Saturday, 8 August 2015

TSWWTN: Episodes 9 & 10






THE SCHOLAR WHO WALKS THE NIGHT
EPISODES 9 & 10






Poster to promote 'The Scholar Who Walks The Night' DVD / Blu-ray


Handsome Joseon scholar, Kim Sung Yeol:  sad eyes


Masked: Lee Joon Gi's amazing eyes


Good-looking Lee Joon Gi: Nice Eyes

Kim Sung Yeol: Tears in his eyes


Sexy Vampire Kim Sung Yeol


Long-haired vampire


Lee Joon Gi: Is he winking at us?


Smiling eyes: Lee with his look of happiness


Sexy vampire asleep







WOULD YOU THROW
THE WOMAN YOU LOVE
TO THE WOLVES?
EPISODE 9



It may be perverse to begin talking about romantic love that may have dire consequences on one or both parties. Kim Sung Yeol, played by Lee Joon Gi, in the historical fantasy drama, 'The Scholar Who Walks The Night’ goes to great lengths to maintain his stand that he is not in love with Jo Yang Sun, to prevent his 120 year-old mission from being thwarted. His mission is to lay his hands on Crown Prince Jung Hyun's diary and get rid of the evil vampire, Gwi from the Joseon world.


Crown Prince Jung Hyun's diary


Nefarious: vampire Gwi


He has been living a celibate lifestyle without a lover or wife by his side for over 120 years. It is probably his way of doing penance for the death of his beloved Lee Myung Hee, who has sacrificed her life for him. He has lost her because of the conflicts in the vampire world.

Gwi’s name is a byword for iniquity or evil as he ferociously attacks people who are in his way of getting hold of Prince Jung Hung’s diary, and drink their blood, one after the other.

Would a man who loves a woman throw her to the wolves? Kim Sung Yeol steels himself to proclaim callously that he would do nothing short of sacrificing Jo Yang Sun if the situation demands it. If her death can save the Joseon people, he will do it despite the fact that it hurts him, and he adds dispassionately, he will do more than that if he can wipe Gwi off from the face of the earth! The end is important but the means to that end is equally important to him. If he can defeat Gwi, which is his ultimate purpose of living for more than 120 years, he would stop at nothing to kill him, even at the expense of betraying Jo Yang Sun, and selling her out!The vampire-scholar means business!


Mysterious scholar

Kim Sung Yeol: cold vampire


So, one asks ‘Where is his humanity? Where is his human heart? He puts his mission to kill Gwi above romantic love and loyalty. Perhaps, it is understandable because he is a vampire who has lived with this mission for over 120 years. Gwi’s domination in the Joseon palace has brought unbearable and endless suffering to the people.

Jo Yang Sun, a warm, naïve and idealistic young lady, in contrast, would sacrifice herself for the scholar’s sake. The cold vampire has met his match, someone who would be his conscience. Being a vampire has made him cold and unemotional but meeting a warm-hearted human female in the form of Jo Yang Sun, melts his frozen heart a little.

For a moment the viewers are invited to consider the darker side of this relationship. Viewers are at odds with each other concerning Jo Yang Sun’s attitude towards romantic love.


Vampire: blowing hot and cold


The poor girl envisions a romantic life with a man whom she barely knows. She does not even know that he is a 120 year-old vampire and he is not ready to reveal himself yet. It is less than advisable for anyone to wear their heart on their sleeve under such circumstances. Jo Yang Sun seems guileless. 

The vampire scholar wants to send her to Tamra Island (Jeju Island).  She is being shunted out of his life or driven further out of the vampire’s sight but she does not know the reason.


Map of South Korea


Map of South Korea



Jeju Island / Tamra Island


Jeju in relation to foreign countries


Some viewers despise Jo Yang Sun for her endless loyalty to Kim Sung Yeol, the cold and calculating vampire who is not worthy of her love. They are convinced that she is fighting a losing battle. But some sympathise with her plight, and like her, has high hopes of a beautiful romantic ending.

What accounts for so dramatic a contrast in the viewers’ reaction to “The Scholar Who Walks The Night”? To the realistic-minded people, Jo Yang Sun’s idealistic love is impractical in a very self-centred and individualistic world. It serves no purpose in loving a person, a vampire at that, who is unemotional and cold towards any notion of romantic love. Moreover, he is haunted by his first love. Others, of course, are stalwart die-hard romantics.



Loving two women







THE MOST POIGNANT SCENE
EPISODE 10


The closing scene of Episode 10, is by far, the most poignant scene in the vampire drama, ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’.



Jo Yang Sun is rescued by Kim Sung Yeol


This is the scene that Kim Sung Yeol, played by Lee Joon Gi,  grabs hold of Jo Yang Sun before she falls off the cliff’s edge. She has been tottering precariously at the top of a cliff with a sharp drop. If she has moved, she would have plummeted off the cliff.

The viewers are aghast that she is thinking of hurling herself off the cliff. When she is just a step short of going over the edge, the vampire-scholar Kim Sung Yeol, her knight in shining armour, or should I say, her vampire lover in his glorious black and dark green hanbok  with embroidered plum flowers, comes to her rescue.

This scene is a grotesque reminder that if one is not careful, things might drive one over the edge too. It calls our attention to the obstacles people have in life and the decisions they might have to make to overcome them. Certain things can make or break people and one has to think things through before making choices or decisions.


Kim Sung Yeol saves Jo Yang Sun's life


Earlier, in Episode 9, the viewers learn that Kim Sung Yeol is determined ‘to throw her to the wolves’, that is, to sacrifice Jo Yang Sun’s life as long as he is able to get rid of Gwi. It is a cruel decision that horrifies the audience that one can or would with cold calculation, do anything to achieve one’s aim, even sacrificing someone that one proclaims to love.

If Jo Yang Sun’s crippled sister has not crawled to Kim Sung Yeol’s house to show him her adoptive sister’s (Jo Yang Sun’s) book which is about him and to beg him to save her life, his heart would still be tightly iron-clad and also wrapped further in a thick layer of steel.


Jo Yang Sun's adoptive sister begs the vampire for help


Jo Yang Sun's book about the vampire scholar


The pitiful pleas probably compel him to mull over the issue and reverse his decision to sacrifice her in the process of achieving his aim.



Yook Sungjae  (BTOB)  'Love You Again'


The book stirs Kim Sung Yeol’s memories of the beautiful times they have together: their frolicking in the forest when he notices her beautiful, porcelain-smooth neck, he bedding her (He has, if it can be artfully put, gone to bed with her. It is her first intimate experience with a man), and he carrying her when her leg is injured. But the sweetest of all, is when he kisses her by the riverbank when she is drunk from her drinking bout with Prince Lee Yoon, and then, he tells her that she is in a dream.


The vampire and the bookseller: holding hands in the rain


Jo Yang Sun's pretty neck



Jo Yang Sun's book about him stirs his memories


Kim Sung Yeol: Look of love


Jo Yang Sun tells him not to leave her


Kim Sung Yeol kisses his beloved


Kim Sung Yeol's love for Jo Yang Sun








SUICIDE
IS IT A SOLUTION
TO ONE’S PROBLEMS?
EPISODE 10

Jo Yang Sung has chalked up so many losses in her young life. Who in her right mind could possibly handle them without being destabilized?

1. The death of her adoptive father, Jo Saeng, who, though has fallen on hard times, still accepts her into his family. Her real father, Seo Jeong Do, has died at the hands of Gwi. Jo Saeng loves her more than himself and has sacrificed his life for her. She regrets not being able to save him.


Loving adoptive father: Jo Saeng


Killed: Jo Saeng


Jo Saeng's corpse: Kim Sung Yeol blocks her view


2. The hate of her adoptive mother, who in her mental instability due to the death of her husband, Jo Saeng, is like poison being splashed on her. She accuses Jo Yang Sun of being the cause of her husband’s death and that she will bring more harm to other people because of her biological father’s supposed treachery to the Joseon king. Her adoptive mother’s cruel and harsh words drives her up the wall and tests her endurance. Forbidding her from accompanying them to Tamra Island or Jeju Island is the last straw.


Jo Yang Sun is cast out of the family by her adoptive mother 
because her biological father is a 'traitor' 

3. The Crown Prince, Lee Yoon’s betrayal has also pained Jo Yang Sun. She has been made a slave and the ‘property’ of the local Yeongjo government after his betrayal. Lee Yoon has allowed her to be tortured cruelly by the Deputy Prime Minister for not confessing to be ‘The Lustful Student’. He allows her to take the blame for his crime of being ‘The Lustful Student’ who wants to destroy Gwi. Jo Yang Sun does not want to see him any more after his betrayal. This heartbreaker, has at one stage, declared that if she is a female, he would have made her his lover. How magnanimous of him!


Hard-hearted Crown Prince Lee Yoon


Should we entertain the idea at least for a while, that human beings when forced into a corner might also take the same stance or path as Crown Prince Lee Yoon, who is at Gwi’s mercy? If so, can we or should we sympathize with him? Anyway, he shares the same mission as Kim Sung Yeol, that is, to get rid of Gwi.


Prince Sadong's ghost: Shim Chang-min agonizes over 
helping Jo Yang Sun on seeing his father's ghost


Betrayal: Jo Yang Sun admonishes Crown Prince Lee Yoon


4. Is Kim Sung Yeol a cold-hearted vampire? He blows hot and cold in his emotions. At that crucial time, she has been cold-shouldered by Kim Sung Yeol. Jo Yang Sun, being very vulnerable, comes very close to being mentally and psychologically unhinged or defeated and has nothing left to live for. 

Kim Sung Yeol's ambiguous feelings confuse her and  she does not know whether he really loves her or not.



Love Is Not In His Future Plans: 
Kim Sung Yeol plans to disappear after he defeats Gwi



She is being isolated and has given up hope by the end of Episode 10. She takes Kim Sung Yeol exactly at his word, ‘Go home’, a harsh command spoken by the vampire to her at one stage of the drama. Home, for her at that moment, is death. Does the drama remind us that ‘Life is fragile?’



Kim Sung Yeol shows his love when she is imprisoned

  
Choi Hye Ryung informs Kim Sung Yeol 
about Jo Yang Sun's weakened condition


Kim Sung Yeol heals Yang Sun with his blood in a bath


Kim Sung Yeol kisses Jo Yang Sun after he heals her in the bath


Earlier on, before she is supposed to leave for Tamra Island, Jo Yang Sun has asked Ho Jin, Kim Sung Yeol's aide, about his whereabouts but is told that he is far away in the countryside. It dawns on her that the scholar refuses to see her.

The drama is replete with scenes that seem to depict scales falling from Jo Yang Sun’s eyes, and she finally realises certain truths. She is forced to confront the cold truth about the betrayal of both men in her life. Resist and desist is the best solution to her problem. She should make a strong decision not to have high hopes for her relationship with Kim Sung Yeol.  



Betrayal: The two handsome men in her life, 
Kim Sung Yeol and Crown Prince Lee Yoon


The fear of being a burden to everyone adds to the aggravation, especially when she knows that she is a heavy burden on her family and on the man she loves. She is in no condition to be rational, and being in a disheartened state, she wanders disconsolately to the cliff’s edge.

The heart-palpitating scene sends chills down the viewers’ spines but luckily, it is rendered benign by the appearance of Kim Sung Yeol who grabs her and leads her to safety. 

Prior to that, the viewers are shown the state of great agitation he is in when he is not able to find Jo Yang Sun.  The truth reveals itself. What he has repressed has surfaced in this exciting scene – that he cannot let Jo Yang Sun go.


Kim Sung Yeol: An enigma


Many people in this present era, especially young people, contemplate suicide due to lack of parental love and education, societal influence and today’s deteriorating moral standards. Many are dying immoral deaths like flies. It must be pointed out that it is in the comfort of one’s home which establishes the moral tone of and the purpose of one’s life and parents are accountable for that.





IS THERE A FUTURE FOR
KIM SUNG YEOL, THE SCHOLAR VAMPIRE
AND
JO YANG SUN THE BOOKSELLER?


The closing scene of Episode 10 is the most romantic scene so far.

Some viewers are agitated that Jo Yang Sung would want to throw her young life away. She is so alive and vivacious, someone who is so lovable, bright, giving, kind and generous – someone whom any right-minded man would want to fall in love with.

There are so many questions that viewers want to ask but at least one is answered by the time Episode 10 draws to an end.

Is there any hope for this vampire-human relationship between Kim Sung Yeol and Jo Yang Sun?


A Fan's creative artwork


When Kim Sung Yeol saves her from an uncertain death, there can be little doubt about his love for her,   and it is vividly portrayed. He sidesteps his own conflict about romantic love.


What an ingenious reversal of the love story by the writer of the script.


Lovebirds


But no one’s complaining. Viewers love this lovey-dovey romance. Well, who doesn’t? At least, the script writer clearly tells us that there is a future for a romance between a cold-blooded vampire with a half-vampire, half-human heart, and a warm-blooded human being who is all heart.


Healing in a tub


So in this regard, Kim Sung Yeol is shown to appeal to the better instincts in himself – his pure romantic instincts and responding to considerations of morals and honour, not cold calculation. Jo Yang Sun symbolises his conscience in his vampire life. Mind you, don’t dismiss such incongruous youthful love with disparaging off-handedness!


Kim Sung Yeol: Playful look



The crowning touch in this episode of the drama, ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’ lay in the message that this vampire-human romance would work out after all.


Couple in love







HOW DO
THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES
FARE IN THIS DRAMA?

Detractors should not jump to a conclusion too soon and should watch the drama with a positive mind. 

Foreigners who want to understand and learn about Korea should watch this drama.

Viewers love the litany of romantic stories in the drama which make up the heart of the story.

Fans of the drama would want to commend the scriptwriter’s sensitivity to the complexities of romantic love and her profound respect for the value of the characters who make up this very compelling story.


Lee Joon Gi: Amazing acting skills


And of course, Lee Joon Gi, who helms the drama, is as usual, always perfect in his role as Kim Sung Yeol. Lavish praises have been continually heaped on him by his fans, the public and the press. He impresses in all ways: his good looks, his impressive portrayal as the cold vampire and his interpretation of his role.

Great actor

Lee Joon Gi as Kim Sung Yeol


Lee Yu Bi and Jang Hee Jin are highly commended for their credible and emotional portrayal of their respective characters.


Lee Yu Bi: well appreciated by viewers


Lee Yu Bi is very natural and sweet and is very suitable for the role of Jo Yang Sun. The portrayal of a very sunny and vivacious character at the beginning has won her new fans. Her tears of sadness drive a wedge into the viewers’ hearts and make them sympathise with her and her situation.


Jang Hee Jin: Impressive


Soo Yang: beautiful gisaeng


Soo Yang: devoted companion


Soo Yang: Unrequited love


Jang Hee Jin’s portrayal as a gisaeng and also Kim Sung Yeol’s confidante, Soo Hyang, is absolutely impressive with her submissive demeanour when she expresses her love for him, and her strength when dealing with the business of the vampire. Her thwarted or unrequited love makes one’s heart heavy with sadness. Her connection with the viewers is real and one can feel her hurting especially in Episode 10 when Kim Sung Yeol goes into the tub of water with Jo Yang Sun. She has also won critical acclaim for her acting.


And of course, Jung Kyu Soo, who plays the pitiful character, Jo Saeng, the adoptive father of Jo Yang Sun, makes one pity the old man who has to bear so many secrets and burdens in his life. His voice adds an interesting touch to the character.


Jung Kyu Soo as Jo Saeng


Max Shim Chang Min has also exceeded expectations by portraying the weak Crown Prince who could not protect the girl he claims to love. His declaration, ‘If you are a woman, I’ll make you my lover’, leaves a bad taste in the mouth especially when he does not prevent her from being tortured. One wants to hate him. But his portrayal as a happy playboy prince in the earlier episodes is so sweet that one’s heart towards him melts and softens.


Handsome Crown Prince


Max Shim Chang Ming


Viewers must have cried buckets while watching the two episodes.




Parents should sit down with their children, young or of marriageable age, to watch the drama, “The Scholar Who Walks The Night”  and then discuss:

The Birds and the Bees
Boy-Girl Relationships
Filial Piety
The Respect That Their Sons Should Show To The Opposite Sex
Solving The Problems Of Life Without Resorting To Suicide










Saturday, 1 August 2015

TSWWTN: EPISODE 7


KIM SUNG YEOL
The One-Man Army
(Episode 7)
LEE JOON GI
THE ACTION STAR


Kim Sung Yeol: 2015 Stunning vampire


Similar AMAZING Looks:  Lee Joon Gi (l) (2005) in 'The King and The Clown' and 
Lee Joon Gi (r) (2015) in 'The Scholar Who Walks The Night'


Lee Joon Gi: 2015 Drop dead gorgeous vampire with long hair

Lee Joon Gi: 2015 Sexy long-haired vampire


Lee Joon Gi: 2015 Hunky vampire


Lee Joon Gi: 2005  -  sensual Joseon clown


Lee Joon Gi: 2005  -  attractive Joseon clown


Kim Sung Yeol: 2015 Handsome vampire


Lee Joon Gi:  in a playful mood



https://instagram.com/p/5u7VYHAobJ/?taken-by=actor_jg



Lee Joon Gi: High-spirited and full of fun

https://instagram.com/p/5oCa-pAoTY/?taken-by=actor_jg



Lee Joon Gi: Happy look




Handsome vampire showing fangs


It is easy to understand why the saguek vampire drama, 'The Scholar Who Walks The Night’ catches fire so easily.  It has become a hot topic and has garnered far reaching support and fame. There could be a combination of reasons for it: excellent actors and actresses, a marvellous director, imaginative scriptwriters, creative costume designers, a talented cinematographer, an experienced stunt coordinator and dedicated post production staff.


Far away look


But it cannot be denied that the leading actor or actress is the main reason. In this drama, Korean heartthrob, Lee Joon Gi, who crafts the iconic vampire hero, has grabbed well-deserved attention with his good looks and great acting talents. In a certain segment of Episode 7 of the drama, he spends some time in action. He has drawn attention with his impressive action stunts. Welcome to the world of Lee Joon Gi.

In that exciting segment, Kim Sung Yeol, played by Lee Joon Gi, is shown in an amazing and riveting showdown with a horde of Joseon soldiers. How does one gain leverage when one is alone in an unarmed or bare-handed fight against the heavily armed sword-wielding militia? Kim Sung Yeol is compelled to be a ‘one-man army’, and being a lone crusader, it is unsurprising if the militia perceives him as weak.

Masterfully crafted to be tension-inducing, Kim Sung Yeol’s ‘empty hand’ or unarmed fighting skills and techniques are contrasted with the sword-wielding power of the militia.

It is a well-known fact that Lee Joon Gi is quite an expert in martial arts having obtained black belts for three types of such arts, Taekwondo, Taekkyeon and Hapkido. The awesome fight choreography with select moves from the 3 martial arts styles shows high octane action-packed scenes that have made a huge impact on the viewers.

The action is graceful and fluid but Kim Sung Yeol’s martial arts segment is all over in slightly less than one minute. Viewers are mesmerised by the dance-like appearance of Kim Sung Yeol’s fluid and flexible body, leg and hand movements. The action scenes should have lasted longer as viewers love to watch Lee Joon Gi in action with all his heart-stopping martial arts moves.

Kim Sung Yeol causes mayhem by performing an amazing feat of throwing the sword-swinging fighters and assailants into a panic and he eventually defeats and kills the goons all single-handedly.

As viewers watch him fight on precarious sloping grounds, their excitement heightens. There is no question about him having a brush with death. By the looks of it, it is a foregone conclusion that he would emerge victorious. Kim Sung Yeol uses a combination or combo of martial arts styles which include punching, kicking, thrusting and throwing.





KIM SUNG YEOL
THE CONFRONTATION
WITH THE MILITIA

a 'one-man' army against the militia


Kim Sung Yeol: Putting on his stunning hanbok

Kim Sung Yeol in a classy hanbok

Kim Sung Yeol looks regal in the diaphanous hanbok


When Kim Sung Yeol is informed by his aide, Ho Jin, that scholars and professors are being rounded up for having collaborated with the mysterious book writer named 'Lustful Student', he immediately rushes to the scene to rescue them.


Ho Jin, Kim Sung Yeol's aide


At the place of confrontation, the viewer is shown a long shot of the Joseon literati being marched off under the orders of the Prime Minister to board a ship to an unknown destination instead of being brought to the palace.


Kim Sung Yeol: Mysterious scholar


Suddenly, the mysterious vampire scholar, Kim Sung Yeol, drops in for a visit. At this point the camera lens moves from the long shot of the scene to focus on the close-up on Kim Sung Yeol’s face.

The lens focuses on Kim Sung Yeol from above. His handsome face is in sharp focus, and the viewers, with a point of view shot, see his face cast downwards. The drama director’s love for close-ups of Lee Joon Gi is undeniable. Is it too close for comfort? Certainly no, and absolutely not! Fans love those shots! The more, the merrier.

The mystery of Kim Sung Yeol is enhanced with his face partially hidden. His regal bearing, dignified presence and stern composure chill the atmosphere. In this segment, Kim Sung Yeol looks grim and forbidding all the time, and his cold, intense and unflinching stare magnifies the image.






The head of the militia orders Kim Sung Yeol to move aside


Then there is a medium shot of the scene which is filled with tension. Trouble is in the air. Kim Sung Yeol confronts the militia. Then the lens zooms in on Kim Sung Yeol’s enigmatic eyes. The Head of the militia asks him who he is.

Viewers love to watch Kim Sung Yeol’s inscrutable, cold look and demeanour, and listen to his slow, modulated and sexy voice as he confesses that he is the 'Lustful Student'. That voice of his adds a hint of mystery to the vampire scholar. 

His few words are spoken in a calm, measured tone as opposed to the loud, rough, rapid-fire hoarse hollers of the head of the militia who, in response, immediately orders the militia to attack Kim Sung Yeol.

There is a medium shot of the scene as the soldiers quickly advance towards Kim Sung Yeol and lurch at him with their razor-sharp swords. He simultaneously lunges at them,   and with his fists, he punches the first two wretched soldiers and then makes a half turn to dodge the sharp blade of a sword, and gives a kick to ward off the other swords.


Kim Sung Yeol: Fighting the militia






Hanbok: beautiful Lotus floral motifs


 Lotus flower


Then the camera is lifted into the air and it gives a crane shot, a long shot from above, and viewers watch awe-struck as Lee Joon Gi shows some dazzling and breathtakingly   fancy footwork as he moves circularly. He swings his hands and legs and gives high Taekkyeon kicks as he spins around bringing his hanbok flying in a magical swirling, fluid, dance-like circular movement. He seems relaxed and flies in the air as he tries to gain momentum to incapacitate his attackers with thrusts, flooring them with his bare hands. It also looks like he has used Hapkido or Taekwondo ‘soft’ movement to deflect his attacker in this sequence.

Kim Sung Yeol's classy and beautifully designed creamy white Po (the outer hanbok robe) with its  pale mauve, mustard and grey lotus motifs, black durumagi with wide sleeves and white baji (loose pants) float powerfully and make a pretty white and black flurry as they fly in the air until the hanbok finally settles gracefully. Lee Joon Gi indeed can be compared to a graceful Olympic gymnast for making the diaphanous hanbok swirl effortlessly in circular motion.

The Minimalist concept is being adopted for the hanboks (except for Gwi's robes) in this drama. The simplicity and streamlined cutting lines seem to project the elegance and classiness of the hanbok.

The colours of Kim Sung Yeol's hanbok are in harmony with nature. The lotus flower is the Buddhist symbol of detachment and purity of the body.






Kim Sung Yeol deflects the sharp blade of a sword

As the camera lovingly caresses the swirling hanbok, it is lowered and shows Kim Sung Yeol landing on the ground. It only takes him an instant to get his breath back. That moment prepares the viewers for an almost impossible move that showcases how Kim Sung Yeol deflects the sharp blade of a sword. Kim Sung Yeol is unarmed and is about to be slashed by the sword. Viewers are mesmerised as he deftly reaches out with both hands to stop the razor-sharp blade. He grabs and turns the sword-wielding soldier around and gives him a fatal thrust in the chest which sends the victim flying back. Kim Sung Yeol looks invincible then, and yet, so vulnerable.


Kim Sung Yeol blocking a blade bare-handed


Viewers do express admiration for that particular scene but one begins to think whether grabbing a sword by the blade is believable or not. Can a skilled martial artist be able to block a blade with his bare hands? Sharp blades can cut one’s hands. The vampire might be in danger of having some flesh being sliced off. In reality, how do martial artists do it? Those in the know might confide that trained martial artists use hand protection metal grips to pull this technique off, and no one is any wiser. But then, Kim Sung Yeol is a vampire, and ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’ is a fantasy tale, so nothing is impossible!


Kim Sung Yeol: grabbing the sword by the blade






Lee is able to perform the spring-like leap of a tiger


Then, the oohing and aahing continues as the camera moves on to show a stunning sight, one of Lee Joon Gi’s fantastic gymnastic manoeuvres. The camera captures his jaw-dropping spring-like leap of a tiger which seamlessly blend into a spectacular and heart-stopping powerful somersault which can be compared to that performed by a graceful Olympic gymnast! The camera gives side, rear and frontal views of the athletic vampire scholar, presenting the viewer with very clear visuals of Lee Joon Gi’s incredible somersault.   And before he lands on his feet, he lets fly the bidirectional kicks of Hapkido to dislodge his attackers.

Viewers, at this point, are kept on the edge of their seats and their eyes are glued to the screen. Kim Sung Yeol bends backwards and arches his chest, a very impressive dramatic action, in order to avoid the blows of his attackers. This shows Lee Joon Gi’s amazing physical flexibility, and all that is probably due to his rigorous martial arts training routines.






Kim Sung Yeol can perform the 'Two arm shoulder throw'


Then there is this fantastic two arm shoulder throw. It is certain that none of the viewers’ minds have wandered at all at this point because they must be wondering how Kim Sung Yeol is able to grip the two men, one on each side of his body. It may be easy to throw one person. Two opponents? Wow! The double arm shoulder throw is really powerful. In that scene, he suddenly grabbed them and threw them onto the ground. This quick grab of their arms upsets his opponents' balance. He pulls them and throws them over his shoulders and disconnects from them. It is amazing that Kim Sung Yeol himself is able to stand balanced and firmly on the ground while his two opponents are thrown off-balanced and unconscious.

Finale: The fight is over


In the finale, Kim Sung Yeol makes his fight with the commander of the militia seem like child's play. It is swift and sweet. He gives a powerful thrust to the man’s chest who immediately falls down dead!








Kim Sung Yeol: smiling to himself


All the thrilling and well-choreographed action sequences fuel the viewers’ appetite for more of Lee Joon Gi in action.

Most viewers are martial arts illiterate and cannot differentiate between the various techniques. Who bothers whether they are Taekwondo, Taekkyeon or Hapkido techniques anyway? Today, the martial art schools cannot really lay definite claim on certain common techniques as they themselves have absorbed different skills from the various martial arts schools and they have become quite eclectic. As far as viewers are concerned, as long as they get to see Lee Joon Gi displaying a combo of all his amazing martial arts skills, they are already fully satisfied.


Kim Sung Yeol: superb martial arts skills


Seeing such superb skills of Lee Joon Gi is enough to send parents scurrying to send their kids to such martial arts classes. This drama, 'The Scholar Who Walks The Night' would most likely boost the promotion of Korean martial arts overseas. Koreans should be proud to have so many expert masters to guide them but in other places, people have to make do with very few experts to teach them. Perhaps females should also learn some of these techniques for self-defence purposes.

Viewers are amazed that Lee Joon Gi has amassed such amazing martial arts skills. But then, it is not just a matter of    the accumulation of a wide repertoire of skills and techniques but also the possession of good coordination and physical flexibility that make an excellent martial artist. 

Li Joon Gi’s physical flexibility and talents are simply amazing. His martial arts skills will make the actor a household name, if he is not already, in the foreign countries where the drama, ‘The Scholar Who Walks The Night’ is shown.


Kim Sung Yeol: An amazing countenance


For this magical segment of Episode 7, we have to congratulate not only the actor, Lee Joon Gi but also the director, Lee Sung Joon, the scriptwriters, the cameraman, the wardrobe design department, the editing team and the fight coordinator for such an exciting, fluid and seamless storytelling.