NETWORK : SBS
RELEASE: 2001
EPISODES: 24
WEBSITE: http://www.sbs.co.kr/tv
LINKS: Choi Ji-woo | Soompi | Koreanwiz | Hancinema | SPCNET.TV | OST | jsl fansite | krystalheart | tour2korea

 
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BEAUTIFUL DAYS
Areumdawoon Naldeul

STORYLINE

Yon-soo could be regarded as the superwoman of relationships for she could become a warm-hearted sister, a reliable friend and an understanding lover all at the same time. Even though Yon-soo and Sena weren't related, they grew up together with such closeness only true sisters share. They were inseparable. But fate could sometimes be a teaser. When Yon-soo left to follow her dreams, Sena ended up hating her when she didn't come back to the orphanage to keep her promise. Feeling betrayed, Sena ran away and hid from Yon-soo for years.

Yon-soo patiently waited for Sena to forgive her. She tried to make her understand that she never meant to disappoint her. She asked the help of Min-chul, the owner of Victory Records, to groom her to become an aspiring singer. In return, she became a live-in tutor to his sister, Min-ji, who has the same interest with that of hers, painting. Things started off at Min-chul's house. But despite of rejections, Yon-soo got sympathy from Sun-jae, Min-chul's stepbrother. He instantly saw Yon-soo's sincerity and fell in love.

In spite Min-chul's toughness, Yon-soo was able to bring out the soft spot in his heart. She unexpectedly tamed and changed his perspectives. But a truth from the past forced Min-chul to break up with her.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: SPOILER ALERT :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sun-jae's father was killed by his stepdad. The truth made him change to a different person with revenge in his heart. He sided with Muse, a rival company, and guided Sena to success. He revealed their family secret to drag Victory Record's name in shame. Min-chul eventually filed for bankruptcy when investments were pulled out.

Everything is falling into places for Sun-jae except Yon-soo's feelings. As he tried to win her over, he unintentionally overlooked Sena's presence. Feeling unappreciated, Sena hated Yon-soo even more. But she felt guilty for treating her bad when she found out the dilemma Yon-soo is experiencing.

Yon-soo was diagnosed to have acute leukemia. She needs to undergo bone marrow treatment but nobody is a match. Only her love for Min-chul and Sena keeps her stronger to hold on. When Min-chul realized that he loves Yon-soo more than anything, he decided to stay by her side until they could find a donor. Min-chul seemingly can't live without her so they got married despite of the problems they are facing.

A life changing decision was made when hope came in. Yon-soo knows that there is no assurance from the treatment but she is more than willing to risk it for Min-chul. The surgery was a success and she got well in time to see Sena fulfill her dreams of becoming a famous star.

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CAST
Lee Byeong-Heon
as Lee Min-chul
Choi Ji-woo
as Kim Yon-soo
Ryoo Si-won
as Lee Sun-jae
Lee Jeong-hyeon
as Kim Sena
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REVIEWS

It would be nicer if I've seen this series before Stairway to Heaven, Winter Sonata and MISA. Since some of the scenes are somehow similar to what I have already seen, I sort of already knew what's going to happen. It's a give away. But to pretend that this came in first…

To tackle love for siblings, friends and family all in one series is such an ambitious move. It is but expected that if there are a lot of topics, there'll be atleast one overlooked. But Beautiful Days didn't seem to have any problems with it. They were wisely delivered. It definitely used up all the 24 episodes to go into every details of the story. There were no unwanted scenes. They didn't leave anything hanging. The pacing and transition of the story are just in the right timing.

It was nice to initially build the relationship between Ji Woo and Jeong-hyeon's character. Then came the rivalry between Byeong-Heon and Si-won's. Just as you thought you already know them, personality shifts. This showed versatility in their acting.

I never realized that Shi won could act. Based on what I've witnessed of him in "The Wedding", I thought he couldn't deliver. But I was proven wrong. He gave justice to his character. With Ji-woo, she looked prettier than ever. Her angelic face complements her innocence. I guess she is born to act kind and warm-hearted characters. I wonder if she could pull through devious portrayals.

For a change, the series didn't deal too much on the love angles. It comes in and out just as it is called for. It only shows that there is more in life besides fighting over a girl and this is what the series is all about.

Even though this is the longest series I've watched and took me more than a month to finish, it is worth it. Not a single scene did I get bored. It has a lot to offer. The greatness doesn't seem to end.

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ARTICLES

Top 10 "Favorite Korean Dramas"

1. Winter Sonata - Bae Yong Jun, Choi Ji Woo (27.3%)
2. Beautiful Days - Lee Byung Hun, Choi Ji Woo (22.7%)
3. Hotelier - Bae Yong Jun, Song Yun Ah (12.7%)
4. Stairway to Heaven - Kwon Sang Woo, Choi Ji Woo (12.0%)
5. Lovers in Paris - Lee Dong Gun, Kim Jung Eun (7.2%)
6. Summer Scent - Song Seung Hun, Song Ye Jin (5.4%)
7. Dae Jang Geun - Ji Jin Hee, Lee Young Ae (4.7%)
8. Autumn in my Heart - Song Seung Hun, Song Hye Gyo (3.7%0
9. All In - Lee Byung Hun, Song Hye Gyo (3.2%)
10. Happy Together - Song Seung Hun, Lee Byung Hun, Jeon Ji Heon (1.1%)

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OST

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01. Geu Ddae Gga Ji Ahn Nyung (Goodbye Til Then) - Zero [ lyrics ]
02. Yak Sohk (Promise) - Zero [ lyrics ]
03. Heaven - Lee Jung Hyun [ lyrics ]
04. Yak Sohk (Promise) - Ryu Si Won [ lyrics ]
05. Geu Dae Wi Eh Suh (For You) - Scat Version By Zero [ lyrics ]
06. For You - Zero [ lyrics ]
07. Geu Ddae Gah Ji Ahn Nyung (Goodbye Til Then) - Ryu Si Won [ lyrics ]
08. Uhn Jae Na Oh Neul Chul Ruhm (Always Like Today) - Scat Version By Various
09. Ggoom (Dream) - Lee Jung Hyun [ lyrics ]
10. Missing You - Ryu Si Won [ lyrics ]
11. Please - Various Artists
12. Sang Chuh (Wound) - Ryu Si Won [ lyrics ]
13. Nuh Mahn Eul Wi Hae (On Your Behalf) - Various
14. Mah Ji Mahk Sarang Eul Wi Ha Yuh (For The Ultimate Love) - Lee Byeong-Heon [ lyrics ]
others: Remembering Me | Bootak

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SCREENCAPS [ click on the thumbnail to enlarge ]
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DIALOGUES AND QUOTES warning: may contain spoilers

[ SENA TO SUN-JAE ]
Let me tell you what total betrayal is. First, he makes you feel you're the only one he loves in this world. Even if the whole world turns you away, he will not do that. Ok, you trust him implicitly and aren't wary of him at all. Then, just when you need him the most, he walks out on you! Turning his back on you cruelly!

YON-SOO: I seem to be the child in the picture, close by mom and dad's side and looking at the world without any sadness or worries. I can feel the happiness of the child. Mr. Lee, you should thank your late mother. She left you a sister.
MIN-CHUL: Looking up from earth, the stars seem to be twinkling. But the distance between one star and another is so vast. It's my mom's death anniversary today. She's been gone for 15 years. Each time her anniversary comes, time seems to turn back. I seem to be back 15 years ago. I was miserable… angry… afraid.

[ SUN-JAE TO MRS. LEE ]
Mom, it's your entire fault. Why did fall in love with a man with a family? Why fall in love with a married man and then have me? That's not all. When the wife passed away, you moved in taking me along as if you've been looking forward to this day. It's your entire fault, mom. No matter how brother and Min-ji look down on you and insult you, you have nothing to say. Aren't we better off being on our own? We were fine those days when dad wasn't with us. You were such a great mother then. You could laugh loudly and sing. I miss the way you were before. Not only have brother and Min-ji lost their mom. I've lost mine too. I've lost the mom I knew.

NALAN: Listen, mirrors in boutiques delude us into thinking. New clothes look pretty on us. But the moment we get home, we're disillusioned. Mr. Lee is just like a mirror in a boutique. You may feel pretty and good when you're with him. But that's only temporary. When it's time for you to go home, the mirror won't walk home with you. Do you get what I mean?
YON-SOO: In my eyes, Mr. Lee is not a mirror in a boutique. He's a deep well. A deep, dark well that seems bottomless. It strikes terror in my heart. Yet it exudes an attraction that makes me want to peep right down.

[ MIN-CHUL TO YON-SOO ]
Falling in love with someone is like drinking seawater. It's refreshingly cool when you first drink it. After drinking, you feel thirsty. The more you drink, the thirstier you are and the more you crave for it.

YON-SOO: Do you have to put it that way? You mustn't say you're taking special care of Sena because of me. That's not right. I still don't understand you very well. If you're not honest with me, I might misunderstand you. Hate it or like it. Happy or unhappy, I hope you'll frankly reveal your feelings to me in the future.
MIN-CHUL: I'm afraid it's quite beyond me. I've never been good in expressing myself especially where motions are involved.

[ YON-SOO TO NALAN ]
I've been seeing Mr. Lee but he's like a man who has put on his shoes ever ready to leave. To turn back any time he wants, he wears his shoes to get ready. Even when he's in my heart, he doesn't take off his shoes. The footprints in my heart sink deeper and it scares me.

[ SUN-JAE TO SUN-JAE ]
I seem to be hanging from a big tree. The whole world seems to be upside down. The world I saw in the past seems to be a phony one. My feet can't touch the ground and blood rushes up to my head. I feel dizzy. I've often thought of this. If my family weren't my family, wouldn't it be wonderful? We hate each other but because we're blood relations, we're together. It's a tragedy. You're not Sena's real sister yet you treat her so well. That made me like you even more. The truth is, there is no need to feel sad. There's no need to try so hard to please. Not a single drop of our blood runs in the other.

[ SUN-JAE TO SUN-JAE ]
The baby golden fish is actually multicolored. But when it grows big, it turns golden in color. Do you know why it turns golden? Because it lacks a certain type of pigment. Wouldn't it be great if we could be like this fish? It shines bright though sick in heart. The deeper the wound, the greater the brilliance.

[ YON-SOO TO MIN-CHUL ]
Before you, I often feel small and weak. I find myself so useless when I'm before you. I often feel uneasy because I'm afraid you'll be disappointed in me. That isn't because you're more capable than me. It is because I love you so much. The more I love you, the more I feel weighed down. I can't let the director insult me just because I love you. I don't wish to put up with it anymore. I don't want my pride to be hurt again. Is that being foolish?

SENA: You regard your memories with Yon-soo precious. You're such a fool. They don't mean a thing to sis. She only remembers the time she's spent with your brother. But I remember every moment I've spent with you. Whenever I have time, I relive those moments. You don't know whom you should really treasure. You're such a silly fool.
SUN-JAE: Yes, I'm a silly fool. One of those few rare silly fools.
SENA: There's someone sillier than the silly fool. The silly fool waiting for the silly fool.

[ AT THE HOSPITAL, SUN-JAE TO YON-SOO ]
Move your little finger. Your ring finger moved with it. Move your ring finger. The little finger remains still. These two fingers are like you and me. I'm the ring finger and you're the little finger. When you bow, I bow with you. When you feel pain, I feel pain too. But you're different. No matte how I move, you won't move. But it'll change very soon. Your finger will move with my heart.

[ MIN-CHUL TO YON-SOO ]
I'm not good at offering prayers. But today, I am going to pray for Yon-soo. Please take away her tears and replace them with smiles. Please bless her with good health and a happy life. Last but not the least, please get her to accept my proposal. (to Yon-soo) Marry me. Let's get married without delay. We're enjoying the sweetest of our lives. So why not get married and make our dreams come true?

MIN-CHUL: No one is able to bring me more happiness. Thank you. No one can stir my emotions more than you. No one has made me wait longer than you. I'm going to share my joys and sorrows with you all my life. No one is luckier than me.
YON-SOO: It's the same with me.
MIN-CHUL: We've already possessed so much. What ordinary people dream of has come true to us. For that, we should always be grateful. I love you.

MIN-CHUL: I've thought it over carefully…
YON-SOO: Don't say anything. This time, let me decide. I'll go by your decision in any matter. If the transplant doesn't go well, you'll live in regret and suffer for a long time. I'll decide this myself. Whatever the result, I'll bear the responsibility and regrets. I've decided to go for the transplant. Let fate decide. I've been able to live to this day without the care of my parents. I met you and have your love and concern. For that, I'm considered quite lucky. Trust my decision.

YON-SOO: Today is a happy day. If I could draw my whole heart now, wouldn't it be nice? I'd draw how much my heaert loves you. Your existence is so important to me. I want to draw it before leaving.
MIN-CHUL: You've drawn it in my heart.
YON-SOO: Not yet. It's still along way from it. The drawing is still far from complete.
MIN-CHUL: You can draw it when you come home. My heart is completely yours. You can draw it any time when you're back.

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