“Gu Family Book,” also known as “Kang Chi, the Beginning,” is a 2013 South Korean television series starring Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy. The fusion martial arts action historical drama is about a half-man half-monster who is searching for a centuries-old book that according to gumiho legend contains the secret to becoming human. Filmed at MBC Dramia in Gyeonggi Province, the series aired on MBC from April 8 to June 25, 2013, on Mondays and Tuesdays for 24 episodes. Available on Netflix and Viki, this beautifully crafted series blends Korean mythology with Joseon Dynasty history, creating an epic fantasy romance that showcases Lee Seung-gi’s exceptional range as he transforms from cheerful human to supernatural beast. The stunning cinematography, heartbreaking parent backstory in the opening episodes, and one of K-drama’s best OSTs featuring tracks like “Only You” by 4MEN created an unforgettable viewing experience. With its perfect balance of action, romance, comedy, and tragedy, the drama left fans desperately hoping for a second season to continue the story’s cliffhanger ending.
Gu Family Book (2021): Release Date, Story, Plot, Episodes, Cast, Actors Salary, Actors Net Worth, Budget, OTT Response, Trailer, Songs, Awards, Review, Ratings & More
| Info | Gu Family Book |
|---|---|
| Genre | Historical Romance Action Fantasy |
| Language | Korean |
| Directed by | Shin Woo-chul Kim Jung-hyun |
| Star Cast | Lee Seung-gi Bae Suzy Sung Joon Lee Yu-bi Yoo Yeon-seok |
| Producer | Park Tae-young |
| Production companies | Samhwa Networks |
| Written by | Kang Eun-kyung |
| Cinematography | Hae Jae-young Kim Seon-gi |
| Edited by | Lee Taek-joo |
| Country | South Korea |
| Original network | MBC TV |
| Original release | 8 April – 25 Jun 2013 |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
Table of Contents
Gu Family Book Storyline
Choi Kang-chi grows up believing he’s the son of nobleman Park Mu-sol’s servant, raised alongside the Park siblings he adores. When villainous nobleman Jo Gwan-woong frames and destroys the Park family, Kang-chi’s beaded bracelet breaks during battle, revealing his true nature, he’s the half-human son of gumiho Gu Wol-ryung, who was killed protecting his human mother Seo-hwa. Learning about the mystical Gu Family Book that holds the secret to becoming fully human, Kang-chi joins Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s secret group protecting Joseon. Alongside Dam Yeo-wool, a skilled female archer disguised as a man, he battles corruption while navigating his feelings for her and his desperate quest for humanity despite being a creature many fear.
Gu Family Book Cast, Crew, Role, Salary, Remuneration & Net Worth
Here are the complete details of actors and actresses names in the Web Series.
1.Lee Seung-gi as Choi Kang-chi
| Info | Choi Kang-chi |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee Seung-gi |
| Salary Per Web Series | $59,000 |
| Net Worth | $16 million |
2.Bae Suzy as Dam Yeo-wool
| Info | Dam Yeo-wool |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Bae Suzy |
| Salary Per Web Series | $74,000 |
| Net Worth | $25 million |
3.Sung Joon as Gon
| Info | Gon |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Sung Joon |
| Salary Per Web Series | $227,000 |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
4.Lee Yu-bi as Park Chung-jo
| Info | Park Chung-jo |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee Yu-bi |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | $30–40 million |
5.Yoo Yeon-seok as Park Tae-seo
| Info | Park Tae-seo |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yoo Yeon-seok |
| Salary Per Web Series | $60,000 – $400,000 |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
6.Choi Jin-hyuk as Gu Wol-ryung
| Info | Gu Wol-ryung |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Choi Jin-hyuk |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
7.Yoon Se-ah as Yoon Seo-hwa
| Info | Yoon Seo-hwa |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yoon Se-ah |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
8.Lee Yeon-hee as young Yoon Seo-hwa
| Info | young Yoon Seo-hwa |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee Yeon-hee |
| Salary Per Web Series | $160,000 |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
9.Lee Sung-jae as Jo Gwan-woong
| Info | Jo Gwan-woong |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee Sung-jae |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
10.Um Hyo-sup as Park Mu-sol
| Info | Park Mu-sol |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Um Hyo-sup |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
Gu Family Book Web Series Awards
| Awards | Category | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| NA | NA | NA |
Gu Family Book Review
“Gu Family Book” is an absolute gem that delivers everything fantasy romance fans could want. Lee Seung-gi’s charismatic performance makes Kang-chi irresistibly lovable his comedic timing, action sequences, and emotional vulnerability are all pitch-perfect. Bae Suzy shines as the badass crossdressing Yeo-wool, creating electric chemistry with Lee Seung-gi. The opening episodes featuring Choi Jin-hyuk and Lee Yeon-hee as Kang-chi’s tragic parents are devastatingly beautiful, setting an emotional tone that carries throughout. The villain Jo Gwan-woong is infuriatingly evil, making his eventual defeat incredibly satisfying. While middle episodes occasionally drag and the cliffhanger ending frustrated viewers desperate for closure, the gorgeous cinematography, thrilling action choreography, touching romance, and phenomenal OST make this thoroughly entertaining. It teaches tolerance, perseverance, and acceptance while delivering laugh-out-loud comedy alongside heartbreaking moments. An underrated masterpiece that deserves far more recognition.
Disclaimer: The Data is collected from various sources and some from our own research. These data can be estimated and Primes World does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data.