This vampire series draws inspiration from the Transylvanian horror of Count Dracula. Also, it is adapted from the manhwa with the same title written by Jo Joo-hee and illustrated by Han Seung-hee. It is a captivating story of love, loyalty, and sacrifice that feels both timeless and uniquely Korean. Set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty, the drama elevates the vampire genre beyond simple bloodlust and immortality. Instead, it weaves a tale about love, sacrifice, loyalty, and the never-ending struggle between good and evil.
The series is deeply rooted in Korean history and folklore. Also, it features beautiful cinematography, elegant hanbok costumes, and atmospheric settings that include a dark palace and a mysterious underground cave. Without a doubt, the series presents one of the strongest protagonist-antagonist rivalries in K-drama vampire history. Good versus evil is clearly defined, with little moral ambiguity or gray areas to blur the conflict.
(played by Lee Soo-Hyuk, “S-Line”, “Queen Woo”, “Tomorrow”, “Doom at Your Service”, “Born Again”, “Sweet Stranger and Me”, “Scholar Who Walks the Night”, “White Christmas”)
There is an evil vampire who serves as the hidden force behind the kingdom’s ruthless political conspiracies and palace intrigues. For generations, Yoon Gwi has influenced the succession of kings, controlling the kingdom through fear, secrecy, and bloodshed. He understands that greed and the lust for power are the greatest weaknesses of royals, nobles, and court officials. They willingly sell their souls to him, allowing him to make all of Joseon his subjects. The king’s women are offered to him as part of the bargain.
(played by Lee Joon-Gi, “Flower of Evil”, “Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun”, “Two Weeks”, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo”, “Scholar Who Walks the Night”, “Gunman in Joseon”, “Arang and the Magistrate”, “Il Ji-Mae: The Phantom Thief”)
There is a good vampire who is much more than a supernatural being. This noble scholar has spent more than a century living as a vampire. He is a tragic hero who uses his immortality to protect innocent people and secretly wage war against Yoon Gwi. His battle against Yoon Gwi transcends personal revenge; it is a fight for the future of an entire kingdom. He made a promise to the crown prince long ago to find a legendary document believed to contain the key to defeating Yoon Gwi. Joseon will be freed from the grip of Yoon Gwi, that wicked menace who believes he will live forever.
Fortunately, Kim Sung-yeol does not carry this burden alone. He receives support from members of the royal family and others who refuse to surrender their souls to evil. Even more surprising to him, a woman enters his life and reopens a heart he believed was forever closed, allowing him to love again.
“Scholar Who Walks the Night” combines historical fantasy, romance, political intrigue, and gothic horror better than almost any K-drama released before or since. The series established a blueprint against which every subsequent Korean vampire drama is measured.
Where to Watch: Viki, KOCOWA+, and The Roku Channel
My personal rating matches the Viki viewers.
“Scholar Who Walks the Night” is one of the best Korean vampire dramas I have watched. I discovered the series as a K-drama beginner with little experience watching Korean horror dramas. The combination of supernatural suspense, compelling characters, and strong performances from Lee Joon-Gi and Lee Soo-Hyuk immediately captured my attention. For fans of fantasy and horror, this Korean vampire drama is an excellent choice. It also belongs on every Halloween K-drama watch list.
Scholar Who Walks the Night Korean Drama Review. | Kdrama Kisses
Flash Review: Scholar Who Walks The Night. | The Fangirl Verdict
Scholar Who Walks the Night – An Underrated Vampire Series. | The Silver Petticoat Review
Scholar Who Walks the Night Korean Drama Review. | Funcurve
Leejoongitalianfamily 2. “Trailer Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015) Sub Ita/Eng/Esp.” YouTube, 14 Jun. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UArSnKa1FqI.
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