My Country: The New Age (2019)

(There is only a slight spoiler, but it's so small and not detailed to exactly give it away)

I'm not good at reviews and this is my first time writing one, since someone told me to make it official from the comments. But words cannot express how much I fell inlove with this drama and I hope one day, whenever any of you get the chance you come across it, you will see it, or you will feel the same way as I after finishing it.

Here is a list of why I enjoyed this drama and why you should definitely check it out!


1. I LOVE THEIR FRIENDSHIP!
I love how the writer showed that even though Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho were influenced by different beliefs, and once enemies to each other, and caused terrible pain to each other, they never once forgot where they came from and who was there for them, which was each other at the end of the day. Even when hell came falling in, they even tried to understand each other in times when they didn't want to listen, and went against everything to save each other from their own mistakes, and deaths too. That even if they were enemies they could never bare to lose each other in the mist of their beliefs and views of the world. And that showed how powerful and true their friendship was and I loved every bit of it.


2. THE ENDING THAT BROKE US ALL
If I were to describe it, I would say it was beautiful, yet haunting. Honestly speaking, they [WILL NOT STATE NAMES FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET] deserved sooooo much better, and if I could give it to them, I would. I'm sure those who have watched it ended up crying, and I'll admit, I was one of those people. I cried for a good minute. And in that minute, I was hating THAT character, wishing I could jump into the drama as a witch or something and grant them the happiness they deserved. And it truly broke my heart watching their stories develop into a bittersweet ending that makes you feel hopeless for a little, but then I end up smiling as I remember how beautiful their stories were told and treasured.

3. THE ACTING
Everything was amazing and everyone played their characters soo well, that if I were to meet any of these Actors and Actresses today, I would end up accidentally calling them by their character's name. The story plot played well, giving enough twist and action to fulfill your needs. The cinema was perfect! As someone who's interested in film, I loved it all including the colors that framed the story and the way it was filmed that truly gives you that P.O.V angle that helps give a greater understanding to each character's emotions in those hectic moments.

CON

There weren't many cons for me since I enjoy Historical Fiction dramas/films, but there was one that couldn't sit with my well. And that was the love interest between Seo Hwi and Han Hee Jae. I'm not sure what is was, but I felt as if their relationship was missing something. Chemistry perhaps. To me, they didn't feel like someone who's in love or a couple at all, they felt more like close friends who had each other's back who in certain moments wanted to love each other more than friends, but it just didn't work out that great. Don't get me wrong, the actors both did amazing jobs with their characters and YASSSSS to Kim Seol Hyunn playing a bad-ass female character, but together as a couple wasn't it.

BUT
never the less, I love this story all throughout and will watch it many times over! Please check out this drama or you will miss out on a beautiful story regardless of what you've heard!!!!

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Amazing Heartfelt Bromance & Interesting Saeguk

I never imagined myself trying this drama but ultimately gave it a try after a friend strongly recommended it to me. AND IT WAS GOOD! The first episode grabbed me right from the beginning and I couldn't stop watching. I had expected there to be a lot of politics and corruption in this drama, but boy was I wrong! It was filled with intense and exciting fight sequences and an amazing friendship story between Seo Hwi and Nam Seonho. I felt their chemistry just from the two of them being in the same scene together and it was really just heartbreaking how their friendship progressed and ended in the finale. There were some slow parts, but much more fast-paced scenes and stories. The story is easy to follow and the characters are all developed so deeply that I got attached to all of them. I don't even have to say it, but the acting was top-notch! Yang Sejong and Woo Dohwan did a spectacular job! Totally recommend anyone to try this, even if you're not into saeguks because I sure did not expect myself to love this drama & its characters this much.

Things I liked:
1. THE BROMANCE (Hwi x Seonho was so heartbreakingly beautiful to watch on screen; if only they got to spend more happy times together)
2. the OST- it was just amazing!!! The soundtrack played into the emotions at the scenes and really broke my heart in some of them.
3. ACTING- Yang Sejong and Woo Dohwan are incredible as their characters. they really brought them to life.
4. Characters- I really loved Hwi's gang, they were hilarious together and I really loved seeing them all fight and save each other at crucial moments; their comedic scenes were also just as great as their emotional ones
5. Fight scenes!- The fighting scenes were always so fun to watch because it was just so exciting! I especially loved seeing Hwi and Seonho fight side by side (although this only happened a few times); the bgm that played whenever Hwi started shooting arrows or using his sword also brought all the feels and dramaticness
6. Engaging Story

Things I didn't like:
1. the focus on the romance line- I felt it was kind of boring whenever Hwi's love line was shown because the bromance was more than enough for the story

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Like a Collection of Character Studies

I have an odd relationship with MC:TNA because it lives in my mind rent free but my experience watching it was really messy (on my part). I actually finished the show earlier this year, in February, and it was 100% an impulsive watch and I have never seen any of the actors' previous works so I not only went into the drama blind, I was completely unarmed. The first time I watched it, the politics-heavy plot-line went completely over my head and I was at a point in my life where I would shrug at every mild to severe inconvenience that came my way and moved on, so I barely digested the actual story at all. I was initially pulled in by the plot summary promising me a focus on a platonic relationship between the main characters so I zeroed in on the friendship, and that was it.

I recently went back to watch it again in September and since I was in a different headspace—plus I did a bit of reading to gain more contextual understanding—I was able to absorb the story a /lot/ better. Still, MC:TNA always struck me as a collection of character studies between the prominent characters (Hwi, Seonho, Huijae and Bangwon) and their dynamics with each other as well as the other supporting characters, with a genuine historical event as the backdrop. I'm a sucker for these types of "small-scaled" shows (in the sense where there isn't a major, tangible overarching plot-line) so I'm easily positive about this drama—my only mistake is choosing to watch a historical Kdrama based on real historical events showcasing real historical figures with explicit mentions to other real historical figures, who don't actually show up on-screen at all, when I know absolutely zero (0) things about Korean history. That one's on me.

Nonetheless, MC:TNA holds a special place in my heart (I keep struggling to rate it 8.5 or 9.0, and every now and again I go back and edit the rating—one feels too low for my attachment, the other feels too high for its objective quality; I wish I could put it as an 8.75 but I guess that's not much of a difference in the grand scheme of things,,) and I have a very personal attachment towards it—that's me saying I don't come from a very objective standpoint when I talk about this show. I liked the character-driven narration, I liked the focus on the different perspectives and nuances in friendship and family dynamics, I liked the differences between the characters' ideologies and how that generated conflict between them, I liked the introspection and the portrayal of the different sides of being human, I liked the mix of "complex" and "simple" characters rooted in how prominent their ambitions were and how that tied to their core as individuals, I liked the emotive placement of some of the foreshadowing and dialogue (that I can specifically pinpoint and quote my favourite parts), I liked the symbolism, the cinematography, the thematic parallels, and I liked the circular ending—to me, it was adequate (ironic, touching) closure. I'm conscious of the criticism the show receives, the most popular being the hilarious (but consistent enough) plot armour, but I think the show also achieved what it came out to do quite neatly, which I appreciate. Nothing is without flaws; I think I can say I liked MC:TNA's imperfections too (within reason).

It might be because I usually gravitate towards more melancholic things but I also really liked the poignant storytelling of MC:TNA that centred around loss, guilt, grief, remorse, and loyalty. I think everyone in the show nailed their emotional scenes. I know it's already been said a million times now but I genuinely appreciate Woo Dohwan's grasp on his characters' emotions and then his expression of them (in Episode 10 and 13, iirc, there is a scene where his use of micro-expressions was especially commendable, among his other scenes). His portrayal of Nam Seonho made me sympathise for him from the get-go and while I understand that some of his motives can seem contradictory/nonsensical at times, I also believe that his variabilities aligned with how his character is someone who often does things against their own self and lies like it's a competitive sport. Though I naturally sympathise for characters like Seonho, WDH made my empathy completely unapologetic despite the often douchebaggery stunts Seonho pulls (he was doing his best!). But that's another thing I liked about MC: how polarising it can be; there are so many ways you can interpret and critique the characters, based on your perspectives.

I think MC:TNA is quite a niche(ish) show, so I believe it can be a bit of a hit or miss for people. It's not a romance and was never built up to be so, so the romantic plot-line between Hwi and Huijae is understandably on the backseat compared to the friendship between Hwi and Seonho. The political intrigue is also heavy, and the story is driven more so by the characters than the plot, so it really is up to preferences. However, if you like, or are feeling up for, political and dramatic plot elements, very flawed characters and top-notch fighting scenes (+ gorgeous scenery shots), then do give MC:TNA a try. (It is also, in my humble opinion, WDH’s best work and his best role; the months in between first watch and rewatch is an unapologetic exploration of his filmography). It's not quite a “digestible” drama per se but I’d like to call it a "thinking" drama, and those are always nice.

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so underrated. the writing, the dialogue, the characters had so much depth and we discovered each of their very emotional layers episode by episode, sometimes all at once and it is impeccable. very strong characters and portrayed by even stronger, more amazing actors. no dialogue needed to convey any feelings, they would heart wrenchingly be felt in the gait and stride and gaze of the actors and i cannot applaud them enough. incredible, simply incredible.
the story, although got too monotonous for me at a point, the characters and the complexity of their relationships and emotions got me through it. had tissues next to me the whole time. dohwan, sejoeng did so incredible of amount of praise would be enough. such an incredible drama about what a country means for someone, friendship, trust and love and i am at a loss for words. the actors made it for me, did it for me, i knew they were already amazing but oh God this just threw me off my track. all the actors were incredible but i must say that dohwan really outdid himself and stood out for me, portraying such a complex character with such an intensity i often forgot it was a drama and that this isnt dohwan but soen ho, and oh my GOD. wow. soen ho was possibly my favourite character too, so flawed, broken, lonely, afraid and underappreciated. what a role dohwan played and how excellently. omo. im getting emotionally just thinking about it oh no.
the majestic ost made the scenes even more intense than they already were. you could help but feel the chaos and unease of war and battle, that too against your friend. the pain was felt by the writing, the acting (the most) and the ost combined. oof it tugs at my heart everytime i think about it. so upbeat and moving, but carrying such a sadness.
underrated, chronolically underrated, but a must watch for only those who can endure the sheer sadness of the show. incredible, 15/10 for the feels, visuals and emotions. whos gonna pay for my therapy tho because i wont be getting over this anytime soon.

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My rating is admittedly biased because I am a huge fan of sageuks. I gave My Country: The New Age one brownie point since I have not seen a decent, traditional sageuk with no frills in a while. The opener, six minutes of intense action, is ominous yet riveting. It enticed this tragic-loving heart of mine to embark on the journey to see how it all goes down.

Story/Characters:

The plot moves along quite quickly. There’s enough action in each episode to keep me entertained. More than half the drama was very strong. I felt happiness, excitement, horror, dread, and heartbreak. I love when dramas are able to bring so much out of me. In the later arcs (last 4-5 episodes?), I felt the plot was repetitive in terms of all the fighting and revenge. 



The writing for Hwi and Sun Ho could had been better. They had one-track minds, pulling all stops to reach their goals. Sometimes I sighed and wished they saw the bigger picture. Granted, they acted high on emotions. Without giving too much away, their actions, at times, felt illogical and only served to lead towards their ending. 

Though everyone was morally ambiguous, my heart especially went out to Sun Ho who was cornered into making such extreme decisions alone. While Hwi had a whole squad behind him, Sun Ho merely had one loyal soldier, who surprisingly stole my heart, by his side. Sun Ho was such a heart-wrenching character to watch as he was torn between family and friends, wanting to be acknowledged as a proper son and wanting to protect his friends. I loved him no matter how destructive he evolved into. 


Hee Jae was pretty much a bland character. Her existence felt so minuscule. By being delegated as Hwi’s love interest, her significance to the story and potential as the leading female fell straight through the cracks. I wish they had abandoned the romantic line. Hee Jae (and her association with the information-collecting Ihwaru) could have had a much stronger influence on the plot. 



How could I not talk about Yi Bang Won. Only in sageuks can you feel compassion for such a notorious historical figure. This portrayal of him is similar to the one in Six Flying Dragons, which I have no qualms about because I enjoy an antihero. The setup of his background does well in leading me to pity him, unable to completely hate his guts for everything that’s gone wrong with the main leads. He is such a fascinating character that demands your attention with his presence. 



Acting/Cast:

One thing I appreciated was the solid acting from everyone. I find, especially in sageuks, that the supporting cast members really nail their roles and make them memorable. You either adore them or hate them to the bone. If the character is Yi Bang Won being played by Jang Hyuk, then you will love and hate him with every fiber of your being. Seriously, what a performance by Jang Hyuk.



Chemistry:

Let me preface this by saying romance is absolutely not the focus of My Country. There are more important issues to address in the world these characters live in. With that being said, I found absolutely zero chemistry between Hwi and Hee Jae. Their scenes together felt unnecessary, an afterthought almost. I found the bromance between Hwi and Sun Ho to be much more angsty and compelling. Though their views differed, I could still see and feel their loyalty to one another, and the lengths they would go for each other.

Ending:
Although the bromance in the beginning was strong, Hwi and Sun Ho were apart and at odds for more than half of the drama. So many misunderstandings between the two, but their reunion was short. I’m not sure exactly why I was not bawling my eyes out. Even if I had expected it, I still should’ve at least shed some tears? Alas, I only felt a deep sense of emptiness. I am familiar with the historical events during the time period between near the end of Goryeo and the beginning of Joseon dynasty. As the plot played out, I saw no other option. This may have lessened the emotional impact on me.

Each character has their own sense of what their country should be. They scheme and mostly use their swords do the talking to realize that dream. Even if it means sacrificing themselves, one will not hesitate since their country is something bigger than themselves. The ending is proper. I accept it.

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For once Korean drama I did not like.. Where was the romance? Lead actress was the whole series like a spare part, lead male showed barely any interest in her, for the years she promised to wait for him and confessed her love all she got out of it were few awkward hugs and holding hands and lies- as in you are most important in my life and then he went off and CONTAINS HUGE SPOILERS BELOW:



got killed even the enemy he started the rebellion over was already dead. What a fool. It was also unrealistic how many times they could survive being stabbed fully with a sword, once.. Okay.. 2,3.4 times? As if. Actors were great storyline sucked.

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Beautiful drama with a great bromance

This was my first kdrama over all and my first time seeing Woo Do Hwan. My first thoughts were wow everyone is so beautiful in this drama but I was quickly captivated by the storyline and the friendship between Nam Seon Ho and Hwi. Upon nearing the end at episode 14 I couldn't stop crying because it was more than evident that the two best friends would have died. I hoped that Seon Ho and Hwi would have settled their disagreements long ago and work together. The scene where Seon Ho finally got to eat with Hwi and his friends breaks my heart. It was probably the only time Seon Ho thought he belonged somewhere only for his life to be taken away from him.

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Two of my favorite actors in one drama? Count me in!
That's what I thought when I saw the cast list with Woo Do Hwan and Yang Se Jong on it and I wasn't disappointed.
Having seen them in Mad Dog and Duel before and knew they are talented and aspiring actors.
I was happy though to see that all of the cast were doing a perfect job. I was drawn into this drama instantly.
My review probably won't do this great drama justice but I want to try nonetheless.

The synopsis tells everything you need to know at the beginning. The best friends Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho both strive for a "better" country. Each with different dreams and values as they struggle with their current perspective of life.
But wanting to make a change in the governance of the country means you'll get in the middle of power struggles and will have to bear the consequences...
The story itself is full with said power struggles so you'll get to see a war in the first few episodes and more fights later on throughout the drama and in the middle of them, our male leads.
They get hurt a lot and I read comments saying it was being illogical that they get out alive all the time.
Have I thought that some injuries were life threatening? Yes. Did I mind when they still turned out to be okay? Not at all.
Simply because that's what I wanted to see anyway and it never got to the point of being obviously unrealistic. In fact, it would've been strange to see a lot of sword fights and the leads coming out completely unscathed.
Anyway the story is clear. The tags of War, Power Struggle and the genre Tragedy are there for a reason.
Actually none of them could be considered my favorite thing to watch. Quite the opposite.
Which is probably why I took a break after the half of the drama as it got pretty intense and a bit too much for me even though I loved it, I craved for something more lighthearted in between.
But when I picked it up again I finished it in a couple of days and binge watched it. There is romance in this drama, actually more than one pairing (no love triangle) and I adored each one of them.

The cast is awesome and their acting superb. I came for Woo Do Hwan and Yang Se Jong and stayed for all of them.
I cheered for couples, enjoyed the playful banter between friends and comrades and watched with curiosity the dialogues between those who fought for power.
Specially Kim Seol Hyun was a joy to watch. She's playing a smart and strong female that grow in the progress of the story. I loved the scenes with her. Also the supporting characters. I grew fond of quite a lot which makes it hard to say goodbye to this drama. I'll be back for a rewatch for sure!

The music is a gem for the ears. The first time I heard the melodies I fell for it and got the OST for my playlist.
It fits the drama perfectly but can also be listened to on its own. There are calm tunes and epic ones, you'll have to check it out.

The rewatch value for me is high. I enjoyed the emotions this drama showed, the cast, the acting, the story and how the characters developed. I'm not claiming it's perfect as tastes differ, but I really love it and can only advise you to give it a go when you consider watching it.

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01/03/2024 (March).

I really enjoyed this drama as it was fast paced and interesting, but it did have its minor flaws like seriously injured fighters being able to fight later the same day or the next with very little recovery time. Not plausible in that sense at all. I, at least, can live with that as I suppose only so much can be done in a one hour episode with 16 in total.

Have to say this series was really well done - I didn't find it confusing nor did I find the music a problem at all.

The bromance, friendship and bond between Hwi and Seon-Ho was truly awesome so it was a bit disheartening to watch such a deep friendship deteriorate somewhat. I actually believe their friendship suffered significantly when Yeon really truly died - not before.

I really wonder had Yeon survived would both have made different choices.

As for Yeon, she was the light in both Hwi's and Seon-Ho's lives. When she was killed it caused Hwi and Seon-Ho to seperate for a number of years - during this time both followed different opposing paths in their pursuit for revenge on her behalf as well as fighting for a cause (opposite sides) that put their lives on the line as well as the possibility of fighting one another to achieve it.

Hwi at first wanted revenge more than anything only this changed later on when he saw several innocent people slain because of him and the Prince whereas with Seon-Ho revenge was a top priority, but also rising high in status and power so as to make a difference in the world.

It is understandable why they fell out, but such a shame as they were such good friends and for years.

Furthermore, Seon-Ho may have made some questionable decisions, but more or less it was because the choices he was given were either bad bad or the worse case scenario. e.g. Death.

What was never truly broken, however, was the strong bond between both friends.

SPOILER ALERT!

I appreciate the scene in which Hwi got to thank Seon-Ho for protecting him and also letting him know he was sorry for not seeing his friend's pain because of being so consumed in his own anger. Also, when Seon Ho told Hwi more or less that he looked too far ahead and too far up yet when he finally looked behind him he saw Yeon and Hwi there - just one step behind him was "his country", also, that he wished he had seen it sooner.

It took all their trials and tribulations for Seon-Ho to fully realise that what was most important in his life above wealth and status were his childhood friends who were more than that - they were his family, blood, lifeline and whole world.

Before I forget - I have to acknowledge the trio that supported Hwi and the one guy that stood by Seon-Ho right to the end, however, for the most part Seon-Ho was all alone in what became an insufferable existence for him. So, to see him and Hwi reconcile near the end of this drama after being apart for so long and to fight their last fight together against the real enemy was quite fitting for this soul connected duo - even if bittersweet.

On an end note - I would really have liked the last scene to have been something like Yeon meeting them in the afterlife as well as all three graves side by side phasing out to blackness.

ALL THE ACTORS WERE ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!

I liked both Yang Se-Jong and Wu Du Hwan and couldn't imagine anyone else doing their roles.

WOO DU HWAN:

I just want to say that Woo Du Hwan is one of the best male criers I have ever seen on screen among other emotions.

Have seen him in Bloodhounds and now this one - he does both characters justice.

His range is a wow factor whether happy, sad, angry, vengeful, surprised, caring and in emotional turmoil.

When Yeon died I found Seon-Ho's tears more impactful than Yang Se-Jong's (Hwi) for some reason, as well as his internal pain, conflict and suffering. One could have easily believed that he was her real brother because of how he reacted to her death and the silk phoenix embroidery design she left behind in her room. He was that convincing! Mind you, Woo's character, Seon-Ho, was a brother to her just like Hwi and he protected her just as much even at the risk of his own life. But when she died - it was his crying that caused me the most sadness because it felt so real plus I knew that his burden was the heaviest one to carry... and all alone.

This drama had realism to it that some historical dramas just don't have at all.

Totally recommended plus it is something that can be re-watched even though it does have a sad and tragic ending. AAA+++

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Your Country: The Imaginary Age

I have a thing or two against impervious plot armors that goes to the extremes and this drama was structured around that. The way these characters shrugged off serious injuries and strong poisons without a hitch was just plain comical circus performance. It made the whole series lose its credibility and left this sour taste lingering in your mouth. The characters transformation and development marred the story with crazy inconsistencies and illogical character arcs for the sake of forced progression. Everything went downhill after episode 4, it relied on these outlandish situations that made it way too hard to remain invested. It strained our ability to suspend disbelief way too often to be forgiven. One of the action soundtracks was straight up just a Eurobeat soundtrack, really odd and unfitting choice. Kinda ruined some action scenes. On the bright side, we had Jang Hyuk and some nice action scenes.

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Heartfelt Korean Historical Drama

This storyline was epic although through all the death stabbing no main character dies till the very end. I did also enjoy the music score for this drama as well. The cinematography, special effects, and character building are so good.
The bond between friends make you rethink even your own friendships, "like who are really loyal too?" lol
Who you think will die, lives and who you think will live, dies. Then add all the emotion Rollercoasters to twist the plot.
The entire experience had me eager for more. Great work and this drama is #1 on my Favorite Korean Drama list.

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I was taken aback by the great acting in all of the characters. For myself, was a bit disappointed at the end, however I guess a typical Hollywood ending would make me feel better. This ending was a bit more realistic, however heartbreaking. The surroundings, the music, the cast, all meshed well. Watching this only makes me want to watch more Korean dramas/movies.
One thing I do not like is the habit of Korean films & dramas to take 1-2 minutes at the end and show out-takes, the behind the scenes workers, and generally characters happy smiling and being very friendly to even their drama adversaries. It detracts from the all over feel of the drama/movie. I dislike it so much that I just turn it off.
It totally ruins the feel one has for the drama/movie.

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