The truth of the murder is finally uncovered:
In the final confrontation, Lord Choi unleashes the power of the Bad Star to gain immortality. Eun-oh and Arang team up to stop him. During the battle, Eun-oh is critically injured. To save him, Arang makes a deal with the heavens: she will willingly ascend to the afterlife and give up her memories of Eun-oh if his life is spared.
Arang defeats the Bad Star's influence, and Lord Choi is finally brought to justice (he dies, unable to handle the Bad Star's power). Arang then drinks the "Tea of Forgetfulness" and ascends to the afterlife, leaving a grieving Eun-oh behind.
Eun-oh (The Reluctant Hero) Unlike the typical perfect male lead, Eun-oh is flawed, impatient, and deeply traumatized by his ability to see ghosts. He acts as the anchor for Arang’s flighty spirit.
Moo-young (The Wild Card) Portrayed by Yeom Jung-ah, Moo-young is a Grim Reaper who wears modern-style dresses (a stylistic choice showing her otherworldly nature) and collects souls in a jar. She is neither strictly good nor evil, caught in a love-hate dynamic with the heavens.
Bang-Wool & Dol-Swe (The Sidekicks) The supporting cast provides necessary comic relief. They ground the supernatural elements in a human context, offering a loyal friend group for the leads.
Arang and the Magistrate isn’t perfect. The CGI is dated (the "underworld" looks like a 2000s music video), and the love triangle is frustrating. But what it lacks in polish, it makes up for in heart. Arang and the Magistrate -2012- Complete Series
It’s a story about unfinished business—not just for ghosts, but for the living. It asks: What is more painful, losing someone you love, or never getting to say goodbye?
If you love Goblin or Hotel del Luna, you owe it to yourself to watch the show that walked so they could run.
Rating: 8.5/10 (A perfect Fall/Halloween rewatch)
Where to watch: Currently available for streaming/purchase on [Insert your local platform: Viki, Amazon Prime, Kocowa].
Have you seen Arang and the Magistrate? Do you remember screaming at your screen during the final exorcism scene? Let me know in the comments!
"Arang and the Magistrate" (also known as "Arang," "The Tale of Arang," or "Arang-ui-goongmuwon") is a South Korean television series that aired in 2012. The series is a fusion of romance, mystery, and historical elements, set in the Joseon Dynasty. It stars Han Hyo-joo as Arang, a ghost who seeks justice, and Lee Joon-gi as the Magistrate Kim Dae-young, who helps her. The truth of the murder is finally uncovered:
Storyline
The story revolves around Arang (played by Han Hyo-joo), the daughter of a noble family who was murdered and her spirit lingers, seeking revenge. A year after her death, Arang approaches the young Magistrate Kim Dae-young (played by Lee Joon-gi), who has just been appointed to her hometown. Using her ghostly powers, she convinces him to help her solve her murder case and bring her killer to justice.
As they work together, Magistrate Kim starts to develop feelings for Arang, but she is a ghost, making their love impossible. Despite the impossibility of their situation, they grow closer, and their investigations lead them through various mysteries and conspiracies within the community.
Themes and Characters
The series explores themes of love, justice, loyalty, and the social injustices of the Joseon era. Arang's character brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the traditional historical drama, with her independence, wit, and determination driving the plot forward. Magistrate Kim's character adds a romantic element to the story, showcasing his transformation from a seemingly idealistic young official to someone who is deeply invested in uncovering the truth and protecting Arang.
Reception
"Arang and the Magistrate" received positive reviews for its engaging storyline, strong acting performances, particularly from the leads Han Hyo-joo and Lee Joon-gi, and its well-crafted blend of mystery, romance, and historical drama elements. The series consists of 20 episodes and was well-received by audiences, leading to high ratings throughout its run.
Legacy
The series showcases the chemistry and acting abilities of its leads, Han Hyo-joo and Lee Joon-gi, contributing to their growing popularity. It also stands out for its creative take on the traditional ghost story within a historical setting, offering a unique viewing experience.
"Arang and the Magistrate" remains a memorable series in the landscape of South Korean television dramas, appreciated for its storytelling, characters, and the portrayal of a unique and captivating love story between a living and a dead character.
Here is the complete story summary of the 2012 Korean drama "Arang and the Magistrate" (Arangsattojeon).
As the story progresses, Arang begins to regain her memory in fragments. They discover that in her past life, she was a noble lady named Lee Seo-rim. She was brutally murdered on the night of her wedding. In the final confrontation, Lord Choi unleashes the
However, a darker truth emerges. The body currently inhabited by Arang's spirit is not her original body. Her original body was discarded, and a different woman’s body was placed in the coffin to cover up the crime.