Reasons why Scarlet Heart might win over Descendants of the Sun

In the earlier half of this year, Korean drama fanatics spent countless of late nights (I’m not saying who…) ogling at Captain Yoo Si Jin from Descendants of the Sun (DOTS).

If you’re still harbouring hopes about finding a real-life Yoo Si Jin, forget about it. It will never happen.

Newly released Korean period drama Scarlet Heart, flanked by a star-studded cast of Korean actors and idols, may be giving DOTS a run for its money.

Based on the original Chinese series of the same name, Scarlet Heart is about a modern character who travelled back in time to 10th century Goryeo Dynasty, only to find herself entangled with its princes.

Unlike its competitor Moonlight Drawn By Clouds (another period drama set in the 19th century Joseon Dynasty), Scarlet Heart wins with its quirky combination of traditional and modern elements.

In other words, if you’re not a fan of the draggy plotlines and snooze-inducing dialogues commonly found in period dramas, Scarlet Heart is the training wheels to your bicycles.

Here are three reasons why Scarlet Heart is your go-to Korean drama this month year.

1. Its line-up of princes might make you go Daebak*!

Most Korean dramas offer you the choice of at least two main leads to root for. Clearly, that rule does not apply for 20-episode drama Scarlet Heart.

Take your pick from a line-up of seven (!!!) princes, all endearing in their own ways. Based on the first episode, which we caught during an exclusive preview last Friday, we think 8th Prince Wang Uk (Kang Ha Neul), 4th Prince Wang So (Lee Joon Gi) and 3rd Prince Wang Yo (Hong Jong Hyun) might be the fan favourites in this drama.

Basically, Wang Uk is the good guy with a dilemma, Wang So is your typical bad boy with a dark past, and Wang Yo…well, he needs to learn to let loose a little.

Pick your team wisely. I’m with #teamWangSo, just saying.

*That means “awesome” in Korean

2. We now know how it feels to be stuck in a dynasty. Almost.

It’s impossible for us plebeians to relive the majestic dynasties of the past. But with female protagonist Go Hajin (played by singer-songwriter and actress IU) in the picture, we can now live vicariously through her amicable character.

Thanks to her “accidental” stumble back in time, Hajin is now known as Haesoo in the Goryeo Dynasty. We get to see how a modern character like Hajin lives and breathes in an era steeped with formalities and traditional wear.

That said, I’m not sure how she’s going to survive sans smartphones and selcas…I guess we’ll have to stay tuned to find out, eh?

3. Two words: Love triangle.

Scarlet Heart scores another win in this department, with its potential love triangle forming between main characters Haesoo, Wang Uk, and Wang So.

From the first episode alone, we sensed a bit of tension between Haesoo and Wang Uk (who is married), and Wang So conveniently swept Haesoo off her feet—while riding a horse.

I know right?!

And we don’t blame them for falling for Haesoo. If a girl with an unexplainable charm and character falls right onto your laps (actually, she fell in the princes’ pool while they were taking their “shower”. How cheeky.), you’d be smitten too.