Kolorful Palette: Rocking it [Joseon Gunman]

by Fanderay

It’s difficult to describe what makes Joseon Gunman so enjoyable; on paper it sounds entirely generic, and yet it has me glued to the screen. There isn’t much intrigue and I have yet to see a plot twist. The cliffhangers aren’t even really cliffhangers since we usually know the inevitable outcome, and even when we don’t, the preview gives it away. But still, I sit there on the edge of my seat, as if my brain insists that I have no idea what’s going to happen.

As is most often the case, I suppose the magic is in the details. This drama is gorgeously directed, well cast, and is host to a plethora of likable characters. Even when I know something terrible is going to happen, I still hope it won’t and dread watching it happen. When I know something good is going to happen I eagerly await seeing how each detail will unfold. On top of all that, Joseon Gunman has some fantastic action scenes, and I never get tired of watching Lee Jun-ki in all his different personas (he may have even more styles here than he did in Time Between Dog and Wolf).

I wish I had some deep and meaningful reason for choosing this scene to draw, but if I’m honest, it’s just because Yoon-kang looks like a badass. He’s in the midst of being hunted by Moo-deok and his men, but he’s all, “It’s cool, I’ll just casually chill here on this rock while I wait to make my move.” For those who don’t remember, this is right before he confronts Moo-deok to find out if he is the gunman who killed his father (or if he knows who is). For some reason this shot gives me strong Iljimae vibes, which doesn’t really make any sense since thematically the character is totally different, and I haven’t even seen Lee Jun-ki’s version. I think perhaps the sweeping lock of hair combined with the pose reminds me of Jung Il-woo in Return of Iljimae (which is a drama I’d highly recommend).

My only real gripe with Yoon-kang is that he’s already so nice and perfect. Sure, he acts like a cavalier jerk some of the time, but we all know better. I sort of wish he had come back from Japan a little colder and darker, just so he would have room to grow. Maybe he could even shoot some people! I probably sound like some insane violent person for saying that, but I’d like to see him do some things he’ll regret and have to struggle with later. I’m also fairly baffled by his stance on guns in the first place. When he arrived, he had no qualms about shooting into a crowd to stop some random ruffians (while standing on an unstable boat I might add) but when it comes to confronting people that are actually a threat, his technique is to shoot into the air and flee? And what about Moo-deok? Yoon-kang pretty much had to kill him after revealing his identity, but it didn’t seem like he could have gone through with it. Moo-deok was kind enough to do the deed for him, but I’m pretty curious how it would have turned out otherwise.

Yoon-kang may still feel like old Yoon-kang behind his many masks, but Soo-in has certainly changed, and that’s nice to see, particularly in a sageuk (where female leads tend to be less dynamic than their male counterparts). Given past events, it makes sense that she would have become bitter and given up on the part of herself that fought for her beliefs. She’s certainly not the only person to try to fill the void in her life with material things, and I’m hoping that Yoon-kang will be the one to re-kindle her optimism and sense of justice. Normally I would hope for her to discover his true identity as soon as possible, but I actually think it would be more fun to watch her fall in love with Hanjo, and it would only make their relationship stronger in the long run.

It feels like this drama is just getting started, and I’m already looking forward to drawing it in the weeks to come.

RELATED POSTS

• Joseon Gunman: Episode 1
• Kolorful Palette: Gunnin’ for Gunman [Joseon Gunman]
• Oh Snap! Joseon finger guns
• Meet the cast (posters) for Joseon Gunman
• Lee Jun-ki goes gunslinging for Joseon Gunman
• “And now… the age of the sword has ended”
• Oh Snap! Oh my god, finally
• Nam Sang-mi’s first stills for Joseon Gunman
• More second lead stills from Joseon Gunman
• Oh Snap! Joseon Gunman’s first still and second lead