Tale of the Nine Tailed: Seasons, Ending & Season 3 News

Anyone who’s wondered whether a K‑drama about a nine‑tailed fox could balance folklore with heart‑wrenching romance has likely landed on Tale of the Nine Tailed, a two‑season series that aired between 2020 and 2023 and blends Korean mythology with modern love and action. Here’s a fact‑checked breakdown of how the seasons connect, what happens in the ending, and whether a third season is on the cards.

Number of episodes (Season 1): 16 ·
Number of episodes (Season 2): 12 ·
Original network: tvN ·
Streaming platform: Netflix ·
IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Is Tale of the Nine Tailed season 1 and 2 related?

How are the seasons connected?

• Season 2, titled Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, is a spin‑off prequel set in the year 1938 (Wikipedia).
• Lee Dong‑wook reprises his role as Lee Yeon, the nine‑tailed fox (GMA Network (Philippine TV)).
• Kim Bum returns as Lee Rang, Yeon’s half‑brother (Wikipedia).
• The seasons share the same universe but take place in different time periods, with Season 2 acting as a narrative bridge to Yeon’s past.

Should you watch Season 1 before Season 2?

• According to Wikipedia, Season 2 assumes knowledge of the original characters, especially the bond between Yeon and Rang.
• Viewers who skipped Season 1 reported confusion over the protagonists’ motivations, per Soompi reviews.

The implication: You can enjoy Season 2 as a standalone action adventure, but the emotional payoffs land harder with Season 1’s foundation.

Is the tale of the nine tailed happy or sad ending?

Does Season 1 have a happy ending?

• The Season 1 finale brings Lee Yeon and Ji‑ah together after a bittersweet sacrifice by Lee Rang (OTTplay).
• A bonus scene shows Yeon still retains his gumiho abilities, hinting at more adventures (News18 (Indian news site)).

Does Season 2 have a happy ending?

• Season 2 ends with a tragic sacrifice: Lee Yeon returns to his own time but loses loved ones in the process.
• The final scene shows Yeon transported to the Joseon era, a twist that Soompi described as leaving “all possibilities open.”

Is Yeon still a fox at the end?

• Season 1 finale: Yeon becomes human but retains some fox powers (News18).
• Season 2 ending: Yeon remains a nine‑tailed fox when he arrives in Joseon, as implied by the after‑credits scene.

What this means: Both seasons offer closure, but Season 2 deliberately avoids a fairytale ending, setting the stage for a potential continuation.

Is Tale of Nine Tailed worth watching?

What makes Tale of the Nine Tailed unique?

• It blends Korean folklore (the gumiho legend) with a modern romantic thriller framework.
• High production value: cinematography, CGI for fox transformations, and period costumes in Season 2.
• Lee Dong‑wook’s performance as the charismatic yet tormented gumiho received praise from Soompi.

Is there romance and action?

• Season 1 is heavy on romance between Yeon and Ji‑ah, with multiple kiss scenes (confirmed by viewer discussions).
• Season 2 shifts toward action and brotherhood, reducing romantic screen time.
• Both seasons contain thriller elements: mystery, fight scenes, and supernatural creatures.

The pattern: Tale of the Nine Tailed is a rare K‑drama that offers two distinct flavours – one for romance fans, one for adventure seekers. Both are well‑executed, but neither will please everyone.

Is season 3 of Tale of the Nine Tailed confirmed?

What is the release date for Season 3?

• No date has been announced. tvN stated on June 13, 2023 that it was “discussing the possibility” of a third season (Soompi).
• As of 2025, no official confirmation has been made.

What will be the plot of Season 3?

• Based on the Season 2 coda, a Season 3 would likely be set in the Joseon era, following Yeon’s arrival in that historical period.
• Showrunner Han Woo‑ri expressed interest in expanding the mythology, per RCTI+ News.

Will the original cast return?

• Lee Dong‑wook has not confirmed any involvement.
• Kim Bum’s character Lee Rang died in Season 1 (though a reincarnation hint exists).
• Jo Bo‑ah’s character Ji‑ah is not present in Season 2, so her return is uncertain.

The catch: Without official renewal, Season 3 remains speculative. The production team’s cautious wording suggests interest but no budget commitment.

Which is better, Tale of the Nine Tailed season 1 or 2?

Three key differences, one trade‑off:

Why this matters: Season 1 is the critical and audience favourite, while Season 2 is a polarising but ambitious spin‑off. Your preference depends on whether you value romantic payoff or historical world‑building.

Timeline

• October 7, 2020 – Tale of the Nine Tailed Season 1 premieres on tvN (Wikipedia).
• December 3, 2020 – Season 1 concludes with 16 episodes.
• May 6, 2023 – Season 2 (Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938) premieres (Wikipedia).
• June 10, 2023 – Season 2 concludes with 12 episodes.
• June 13, 2023 – tvN discusses possibility of a third season (Soompi).
• 2024–2025 – Rumours of Season 3 circulate; no official announcement.

The pattern: The two-and-a-half-year gap between seasons shows the production complexity and the franchise’s rapid expansion into historical territory.

Clarity: What we know vs what we don’t

The implication: Fans must temper expectations for a third season until official announcements emerge.

What critics and fans say

“The season 2 ending left ‘all possibilities open’ for further continuation.”

— Soompi (K‑drama news site)

“Season 2’s shift to action and time travel sacrificed the romantic chemistry that made Season 1 special.”

— Viewer on Reddit (community forum)

“We are discussing the possibility of a third season, but nothing has been finalized.”

— tvN representative, quoted by Soompi

For K‑drama fans deciding whether to invest in the world of gumiho, the choice is straightforward: Season 1 delivers a complete romantic fantasy with a satisfying ending, while Season 2 is a wild historical ride that deliberately leaves the door open for more. Skip Season 2 only if you prefer your folklore strictly modern; otherwise, grab a seat for 1938.

Frequently asked questions