나의 나라 fan art with a unique Anime Edge

https://www.sageukparadise.com/sageuk-paradise/my-country-the-new-age

Sageuk Shop —Sageuk Paradise

선호 artwork by The Bluedevil

나의 나라 is my second favorite 사극, right after 기황후, of course!  I was initially reluctant to watch it because I was so sure it was a cheap knock off of 화랑.  I was still very new to the 사극 genre, so my thinking was obviously a bit off.  In spite of assuming it was a 화랑 knock off, the Netflix trailer stuck with me. Eventually (and it really didn't take much), I caved in and decided to watch.

서휘 artwork by The Bluedevil

I was not disappointed.  The ending was devastating, however, that was part of what made it so good! I cried for about a week, but that's ok because the storyline was excellent!  I know some people criticize it because even though there are references made to 최영, he is not included as a character in the show.  I feel in this case 나의 나라 is less about being text book historically accurate and more about conveying the larger message of the consequences of polarizing political ideologies. Which made it especially important for Americans to watch during the Trump Era, though unfortunately, few did, and I feel those that did watch, missed the message. Or felt that because it was in reference to Korea, it couldn't possibly apply.  But oh, my good darling, yes it does. Just a little aside here, because Korea has 5000 years of history under its belt, and the United States most certainly does not, if a Korean television show says polarizing political ideologies are a bad idea, guess what? They're a bad idea.

서휘 vs 선호 artwork by Two_ii

There was indeed a lot of implicit historical/cultural context, which signalled to me that the American audience wasn't necessarily the target market.  And if it were, it was not the K-Pop market.  It was the people who were interested in Korean history and culture, regardless of which location on the globe they were from. Because of the implicit historical/cultural context, I had to do a lot of "homework" each night so I wouldn't get too lost and confused.  As a result, the 고려 dynasty is my favorite era in Korean history.

Protecting the Queen artwork by The Bluedevil

I collaborated with two different artists: The Bluedevil and Two_ii to create this series of prints and additional related merchandise, such as laminated mini prints.  I know some people are a bit averse to laminated mini prints, but hear me out!  I know I hate it when I have a mini print or photo card, and I have to take it off the wall, and it tears.  At least with a laminated mini print, it won't tear.  You can also glue a magnet to the back, and attach it to refrigerator!  The full sized 11x17 Prints, however, are not laminated.  

한희재 and 서연 artwork by The Bluedevil

I was going to have more made that focused on the women, as I felt the female relationships were also significant, but not discussed as often in the fandoms.  Unfortunately, I ran out of money and couldn't continue further.  I am, however, happy with what I have, and if there's interest, I'll create more.

선호 and 서연

These prints are obviously great for those of us in the 나의 나라 fandom, and additionally for those of us who enjoy history, culture, the 고려  dynasty, and Anime style art.  Of course, these are also great for fans of 우도환, 양세종, 장혁, who get just as frustrated as I do when they see a Korean Pop Culture merch store, and the goods are limited to K-Pop groups and Squid Game.  Good Lord, is that ever frustrating! Sometimes, I just want to pick up something K-Drama related in person, instead of having to order it. I don't have a physical store yet, just an online store, but it's something I'm indeed thinking of for the future.  

이방원 artwork by The Bluedevil

I think of the 사극 related items I sell as an external extension and expression of historical, cultural, and intellectual appreciation that can be displayed in your workspace or personal space.  Something that signifies a part of you that you feel proud and happy to be aligned with.  And these serve as a nice connection to some very beautiful actors, and a very beautiful drama.

You can find these items here:

https://www.sageukparadise.com/sageuk-paradise/my-country-the-new-age

Sageuk Shop —Sageuk Paradise