Arang And The Magistrate -2012- Complete Series -
Arang and the Magistrate (also known as Tale of Arang ) is a 2012 South Korean fusion
(historical drama) that blends folklore, fantasy, mystery, and romance. Spanning 20 episodes, it follows an amnesiac ghost’s quest to uncover the truth behind her murder during the Joseon Dynasty. Plot Overview
The story is set in the village of Miryang and is loosely based on the famous Korean legend of Arang. The Skiffy and Fanty Show The Ghost:
Arang (Shin Min-ah), an aggrieved spirit with no memory of her past, haunts new magistrates in hopes of finding someone to help her. The Magistrate:
Kim Eun-oh (Lee Joon-gi), a nobleman’s son with the ability to see and hear ghosts, arrives in town searching for his missing mother. The Partnership:
Although Eun-oh initially ignores ghosts, he discovers Arang is wearing a hairpin that belonged to his mother. He agrees to become the magistrate and help her investigate her death to find clues about his mother’s whereabouts. The Divine Game: Arang and the Magistrate -2012- Complete Series
As they dig deeper, they uncover a dark conspiracy involving a demonic entity (Moo-yeon) that inhabits human bodies to remain in the mortal world. Their journey is monitored—and meddled with—by the Jade Emperor (King of Heaven) and (King of the Underworld). The Skiffy and Fanty Show Main Cast & Characters Lee Joon-gi Kim Eun-oh
A cynical nobleman who becomes magistrate; he performed his own martial arts stunts for the role. Shin Min-ah Arang / Lee Seo-rim A feisty, independent ghost seeking her lost identity. Yeon Woo-jin
A mysterious nobleman with a dark secret and a tragic connection to Arang. Hwang Bo-ra
A "half-talented" shaman who can hear ghosts but not see them. Kwon Oh-joong Eun-oh's loyal and physically strong manservant. Yoo Seung-ho Jade Emperor
The youthful King of Heaven who orchestrates the events to catch an ancient evil. Han Jung-soo The lead Grim Reaper tasked with catching wandering souls. Series Highlights & Reception Korean TV Drama DVD Boxset - Walmart.com Arang and the Magistrate (also known as Tale
Main Characters
- Eun-oh (Lee Joon-gi) – A magistrate with supernatural sight, emotionally scarred by his mother’s disappearance. Cold and pragmatic but secretly compassionate.
- Arang (Shin Min-a) – A headstrong, lively ghost who refuses to be a victim. Her brash exterior hides deep loneliness.
- Joo-wal (Yeon Woo-jin) – A young, seemingly gentle exorcist shaman who hides a dark secret and dangerous obsession with Arang.
- Moo-young (Hwang Bo-ra) – A quirky, well-meaning grim reaper (low-level afterlife official) who becomes Arang’s reluctant friend.
- Lord Choi (Kim Yong-gun) – The corrupt nobleman behind much of the local evil, later possessed by the malevolent deity Jeoseung Saja.
- Lady Seo (Shin Eun-jung) – Eun-oh’s lost mother, trapped in the spirit world.
7. Viewing Tips
- Watch the First 4 Episodes: This is the setup arc. If you aren't hooked by the chemistry by episode 4, the mystery might not be enough to sustain you.
- Listen to the OST: The soundtrack, particularly the track "Fantasy" by Jy Park, is iconic and adds significant emotional weight to the scenes.
- Pay Attention to Backstories: Flashbacks regarding Eun-oh's mother and Moo-young's past are crucial for understanding the ending.
1. The Chemistry of Lee Joon-gi and Shin Min-ah
Lee Joon-gi (Iljimae, Flower of Evil) delivers one of his most nuanced performances. His Eun-oh starts as cold and prickly but reveals a deep well of grief. Shin Min-ah (Oh My Venus, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) is a revelation as Arang. She is funny, spirited, and heartbreaking. Their bickering-turned-friendship-turned-love story feels earned over 20 episodes.
4. A Satisfying Ending
Without spoiling: Many fantasy K-dramas struggle to stick the landing. Arang does not. The final episode resolves every plot thread, respects the internal logic of its universe, and delivers an ending that is bittersweet but profoundly satisfying.
A Hauntingly Beautiful Fusion of Horror, Romance, and Whodunit
Rating: 8/10 (Worth Watching)
If you are looking for a sageuk (historical drama) that breaks the typical palace politics mold, Arang and the Magistrate is a hidden gem from MBC that deserves a spot on your watchlist. This 20-episode fantasy romance blends Joseon-era aesthetics with a ghostly murder mystery, all held together by a surprisingly touching love story.
The Beginning: The Deal
When Eun-oh arrives in Miryang, Arang discovers that he can see her. Desperate to recover her memories and move on to the afterlife, she pesters him to help her. Eun-oh initially refuses, but he eventually agrees when he realizes that uncovering the mystery of Arang’s death might lead him to his missing mother. Main Characters
To investigate her death properly, Arang needs a standing in society. Eun-oh poses as the new Magistrate of Miryang, and Arang poses as the magistrate’s "cousin" and servant. Together, with the help of the local shaman Bang-wool (who serves as the medium for Arang’s voice) and the loyal servants Dol-swe and Seo-rim, they begin to unravel the truth.
Arang and the Magistrate (2012): A Complete Guide to the Supernatural Sageuk Classic
In the vast landscape of Korean dramas, certain series stand out not just for their ratings, but for their unique blend of genres. Arang and the Magistrate -2012- Complete Series remains a beloved gem for fans of historical fantasy. Over a decade after its initial airing on MBC, this haunting tale of a amnesiac ghost, a cynical nobleman, and a cruel god continues to draw new viewers.
If you are looking for a complete breakdown of the show—its plot, characters, why it endures, and where its legacy stands—you have come to the right place. This article serves as the definitive guide to the Arang and the Magistrate -2012- Complete Series.
Visuals and Cinematography
The production design is notable for its use of vibrant colors—specifically the reds of the grim reaper’s attire and the glowing "Will-o'-the-wisp" souls—contrasted against the earthy tones of the Joseon era.