee Joon Gi makes the crazy ride worthwhile. If you hate blood and dark cave settings, then this isn't for you, although I felt this way until Lee Joon Gi snarled his way into my heart.

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Way too long

The best part of this whole drama was Gwi and the 2nd FL. Both of them were so interesting and I wish, WISH they would've explored Gwi's backstory more because he was by far the most interesting character. While FL was already quite mid in the beginning, she quickly became annoying with her being constantly useless and a burden. At some point I couldn't stand her face anymore which always looked like she is about to cry and skipped most of her scenes - even the romance scenes. It says a lot when the lead couple are the least likeable characters in a show because they are just so damn weak and annoying. Gwi really saved the show for me - admittedly also because his visuals were just on fire.
The story itself was fine, it was just dragged for way too long. This whole drama would've worked with half as many episodes. Unlike other people have said, I don't think the show looks cheap. It has its moments but otherwise it's fine honestly. The bigger issue is by far the drama length and main leads.

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This is it. My first historical drama, complete! As a historical drama should, it was filled with hanboks, politics, and... vampires!? "Scholar Who Walks the Night", or what I feel the drama could be alternatively titled, "Kim Sung Yeol runs around on rooftops", had all the potential to be a 10/10 drama. Great cast, amazing music, wonderful costumes and sets-- the only thing holding it back was unfortunately the story.

With the vampire popularity boom these past few years, you'd think that we ought to have grown tired of them by now... The premise of this drama is good. No complaints. Just somehow, they managed to mess up on the execution. Some characters have depth, while others are rather one-dimensional. Yang Sun was a bit too clingy and stubborn for my liking. She wasn't able to take no for an answer and followed the Scholar around like a tail. Gwi, on the other hand, seemed like a dull character at first but turned out to be one of the stars of the show. The gisaeng Kim Sung Yeol's right hand Soo Hyang showed some great character development, and Ho Jin charmed us all, I think, with his yes-can-do attitude.

The drama moved along extremely slowly around episode 8-10. I watched this on Viki, and I have never appreciated the timed comments-function more. Then the drama changed writers, which was kind of both good and bad. Good, because the pace quickened again and prevented the audience from dying from boredom. Bad, because a lot of loose ends were left at the end. What was the deal with the black cloak anyway? The final episode, by the way, was probably the best final episode I've ever seen- for the first half, that is. The second half, and especially the last ten minutes, provided the second least satisfying ending I've ever seen (those of you that have seen Big know what I'm about). In any case, the storyline wasn't that complex that it really required all that much explaining in the end anyways.

But what really got me coming back to continue watching this drama week after week isn't the story- it's the sets and the costumes. Since it's a historical drama, all characters wear traditional Korean clothes, which I've come to understand is called a hanbok. Men wear some sort of long robe and women wear a jacket and a skirt. All the costumes are beyond amazing. With their intricate details, lovely cuts and overall design, it's clear that the costume team spent a lot of time making these. Thank you costume department!

The cast all did a splendid job. This is the first time I've ever seen Lee Joon Gi, but let me tell you, it won't be the last. I am definitively seeing more of him in the future! That man can act. There were many demanding scenes in this drama, but he acted all of them out wonderfully. Lee Yu Bi, too, did a great job. Real emotions; real tears, real smiles, real kisses. The two of them had real chemistry, which unfortunately cannot be said for Shim Chang Min and Kim So Eun. Individually, they were great. Just not so much together.

I also won't forget that this drama gave the world the gift that is Secret Paradise by Jang Jane. This song is everything. I swear I've listened to it a hundred times. Not only is the atmosphere it gives incredibly well-suited for the drama, it's also a real tune. I just love it so much. The rest of the soundtrack doesn't disappoint either: both Beast and Yook Sung Jae, among others, feature on the OST. The background music overall is strong in this drama. The instrumentals are thematic and really set the mood. There are even a few that I'd like on my iPod (if they only would release the soundtrack... please, if you're reading this, MBC people).

Even if saeguks aren't your thing, "Scholar Who Walks the Night" is still a drama worth watching for its excellent production, music and cast.

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okay, I was holding back to write this review ( it's my first time tho ) ... anyway I decide to write one, but before I write anything about this drama :
- plz don't forget this's a personal opinion
- if you like any actors here you will enjoy it but ...
- ... don't but to much hope for kim so eun coz she has the less screen *even when she's the second lead!

okay, I really didn't compare this drama with manga, you can say they have the same idea but there totally has different storyline ( but with few similarity). and if you'r looking for romance maybe you will not notice way viewers didn't give too much for this drama.

the problem with this drama is the storyline , they focusing too much on the love of the main leads more than solving the problem ( watch was solve without them ... I can't explain more ).

Also the story has many holes!!! you'll feel like they go to next part without finishing the first one. and most the characters didn't develop .. and others start develop after EP10 !!! ( I believe if they others more time to shine it could be more interesting).

I reallu watch this drama for kim so eun ( her character has her own story .. and related to all 3 main men leads ) it was interesting ... I really skip many parts.
you can say I start watching for real after EP10 coz her few appearance in the first 10EP and I'm surprise why didn't I drop it, but I trust my favorite actor and she really did well.

for me all cast did a great job and give their best. that's why I give 8 point. but the storyline + slow development + focusing too much in romance destroy this drama .

this's just my personal opinion .. so plz give try for first 5 EP
** if you want to see more of soohyuk + kim soeun + ChangMin and what their roles / story you will know after Ep10

- sorry if there're any grammar mistakes ~ bye ~

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Truly, I was expecting much more of this show. Overall, I wanted it not to be another Mirror of the Witch, with too many episodes = too boring.
Luckily, this one it’s a bit less boring than the other one,even if 20 episodes are still too many. Definitely, it would have been better with 16.
Story —) it was OK, but the plot was a completely disaster. The first three episodes were really good, the last three or four were good too... But, in between, sometimes the rest of the episodes were kind of boring.
This secret plan was an stupid idea, I really don’t know what screenwriters were thinking all along.
What about the ending? Why is it so ambiguous? I would prefer the 20th episode to finish like 10 minutes before than that. There’s no logical coherence in why there was a year gap, or why the last episode has to be that way for Lee Joon Gi (because really, there were some other episodes where he was in much worse situations than in this one). Nonetheless, I liked how it ended for Gwi, kind of poetic, isn’t it?
Acting —) I wanted to see Lee Joon Gi in another drama, after having watched him in Moon Lovers. I think he was ok in this one and I admit he’s a good actor (although I prefer him in Moon Lovers obviously). I understood the sadness in him but he was so boring in his daily life! On the other hand I couldn’t see the chemistry between the main leads anywhere. And another thing I found really bothersome was that I couldn’t understand why Yang Seon was smart and brave when she was dressing as a man , and she acted as a stupid and spoiled child when she was dressed as a woman. Moreover, the development of both main leads where inexistente and too flat.
What I liked very much was the villain. He is the best villain ever (and the sexiest). At least he and Hye Ryung changed throughout the episodes and they showed that their personalities were much deeper than the main leads.
Music —) I didn’t care about the music. In fact it was burdensome and irritating.
Rewatch —) Never... unless someone explains to me what really happens at the end.

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Joseon period - one of the most favorite themes in Korean dramas already for a while, each show about this era in Korean history bringing something new to the tale being it realistic or absolutely out of this world. This time vampires have invaded the land and even more - the royal family - and they have to be stopped! And what could do it better than a human heart driven by revenge and broken by loss, but cured and mended together with love and friendship? Or perhaps there a secret plan fit for the job better? That's something that can be answered only by watching!

Story:
For the first few episodes, the story might seem a bit confusing. We start 120 years ago and then in the span of one episode jump those 120 years forward. The world has changed, and yet has not changed at all! We see already familiar faces, but are they the people we think they are? Is everything we see how it seems and why is it twisted this way? However the further we are sucked into the world of this Joseon vampire fantasy, the more things start to make sense - even to the smallest detail.
The most wonderful thing about this particular story is how every single thing matters. Each small side plot, each character introduced, each emotion displayed, each decision made all come together in the end to form the final result. Even if at first they seem wrong and we curse at the characters, an episode later it all makes sense. The world is built so meticulously in this drama it makes the viewer believe in the story, in the characters and all things happening, which is a very masterful thing to do.
Unfortunately, like with most dramas, we cannot escape some cliches an avid drama watcher sees a mile away. It's a common known fact that it is not a real Korean drama if it does not have some of its classical cliches or tropes presented. In this case, however, the cliches do not deduct much from the actual story, which is crocheted together so beautifully it's hard to stop watching, as you just want to know what will happen next!
Romance, friendship, betrayal, questions of loyalty and honor all are looked at and explored in various ways, connecting them with the suspenseful fight against a pest trying to take control over the country. Gripping to the point it doesn't let you go even after it's over!

Acting/Cast:
Hats off! That could sum up the work of the cast the easiest. Each role was as if perfectly tailored to the actor or rather the actor fit as perfectly as it's possible. Such a perfect match between the cast and the roles made watching their relationship develop on screen and amazing experience beyond belief.
Two stand-outs I would like to point out are definitely Lee JoonGi and Shim ChangMin for me. JoonGi we all know as an amazing actor who has proven himself in the industry. His dedication to each role to the point it's hard to tell where Joongi ends and the character starts. The stunt work he always does himself leaves everyone speechless. In this drama, he once more proves his name is a sign of the highest quality, by delivering the character perfectly. His eyes always tell a million stories and draw out each emotion as perfectly as an artist painting a scenery, which makes it impossible not to fall for the complex characters he plays - this being no exception. The viewer is pulled in by the pain, love, care, anger - every nuance displayed and it's a trap no one wants to get out of.
Shim ChangMin, more known as Max ChangMin from TVXQ, is nowhere near as experienced in acting as JoonGi, having only a few roles under his belt at the time and not all of them good, however, he fits the period of the drama and the mood unexpectedly well! Similarly to his sunbae, his eyes have the power to transfer emotions to the viewer directly, unmistakeably and makes one feel them along with him. Knowing how complex his character is and how many emotional things he has to go through, his acting was absolutely spot on, showing his talent with a huge potential to grow and continue developing his acting skills even more.

Music:
From heartfelt ballads sang by top stars, to suspenseful instrumentals and back to romantic pieces - the OST has it all! It is the perfect mood setter, each piece matched perfectly with certain moments in the drama - be the moments tragic, action-packed or romantic. It's something worthy of every day listen or when the mundane life needs to be spiced up with good, high-quality music. Fully available on Spotify, it is one of the best OSTs out there.

Overall, the drama has perfectly combined historical and mythical elements in a gripping and saturated but story that touches upon various subjects, while still following the main plot. Executed by amazing cast and crew, the drama is probably one of the best in the historical fantasy genre and definitely worth a watch!

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A MASTERPIECE INDEED

I've been watching Korean dramas for years and seen lots of them. This is the first time I'm writing a review for a kdrama I've already finished. I'm writing this to tell you to give it a chance because it's really a good historical fantasy kdrama.


Let's talk about the story plot. For me, it's a good one. Others will probably say it's boring because it's slow-paced, especially the romance, but for me it's not. It's interesting; it's organized and detailed. They will make you understand it in every episode. Next, the cast and chemistry between the female lead and male lead If they have chemistry, I don't see anything wrong with their age gap here. Lee Jung Gi doesn't look too old and Lee Yoobi doesn't look too young. It's just okay, I mean them. I see their chemistry. They have a strong chemistry that will give you butterflies and will make your lips smile. Lee Jong Gi did very well here. His expression was very good and it was well expressed. Now Lee Yoobi. I like her acting here. It's not bad, it's really good. You will feel it. Especially the way she expressed Yang Sun's feelings. I don't find her character irritating. She's actually cute, and her actions really make sense. Music is great; it will make you feel the scene, and I love the soundtracks. This is my honest review. Watch it first and decide if you like it or not. Others will probably not like it, but I love it. Don't expect too much, especially from the cinematography. It's from 2012, and we all know that kdramas from before don't have very pretty cinematography. For me, the overall is perfect, and this drama is such a masterpiece.

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Word of definition- rollercoaster

As a person who likes dark dramas more than cringy romcoms, I must say that I am pretty happy with the plot and everything aside from how long it was. For reference, I normally watch dramas with 16 one hour each, but this time it was 20 episodes 1 hour each. But there is nothing more that makes me angry or that I don't like about it. But I would love to know about Gwi more tho. If I will have the opportunity to know about him I will be so happy. When it comes to casting and everything I started watching this drama because of Lee Soo Hyuk and then I found out about the other cast. Also, I would love to thank that one video of edits with Gwi because that was the origin of my finding out about the existence of this drama.

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A beautiful vampire story.....There is a cute love story ,friendship bond and family member sacrifice themselves for their family....Bad vampire wanted to rule the world with his bad thoughts on the
other hand good vampire who was supposed to be a human once , since 200 years he wanted to kill that bad vampire ,for this he want a secret which was written in a book ....Two thinks I don't like 1st there is no end story of lead actress'family member where her sister went at the they should show some their scene and secondly last scene ,it looks like director end the scene in a hurry....Rest drama is good.

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Entertaining But Average

I wanted to watch because Lee Joon Gi really left an impression on me from flower of evil. I’m happy to say that he didn’t disappoint. He plays a heroic vampire brilliantly and some of his monologues in the last few episodes were pretty solid.

The script is flawed. Though the main plot of vampires in Joseon era and the political struggle between humans and vampires is really interesting, the delivery is quite weak. 20 episodes felt too long for such a plot and I could tell they were really prologuing issues despite clear solutions; therefore, it felt stupid. I couldn’t take the problems seriously.

The characters didn’t seem to really have a plan which disappointed me because they were supposed to be leaders of this time. On top of this, the female lead’s character is extremely unbearable. Though i don’t mind the classic ‘damsel in distress’ arc, the girl should be worth risking your life for, right?

The female character has no charm. She seems to be the most useless person in the drama who just moves according to what plot demands. Characters around her treat her like a child. She’s so slow, painfully naive and just… clueless. It just baffles me how terrible they wrote her character. She’s not filled in on the most basic plot line even halfway through the drama, that’s just how irrelevant her presence is. It’s just a convenience that Sung Yeol fell for her.

For the positives, I do really appreciate some scenes because it feeds my vampire fantasy. Also, oh my god, the villain has to be the best character I’ve ever seen. Gwi shines throughout, his presence is bold. He is so attractive. I loved him.

Overall it’s average but some of it was memorable.

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