Gu Family Book is a historical fantasy about a half human/half gumiho named Choi Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi). Kang Chi’s mother, Seo Hwa (Lee Yeon Hee), was a human and his father, Wol Ryung (Choi Ji Hyuk), was a gumiho. Their tragic love story ended with Kang Chi being raised by another family, unaware of his true nature.
Kang Chi eventually falls for a girl named Yeo Woo (Suzy) and discovers his true identity. He then struggles to hold on to his humanity in the midst of the turmoil that befalls his family.
I love pretty much everything about Gu Family Book. I loved the fantasy element and the romance as well as the classic struggle of battling your true nature to become a good person and protect those that you love. This is one of my favorite roles of Lee Seung Gi, and he just really brings to life the many different sides of Kang Chi’s character.
The first couple episodes focus on Kang Chi’s parents, Wol Ryung and Seo Hwa. Their love story ended tragically, and we are then sent into the present where Kang Chi is now a young man.
Kang Chi is a good-natured and somewhat troublesome young man, but he is loved by most of his adopted family. Up until this point, he wore a magic bracelet that suppressed his true self.
SPOILERS BELOW
His world is turned upside down when is father Lord Park is killed, his love interest Chung Jo (Lee Yu Bi) is sold to a gisaeng house, and the rest of his family is thrown in jail. Kang Chi’s brother Tae Seo (Yoo Yeon Seuk) is also eventually brain washed to believe that Kang Chi is the cause of his father’s death and seeks to kill him. Lots of craziness!
This all happens because of our villain Jo Gwan Woong (Lee Sung Jae) who has been causing trouble since Kang Chi’s parent’s time. He has pretty much no redeeming qualities.
Eventually, Kang Chi’s magic bracelet is cut off, thus revealing his true nature. Yeo Wool had several encounters with Kang Chi before she witnessed the downfall of his family, and she quickly decided she wants to help Kang Chi lean to control his powers. But she had been warned by a prophecy that she was fated to die if she stayed by Kang Chi’s side. Despite this, she chooses to be with him.
Wol Ryung eventually reappears halfway through the drama, and he is now a demon who seeks to kill. Kang Chi struggles to connect with his father while protecting those he loves. It was a complex relationship for sure.
Gu Family Book had such a grand feel to it overall. I loved the family connections and the complexity of the story. Watching Kang Chi struggle to control his powers and longing to become human was also very emotional. We then had a beautiful love story between him and one special girl, Yeo Wool, who was willing to risk it all to help Kang Chi.
The drama was fast paced with new story developments constantly happening. Our characters were also interesting and complex. And the whole story just felt magical. If you are new to the historical genre, it’s a good drama to start with. I absolutely love Gu Family Book and would recommend it to everyone.
My Rating:10/10
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