Season 1 of the drama Hwarang is an interesting combination of history, romance, and friendship in the Kingdom of Silla in the ancient times. The series follows the development of the elite group of warrior youth, known as Hwarang, who take part in the capital city, Seorabeol, where they grow up by loving, being loyal, and administering justice. Their transformation to great people who make history and their efforts to become great is beautifully captured in the story with such characters as Moo Myung, Sam Maek Jong, and Yeo Wool acting as an interesting core. Their personal struggle is skillfully mingled with the bigger politics in the series, and it creates a vibrant mosaic of ambition, honor and destiny.
This is further enriched by the political context that sees Queen Jiso play the role of regent who has to deal with threats posed by power hungry nobles. Her wily decision to form the Hwarang as a new elite force is meant to undermine the power of the nobles since she has to secure the future of her son. In the background, the young King Sam Maek Jong, and Kim Sun-woo, who is a commoner with dark secrets give the story an added twist of intrigue and suspense. The show has a balance between politics in the palace and the self-development of the young warriors focusing more on the theme of unity, justice, and the betterment of the future. The relationships between the characters are touching and at times challenged, and they show the progress of the characters who are uninhibited youths and mature leaders.
The most striking thing was the friendship, love, and chase of justice in the series presented in the midst of chaos and power games. It brings back the feeling of the youthful passion and idealism, and also brings back the reflection of the sophisticated aspects of the leadership and loyalty. The theatrics, particularly, performed by Park Seo Joon and Kim Tae Hyung (V) are sincere and heartfelt. The first season of “Hwarang” is an inspirational show that can captivate the audience with its historical and emotional approach to the story, so it is an intriguing viewing experience that glorifies development, friendship, and optimism.
