“Bulgasal” lives up to the hype as an epic K-drama that costs over 40 billion won, surpassing “Snowdrop”
tvN’s new weekend drama Bulgasal premieres to an impressive start.
Over the last few days, perhaps the drama that stirs up social media the most is JTBC’s Snowdrop due to its controversy over alleged distortion of history. However, tvN’s Bulgasal, released on the same day as Snowdrop (December 18), has also garnered much attention. Let’s take a look at the reasons why this epic blockbuster is well worth the watch.
Fascinating fantasy storyline, quality production that cost 40 billion won
Bulgasal is a fantasy drama about a mythical and immortal man who has lived for 600 years. The female lead is a woman who is repeatedly reincarnated while running away from the bulgasal, but keeps the memories of all her past lives. The drama depicts romance and revenge revolving around such otherworldly creatures.
Besides the compelling storyline, what’s impressive about Bulgasal is the high-quality production crew with director Jang Young Woo of Mr. Sunshine and Sweet Home, well-known writer duo Kim Jae Hyun and Kim Young Kyu. Notably, tvN invested 40 billion won in production costs. It is no exaggeration to say that Bulgasal is the most epic K-drama of 2021.
The cast boasts solid acting and aura
Aside from a strong production crew and huge budget, Bulgasal also features a convincing cast lineup. Lee Jin Wook plays Dan Hwal, who is cursed with immortality. Although he has lived for 600 years and his memory has gradually faded, he still wants to seek revenge on the woman who he deems accountable for his immortality and miseries within the past 600 years.
The woman in question is Min Sang Woon played by Kwon Nara. She used to be immortal, but has now been reincarnated as a normal human being. Her life also falls into a spiral of escape and revenge, although she changes her name and lives a recluse. In the first episode, Kwon Nara impresses the audience with her stunning image in historical styling.
Not only the main leads, the supporting cast members are no less charming. Through Bulgasal, Lee Joon has an impressive post-discharge comeback. He plays Ok Eul Tae, another immortal man who lives in secret. Living over the centuries helps him accumulate a lot of money and experience. He constantly changes his jobs to hide the secret about his immortality. If you are a fan of Lee Joon and his villain portrayal in the past, you will not want to miss out on his performance in Bulgasal.
Another equally interesting character is Dan Sol, Dan Hwal’s wife 600 years ago, played by Gong Seung Yeon. She is the daughter of a powerful family. She married Dan Hwal according to her father’s will. With Gong Seung Yeon‘s portrayal, Bulgasal’s second female lead is not at all overshadowed by the female lead. Gong Seung Yeon and Lee Jin Wook’s chemistry is also worth looking forward to.
Debuts to promising ratings, surpassing JTBC’s controversial drama Snowdrop
Even without a star-studded cast, Bulgasal kicks off with impressive ratings. The first two episodes of the drama recorded average nationwide ratings of 6,346% and 5.826%, far ahead of its weekend rival, JTBC’s Snowdrop. Although Snowdrop draws more attention from the audience, it also comes with fierce controversy.
Besides good ratings, Bulgasal’s premiere also receives plenty of praise. Every element from the cast, the storyline sparking curiosity, charming characters to the eye-catching sets and beautiful backgrounds, earns positive feedback.
Most netizens believe that as the story unfolds, Bulgasal will get even more interesting and worth watching. Let’s look forward to new episodes of Bulgasal every Saturday and Sunday night on tvN and Netflix.
