Kim Hye Yoon’s new drama No Tail to Tell has quickly become a hot topic, drawing mixed—largely negative—reactions from viewers just two episodes into its broadcast. What was expected to be a fresh fantasy rom-com has instead been labeled by some audiences as one of the most disappointing gumiho portrayals in recent Korean drama history.
No Tail to Tell follows Eun Ho, portrayed by Kim Hye Yoon, a proud nine-tailed fox (gumiho) who has lived for centuries with the power to grant wishes. Determined to preserve her eternal freedom, Eun Ho avoids becoming human at all costs, choosing instead to play harmless tricks and trade wishes for personal gain. She lives by one strict rule: never fall in love, never blend into the human world.
Her carefully controlled existence unravels when she crosses paths with Kang Si Yeol (played by Lomon), a globally famous soccer star known for his discipline and flawless public image. A sudden, fateful encounter causes Eun Ho to lose her powers, forcing her onto an unwanted path toward becoming human. What follows is a chaotic love-hate relationship between a fallen gumiho and a superstar athlete, blending romance, comedy, and familiar fantasy tropes as the two characters slowly begin to heal one another.
However, shortly after the first two episodes aired, online forums and social media platforms were flooded with debate. Much of the criticism centers on Kim Hye Yoon’s performance as Eun Ho. While her character is meant to be mischievous, arrogant, and otherworldly, many viewers complained that her high-pitched, sharp, and overly clear vocal delivery became exhausting—especially during fast-paced dialogue delivered in a single tone.
Some viewers argued that Kim Hye Yoon simply does not suit the gumiho archetype, lacking the mystical allure, seductive charm, and dangerous elegance traditionally associated with nine-tailed fox characters. Others criticized her facial expressions and acting style as forced and overdone, claiming it felt like a recycled version of her past roles, particularly Ye-seo from Sky Castle, rather than a fresh transformation.
The drama’s weaknesses, according to critics, extend beyond acting. The script has been labeled shallow, failing to deliver the emotional pull expected of a romantic comedy. The chemistry between Eun Ho and Kang Si Yeol has also been widely criticized, with many saying the male lead lacks the charisma needed to make the romance convincing. On top of that, the production quality has come under fire, with viewers pointing out underwhelming CGI, cost-cutting visuals, forgettable background music, and uninspired directing—giving the show the feel of a low-budget web drama rather than a prime-time SBS series.
Ratings appear to reflect this lukewarm reception. Episode 1 recorded 3.7% nationwide, but Episode 2 dropped to 2.7%, according to Nielsen Korea, amid fierce competition from other programs. Some viewers also believe the Friday–Saturday time slot is ill-suited for a fantasy rom-com, causing audiences to tune out quickly.
That said, not all responses have been negative. Some fans and industry watchers argue that the issue lies more with the director’s guidance than with Kim Hye Yoon herself, noting that her distinctive vocal style has worked well in previous roles. Others have pushed back against harsh criticism, urging viewers to focus on acting rather than attacking her appearance or character, and emphasizing that the drama still needs time for character development to fully unfold.
Overall, No Tail to Tell is facing a challenging start, with strong backlash particularly aimed at Kim Hye Yoon’s portrayal of Eun Ho. While there remains hope that later episodes could turn things around, the drama is currently being discussed as one of the most controversial and disappointing gumiho-centered Korean dramas in recent memory—at least in terms of early public reception.