Instantly Addictive – A Fantasy Drama Done Right
Some shows take time to hook you. Tale of the Nine Tailed wasn’t one of them.
Like many K-dramas I stumbled upon, this one kept popping up on Netflix, tempting me to watch. What finally made me hit play? Lee Dong-Wook. His red hair, intense gaze, and captivating presence in the preview had me intrigued. Little did I know, I was about to embark on an emotional rollercoaster filled with action, drama, mythology, and humor.
Once I started, I couldn’t stop. This show made me laugh, cry, and sit at the edge of my seat with every twist. Who are we kidding here? I didn’t just cry—I bawled my eyes out. Tale of the Nine Tailed is the perfect blend of supernatural fantasy and deeply emotional storytelling.
After finishing Season 1, I immediately dove into Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, which brought even more action, humor, and heartbreak. Now, with rumors of a third season, I can only hope we get to see even more of these incredible characters.
The Perfect Leads – Lee Dong-Wook & Kim Beom
There’s no Tale of the Nine Tailed without the two fox brothers.
🦊 Lee Dong-Wook as Lee Yeon – The stoic yet charming gumiho (nine-tailed fox) and former mountain god who sacrifices everything for love. He’s a protector at heart, whether it’s Ji-ah, his little brother, or even humans. His journey from cold and detached to someone willing to risk everything for his family was beautifully executed.
🔥 Kim Beom as Lee Rang – The wild card, the rebellious younger brother who had been abandoned one too many times. Kim Beom played this role perfectly, balancing Rang’s pain, anger, and vulnerability with effortless charm. His piercing eyes and devilish smile made him the ideal choice for the character. But beyond his mischievous exterior, Rang’s love-hate relationship with Lee Yeon was one of the most compelling parts of the show. Their brotherhood was messy, emotional, and so real.
The dynamic between Lee Yeon and Lee Rang was one of the best sibling relationships in K-drama history. Their fights, betrayals, and eventual reconciliation felt raw and earned. Watching them go from enemies to standing side by side again? Absolute perfection.
The Strongest Supporting Cast in K-Drama
This drama wasn’t just about the leads—every character had depth and a story worth investing in.
💜 Jo Bo-ah as Nam Ji-ah / Ah-eum – Ji-ah was the reincarnation of Ah-eum, the woman Lee Yeon sacrificed everything for. She wasn’t just a damsel in distress—she was a fierce, determined journalist willing to chase down the supernatural for the truth. Her chemistry with Lee Yeon was electric, making their tragic love story even more heartbreaking.
🎭 Kim Yong-ji’s Dual Roles – A Scene-Stealer in Both Seasons
✔ Season 1: Ki Yu-ri – A former Russian gumiho turned loyal companion to Lee Rang. Fiercely independent, her friendship with Rang was one of the most underrated relationships in the show.
✔ Season 2: Sunwoo Eun-ho – A complete 180 from her Season 1 role, Eun-ho was a human journalist in 1938, dedicated to uncovering the truth. Seeing Kim Yong-ji seamlessly transition from an immortal fox to a courageous activist was incredible.
🐾 Hwang Hee as Goo Shin-joo – Lee Yeon’s right-hand man, vet, and most loyal friend. His devotion to Yeon (and later, his adorable love story) added warmth and humor to the show.
👀 Kim Jung-nan as Taluipa – The powerful gatekeeper of the afterlife, holding more secrets than she lets on. She was both fearsome and motherly in the best ways.
💥 Ryu Kyung-soo as Cheon Moo Young & Kim So-yeon as Ryu Hong-joo (Season 2) – The new additions to Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 added even more complexity. Moo Young, as an old friend turned enemy, brought intense drama, while Hong-joo was an absolute force of nature. Her commanding presence made her one of the best characters in the sequel.
Tale of the Nine Tailed Season 1 vs. Season 2 – Which Was Better?
It’s impossible to pick because both seasons were amazing for different reasons.
✔ Season 1 leaned heavily into romance and mythology, giving us an intense and heart-wrenching love story alongside supernatural battles.
✔ Season 2 (1938) shifted gears to action, adventure, and comedy, with Yeon being thrown back in time. It gave us more of the sibling dynamic, hilarious moments, and an expansion of the gumiho lore.
I loved them both equally—just for different reasons. But one thing’s for sure… I need Season 3.
Would I Recommend Tale of the Nine Tailed?
Abso-freaking-lutely.
Do you love fantasy K-dramas with rich storytelling? Then this is a must-watch.
If you’re a fan of Lee Dong-Wook or Kim Beom, you’ll fall even harder for them here.
If you love action, drama, mythology, and even some comedy—this show is for you.
Both seasons were brilliant, and I will absolutely watch a third season if it happens.
Final Thoughts & Hopes for Tale of the Nine Tailed Season 3
If there is another season, I hope we dive deeper into:
- The gumiho mythology—still so much lore to explore.
- Lee Yeon’s future after all the chaos he’s been through.
- Lee Rang’s journey (if they bring him back—I need him back!).
- More of Hong-joo because she was an absolute queen.
This series had everything—romance, action, comedy, heartbreak, and the most stunning visuals.
What Are Your Thoughts?
- 🔹 Which season did you love more?
- 🔹 Who was your favorite character?
- 🔹 What do you hope to see in Season 3?
Let’s talk about it! 👇
Have you seen Tale of the Nine Tailed yet, what are you waiting for? Check out Season 1 on Netflix and Season 2 on Amazon Prime.
Check my reviews of Lee Dong-Wook in Harbin and Bad and Crazy.
What did you think of the show? Are you hoping for a third season? Let’s discuss! 👇