STORYLINE

Hae-in maybe blind but her disability didn't stop her from living her life to the fullest. When her aunt, Audrey, found a job as a pub singer in a military campsite, she met Joon-young. He wasn't friendly to her when they first met but felt guilty when he learned that Hae-in is blind and yet he treats her badly. Impressed in Ha-In's personality, he tried to befriend her and helped her fit in. Eventually, they became close friends. Trusting her, he brought Hae-in to his secret hideout. In return, she gave him a necklace with her name engraved on it. As years passed, their relationship became deeper and spent their entire life sharing one dream, one love.

Audrey got married to an American soldier and promised that Hae-in would get an eye operation. Joon-young allowed her to go to America. He swore that he would take both ends of the world to find her. He gave her a voice recorder so they could communicate. At first, everything worked out well until when her uncle became possesive of Audrey. He made their lives a living hell. Threatened of what he could possibly do to Hae-in, she decided to leave him for good. They went from one place to another to get away from her husband. Hae-in lost communication with Joon-young. He continues to send his voice tapes even if Hae-in haven't been replying for a long time.

During Joon-young's senior year, he stayed at his dad's. He changed his name to Choi Joon-kyu for legal purposes. There he met Gun-woo, son of a business tycoon. They became best friends along with Jin-pyo. After school, Gun-woo went to New York for college.

Hae-in stays in the park while her aunt tries to look for a job. She was drawn when she heard somebody playing her favorite song, LOVE, which turned out to be Gun-woo. He was amazed of her striking beauty and started to have interest on her. He helped them settle down and find a job. He recommended Audrey to one of the clubs in New York. Excited of the audition, she fell and couldn't perform. Hae-in was convinced to try out instead. The owner was mesmerized of her voice and hired her.

Hwa-jung, an obsessed childhood friend, followed Joon-young and lived with him. He didn't like the idea but she insisted. Everytime she tries to allure him, he doesn't pay attention. She got upset knowing that Joon-young could never be hers. She resent all the voice tapes Hae-in mailed without Joon-young getting it. Hae-in got surprised when all of her tapes were returned. She anxiously sent more tapes hoping that Joon-young would eventually receive it. With all the jealousy involved, Hwa-jung sent a letter to Hae-in saying that Joon-young died in an accident. She even put the necklace Hae-in gave him so she would believe her.

Hae-in was heartbroken. She tried to end her life thinking that she could never be with Joon-young again. Gun-woo helped her surpass the depression. He anonymously offered to pay for her eye operation when she had an accident. Hae-in got her sight back.

Joon-young kept his promise of finding Hae-in. He asked for travel sponsorship from Gun-woo. He was able to go to New York but he didn't find Hae-in in her old address. Worst, he got involved in a drug dealing business by mistake and was deported. After a while, he was drafted.

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Gun-woo proposed his love to Hae-in after long years of waiting. They were informally engaged. They returned to Korea to start a recording business with his friends, including Joon-young. When they came back, he introduced Hae-in as her fiancée. Joon-young was all shocked seeing her again. He didn't admit that he knows her because of Gun-woo. Since Hae-in never saw how Joon-young looks like and he was introduced as Joon-kyu, she didn't have any idea. Besides, she thought Joon-young is already dead.

Gun-woo produced a recording album with Hae-in as the singer and Joon-young as the composer. Eventhough Joon-young gives her a hard time during rehearsals, she gets suspicious how similar he sounds and acts like Joon-young.

At the hype of Hae-in's success, she found out that Joon-young is alive when she accidentally saw him in their secret place. They continued their relationship behind Gun-woo's back.

Gun-woo felt betrayed when he learned that his best friend is Hae-in's first love. He ended his friendship with Joon-young and tried to break them up. Even if he really wants Hae-in to be his, he can't seem to bear seeing her unhappy. He gave up and sacrificed his love.

During Hae-in's concert, a conspiracy was about to happen. Gun-woo's brother in law is up to something and he found out. To keep Gun-woo from telling other people about it, he hired an assassin. He tried to kill Gun-woo but Joon-young saved him and got shot. Joon-young was rushed to the hospital but doctors said that he wouldn't make it.

Joon-young wanted to go back to Hae-in's concert as promised that he'd be there. Gun-woo granted his friend's wish and helped him pretend that everything is all right. He died right after Hae-in's first song.

Ten years later, Hae-in went back to their secret place with their son. She tried to live her life with Joon-young's memories and love in her heart.

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No wonder they've allotted a lot of money to spend for the production. This is one heck of a series. From the storyline to the actors, its first rate. This is the BEST kdrama ever produced! I don't mind watching it over and over. The music is so powerful. Among all the series I've watched, this is the only one that has an OST that haunts you. Even if I watch other dramas and I get to hear a similar tune, my memory of Sad Love Story comes back.

It's a typical love triangle but the drama also speaks about the importance of love and friendship. There might be familiar scenarios but it didn't hurt the beauty of the series a bit. The more I watch Kwon Sang-woo cry, the more I realize that life can sometimes be unfair. None of the characters would want to be involved in this kind of mess. It just happens.

Another thing I like about the series is how the characters were established. You'll learn to love each one of them so that when the conflict arises, you wouldn't know which side you are taking. All of them have their own reasons for their actions and decisions. You'll feel for them. Tricky, huh?

It wasn't that bad when Yeon Jeong-hoon replaced Song Seung-heon as Gun-woo. Actually, based on the initial shots done with Seung-heon, I would rather pick Jeong-hoon for the character. He have shown versatility in his acting - from Mr. Cool Playboy to a sincere honest to goodness friend and lover. Such an ideal man especially when he smiles.

When there's Kwon Sang-woo, there's an ass-kicking stunts… when there's Kwon Sang-woo, there are tear-jerking scenes… when there's Kwon Sang-woo, there's hearth-warming music and singing. What more could you ask for? He's a man of all trades!

Kim Hee-seon's facial expression is her best asset. She could go from being a jolly Hae-in to a sophisticated Ms. Park. Her eyes speak for itself (how ironic) and her smile has its own magic.

It is my BESTEST MOST FAVORITEST kdrama!

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ARTICLES

Sad Love Song is the new TV drama that will feature Kim Hee-seon (Propose/Forever Love) as a blind singer and Kwon Sang-woo (Stairway to Heaven) as her first love. Song Seung-heon (Summer Scent/Autumn Story) was also supposed to co-star in this drama as another love of Kim Hee-seon's character, but he dropped out due to his draft-dodging scandal.

Kim Hee-seon, A Blind Singer in the New Drama "Sad Love Song"
donga.com [10.21.2004]

"I am very worried about my role since I have to play a singer as well as a blind person, something I've never experienced."

Actress Kim Hee-seon was cast as the blind "Hae-in," who sings at a nightclub in a U.S. military campsite, in the soap opera "Sad Love Song."

"I am very honored and lucky to have this role."

Kim Jonghak Production and two other joint productions will finish producing "Sad Love Song" with an approximate seven-billion won budget, and then will sell the exclusive right of ground airing to a ground broadcasting company. This means that nobody knows yet which broadcasting company will air it and when it will be shown.

"I have acted many times in the triangle relationship, so I don't worry about that. Also, I practiced playing a blind person by watching movies with blind people in them."

However, her biggest hurdle is her singing ability.

"I am pretty bad at singing. However, my role is a singer, and the two male figures are all musicians. Singing is the messenger that delivers love to each other in this drama. So, I am practicing with a singer to improve my singing ability so that it will be good enough for me to sing the theme song 'If You Love.'"

About Kwon Sang-woo, her partner in the drama, "I met him for the first time in this drama, and he has a good sense of humor and makes the filming location uplifting," said Kim. Listening to Kim's comment, Kwon Sang-woo rebounded making a joke, "Hee-seon is very gorgeous, but her face is really small."

Audience Cries a River with Sang-woo
kwonsangwoo.sg [02.28.2005]

Every episode of Sad Sonata is worth watching. The audience are not looking forward to what's gonna happen but they are looking forward to another scene where JunYoung, portrayed by Kwon Sang-woo has to burst into tears. Every tear that falls from his expressive eyes hurt his fans.

"We know that we are just watching a fiction story, but seeing it played by our Sang-woo breaks our hearts. He has given us so much hurt with his cries. We shall commend him for a spectacular crying scene. How can he cry in a single eye. So pure like crystals. It's like he's killing us with so much pain"

Fans supporting Sad Sonata wrote to the official webpage and to istar for Kwon Sang-woo sending him their undying support, appreciation and admiration for his tremendous performance in his to-date series.

Sad Sonata has earned a higher rating during its 13 and 14th episode and MBC is craving for more. In the upcoming episodes, expect an even higher rating than anybody can expect. Acknowledgement goes to SangWoo.

SangWoo's performance earned respect from the fans bringing a much deeper definition to a real drama. He became the top Korean actor for the month of January-February 2005 in the recent voting.

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OST

01. Shib Nyun Ee Ji Na Do (Even If Ten Years Pass) - Song Seung Hun [ lyrics ]
02. Myut Bun Eul He Uh Jyuh Do (Even If We Seperate So Many Times) - Kim Hee Sun [ lyrics ]
03. Myut Bun Eul He Uh Jyuh Do (Even If We Seperate So Many Times) - Yun Jung Hoon [ lyrics ]
04. Geu Dae Reul (You) - Song Seung Hun [ lyrics | music video posted by: js89 ]
05. Da Reun Sarang Man Na Do (Even If You Meet Someone Else) - SG Wannabe [ lyrics ]
06. Shib Nyun Ee Ji Na Do Even (If Ten Years Pass) - Vibe [ lyrics ]
07. Ta Buh Rin Na Moo (Burnt Tree) - M TO M [ lyrics ]
08. Boo Tak (Favor) - Kim Jae Wook [ lyrics ]
09. Not Guilty - Kwak Eun Ki [ lyrics ]
10. Shib Nyun Ee Ji Na Do (Even If Ten Years Pass ) - Piano Nocturn
11. Myut Bun Eul He Uh Jyuh Do (Even If We Seperate So Many Times) - Piano Nocturn
12. Shib Nyun Ee Ji Na Do (Even If Ten Years Pass) - Instrumental

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DIALOGUES AND QUOTES warning: may contain spoilers

[ JOON-YOUNG TO HAE-IN ]
You know the dog tags soldier wear? They never take them off. It's a way to identify them. I'll never take this off till the day I die. It has your name on it.

GUN-WOO: I don't believe in love because it can change.
JOON-YOUNG: Some love doesn't change.
GUN-WOO: Is the girl you're trying to find that kind of love?
JOON-YOUNG: Until I die… No. Even after I die, it won't change.

[ GUN-WOO TO JOON-YOUNG ]
Do you know how Indians define a friend? A friend is someone who carries your pain on his back. I want to be that kind of friend for you.

HAE-IN: No! Don't do this. Don't let me go, Joon-young! I don't think we'll ever see each other again if I leave!
JOON-YOUNG: Trust me, I'll come see you. Stop crying. Be your normal courageous self. I promise you. I'll find you no matter what. Even if I have to go to the ends of the earth.

[ GUN-WOO TO HAE-IN ]
Suh Joon-young! That's his name, isn't it? Think about him. Think about how much he loves you. You can't keep his love alive if you die! You can keep it alive by staying alive.

[ HAE-IN, AFTER THE OPERATION ]
Joon-young, the world is beautiful but you're on it. I only saw your face when I couldn't see. But now that I can see, the only thing I see is that you're not here.

[ GUN-WOO TO HAE-IN ]
I'm going to do everything for you except for one thing. I'll never give you a necklace. I'll help you keep that necklace. So lean on me when it gets too hard for you.

[ GUN-WOO TO HAE-IN ]
I decorated this room myself. You are my princess after all. Have only good dreams here. All your dreams will come true. Your dreams are what I live for.

[ GUN-WOO ON HAE-IN ]
I never believed in love and women. Hae-in is the first woman I've ever loved. But if she wants to leave me, I should let her go. She'll end up unhappy like my mom if I force her to stay with me.

[ JOON-YOUNG TO HAE-IN ]
If what happened up until yesterday was fate, whatever happens from now on is your choice. You should be responsible for your decisions. Don't cry because it's difficult for me. I actually feel relieved. I think I can forget you now. Let go of the past and be happy with Gun-woo.

GUN-WOO: I want to meet him. I want to ask him why he suddenly showed up. I want to ask him why he came back from the dead and why he's tearing you apart while he hides like a coward!
HAE-IN: No, Gun-woo. You can't meet him. Don't try to meet him. Despise me and blame me. Don't forgive me. I saw him with the sight you got back for me. And now I'm looking at you and telling you this. Don't forgive me. Just leave me. I'll pay the rest of my life for hurting you. I'll pay for it even after I'm dead.
GUN-WOO: Okay, then go. I won't look for him. But I'll wait for you.
HAE-IN: No, don't. Forget about me. I can't come back. I won't.
GUN-WOO: I'll still wait for you because that's the only way I can survive. It's the only way I can live. You'll come back. I'll wait. So go.

[ GUN-WOO AFTER KNOWING THE TRUTH ]
Sis. You said the more tears you swallow, the happier you become. I've swallowed a lot fo tears, so why am I not happy? Why haven't I become happy? What am I going to do now? I feel like my heart's being ripped into pieces. I feel like my whole body has been thrown into a fire and is burning. It hurts so much.

HAE-IN: I'm going to stop it. I won't lie again. I won't tell lies that deceive me and you both. I realize that my lies only hurt you. I chose you and accepted your love. I wanted to keep your love and make it work. I sincerely tried with all my heart to love you. But I failed. I lost myself along the way. I couldn't smile, cry or think. I'm sorry, Gun-woo. I want to go back to the old me the blind but cheerful and courageous me. I'm grateful to you more that I can say.
GUN-WOO: It all sounds very sincere. But it's just an excuse to go back to Joon-young.
HAE-IN: I'm not going to anyone. I just want to find my old life again.

[ JOON-YOUNG TO HAE-IN ]
Hae-in, there is no next life. Even if I live only one day, I want to be with you.

HAE-IN: I came to find my old self again but I couldn't find her anywhere. I didn't exist without you.
JOON-YOUNG: You were right. My life isn't worth living without you. I'll decide our fate. Even if I live only one more day, I want to be with you. (ring) I bought it before I went to New York to find you. I've wanted to give it to you for a long time. We're now reborn on the old Suh Joon-young and Park Hae-in.

[ HAE-IN'S THOUGHTS ]
I love him. Such splendid love that was heaven-sent. I'm happy because I can keep his love alive. Joon-young, my love, I'll wait. Till we meet again to be together forever. I'll wait with anticipation.

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