Whilst in Australia I picked up a copy of the Korean 2003 TV drama called Winter Sonata. Back when we were in Japan in 2004 it was all the rage among the housewives, and we’d been curious about it since. Florence, who had seen it, highly recommended it so it was a no brainer to get the entire 20 episode series for $15 at one of the chinatown shops in Sydney.
Shortly after returning we started watching. Ten days later we had finished it.
It was magnificent.
Winter Sonata is a love story between Yujin Jung and Kang Joon Sang, who meet during high school only to be forced apart. Years later they reunite, only Joon Sang has lost his memory and is going under a different name. Drama, pathos and near ceaseless heartbreak follow.
As KLS so skillfully put it “The show uses every last cliche ever used in a soap opera, but does it so well.” She’s right, this is edge-of-your-seat material that pulls the heartstrings in every one of its 20 episodes. There is no ‘filler’ and it never gets boring – no matter how unbelievable things sometimes may get, it’s difficult to stop watching.
The shot above is our lovers at age 18, and below at age 28
The story is complemented by great scenery (including many scenes shot at a beautiful ski resort in the Korean mountains) and a wonderful soundtrack. One song in particular (‘My Memory’, by a singer named Ryu) is used at least once every episode as a sort of queue for the viewer: here’s where you start to cry 🙂
The actor who plays Jong Sang is named Bae Yong Joon and went on to become a bit of an international superstar after the show. His character is extremely likeable (even I fell for him…) and it’s probably impossible for female viewers not to swoon during his most romantic moments. KLS certainly did 🙂
< Bae Yong Joon
His fame grew to such levels that merchandise of him exists (dolls, sheets, socks). But the best I've seen makes me wish that even once during our three Japan trips KLS & I thought to set foot into a Pizza-La restaurant:
Yes, that’s a Bae Yong Joon fridge magnet 🙂