Hwarang: The K-Drama That Birthed the Wooga Squad
“An elite group of young warriors trained in morals and martial arts finds love and friendship in Silla during Korea’s ancient Three Kingdoms period.”
Hwarang (Viki)
All you have to do is look at the cast for Hwarang to know you should watch it. I found it because of Park Seo-Jun, but really liked seeing Park Hyung-Sik in a lead (okay, second lead) capacity—so much different from his character in Heirs. And why does that one guy look so familiar? When I went to look up what other K-drama I’ve seen him in I found it was none other than Kim Tae-Hyung, (aka: BTS’ V). 대박! In my defense I had not yet become a BTS fan when I saw Hwarang.
I could’ve done without the female lead in this and just watched the bromance between all the male characters. It was even more endearing to watch behind-the-scenes interviews to see their friendships extend beyond the set. Park Seo-Jun, Kim Tae-Hyung, Park Hyung-Sik together with Parasite’s Choi Woo-Sik, and rapper Peakboy are known IRL as the Wooga Squad. According to V, “Wooga” is short for the Korean phrase, “Woori-ga gajok-inga?” which literally means, “Are we family?”.
Set in the Joseon period the costumes are beautiful even if their hair wasn’t. If you’re paying attention you’ll notice Park Seo-Jun’s hair changes several times because they just couldn’t get something they liked. In one episode it went from long to shorter, back to longer. Turns out they shot this in the middle of the summer heat and everyone was sweating to death.
The OST (original soundtrack) from Hwarang is on my Korean Artists Playlist on Spotify. It features music from both Park Seo-Jun, Park Hyun-Sik, as well as a song with V and Jin. Every time I hear the songs they take me back to Hwarang.
Would I watch it again? Maybe. I did enjoy Hwarang but there are so many unseen K-dramas on my list I’d probably choose first that I’d be more likely to skim a couple of episodes just to relive the fun.
Which actor stars in 2020’s Itaewon Class with Park Seo-Jun?
Which actor stars in Heirs with Park Hyung-Sik?
Which actor stars in 2020’s It’s Okay to Not Be Okay?
Which actor is in 2021’s Start Up?
Released: December 2016, Episodes: 20
Cast: Park Seo-Jun (Moo Myung / Sun Woo Rang), Park Hyung-Sik (Sam Maek Jong / Ji Dwi Rang), Kim Tae-Hyung (Han Sung Rang), Minho (Soo Ho Rang), Do Ji-Han (Ban Ryu Rang), Jo Yoon-Woo (Yeo Wool Rang), Go Ara (A-Ro), FULL CAST
