The Stars Being The 2nd Leads
Dipped in straightaway for Kim Soeun, left the whimsical pool with both Kim Soeun and her Vampire boyfriend.
What makes The Scholar Who Walks the Night standout is its ability to blend historical setting with supernatural horror (yes it is based on a manhwa). The presence of vampires (allegedly) in Joseon era is a refreshing twist. From the dimly lit palaces to the haunting underground Vampire? lairs, the production is hauntingly beautiful. The lore surrounding the vampires, particularly the dynamics between the male lead, the 2nd female lead and the villain, adds an extra spiciness to the plot. Gwi the Vampire isn’t just a mindless monster—he’s a manipulative force of power, thriving in the politics of the palace, making him one of the most iconic K-drama villains, and he is hot as hell.
But where the story shines in world-building, it fails in in the presence of the main leads. The romance between him and the female lead is meant to be the heart of the drama, but instead, it often drags, overshadowed by the much more intense dynamic between Gwi and Hyeryung (2nd female lead). Had the drama given more weight to their relationship, exploring Hyeryung’s tragic fate with greater depth, it could have made for a richer emotional payoff.
Despite this flaw (though it is a major since the leads could not compete with the overflowing chemistry between the 2nd made-up couple), The Scholar Who Walks the Night remains an entertaining watch for those who love historical fantasy with a darker edge. It’s not perfect—the main romance (of the 1st leads) falls flat, and the pacing sometimes stumbles—but the mesmerizing visuals, chilling performances (especially from Lee Soohyuk and Kim Soeun), and the refreshing supernatural take on the Joseon era are something that makes this drama rewatchable. Though, I only keep rewatching the scenes of Gwi and Hyeryung and nothing else and it proves that sometimes, the villains and side characters are the real stars of the show.
What makes The Scholar Who Walks the Night standout is its ability to blend historical setting with supernatural horror (yes it is based on a manhwa). The presence of vampires (allegedly) in Joseon era is a refreshing twist. From the dimly lit palaces to the haunting underground Vampire? lairs, the production is hauntingly beautiful. The lore surrounding the vampires, particularly the dynamics between the male lead, the 2nd female lead and the villain, adds an extra spiciness to the plot. Gwi the Vampire isn’t just a mindless monster—he’s a manipulative force of power, thriving in the politics of the palace, making him one of the most iconic K-drama villains, and he is hot as hell.
But where the story shines in world-building, it fails in in the presence of the main leads. The romance between him and the female lead is meant to be the heart of the drama, but instead, it often drags, overshadowed by the much more intense dynamic between Gwi and Hyeryung (2nd female lead). Had the drama given more weight to their relationship, exploring Hyeryung’s tragic fate with greater depth, it could have made for a richer emotional payoff.
Despite this flaw (though it is a major since the leads could not compete with the overflowing chemistry between the 2nd made-up couple), The Scholar Who Walks the Night remains an entertaining watch for those who love historical fantasy with a darker edge. It’s not perfect—the main romance (of the 1st leads) falls flat, and the pacing sometimes stumbles—but the mesmerizing visuals, chilling performances (especially from Lee Soohyuk and Kim Soeun), and the refreshing supernatural take on the Joseon era are something that makes this drama rewatchable. Though, I only keep rewatching the scenes of Gwi and Hyeryung and nothing else and it proves that sometimes, the villains and side characters are the real stars of the show.
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