Dropped it from the part I got to know he was married, can't continue this drama it's dragging
At that era,arranged marriage was fixed especially he was from powerful family,it's not like he wanted to cheat on FL ,at first he wanted to stay away from her but her caring behaviour attracted her.its based on true story so there is nothing we can say.its just a fact not a fantasy.but it is very great drama.you should watch till the end
I do not understand... WHY NOT pack up and move to .... the USA or something like that together... ???? not wanting…
It's AI answer to your review.its been a long time since I watched it so
The reviewer's frustration is understandable from a modern perspective—viewing the story through today's lens, where people might more easily consider options like emigration, divorce, cutting ties, or waiting things out. But the reviewer is largely misunderstanding (or at least oversimplifying) the historical, cultural, and personal context of the real events that Hymn of Death is based on. It's not just "dumb" or purely egotistical; the tragedy is rooted in deep societal constraints of 1920s colonial Korea.Why "just pack up and move to the USA or somewhere" wasn't realisticHistorical era and colonial oppression: Korea was under full Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945), with heavy restrictions on Koreans' freedom of movement, especially for anything resembling permanent emigration. Koreans faced discrimination, limited passports/visas, economic barriers, and surveillance. Leaving for the US (or anywhere far) wasn't like today—immigration laws were strict (e.g., the US had the Asian Exclusion Act around that time), and Koreans were rarely granted entry as immigrants. Most who left went to Japan (for study/work) or nearby places like Manchuria, but even that was controlled.
Family duty and filial piety: In Confucian Korean society (still very strong then), abandoning aging/dependent parents was seen as one of the worst moral failings. Kim Woo-jin (the male lead) came from a wealthy, prominent family; his father was a landowner/influential figure. Disobeying him and vanishing would disgrace the entire family line, potentially ruin siblings' futures (e.g., marriages, social standing), and leave his parents without support in a harsh colonial economy. Suicide, tragically, was sometimes viewed (in extreme despair) as a way to "end the burden" on the family rather than prolong shame/scandal.
Waiting for independence? Korean independence only came in 1945—19 years after their 1926 deaths. They were in their late 20s; waiting decades wasn't feasible, especially with mounting personal despair (career blocks, public scandal, family pressure).
Practical barriers for the couple: Yun Sim-deok (the soprano) was from a poor family and already struggling financially after her classical career faltered (Western opera wasn't popular in Korea then; she switched to pop/enka-style to survive). Kim Woo-jin was married with children (in real life and the drama). Running away together would mean poverty, social ostracism, possible legal issues (adultery was taboo), and no support network abroad. Many viewers note the drama shows them briefly trying to escape/run away, but the weight of everything crushes that hope.
In short: Modern "solutions" like easy international relocation or quick divorce ignore how trapped people felt under colonialism + rigid family/societal norms. Suicide was a real, documented pattern in colonial Korea for people in impossible situations (e.g., forbidden loves, ruined reputations)—not ideal, but not irrational in their worldview.On calling the male lead (Kim Woo-jin) a "coward," "evil," and "torturing" his wifeThis is more subjective, but again, the reviewer overlooks context:He did consent to an arranged marriage (common then), but the drama portrays him as deeply conflicted—torn between love for Sim-deok and duty to his family/father. He tries to resist breaking up at first, but pressure mounts.
The cruelty toward his wife (coldness, verbal rejection) is shown as his way of coping with guilt/despair—he can't love her, but he can't fully leave either. It's toxic and unfair to her (no argument there—she's an innocent victim), but it's portrayed as tragic weakness under immense pressure, not deliberate sadism or pure evil. Many viewers see him as flawed and cowardly in prioritizing family duty over personal happiness/ethics, but not a villain. He's more a product of his time: unable to break free without destroying everyone around him.
The reviewer says it's "egotism"—there's truth there (choosing suicide ends his pain but leaves massive fallout for families). But the drama frames it as shared despair: both leads feel life offers no viable path forward together or apart. It's less "selfish escape" and more mutual resignation that living separately (or forced apart) would be unbearable torment.
Overall takeThe reviewer isn't "wrong" to feel angry or baffled—many people watching tragedies ask "why didn't they just...?" (It's a common reaction to historical doomed romances like Romeo & Juliet or real cases). But calling it "dumb" or purely the guy's fault misses how the story (and real history) deliberately shows no easy outs existed. The drama emphasizes existential hopelessness under oppression, duty, and unchangeable circumstances—that's the tragedy, not a lack of trying harder.If you go in expecting modern logic/solutions, it can feel frustrating. But if you accept the 1920s colonial Korean context, the choices (however heartbreaking) make tragic sense. The vast majority of reviews praise it precisely for capturing that suffocating atmosphere without cheap resolutions. The reviewer has a valid emotional response, but their interpretation leans heavily on present-day assumptions rather than the era's realities.
It hasn't wrapped up yet,but it will wrap up soon,some of the members have finished shooting.it took a long time for the shooting.i think it started shooting in October 2025 and it's 16th of march 2026
This drama doesn't even deserve 7.5 it gets this rating only because of powerful cast.worst drama of xukai acting…
It may also be the reason but the story is total thrash.it deserves low rating, Supporting your favourite ones is fine but you have to admit the story is not good.
Speaking without bias,2025 was a bad year for xukai as there were a number of false allegations towards xukai…
He is in the agency so it is not entirely upto him.most of his previous works were female orientated,but now his upcoming dramas are male lead centric dramas and are of different characters he has previously worked for.I cannot say all his dramas are great but he has started in many great dramas.you can look forward to his upcoming dramas.you should watch dramas like falling into your smile,arsenal military academy,wonderland of love,as beautiful as you, ancient love poetry,story of yanxi palace. personally these are my favourite dramas of his.
like upcoming week because he is going for another one in early March
I don't think it's shooting will start soon because they have not even announced the full cast including female lead,I hope they choose a popular one but I doubt it as it has too many episodes and will take too much time to finish filming
Yes,I have watched all his dramas now,many people have divided view for you are my hero,it's because their chemistry feels a bit off maybe because FL is agier and looks more mature whereas baijingting was skinny and looks teenage ,The younger FL would have been best but the drama is very good,now that I have watched it many times ,it doesn't bother me much.In the future I would love to see him Collab with actresses as Zhao Lusi,bailu,Zhang jingyi etc.lets see what kind of dramas he chooses and who will be his co star in the future.Now that,the first frost has become massive success both domestically and internationally,I am sure he will choose romance genre drama,the question is when.
I wanna ask something, he is my favourite and I want him to be more popular, but why his weibo followers is not…
Speaking without bias,2025 was a bad year for xukai as there were a number of false allegations towards xukai which harmed his reputation in china and Chinese audiences are very quick to judge celebrities based on weibo trending s only. There are lots of actors nowadays so there are many alternative and 2025 was a great year for Chinese drama industry especially romance genre dramas.xukai had only one drama i.e moonlit reunion where xukai part of story was not even fully explored that's why people are less excited for his upcoming drama yi ou chun fans are afraid his screen time is cut off.Regarding weibo follower,it increases when actors have a popular dramas or powerful character or when he/she is main focus of the drama,if you look at his filmography most of his dramas are female orientated.Law suit is going on now let's hope he will be given justice by the court,recently court ordered one of the blogger to write a handwritten apology which is a positive sign.its not that his fame is fading,it's just a bad time for him.lets hope he will have a great comeback with his upcoming male centric dramas.
like upcoming week because he is going for another one in early March
What do you mean another one? Are you talking about drama 'war and people' or rumoured one with Zhang ruonan,Both of them were just a melon,they weren't a confirmed one.
If you have still not watched it,there is still time.Believe in peoples comment on this drama and just drop it.it…
Maybe animated character is annoying as well.I am not judging FL but the character in the drama is just irritating but other audience may find it interesting though.
OHMYGOSHHH!! I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS YESTERDAY!! FINALLYYI love LJK for tae jun but i dont think LJS is a fit…
Whatever,I read the novel and manhwa,there wouldn't have anyone better than leejongsuk on the adaptation.i am looking forward to this,I was thriving to see him return to rom com dramas as it has been long time.Eagerly waiting for this one,Hope they will cast best FL.
tbf he is turning 37 this year, he won't get young actor kdrama offers for fresh romcoms, no actors from his age…
He got highly popular when the drama 'boys before flower' aired.He did some dramas as male lead too but they are not good,let's hope he have more promising role and have better screen time in this drama.If I ever decide to watch this drama,it will be only for him.
The reviewer's frustration is understandable from a modern perspective—viewing the story through today's lens, where people might more easily consider options like emigration, divorce, cutting ties, or waiting things out. But the reviewer is largely misunderstanding (or at least oversimplifying) the historical, cultural, and personal context of the real events that Hymn of Death is based on. It's not just "dumb" or purely egotistical; the tragedy is rooted in deep societal constraints of 1920s colonial Korea.Why "just pack up and move to the USA or somewhere" wasn't realisticHistorical era and colonial oppression: Korea was under full Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945), with heavy restrictions on Koreans' freedom of movement, especially for anything resembling permanent emigration. Koreans faced discrimination, limited passports/visas, economic barriers, and surveillance. Leaving for the US (or anywhere far) wasn't like today—immigration laws were strict (e.g., the US had the Asian Exclusion Act around that time), and Koreans were rarely granted entry as immigrants. Most who left went to Japan (for study/work) or nearby places like Manchuria, but even that was controlled.
Family duty and filial piety: In Confucian Korean society (still very strong then), abandoning aging/dependent parents was seen as one of the worst moral failings. Kim Woo-jin (the male lead) came from a wealthy, prominent family; his father was a landowner/influential figure. Disobeying him and vanishing would disgrace the entire family line, potentially ruin siblings' futures (e.g., marriages, social standing), and leave his parents without support in a harsh colonial economy. Suicide, tragically, was sometimes viewed (in extreme despair) as a way to "end the burden" on the family rather than prolong shame/scandal.
Waiting for independence? Korean independence only came in 1945—19 years after their 1926 deaths. They were in their late 20s; waiting decades wasn't feasible, especially with mounting personal despair (career blocks, public scandal, family pressure).
Practical barriers for the couple: Yun Sim-deok (the soprano) was from a poor family and already struggling financially after her classical career faltered (Western opera wasn't popular in Korea then; she switched to pop/enka-style to survive). Kim Woo-jin was married with children (in real life and the drama). Running away together would mean poverty, social ostracism, possible legal issues (adultery was taboo), and no support network abroad. Many viewers note the drama shows them briefly trying to escape/run away, but the weight of everything crushes that hope.
In short: Modern "solutions" like easy international relocation or quick divorce ignore how trapped people felt under colonialism + rigid family/societal norms. Suicide was a real, documented pattern in colonial Korea for people in impossible situations (e.g., forbidden loves, ruined reputations)—not ideal, but not irrational in their worldview.On calling the male lead (Kim Woo-jin) a "coward," "evil," and "torturing" his wifeThis is more subjective, but again, the reviewer overlooks context:He did consent to an arranged marriage (common then), but the drama portrays him as deeply conflicted—torn between love for Sim-deok and duty to his family/father. He tries to resist breaking up at first, but pressure mounts.
The cruelty toward his wife (coldness, verbal rejection) is shown as his way of coping with guilt/despair—he can't love her, but he can't fully leave either. It's toxic and unfair to her (no argument there—she's an innocent victim), but it's portrayed as tragic weakness under immense pressure, not deliberate sadism or pure evil. Many viewers see him as flawed and cowardly in prioritizing family duty over personal happiness/ethics, but not a villain. He's more a product of his time: unable to break free without destroying everyone around him.
The reviewer says it's "egotism"—there's truth there (choosing suicide ends his pain but leaves massive fallout for families). But the drama frames it as shared despair: both leads feel life offers no viable path forward together or apart. It's less "selfish escape" and more mutual resignation that living separately (or forced apart) would be unbearable torment.
Overall takeThe reviewer isn't "wrong" to feel angry or baffled—many people watching tragedies ask "why didn't they just...?" (It's a common reaction to historical doomed romances like Romeo & Juliet or real cases). But calling it "dumb" or purely the guy's fault misses how the story (and real history) deliberately shows no easy outs existed. The drama emphasizes existential hopelessness under oppression, duty, and unchangeable circumstances—that's the tragedy, not a lack of trying harder.If you go in expecting modern logic/solutions, it can feel frustrating. But if you accept the 1920s colonial Korean context, the choices (however heartbreaking) make tragic sense. The vast majority of reviews praise it precisely for capturing that suffocating atmosphere without cheap resolutions. The reviewer has a valid emotional response, but their interpretation leans heavily on present-day assumptions rather than the era's realities.