“Hwarang” Set to Air a Special Episode before Actual Premiere

KBS drama "Hwarang" is reportedly going to premiere with special episode before its actual storyline unfolds.

An insider from KBS drama division has revealed that "Hwarang" will air a special chapter ahead of its first episode.

"A special episode will air at 10 p.m. on December 16 ahead of the first episode of "Hwarang," KBS 2TV's new Monday-Tuesday drama," the source stated, as cited by Soompi.

It is common for well-loved dramas to air special episodes after concluding the story. It is highly unusual however for dramas to air a special right before its premiere, just as the bold decision of the production team of "Hwarang" has planned. It is expected though that this unusual step will further promote the drama and encourage viewers to watch its first episode.

"There is a lot of preparation going on in KBS for "Hwarang," with a separate promotional plan set up just for the drama," another insider has revealed. "A lot of care is going into the drama as it is the drama division's last highly-anticipated production this year following "Descendants of the Sun" and "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds."

The success of KBS dramas "Descendants of the Sun" and "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" have given fans with special episodes to enjoy after the dramas ended. As such, it seems that KBS are treating viewers in advance with one last special for 2016 with "Hwarang."

The content of "Hwarang's" special episode is purportedly still under discussion. Fans expect that the special could be just like other specials featuring behind-the-scenes footages of the drama. There is also the anticipation that the special will be a prologue of some sort with it coming prior to the premiere.

"Hwarang," also known as "Hwarang: The Beginning" tells the story of an elite group of male youth during Kingdom of Silla in ancient Korea. This male youth is referred to as "hwarang" that literally means "flowering knights." The main cast will be portrayed by Park Seo Joon, Go Ara, and Park Hyung Sik. To complete the six featured male elite cast are Choi Min Ho, Do Ji Han, Jo Yoon Woo, and Kim Tae Hyung.

"Hwarang" airs every Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 (KST) starting from Dec. 19. The special episode will air at 22:00 (KST) on Dec. 16.