Hwarang (화랑)
the "Flower Knights" were warriors in the kingdom of Silla:
The
24th king of Silla, Chin Heung, formed a group of warriors, which were called
the HwaRang. The HwaRang were trained in weapons such as the sword, spear and
bow. They devoted their lives to these martial skills in the hopes that they
could save Silla. The HwaRang also studied an unarmed form of combat called
SooBak. SooBak was a primitive form of foot fighting, using some hand, but
mostly foot techniques. The HwaRang took SooBak and added things to it to
create a more fighting art. The techniques of SooBak were created to be used in
fighting along with the other weapons of the HwaRang to make the warriors able
to defeat their enemies. But, Chin Heung needed something more than just
competent soldiers; he needed something to unify the HwaRang and create the
mental conditioning to lead the kingdom to victory. So, he asked Won Kang, a
Buddhist monk and scholar, to take charge of the HwaRang training. Won Kang did
so and not only created fine warriors, but actually a way of thought for the
HwaRang. Won Kang came up with a code of ethics that the HwaRang warriors
followed.
With a the code of ethics and with their
skills in fighting the HwaRang became the HwaRangDo, which meant "way of
the flower of manhood." The HwaRangDo became known for their bravery and
fighting skill and soon supplied the leadership to defeat both the Paekje and
Koguryo kingdoms and unify Korea in to one country known then as Koryo. (https://www.msu.edu/~spock/history.html)
The aspiring candidates for the honored title of Hwarang
(Flower Knight Warriors) and the relation with their family and themselves-are the
protagonists of the musical Hwarang (화랑) at Dahangno Art Madang (Hall 3) in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Dahangno
Art Madang is a building that may not be located easy without website map and the good directions of the staff but
is near Hehwa subway which means that
art is enhanced around the area.
Five
gifted performers dance and sing in strong motion and depth of voice. The issue for those who do not speak Korean
or Chinese and Japanese is that there are not subtitles in English. Therefore
is is better to have read the story beforehand and what Hwarang are or else
they will not understand why they warriors suddenly start to wear make up and
dance aesthetically!
Hwarang
warriors are very important part of Korean history, even for the evolution of
taekwondo, so this performance that has recently completed the 1000 shows is
worth to watch and know.
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Synopsis
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The
"Hwarang" audition announcement is posted in Seorabeol, the capital
of Silla with a thousand-year history. The young and considerably popular
guys gather in Seorabeol.
The
rebel Yuo who wants to escape from his mother, the audacious and
self-centered Parang, the Hwarang descendant Munno who came down from
mountain village with great dreams, the reluctant Gwallang who was forced by
his father to apply for Hwarang, and the innocent youth Daham who thought the
only purpose of life is to protect Gwallang, all finally become a team after
many twists and turns. However, there is no such thing as a peaceful day for
this group given their different personalities, backgrounds and talents.
In
order to break free from the strict rules and hard training routine, the
group decides to make an escape plan. To make things worse, they reach a
turning point where they have to decide whether to endure the competition or
succumb to the conflicts and misunderstandings arising from the group.
Will
they succeed in becoming a "real Hwarang" and achieve their dream
of becoming a superstar in Seorabeol?
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