Scarlet Heart Ryeo: The Undeveloped Character of Hae Soo

   Moonlover's Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is one kdrama that will be remembered for a long, long time. Not just because of it's terrible cliff hanger finale, but mainly because of the roller coaster emotions it invokes from viewers. Well, everyone knows that the series was forced to be jam packed into 20 episodes as contrast to it's Chinese counterpart which unfortunately led to lack of characterization and plot development.

Hae Soo dies in the arms of Wang Jung*

   The universe of the drama revolves around Wang So.  So’s character is complex due to his dark past plus his character’s transformation from a neglected and humiliated child to a feared king.If you assess it, only to him did the series allow us to peek into his childhood, his family issues and his personal struggles -naturally allowing us to understand him more than the others. The rest of the characters’ past is actually murky. Wang Wook for example, we know he’s been pestered and burdened by family responsibilities as mentioned in some lines, but we haven’t seen any of his past except the first time he met his wife which doesn’t provide explanations. And so people were shocked and quick to judge him after he abandoned Soo to protect his family. I think there has to be more behind Wook’s character other than his greed for the throne.

Hae Soo and Wang So*

   Unfortunately, the same case applies for the female lead, Hae Soo. What we only know saw about her past is that she had been in love but her boyfriend and her best friend betrayed her which actually should somehow explain why she has trust issues, besides the fact that she was heartbroken, abandoned, and betrayed by two men.

   In my opinion, she does love So deeply. Yes, it took her time to accept So’s love but being twice heartbroken, I think that’s just wise for her to do.So had saved her life many times as proof of his love but the story line just didn’t provide her a chance to exchange her life for his life. I mean she’s not like the 10th prince’s wife who was a warrior who can take a sword or arrow to protect the prince nor does she has significant power or influence to be able to save So if he’s in danger (unlike Eun Soo, the high doctor in faith). For me, her staying in the palace after King Taejo died and her support to So’s usurp of the throne is enough proof of her love. She has been traumatized from Lady Oh’s death and she knows that the palace is a scary place. If I were her, I would have avoided the palace like a plague.

  Unfortunately, I also have to admit that her character isn't as mature and helpful as someone who can actually be beside Gwangjong in the throne. Her will power is not as strong as compare to Yeon Hwa (as much as I hate her, I have to recognize that). BUT, let's remember that she indeed loved Wang So, not Gwangjong. Let's admit that since Wang So become Gwangjong, he has changed. He let his pride and anger ruled his decisions since that time when he did not allow Prince Jung to see their mother in her death bed.

Hae Soo in the 21st Century*

   I have long accepted that Soo and So can't have a happy ending in the Goryeo period. What's unacceptable though is SBS cutting a scene in the 21st century period  when Hae Soo returned to the present. I just hope that they will listen to the fans and let the cut scenes be aired anyhow.

*I do not own these pictures. Credit is given to SBS.