NETWORK : KBS
RELEASE: 2006
EPISODES: 20
WEBSITE: www.kbs.co.kr/drama/springwaltz
LINKS: Soompi | Koreanwiz | Hancinema | OST | tour2korea | Asian Fanatics | KBS | Chicago Korean Board | Pinoy Xchange | ABS-CBN

STORYLINE

Su-ho thought that going back to his father's hometown to get away from their gambling debts is a start of a better life. They stayed at a friend's house where he met Eun-young. But just when nobody expected it, his father took off with the money for Eun-young's operation, which caused the unexpected death of her mother. A rich couple is willing to offer financial help only if Su-ho agrees to live as Jae-ha, their dead son who looks exactly like him. Feeling responsible for what his father did, he gave up his identity and moved to Austria. He never came back after knowing that Eun-young died due to complications.

Jae-ha became a successful pianist. When he went back to Korea, along with his manager Phillip, a childhood friend, Lee-na, helped them promote his music. But to Lee-na's surprise, the Jae-ha she used to love has changed a lot over the years.

Being in Korea brought back painful memories to Jae-ha. He remembers how his father abandoned him at a young age and how his miserable life caused the death of his true love, Eun-young --- atleast, that's what he thought. But when Phillip's friend, whom he met and fell in love with in Austria, was hired to be his road manager, his memories of Eun-young came back. Overwhelmed of how her and Eun-young think and act alike, he got suspicious and found out that his parents lied to him about Eun-young's death.

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Jae-ha and Eun-young eventually became closer which made Lee-na disheartened. Desperate to get him back, she connived with Jae-ha's parents to announce their engagement without his consent. But he still decided to walk away with Eun-young. Since his father is a public official, such embarrassment has created a big buzz to their family. Things got out of hand when people found out that the real Jae-ha died years ago and an impostor has been living in lies.

To save his family's reputation, Jae-ha was asked to give up Eun-young and carry on with being Jae-ha. Harder than it may seem, he is now in dilemma of choosing between his deprived happiness with Eun-young and gratitude to the family who once saved him from his dejected life. Knowing that all the people he loves will always be supportive of him no matter what, he chose to be Jae-ha even if it means letting Eun-young go.

During his final concert, Jae-ha had an accident but continued playing until he gets to perform his song for Eun-young. He was rushed to the hospital after but it was too late. He won't be able to play the piano professionally anymore. He went back to Austria with Lee-na for their marriage. But seeing how he is willing to give up everything he has for Eun-young, Lee-na decided to let him go. He went back to Korea and convinced Eun-young to follow her heart to Jae-ha.

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Save the best for last… nope! Among the "LOVE SEASONS", this is my least favorite. Aside from having a weaker storyline, the character line up wasn't that impressive - both in performance and chemistry. They didn't even come close to be in comparison to Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo, Song Hye-gyo, Song Seung-heon and Son Ye-jin. Maybe because they are just barely starting to make a name in the biz.

Seo Do-yeong couldn't be more boring to look at. His facial expression is blank and you couldn't even draw emotions from it. When he smiles and laugh, he is adorable and when he cries, he gets away with it. But most of the times, he is just plain in his acting. I know he has to be sad and in misery but he could do better. Seeing him made the dragging story even worst. But in fairness, he was good in the last episode although it was long overdue. On the contrary, I am fond of Daniel Henney's. He started off annoying and overacting (dorky, that is) but in the end, he has given a well-deserved portrayal. I liked him better than Seo Do-yeong for sure. I even want him to end up with Han Hyo-joo's character because when they are together, you get to forget the downside of the story. They really connect. And with Hyo-joo's simple beauty and innocence, its hard not to fall in love with her.

As usual, there are too many flashbacks. Good thing, I like the OST. So whenever there are "trips to memory lane", I still watch it because I get to relate the song to the story.

It wasn't really as bad as other critics say. There are good stuffs in it too but maybe, having to show it last has more expectations.

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Production of TV Drama "Spring Waltz" Hits Snag
KBS [ April 12, 2006 ]

Actor Seo Do-yeong has been under treatment at a hospital after he took injuries to his facial bones during the filming of the KBS TV2's Monday-Tuesday miniseries "Spring Waltz". On the early morning of Apr 11, Seo (playing Jae-ha in the drama) acted opposite actor Daniel Henney (playing Phillip) in a love triangle situation involving actress Han Hyo-joo (playing Eun-young). In an action scene, Henney accidently hit Seo in the face with a clenched fist in a moment of "complete disharmony" between the two actors during the filming. As a result, Seo suffered a sunken cheekbone.

The accident occurred despite previous rehearsals. The production of "Spring Waltz" has therefore hit a snag in the aftermath of Seo's sudden hospitalization. A total of 12 episodes had been broadcast until April 11. The next episodes are expected to focus on a melodramatic love story between Seo and Han.

In an emergency conference, the production team reportedly discussed how to proceed with its schedule. The team has decided that it would be difficult to go ahead with the filming without Seo because of his heavy role in the drama. An official from Seo's agency said, "No decision has been reached yet as to whether to continue the filming of the drama without Seo Do-yeong. As he received injuries to the face, it will be a long time before he completely recovers. But we will know for sure only after his doctor gives a diagnosis".

"Spring Waltz" had suffered from low viewer ratings, contrary to earlier expectations. The production team is reportedly quite anxious over the lead actor of the drama being in the hospital".

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OST

01. Teardrop Waltz
02. One Love - Loveholic
03. Childhood
04. Cannonball - Damien Rice
05. Clementine - Lee Ji Soo
06. Flower - U-Na [ lyrics | music video posted by: crysalide ]
07. Bom Eh Waltz
08. Nae In Saeng Eh Bom Nal - S Jin
09. A Sad Memory - Jang Se Yong
10. Ee Jen Sarang Hal Soo It Suh Yo - Yurisangja
11. Shadow Waltz - Jang Se Yong
12. Moo Ji Gae - Bada
13. Song Of Island - Lee Ji Soo
14. Soo Ho Chun Sa - S Jin
15. Flashback
16. Ma Eum Eu Ro Boo Reu Neun No Rae - Myung In Hee
17. Tears For Remembrance

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TRANSCRIPTS warning: may contain spoilers

[ EUN-YOUNG ON FATE ]
If you love and miss that person, then, love can come again when you meet again. Just like playing hide and seek. No matter where it hides or even if you can't see it, it must be waiting at some place for me. Amid the countless chaos just like the sincere prayers of love, the people in love will surely meet again.

[ JAE-HA IN MEETING EUN-YOUNG ]
I'm grateful to the wind that blew that day. I'm also thankful to my dad's 18 times of Santa Lucia. If we had gone back to Seoul that day, if that happened, I would have never met Eun-young. If that had happened, how empty and sad my life would have been.

EUN-YOUNG: Oppa, go make a wish. I heard that if you open up your heart and pray silently, it'd make your wish come true.
JAE-HA: What was your wish?
EUN-YOUNG: God, Heavens, Buddha and Dragon King, please let me and oppa stay together for a long, long time. Before this, I always wished He would send me a friend and He listened. Isn't it amazing?

[ JAE-HA CONFESSING ]
Eun-young, I didn't come from the U.S. I didn't live in the U.S. It's a lie. I've never even been to places near the U.S and I've never been on a plane before either. I quitted school when I was in the second grade. I don't know nine times nine. I don't know those things. I'm a gangster! A thief! I'm a liar. Even so, tell me if I can still be your oppa. Do you still want to be my sister?

JAE-HA: What is this?
EUN-YOUNG: What do you think it is? It's my stamp of approval.
JAE-HA: What kind of stamp?
EUN-YOUNG: The approval that you are Eun-young's Oppa stamp! To me, it's OK if you're a gangster. It's OK if you're a liar. And even if you didn't come from the U.S., I don't care. Oppa, you're just my Oppa.

EUN-YOUNG: Seoul isn't that great. There aren't even any stars in the sky. I don't like it at all.
JAE-HA: Why wouldn't there be stars? There are stars.
EUN-YOUNG: Where? I don't see any.
JAE-HA: Just wait. A bad cloud is covering them right now so we can't see them. Look closely. My left hand is covering my eye, are you saying I don't have a left eye? I don't have a mouth? I don't have this? Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. It's all there.

EUN-YOUNG: When I think about the surgery, I'm not a bit tired.
JAE-HA: Scared?
EUN-YOUNG: No, because I'm happy, not scared. With you, what is there to be scared of? Isn't oppa my guardian angel?
JAE-HA: Guardian angel?
EUN-YOUNG: Never heard of it? Well, it's something you see in storybooks. Everyone has their own guardian angel. When I first heard oppa's name, I thought of this story. I thought to myself how interesting it was. Su-ho and guardian has the same meaning.
JAE-HA: Eun-young, you should sleep. The surgery's tomorrow.
EUN-YOUNG: Oppa, when I'm in the surgery, you have to be by my side, okay?

Have you heard about the emotions being separated to love and hate? Isn't hate always in front of love without any reasons? You don't give the one you dislike an extra rice cake. It only once no matter how you hate. The meaning is that it doesn't exist without any reason.

PHILLIP: I know that your life here in Korea is completely different than it was in Austria. I know that you work hard, but sometimes, you have to let go and live your life like you're on a journey. So when you're with me we can dance together through life. OK? Whenever you wear these shoes, whenever you're with me you can travel anywhere. Anywhere. So try them on please. If they fit, maybe you could be my girl. This is exciting. It will be exciting. I know about that that, too.
EUN-YOUNG: I don't feel excited. If you don't know my language, you don't know my heart.

EUN-YOUNG: Ah. My shoes. I took off my shoes here. Did you see them?
JAE-HA: They're not here. Someone would have thrown them away.
EUN-YOUNG: Throw them away? That can't be. I could have worn those shoes longer too.
JAE-HA: I'll just buy you a pair. Get inside.
EUN-YOUNG: That's why you're not it, Jae-ha. Do you know what the truth is? It's something money can't buy. My feet and those shoes are something that you can't buy for me.
JAE-HA: Ok, I know now. But I think you drank too much so get inside.
EUN-YOUNG: I have to find my shoes… I found them! I told you that they would be here. You wouldn't even trust me!

Love comes secretly. That's why nobody's really clear on it. That's love.

[ PHILLIP ON EUN-YOUNG ]
I've fallen in love with Eun-young. Sometimes I even pray for her. I'd do anything for her. Through Eun-young, I found Korea. I found you. I wanted to erase memories of Korea from my past. But I can still remember the house. I still remember there's a big yard and I can still remember my mom. And just you know, holding my hand, I remember my grandfather. He hated me. I hated Korea. But now, I'm happy. I'm falling in love with Eun-young. And I got my best friend here to see it.

JAE-HA: I love her. But, I cannot love her. I can't control my heart.
PRIEST: Love isn't a sin. Follow your heart.
JAE-HA: He's the friend I cherish the most in the entire world. There is no other. He trusts me and will do anything for me. The woman my friend loves is the woman I love.
PRIEST: Man becomes stronger through such trials. God has only given us hardships we can handle.
JAE-HA: Help me, priest. Help Eun-young leave my heart. Help my friend not be hurt. Help me please.

[ PHILLIP PROFESSING HIS LOVE ]
My name is Phillip. It's very nice to meet you. Tonight I would like to play a very special piece of music for you. It's got a great story behind it. So if you'll please lend me your ears for a second. Not too long ago, I met someone very special. She was traveling through my country and she ended up traveling through my heart. At first, she mistook me for her taxi-driver. And then, for her tour guide. But it didn't matter. As long as we were together, every road became a different color. So I just want to say to her tonight, thank you for showing me a whole new side of the world and I love you.

PHILLIP: From now on, I've decided just to focus on myself. You know my talents are nothing compared to yours? I envied you for your hands. There's one thing that I have that you never had... The ears. So I love being your manager. I love it. For the past five years, I've worked so hard for you. I even came to Korea for you. But I guess I'm just your manager.
JAE-HA: You're not. Without you, there wouldn't be me. In the future, I still need you.
PHILLIP: You have everything. You have family. Mother. Father. Piano. And now... Now you have...
JAE-HA: If I told you they all aren't mine, would you believe me?
PHILLIP: If I just had one of those things. Just one.

[ PHILLIP ON LOVING EUN-YOUNG ]
I should have never learned Korean. I wish I didn't know what Eun-young was saying, what she was thinking. It's a lot harder to know what she's saying and not be able to respond. I think someday, whether it's in German, English or Korean, I think we'll be able to understand each other. I guess there are some things that you don't need language for. Laughter... Heart... I like Korea. It's been difficult. It's taught me a lot of things. All the people I care about are here. My mom, Eun-young and my best friend.

[ PHILLIP TO JAE-HA ]
Do you know what it's like to live under someone's shadow? Even though you're my friend, you are that shadow. Do you remember that piano contest? You were really good that day. That day we were fighting like today. Everybody loved you. But I hated you. That fight wasn't a mistake. That was the day I gave up piano. Today's the same.

JAE-HA: What type of person is Eun-young to you?
PHILLIP: Just when I see her, I see pain, pity, loss. I look at Eun-young, she makes me smile. She makes me happy. But you give her something that I can't give her. Something much deeper. I thought I knew her but I didn't. So you're the winner for now. Whoever makes her smile in the end wins. So you better be on your toes, okay? Go find Eun-young. Make her smile.

EUN-YOUNG: I knew from the beginning that you and I are different and we don't match. I wanted to ignore it even though I knew. If I could, I wanted to pretend that I didn't know, that it didn't matter. Do you know what I can't handle it? When I'm with you, everything that I own looks so cheap. I can always be cheap. But if because of me, you becoming different, it's something I don't want. You should just be in your place. I don't think I'm the one who belongs by your side.
JAE-HA: No, you know that my heart doesn't feel that way. I wanted to tell people that I love you.
EUN-YOUNG: But, this isn't right.
JAE-HA: I wanted to do that. I had to do that. The way to do that was unorganized but that's how I felt at that moment. Don't let go of this hand.

[ EUN-YOUNG WITH JAE-HA AT HER MOTHER'S TOMB ]
When I was young, I had a surgery. The first thing I heard when I woke up was my mother's death. If it wasn't for those people... With the fallen tears, my heart became like a storm. The tears I thought I would never talk about. Mom. Are you well? Today, I want you to meet someone. How is he? Do you like him? Well, it can't be helped if you don't like him because I love him. Look over him well mother. It would have been good if you were still alive. You would have like my Jae-ha too. Mom. Now don't worry. I had a lot of hard times wanting to see you. But now, it's okay because Jae-ha is by my side. But, don't be too sad because you're my mother forever.

[ JAE-HA TO EUN-YOUNG ]
You spoke of a well, right? How it comes into being in the heart of a person who's been hurt. Did you know that a well also comes into being in the heart of a person who's inflicted pain? The person who's inflicted pain on you falls into that well and dwells in it forever. That person, the person that supported you, is probably crying right now.

LEE-NA: Didn't I say it before? I wanted a Jae-ha who would only look at me. I was hesitant about it but this is all I can do.
JAE-HA: A marriage without love. Do you think it'll be happy? How far are you going to take this?
LEE-NA: Love? As long as your identity as Yoon Jae-ha lives on, there will be no problem. You loved me once, you'll continue to love me after. I'll make you love me.
JAE-HA: You really make me so tired.
LEE-NA: This is tiring? Jae-ha died. Everyone lied to me. This is tiring? A love that I've held in my heart for 15 years disappeared in one morning. A person called Lee Su-ho appeared in the place of Yoon Jae-ha. This is tiring?

[ EUN-YOUNG TO JAE-HA ]
When did you start keeping it from me? Was it entertaining? Watching a naïve me smiling in front of Jae-ha. Were you very happy? Why did you come back? Why didn't you just forget it all and continue living your own life? Why did you come back to find me? Was it sympathy? So you gave me your most high and mighty love to compensate me? In front of my mother's grave, crying those superficial tears, were you hoping to be redeemed? Why did it have to be you? Why did it have to be you Lee Su-ho? Why did it have to be the first person I loved?

EUN-YOUNG: Leave. I told you that I never wanted to see you again. How much more do you want to make me suffer?
JAE-HA: I was happy for the first time that I became Yoon Jae-ha. Lee Su-ho only gave you pain but Yoon Jae-ha can make Park Eun-young happy now. Yeah, I wanted to hide it until the end. I hoped you wouldn't get to know and be happy.
EUN-YOUNG: Lee Su-ho or Yoon Jae-ha, I can never forgive you. I promised in front of mom's grave… Mom, I'm not going to wait. I'm never going to cry. I'm going to live happily. I'm going to forget him. That's what I promised. When I woke up after the surgery, nobody was there. The person who promised to protect me was gone and my mother was dead. When I woke up, I was an orphan. If I could, I wanted to turn back time. If I could, I wanted to put mom and you back where you belonged. I was regretful of my heart beating. If I just think about it, it hurts. It hurts so much.
JAE-HA: No, Eun-young. I can't live without you Eun-young.
EUN-YOUNG: Meeting you, I regret it so much. Love? That's just ironic. I hate myself for falling in love with you and not recognizing you. My mom's life… I hate the fact that my heart is palpitating when I'm near you, the heart that cost my mom's life. Is it not enough? This heart, I'm going to have it palpitate for someone else… not Lee Su-ho… someone else.

PHILLIP: Thank you for today.
EUN-YOUNG: No. Compared to the time Phillip spent with me, this is nothing.
PHILLIP: Earlier, on the mountains, I really wanted to tell you, I would do anything to make your sadness and your hurt go away. To find your smile again. When I was in Cheongsando, I prayed that you wouldn't be hurt and not to be sick... and smile. Smile, happiness. I want to protect you.
EUN-YOUNG: I'm not worth it. Right now, I'm getting punishment. I'm indebted to my mom. I'm indebted to Phillip. I'm sorry.

[ JAE-HA ON THE PHONE ]
Phillip. Did you get Eun-young home safely? Why is it that I only bring her pain? I just don't understand it. I really want to make her smile. I had wanted to make her the happiest in this world even if I had to live a life full of regret. I wanted to take all the punishment to myself. I wanted to protect Eun-young. I had wanted to stand by the promise I made 15 years ago.

[ EUN-YOUNG TO JAE-HA ]
You're really very awful. Why won't you even allow me to hate you? Why do you leave me unable to even resent you?

PHILLIP: Lee-Na! Let it be! Those two, they're meant for each other. They've fought enough for their love. Let them be.
LEE-NA: Don't try to fool yourself and try to be honest with yourself. You are having a difficult time and you want to be with Eun-young!
PHILLIP: Yes, I love her. I want to be with her. I want to make her smile. But there's no space for us. Okay? Not 15 years ago, not today. I could never do what Jae-ha did. Could you? I could never give up my life and live with someone else.

[ PHILLIP TO JAE-HA ]
We're so busy thinking about our own bruises, our own scars, we forget how to forgive. But if we just take the time to peek into someone else's world, even the unforgivable can be forgiven.

[ PHILLIP TO EUN-YOUNG ]
In Austria, I was your guide. But I should've never been your guide because I only guided you to Su-Ho. Even so, I have no regrets. You gave me the best trip of my life. Thank you for being a really great friend.

If you love, if you want to see them, you will always see them again. Love is like hide and seek. Although you can't see them, the heart beats frantically when near them. Therefore, there is no hide and seek forever because eventually, you find one another. Spring, although you can't see it or even while playing hide and seek, it finds you. That's why spring is love, forgiveness, and hope.

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MISCELLANEOUS