TSWWTN: EPISODE 17

THE SCHOLAR WHO WALKS THE NIGHT EPISODE 17

Kim Sung Yeol:  Drop-dead Gorgeous vampire

Vampire practising his lines

Vampire-beast with long hair

A different vampire

Lee Joon Gi: A look of happiness

Lee Joon Gi: His helium balloon

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EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL CONFLICTS

EXTERNAL CONFLICT

South Korea’s heartthrob Lee Joon Gi’s acting is nothing short of earth-shattering and stupendous in the memorable Episode 17 of ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’.  In this episode, Lee is involved in external and internal conflicts. Kim Sung Yeol silhouetted at the entrance of the underground palace The episode opens with an external conflict between Kim Sung Yeol and Gwi. Gwi is trying to strangle Jo Yang Sun and suddenly Kim Sung Yeol’s presence looms large at the entrance of Gwi’s ‘underground palace’. His silhouette moves forward. Gwi: Furious Underground palace: Fight between Kim Sung Yeol and Gwi ‘So, you’ve finally come!’ Gwi spits out the words. Gwi spills out that he knows that Jo Yang Sung is part of the secret plan that will send him to his doom. He is gripping her tightly against him and traces his index finger on the scar on her left shoulder and violently digs his finger into it. Probably, his thick fingernails are pointed and jagged, causing blood to ooze out easily. Jo Yang Sun cries out as she is racked with pain. Gwi's cruelty Gwi’s cruelty makes the viewers skin crawl. Kim Sung Yeol’s face and eyes are contorted with searing pain. The evil deed makes his blood boil. Gwi: evil vampire Ignoring Kim Sung Yeol, Gwi reveals he is shocked to learn that Jo Yang Sun is from his bloodline. He boasts that he has already drunk the blood of all the women from his bloodline but nothing has ever happened to him. He scornfully asks whether he would die from drinking Jo Yang Sun's blood and bends his head provocatively to drink her blood. Kim Sung Yeol flies into action and kicks him out of the way. Gwi threatens to kill both women in front of Kim Sung Yeol. Kim Sung Yeol: Horrors! Kim Sung Yeol does not say much in this sequence. He uses his eyes and voice to express his wrath. He snarls and growls as he fights Gwi but Gwi is too powerful for him.  He is thrown unconscious to the ground. Kim Sung Yeol: Creepy Gwi sneers at Kim Sung Yeol. Upon hearing that Kim Sung Yeol’s humanity has made him weak, Jo Yang Sung hurriedly lifts the top of her hanbok or jeogori and sucks out some blood from her recent wound to revive him. Jo Yang Sun gives blood to her beloved Jo Yang Sun gives her blood to Kim Sung Yeol With the blood in her mouth, she transfers it into his mouth. The blood seeps in and immediately, he revives. He growls like a beast. Does one detect his euphoria after the feeding? His facial muscles twitch and his eyes look otherworldly. He is energized and seems powerful because he suddenly shoots up from the ground to arm wrestle Gwi. This superior strength of Kim Sung Yeol has not been seen before. His eyes are the eyes of evil and those of a savage cannibalistic beast. His eyebrows are raised and his protuberant eyes flutter open. Ferocity. Cruelty.  These are the words to describe his eyes. His eyes dilate with savagery and flash with insanity. His mouth curves into a snarl. Kim Sung Yeol does not seem to recognise Jo Yang Sun. Kim Sung Yeol: Contemptuous look Kim Sung Yeol flies into the air, his black hanbok and white baji swirl in clouds of white and black in the dim light of the underground palace. When he gives the evil vampire a right hook, his eyes are glowing. They appear round and wide, and they glint and shimmer in the dark.  Kim Sung Yeol has a look that is full of evil contempt. His mouth, twisted and lopsided, forms an ugly smirk. His voice is full of disdain for his weakened enemy.  Kim Sung Yeol:  Twisted, lopsided smirk The viewers shudder in horror at the changed Kim Sung Yeol. Part of the terror that rises from the heart of the viewers stems from dramatic ugly changes in Kim Sung Yeol’s appearance. The hair on one’s neck stands on end. Gwi: Defeated The two vampires trade insults as they exchange blows. Gwi snarls but Kim Sung Yeol proves to be more powerful and agile, and holds onto  the other vampire with an iron grip. He swings his enemy round and throws him to the ground. Hunched and menacing, he flies at Gwi and  throws him once again. Gwi’s injuries cause him to crawl. Gwi: Injured The next thing the viewers know is that Kim Sung Yeol has emerged from the underground palace with his eyes downcast and his spine curved as in the manner of a wild predatory beast of prey. He seems savage, cruel, ruthless, fierce and wild all rolled into one. He lifts his head and moves it in a circle and roll his eyes. His eyes seem hyper-dilated. He makes some otherworldly sounds. Kim Sung Yeol then smiles his hideous smile. Kim Sung Yeol: Superpower He is so powerful that he could throw the soldiers high against the wall. After defeating all the soldiers, he gives a menacing look at the power-hungry Prime Minister but leaves without hurting him. The Prime Minister: Stunned It is morning  and Kim Sung Yeol has a need for blood. The need for fresh blood snaps Kim Sung Yeol into focus. He looks like a crazy, deranged beast with his fangs creepily extending. He looks skywards, his eyes close and he smiles in smugness, and then he lowers his head. He opens his eyes again and seems to be thinking in anticipation of his future pleasurable feeding.  This vampire is picky. No, he’s not going to suck ordinary blood, but only Jo Yang Sun’s blood.

INTERNAL CONFLICT THE MOST ICONIC SCENE

The drama, ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’ has a whole load of interesting and suspenseful episodes which showcase Lee Joon Gi’s impressive acting skills. Episode 17 will definitely be career-defining for Lee Joon Gi. If one were to say that the display of Lee’s skills is earth-shattering, would it be overstating it? But definitely, the scene where he is seen being embroiled in his internal conflict shows the actor’s great acting range. It is the most iconic scene and episode and Lee Joon Gi’s performance has garnered incredibly enthusiastic response from the viewers and rave reviews from the media.

In this iconic scene in episode 17, Lee Joon Gi’s facial and eye expressions, his tone of voice, his body movement, the language of his body, his bearing and his mannerisms bring the character, Kim Sung Yeol to life. His acting has an explosive effect on the viewers. This is an interesting scene that one can revisit again.

Shocked: Vampire in broad daylight Kim Sung Yeol: Disoriented Morning has arrived and vampire Kim Sung Yeol goes out for some fresh air. As he walks, he casts intense looks at the people. Unbeknownst to Kim Sung Yeol, his appearance is that of a wild beast. Hunched and disoriented, he stares with glazed eyes at the passers-by. He is oblivious of the fact that remnants of his feeding - streaks of dried blood, can still be clearly seen on his chin. There seems to be a temporary loss of memory on his part. Kim Sung Yeol: Bewildered Kim Sung Yeol: Utter confusion The people fear him. Everyone tries hastily to steer clear of him. He is confused and wonders why they are giving him a wide berth. They, too, are confused and have been misled into thinking that he is Gwi, the vampire who lives in the palace.  Kim Sung Yeol: Crushing a stone into powder Kim Sung Yeol: Puzzling behaviour of the people A man even pelts him with a stone which he deftly catches and crushes into powder in the palm of his hands. Viewers sympathise with him as they watch him looking around in utter confusion. There is that barest hint of sadness and bewilderment in his eyes as he pathetically contemplated their weird response towards him. Kim Sung Yeol:  Intense stare The hum of voices creep into his consciousness. Confusion floods his mind, drowning him in self-doubt and uncertainty. His eyes harden and fear crosses his features. Overwhelmed by conflicting voices which invade his mind, he clutches his head which is heavy and over-burdened with pain. Kim Sung Yeol: Uncertainty

Kim Sung Yeol seems to be in agony and runs desperately into the forest, where he takes refuge. There is an uneasy feeling when one sees him continuously running as if he is fleeing from something and wanting to be left in the privacy of his own company. Has he been attacked by social phobia? Kim Sung Yeol: Self-doubt State of Bewilderment: Kim Sung Yeol Symbolically, the forest is a dangerous place that harbours mysterious demons. It also symbolises the dark hidden realm of one's unconsciousness where one is tested.  Vampire Kim Sung Yeol is actually entering the wilderness of the spiritual world, where he is compelled to confront his inner darkness.  There is an internal battle going on in his head and he is bewildered. The vampire has to find himself, and if he succeeds, he would emerge from his difficult situation with a more developed humanity. Kim Sung Yeol:  dark side This extraordinary scene describes the internal conflict, ‘The Clash of Two Powerful Forces’  in Kim Sung Yeol’s head.  It shows Kim Sung Yeol’s original self, in black robes, being troubled by his alter egos, his GOOD SELF, the good scholar, and his EVIL SELF, the dark version of himself, the evil vampire. This internal battle of his Good Self and Evil Self is shown in a dreamscape that occurs in his mind. Decision: Good or Evil?

Conflicting voices rise as they debate on whether he, Kim Sung Yeol, should retain his humanity or discard it. If he drinks his beloved Jo Yang Sun’s blood, he would be able to finally complete his 120-year old mission of destroying Gwi. It means that he would sacrifice her life (a means) to kill Gwi (an end).  The disconcerting question of ethics, of whether he should take whatever action is necessary just to achieve his aim, is posed here. This is the classic Shakespearean question: To sacrifice Jo Yang Sun or not to sacrifice Jo Yang Sun? He has to decide whether he would retain his humanity, or lose his humanity. If he chooses to sacrifice her, in the end, he would definitely suck her blood dry and transform totally into a full-fledged evil vampire. The Forest: Confronting one's demons The forest is the place where he has to confront his demons. The camera revolves around him, circling him as he struggles mentally in his bewildered state. The Forest: Realm of unconsciousness

Kim Sung Yeol: Inner Conflict Kim Sung Yeol's EVIL SELF tells him that he is superior to human beings, and that he should not to forget his mission that he has embraced for 120 years. ‘You have wasted so many years but it doesn’t matter since you have countless of years ahead of you as a vampire. But, remember Lee Myung Hee, your former beloved, and Crown Prince Jung Hyun of 120 years ago, and why they died.

Voices in the Mind Internal Battle Kim Sung Yeol pitifully bellows to the EVIL VOICE to stop tormenting him. He clutches his head in utter confusion and he closes his eyes tightly, as if to shut out the voice. He does not seem to know where the voice comes from. He looks around him imagining seeing things. He drops to his knees on the forest floor, closing his eyes and gripping his head. Then his eyes open in astonishment as he hears another voice.

Good Self Kim Sung Yeol’s head is the battle field for his internal struggle between his humanity and his vampiric nature, the classic struggle between the good and the bad of the human soul. This internal conflict in his head is now being played out on the screen: Kim Sung Yeol, his GOOD SELF and his EVIL SELF.

Kim Sung Yeol with his Good Self Kim Sung Yeol’s GOOD SELF, who is dressed in his minimalist azure blue and sapphire hanbok, has stepped out from the shadows and questions him, ‘Are you planning to become a vampire like Gwi?’ ‘Have you forgotten what you have fought for all this time?’  He wants to remind Kim Sung Yeol that he is different from other vampires. He is a vampire with a human heart and has been struggling to retain his humanity throughout his vampire life. He must never lose that humanity in him.

Kim Sung Yeol: Confused His EVIL SELF tells his GOOD SELF to zip his mouth. Upon goading by his EVIL SELF, Kim Sung Yeol loses control of his rationality. He springs up and grips the throat of his GOOD SELF in order to suppress the voice of his conscience.

Kim Sung Yeol and his Evil Self Suddenly, his EVIL SELF appears and orders Kim Sung Yeol to kill his GOOD SELF. Viewers are all agog when Kim Sung Yeol’s EVIL SELF makes a grand entrance. He creates a ginormous impact on the viewers. There are dramatic changes in Kim Sung Yeol’s EVIL SELF. Lee Joon Gi looks a teeny bit unrecognizable, having undergone some dramatic physical changes. Viewers must have stared in fascination when Kim Sung Yeol’s EVIL SELF makes a dramatic entrance and struts out impressively in his full glory. Although evil, his EVIL SELF is drop-dead gorgeous. He looks so wickedly good and handsomely evil with his blue lenses and with his long straight hair, and dressed in his eye-catching flowing black and white patterned robe. White is a symbol of goodness but black signifies evil. Kim Sung Yeol's EVIL SELF parks himself on the screen like a regal Greek god. To be exact, he is such a fine specimen of a man that it makes it impossible to hate him. Lee Joon Gi is charismatic and his flamboyant display of villainy and arrogance makes Kim Sung Yeol a unique and iconic character. He is a feast for the eyes. Suddenly, the viewers jerk back into reality when Kim Sung Yeol’s EVIL SELF hisses, ‘Why can’t you just discard your humanity? Just kill him!’ Viewers watch him in awe as the demonic, overbearing EVIL SELF teeters on the dark edge of insanity. He mesmerises with his expression of utter disdain for Kim Sung Yeol.

Kim Sung Yeol: Decisions are tough Kim Sung Yeol is in a dilemma. His fingers tighten their hold on his neck of his GOOD SELF. He softens a little at the gentle and warm looks of his GOOD SELF but Kim Sung Yeol is still engaged in a desperate struggles with his decision. He hesitates, hemming and hawing over it.  The misty eyes of his GOOD SELF flicker at him disappointingly and pleads with him not to forget ‘Jo Yang Sun’!

Viewers recoil in horror as Kim Sung Yeol’s EVIL SELF, with his demented eyes and a twisted mouth,  mocks and taunts him about getting cold feet. Lee Joon Gi has brought the beast to life. Kim Sung Yeol’s EVIL SELF questions ‘Why? Is it because you love Jo Yang Sun? Isn’t she the one who is the final descendant of Gwi?’ Are viewers wondering if he is implying that Jo Yang Sun has vampire blood?

Kim Sung Yeol and his Good Self His GOOD SELF reminds him that he, Kim Sung Yeol has sworn that he would not be the cause of his beloved’s death ever again. Lee Myung Hee, his first love, has sacrificed her life for him. Therefore, he should not drink his current beloved, Jo Yang Sun’s blood. If he drinks her blood, he would have inhuman strength while she dies little by little. He should instead think of other plans to defeat Gwi.

Kim Sung Yeol: Evil Self His EVIL SELF, with his a contorted facial expression, uses deceit to argue that ‘The Kim Sung Yeol from 120 years ago is already dead.’  Of course, he is not dead! What his EVIL SELF is, in fact, trying to do is to persuade Kim Sung Yeol to believe that he has lost his humanity and has been transformed into a full-fledged vampire. Therefore, the EVIL SELF, argues that Kim Sung Yeol is not bound by his human instincts and is free as he pleases.

Kim Sung Yeol struggles within himself, between the beast and the angel within. He spins round to face his GOOD SELF, struggling with himself. His face is racked with emotion.

Kim Sung Yeol: Goaded by his Evil Self His EVIL SELF’s jaundiced eyes lances through Kim Sung Yeol’s eyes. When the camera focuses on Kim Sung Yeol’s EVIL SELF, his handsome demeanour has changed. Shockingly, he seems devilish and hideous with his protruding chin and his lopsided callous smirks.

Kim Sung Yeol: Strangling his Good Self Kim Sung Yeol finally releases his GOOD SELF, meaning that he has decided in favour of his humanity rather than his evil, dark Vampire side.

Internal Conflict: Kim Sung Yeol His exasperated EVIL SELF insults him and scathingly condemns him for being weak. Kim Sung Yeol is not ruthless enough, and that is the basic reason why he is not able to defeat Gwi. The light in the EVIL SELF’s evil eyes glints and gleams.

The attempt to rouse Kim Sung Yeol’s feelings has the expected effect. Kim Sung Yeol spins around and strides determinedly towards his EVIL SELF and lashes out at him.

His EVIL SELF argues even if he, Kim Sung Yeol, helps King Lee Yoon to defeat Gwi, history will repeat itself. The kings thereafter will continue to request vampires for help to protect the status quo. He is questioning whether Kim Sung Yeol’s humanity is of any use to the Joseon Kingdom in this respect. Despite the convincing and logical arguments of his EVIL SELF, Kim Sung Yeol seems to have overcome his doubts and arrived at his decision to keep his humanity, so he swings his arm to thrash at the evil vampire. His EVIL SELF shapeshifts and evades the blows. The EVIL SELF does not want to surrender, disappears, reappears and laughs mockingly at him. ‘Do you think humans are nicer than vampires?’ His eyebrows are raised in mockery as he derides Kim Sung Yeol's decision. ‘Vampires have a different way of living. The humans fight for justice but they are even more vicious than vampires.’ ‘You are different and superior to human beings. You can defeat Gwi by drinking Jo Yang Sun’s blood.’ His EVIL SELF disappears and reappears relentlessly in flashes and lunges at him with his bare hands.

Kim Sung Yeol, by this time, having been driven to madness, thrusts out violently at his EVIL SELF but unfortunately, his fist accidentally lands on the stomach of his GOOD SELF. Blood spills out. His GOOD SELF looks helplessly and accusingly at him.

Evil Self: Triumphant His EVIL SELF rejoices and declares that he is now free and encourages him to follow the scent of his beloved’s blood. The world will be at his feet when he drinks her blood. In the final sequence of this struggle, the ugliness of his EVIL SELF is seen. His chin protrudes like that of an evil sorcerer. The jaw-dropping uglying up of the EVIL SELF is shocking. Could the angle of the camera and Lee Joon Gi’s acting have created such artistic facial effects? But truth be told, fans will attest to the fact that  Lee Joon Gi also looks fascinatingly handsome at the same time. The result is iconic. The viewers are fascinated and hooked.

Kim Sung Yeol’s GOOD SELF who has fallen to the ground, with pleading eyes, seems to beg him not to choose the evil path but Kim Sung Yeol laughs crazily. With the death of his GOOD SELF, he suddenly awakens to his evil deed. Both his GOOD AND his EVIL alter-egos disappear and Kim Sung Yeol is left alone in the forest to make his final decision.

The viewers, though pleasantly surprised, had not expected this dramatic twist in the story, and are excitedly anticipating more twists in the finale. Meanwhile, Soo Hyang tells Jo Yang Sun that Kim Sung Yeol, in his beastly state, wants only her blood, and nobody else’s, not even hers. And if and when he drinks her blood, the frightening prospect is that he would lap it all up until she is dead. Gory!

True love: Kim Sung Yeol and Jo Yang Sun The vampire hunter Baek In Ho has a plan to help Jo Yang Sun flee the capital, but their plan fails and they are discovered at the city gate. Evil smirk Kim Sung Yeol suddenly appears to fight their enemies. In the end, Baek In Ho succumbs to his injuries but not before putting his sword through Kim Sung Yeol whom he mistakenly believes has totally lost his humanity. Baek In Ho reminds Kim Sung Yeol to maintain his humanity. Kim Sung Yeol: Fighting Kim Sung Yeol:  handsome vampire Jo Yang Sung gives him a warm hug and holds onto to him from behind. The vampire is touched by her love for him, but his psychological and physical ordeal has taken a toll on him, and he faints. Jo Yang Sun loves Kim Sung Yeol Jo Yang Sun hugs Kim Sung Yeol

THE KING IS DETHRONED

King Lee Yoon previously lacks the moral fibre to be the leader of his people but suddenly, he seems inspired to get his act together. Surprisingly, he even summons up his courage to stab Noh Chang Sun, the grandfather of his former aide, vampire Noh Hak Yong, with his sansa dagger to prevent him from turning into a vampire.  Before his death, Noh Chang Sun had been bitten by his vampire grandson. The Prime Minister brings his underlings to the underground palace and dishes out orders to them to search out the place for King Lee Yoon and Kim Sung Yeol.  The ambitious minister wants to usurp the throne. At that moment, Jo Yang Sun is helped by Soo Hyang and they quickly flee the underground palace. Unexpectedly, they are  confronted by the Prime Minister and his rebel soldiers.  The king orders the rebel soldiers not to arrest the ladies. King Lee Yoon asserts that he is the authority in the palace but the Prime Minister, as an act of treason, orders all of them to be put under arrest. The altercation clearly shows who really is in charge. King Lee Yoon fights off the assailants and luckily, the king’s men appear in time to rescue the king and the two frightened ladies. Before Soo Hyang leaves, she warns the king that Queen Choi Hye Ryung is Gwi’s follower. The growls of a beast could be heard in the distance. Later, the Prime Minister reports to Gwi that King Lee Yoon has helped the two ladies to escape, and they should now plan to dethrone the king. Gwi retorts that since the Prime Minister has orchestrated all of that, he should be the right person to do it. The Prime Minister, being overly ambitious, wants to know who would replace the king if he is deposed. Gwi circumvents the issue and instead, gives him ample warning that should he fail to capture Jo Yang Sun, he would die instead of the girl. Meanwhile, the king tells the queen that he might abdicate. He has wanted to be a strong king and be able to protect her and his subjects, but he is regretful that he has failed. King Lee Yoon: Regret for failing his queen The Prime Minister tries to make the king and the queen bend to his will. He throws them into prison. While in the prison, the queen confesses to King Lee Yoon that she has deceived him and she also discloses that she has been under the power of Gwi since young. The Prime Minister announces that the king will be deposed. Gwi would make the decision as to who would ascend the throne that night. Queen Hye Ryung promises to help her father fulfil his ambitious dream of becoming the next king if he allows her to see Gwi. She also begs him to spare King Lee Yoon’s life. She kneels and begs him so both father and daughter appear before Gwi. She offers to be Gwi’s woman and his right-hand helper if he frees the king. King Lee Yoon is supposedly going to be sent into exile and he is put on a horse with the militia to accompany him. He is relieved of his Dragon robe and his king’s footwear, the heukhwa. The heukhwa, the expensive boot-shaped and water-resistant royal footwear, is replaced by the jipsin, sandals made from straw which are worn by the commoners.    He is wearing his white beoseon, the name for his socks. Wearing his white durumagi and baji, and with his hands  tied with a rope, the king is humbled. His image is that of someone who has fallen from grace. Although humiliated, he proudly gives the Prime Minister a withering look as he sets off. On the way out of the capital, as planned by Gwi, the soldiers set upon King Lee Yoon but he is saved by his own men. Gwi also has his demons to fight. He remembers the night he was visited by Tae Jo, an ambitious human who requests him to get rid of the incumbent royal family and to set up a new royal line of rulers. He, Gwi, can rule the night. But now, Gwi has decided to end that contract with Tae Jo. He wants to ascend the throne as the new King of the Joseon Kingdom. Gwi arrives unceremoniously at the palace meeting in his kingly Dragon robes to the horror of the palace officials and to the disappointment of the Prime Minister.  Gwi is accompanied by Queen Choi Hye Ryung. Well, well, well. It seems that the new king, other than being uncultured, is also not suitably attired for his new role. All the viewers would have noticed and agreed that Gwi has arrogantly appeared before his new subjects without the proper apparel except for his kingly robe which he wears askew. Most likely, he has been confined to his underground palace for so long that he lacks understanding of the aboveground palace protocol.  The falling court standards and the disrespect for the throne and the palace have to be addressed. But who would have the courage to give the new king a dressing down?

EPISODE 17 No wonder the viewers, especially his fans, call Lee Joon Gi ‘The God of Acting’.  He has already been bestowed with an array of grand titles or has added interesting sobriquets to his name. With a new title under his belt, and with all the praises and acting awards being heaped on him, Lee Joon Gi, without a shadow of a doubt, can be considered a sterling example of a superior Asian actor. He stands way above - head and shoulders above the other Korean actors and as well as other Asian actors. He is not just the Best Actor but the most charismatic one in Asia. Who can be better than Lee Joon Gi? For this iconic episode, Episode 17 and his iconic acting, the actor, Lee Joon Gi, has to be congratulated.  But, it goes without saying, that the director, scriptwriters, wardrobe department, cameraman, editing department and the other production departments also play a crucial role in producing such an iconic episode for the saguek drama, ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’.  Congratulations!