The Scholar Who Walks the Night

The Scholar Who Walks the Night is a South Korean television series based on the manhwa (South Korean comics or print cartoons) of the same name. The series first premiered on MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) in July 2015 and concluded in September of the same year. The central genre of the TV show is historical, fused with the elements of horror, fantasy, and romance. It offers a captivating blend of ancient Joseon era backdrop with an intriguing vampire narrative.

The narrative primarily revolves around the character of Kim Sung Yeol, a noble scholar from the Joseon Dynasty who, due to a grave occurrence, turns into a vampire and lives on for centuries. He transforms into a nocturnal creature who shields himself from daylight and survives on human blood to exist. However, in a break from stereotypical vampire narratives, Kim Sung Yeol is not portrayed as a ruthless monster hunting for blood but as a tragic figure, who is burdened by his undead state and uses his powers to protect innocents.

The protagonist’s principal quest is to uncover and destroy Gwi, a wicked, powerful vampire living in the royal palace, who manipulates and controls the kings of the Joseon era subtly from behind the scenes. Gwi's longstanding reign of terror has led to many catastrophic situations, and Kim Sung Yeol's journey is filled with perils and challenges as he attempts to bring down this formidable foe while bequeathing his wisdom to a young bookseller girl, Jo Yang-Sun.

The character of Jo Yang-Sun offers another layer of complexity to the narrative. She disguises herself as a man in order to support her family as a bookstore clerk, often crossing paths with Kim Sung Yeol, leading to an intricate relationship between the two. The show retains its historical romance quotient as the passionate narrative between Kim Sung Yeol and Jo Yang-Sun unfolds, where love transcends the realms of human and supernatural.

Cast members in The Scholar Who Walks the Night give entrancing performances, succeeding in bringing the manhwa characters to life. Lead actors Lee Joon-gi, who plays the immortal scholar Kim Sung Yeol, and Lee Yu-bi, who portrays the feisty bookseller Jo Yang-Sun, share a palpable on-screen chemistry. The supporting cast, including Kim So-eun and Changmin, add substance and depth to the narrative with their performances.

One of the standout aspects of the series is its authentic period detailing. Producers paid meticulous attention to the minute details of the Joseon era setup, enhancing the show's visual appeal. Sets are intricately designed with traditional Korean architecture, and costumes reflect the ancient time period, enriching the historical aspect of the show.

While the storyline primarily focuses on the conflict between good and evil embodied by the characters of Kim Sung Yeol and Gwi, it also contemplates themes like power, corruption, human values, love, sacrifice, and the eternal quest for immortality. The plot doesn't shy away from asking metaphysical questions about life, death, and what lies beyond.

Moreover, the series employs masterful suspense-building, interspersed with elements of horror and fantasy, to construct a rich tapestry of historical fiction and supernatural elements that never ceases to entertain and surprise its audience. Director Lee Sung-Joon does a commendable job in maintaining the delicate balance between the show’s horror undertones and its romantic and dramatic elements, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.

Complimenting the gripping narrative is the clever use of lighting and cinematography that enhances the overall mood of the show whether it's a brightly lit day sequence or a moonlit night setting, drawing the viewers into its ancient-tinged, eerie world.

In conclusion, The Scholar Who Walks the Night is a compelling presentation of a romance embedded within a vampire tale, set within a historical era. It's a captivating mix of mystery, horror, drama, and romance that draws viewers into a world of nobles, scholars, royal intrigues, and the struggle between good and evil, love and duty. This unique K-drama is truly a visual and narrative delight for those in search of a suspenseful supernatural romance with a historical twist.