Funny you should just post this. We recently watched this as it was labeled as a "guilty pleasure" over on a Patreon blog. Hyun Bin is a red flag, without a doubt. His behavior totally unacceptable in so many areas.
However, we absolutely loved Sam Soon's character-from her non-traditional big girl look (Small Girl by Youngji anyone?) to her work ethic to her willingness to not get sucked into loving a red flag until maybe he might learn a few boundaries? She is one of my favorite female characters in all of the 120 K-dramas we have watched. Hyun Bin was fun to watch because he was such a baby then, until he opened his mouth or grabbed her that is.
I agree with your rating. Some of these older dramas have held up to the test of time (Goong) and others not so much. Depends on your ability to overlook a red flag to see a great female character.
We call it the Korean Hand Grab at our house...wonder how real this trope is? In the US, I see it as crossing the line into harassment almost all the time.
That's a great quote. Not only for Sam Soon for also for all us who have been around toxic relationships.
Thank you for sharing your sentiments, Deni. I think that Sam-soon's character (especially in that era) was something new that wasn't seen often.
I've never seen anyone in Korea do the Korean Arm Grab/Hand Grab or give their drunk friends piggyback rides. lol But then again, I don't live there anymore. However, Amnesty International Korea put out a statement around this time(ish?) talking about the important of not manhandling women in dramas. It has gotten better now vs. back then.
I absolutely loved this drama 15 years ago - a "bigger" girl getting the boy, Daniel Henney and knowing his own mother is an adoptee and the Jejudo statues that also greet my own orphanage. It was the first time I got to see a glimpse of something that I could relate to.
All that is problematic of this drama seems to be on brand for the dramas back then and I have enjoyed watching the evolution of relationships and what is considered "good boyfriend material" now is not all that grabbing, demanding and controlling.
I WOULD LOVE A REMAKE OF THIS DRAMA! Hwang In Youp as Hyun Bin's character?
The wrist grabbing is still going on, unfortunately. I'm watching the new series WHEN THE PHONE RINGS and Yoo Yeon-seok is constantly grabbing Chae Soo-bin's wrist and I'm thinking, "Can we just stop this?" (BTW, I'm enjoying the show overall, wrist yanking aside.)
I watched something recently without that and the iconic resignation letter handover and I was like...wait...things are changing!
But I hear you. It's unfortunate, but I kind of accept it all to get the drug that is KDrama. I started watching because it was so unpredictable (for me an American who knows all my own culture's story tropes). Now I know these, but I still enjoy them and like some issues in American culture have to gloss over some things to keep enjoying it all.
I loved the ending the most, when Sam-soon found her worth and her voice. And I do think it was pretty bold for that era for the woman to choose herself. As physically attractive as all the men were (Daniel Henny in his prime!), none of them were ideal boyfriends.
There are a lot of shows/films I watched in my youth that I thought were so good back then that I don't want my child to watch, like SIXTEEN CANDLES. (Not that he has any interest in seeing it, lol) Back then, I don't think anyone talked about how Jake basically gave The Geek permission to rape his intoxicated girlfriend, Caroline. We all just thought Michael Schoeffling (the actor playing Jake) was dreamy. No one knew much about date rape or consent back then. It's a different era.
I will say that I do enjoy revisiting some of these older K-dramas that were so fun to watch back then, finding what resonated with us back then and how we see them now. Always interesting!
(Tone: Sincere) First & foremost- thank you for writing & sharing this article- inspiring as always! After reading through your words I realized if I wanted to comment I would have to go back & rewatch KSS. Something about calling the Love story 'problematic' while justifiably fair (as per your points) didn't jive with my recollection. Of course, in a broader sense I do agree.
Now that I've rewatched KSS (thank you for the inspiration), it reaffirmed my belief that, even as it approaches its 20th anniversary in just under six months, it remains a tension-filled yet catalytic love story that I highly recommend revisiting...or experiencing for the 1st time- for many K-drama viewers, as it offers an eye-opening exploration of relational dynamics (a lá ♊️Venus-♓️Mars square) that serve as (1 variant) for the backdrop to how/why the sexes/genders interact with each other the way they do today.
There are numerous things that stuck out to me that I would like to touch on (my response could surely become an essay/review of its own if I don't keep it short)- e.g. is there anyone else that was taken aback as to how violent the female characters were both emotionally & physically? Lee Hyun-Moo (portrayed by veteran Kwon Hae-Hyo) "why are all the women in that family so violent- totally like gangsters…I’m so scared sometimes." (Ep. 12) Another telling moment, which was actually rather hilarious, (Ep. 7) Hyun Jin-Hun & Min Hyun-Woo are on some alpha trip punching each other at the event in Jeju and then when they notice the women- Kim Sam-Soon & Jang Jae-Ri fighting there's a shared moment of perplexity & fear expressed by the men as they look at each other before rushing to separate the women...
or when Henry says to the fighting & hair-pulling ladies (Ep. 15) ⬇️
Henry: Hee Jin. Sophie. What are you doing?
(While looking at Henry and still holding onto the other's hair)
Kim Sam-Soon: What's up?
ROFL
With that said- I agree with your points re: the male characters & that the instances are problematic 💯. The worst scenario for me was the first kiss referenced in the spoiler...even though I have much much more to say- for the sake of brevity & respecting your time I just want to thank you as always for your words!! Your articles are such a pleasure to read and it's always a highlight for me! 🙏🏼💜🖤✌🏼
Thanks for bringing up these important talking points. There’s so much going on that we interpret in different ways. It is interesting to see how our perspective changes over the years/decades.
I would be curious to seeing remakes of some of these classics, with updated storylines to address the problematic themes. But would that even work? Would the plots from the days of yore not be feasible to tweak for today’s audience? Just thinking out loud here… lol
I know that so many people adored this series and that it was a gateway drama for many. But there are plenty of excellent ones to choose from, Josh. Have a great week!
I remember enjoying this, but the problematic themes less so. I feel like this evolution is similar to romance novels in that we used to equate control and negging with love.
(It’s not gone from romance, but is somewhat less prevalent.)
2005 does not feel like it's almost 20 years ago...! As terrible as the antiquated viewpoint of this show is, I think I would still take 2005 over what 2025 is shaping up to be... 😞
Funny you should just post this. We recently watched this as it was labeled as a "guilty pleasure" over on a Patreon blog. Hyun Bin is a red flag, without a doubt. His behavior totally unacceptable in so many areas.
However, we absolutely loved Sam Soon's character-from her non-traditional big girl look (Small Girl by Youngji anyone?) to her work ethic to her willingness to not get sucked into loving a red flag until maybe he might learn a few boundaries? She is one of my favorite female characters in all of the 120 K-dramas we have watched. Hyun Bin was fun to watch because he was such a baby then, until he opened his mouth or grabbed her that is.
I agree with your rating. Some of these older dramas have held up to the test of time (Goong) and others not so much. Depends on your ability to overlook a red flag to see a great female character.
We call it the Korean Hand Grab at our house...wonder how real this trope is? In the US, I see it as crossing the line into harassment almost all the time.
That's a great quote. Not only for Sam Soon for also for all us who have been around toxic relationships.
Thank you for the conversation.
Thank you for sharing your sentiments, Deni. I think that Sam-soon's character (especially in that era) was something new that wasn't seen often.
I've never seen anyone in Korea do the Korean Arm Grab/Hand Grab or give their drunk friends piggyback rides. lol But then again, I don't live there anymore. However, Amnesty International Korea put out a statement around this time(ish?) talking about the important of not manhandling women in dramas. It has gotten better now vs. back then.
I absolutely loved this drama 15 years ago - a "bigger" girl getting the boy, Daniel Henney and knowing his own mother is an adoptee and the Jejudo statues that also greet my own orphanage. It was the first time I got to see a glimpse of something that I could relate to.
All that is problematic of this drama seems to be on brand for the dramas back then and I have enjoyed watching the evolution of relationships and what is considered "good boyfriend material" now is not all that grabbing, demanding and controlling.
I WOULD LOVE A REMAKE OF THIS DRAMA! Hwang In Youp as Hyun Bin's character?
Remember all the wrist grabbing back then...
The wrist grabbing is still going on, unfortunately. I'm watching the new series WHEN THE PHONE RINGS and Yoo Yeon-seok is constantly grabbing Chae Soo-bin's wrist and I'm thinking, "Can we just stop this?" (BTW, I'm enjoying the show overall, wrist yanking aside.)
I watched something recently without that and the iconic resignation letter handover and I was like...wait...things are changing!
But I hear you. It's unfortunate, but I kind of accept it all to get the drug that is KDrama. I started watching because it was so unpredictable (for me an American who knows all my own culture's story tropes). Now I know these, but I still enjoy them and like some issues in American culture have to gloss over some things to keep enjoying it all.
I loved the ending the most, when Sam-soon found her worth and her voice. And I do think it was pretty bold for that era for the woman to choose herself. As physically attractive as all the men were (Daniel Henny in his prime!), none of them were ideal boyfriends.
There are a lot of shows/films I watched in my youth that I thought were so good back then that I don't want my child to watch, like SIXTEEN CANDLES. (Not that he has any interest in seeing it, lol) Back then, I don't think anyone talked about how Jake basically gave The Geek permission to rape his intoxicated girlfriend, Caroline. We all just thought Michael Schoeffling (the actor playing Jake) was dreamy. No one knew much about date rape or consent back then. It's a different era.
I will say that I do enjoy revisiting some of these older K-dramas that were so fun to watch back then, finding what resonated with us back then and how we see them now. Always interesting!
This is a blast from the past!
Almost 20 years old, Aime!
(Tone: Sincere) First & foremost- thank you for writing & sharing this article- inspiring as always! After reading through your words I realized if I wanted to comment I would have to go back & rewatch KSS. Something about calling the Love story 'problematic' while justifiably fair (as per your points) didn't jive with my recollection. Of course, in a broader sense I do agree.
Now that I've rewatched KSS (thank you for the inspiration), it reaffirmed my belief that, even as it approaches its 20th anniversary in just under six months, it remains a tension-filled yet catalytic love story that I highly recommend revisiting...or experiencing for the 1st time- for many K-drama viewers, as it offers an eye-opening exploration of relational dynamics (a lá ♊️Venus-♓️Mars square) that serve as (1 variant) for the backdrop to how/why the sexes/genders interact with each other the way they do today.
There are numerous things that stuck out to me that I would like to touch on (my response could surely become an essay/review of its own if I don't keep it short)- e.g. is there anyone else that was taken aback as to how violent the female characters were both emotionally & physically? Lee Hyun-Moo (portrayed by veteran Kwon Hae-Hyo) "why are all the women in that family so violent- totally like gangsters…I’m so scared sometimes." (Ep. 12) Another telling moment, which was actually rather hilarious, (Ep. 7) Hyun Jin-Hun & Min Hyun-Woo are on some alpha trip punching each other at the event in Jeju and then when they notice the women- Kim Sam-Soon & Jang Jae-Ri fighting there's a shared moment of perplexity & fear expressed by the men as they look at each other before rushing to separate the women...
or when Henry says to the fighting & hair-pulling ladies (Ep. 15) ⬇️
Henry: Hee Jin. Sophie. What are you doing?
(While looking at Henry and still holding onto the other's hair)
Kim Sam-Soon: What's up?
ROFL
With that said- I agree with your points re: the male characters & that the instances are problematic 💯. The worst scenario for me was the first kiss referenced in the spoiler...even though I have much much more to say- for the sake of brevity & respecting your time I just want to thank you as always for your words!! Your articles are such a pleasure to read and it's always a highlight for me! 🙏🏼💜🖤✌🏼
Thanks for bringing up these important talking points. There’s so much going on that we interpret in different ways. It is interesting to see how our perspective changes over the years/decades.
I would be curious to seeing remakes of some of these classics, with updated storylines to address the problematic themes. But would that even work? Would the plots from the days of yore not be feasible to tweak for today’s audience? Just thinking out loud here… lol
Thanks for the heads up! Won't be needing to lose 16 hours of my life!
I know that so many people adored this series and that it was a gateway drama for many. But there are plenty of excellent ones to choose from, Josh. Have a great week!
I remember enjoying this, but the problematic themes less so. I feel like this evolution is similar to romance novels in that we used to equate control and negging with love.
(It’s not gone from romance, but is somewhat less prevalent.)
Yup. The series is almost 20 years old , and things that were acceptable then are 😬 today.
2005 does not feel like it's almost 20 years ago...! As terrible as the antiquated viewpoint of this show is, I think I would still take 2005 over what 2025 is shaping up to be... 😞
That's so depressing, isn't it? What's happening in SK now and the US is appalling.
Now I have to wonder if I popped in all those DVDs on my shelf from 20 years ago when I started watching KDramas what I’d think….