Only the stories that touched my heart make it to my reviews.
Have you ever watched snowflakes gently fall from the sky, instantly taking you back to a powerful memory?
That
nostalgic, almost magical feeling is precisely what the Korean drama "Snow
Queen" evokes for many viewers.
Originally aired in 2006, Snow Queen stars Hyun Bin and Sung Yu-ri in a moving story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name.
It’s a deep, emotional
journey about love, sacrifice, and growth—elements that have allowed this drama
to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Meet the Characters
l Han Tae-woong (Hyun Bin): Once a math
prodigy, Tae-woong turns his back on numbers after the tragic death of his
childhood friend, choosing instead to live as a boxer. Though scarred by the
past, he has an inner warmth and strength that emerge when he meets Bo-ra,
which helps heal his emotional wounds and leads him to discover what true love
means.
l Kim Bo-ra (Sung Yu-ri): The daughter of
a powerful corporate chairman, Bo-ra comes across as cold and untouchable, a
shell she’s built to deal with her loneliness and her parents' expectations.
Yet, meeting Tae-woong starts to change her, slowly revealing her softer side
and allowing her to discover a deeper meaning in life.
l Seo Geon-woo (Im Joo-hwan): Geon-woo is a
caring man who loves Bo-ra dearly, standing by her side even though she cannot
reciprocate his feelings. His role adds a layer of tension and complexity to
the love story.
l Park Yeong-ok (Go Doo-shim): Tae-woong's
devoted mother who raised him with boundless love and strength. She’s the
emotional anchor in Tae-woong's life, bridging his past and present and
guiding him through his most challenging moments.
The Storyline
1) A Fateful First Meeting
Han Tae-woong and Kim Bo-ra’s lives first
intersect during childhood in a brief but impactful encounter. Tae-woong helps
Bo-ra when she needs it most, leaving an indelible mark on both of their
hearts. As they grow up, their paths take them in different directions. Tae—woong becomes a math genius but is devastated by the death of his friend, which leads
him to abandon mathematics and embrace a lonely, uncertain life as a boxer. On
the other hand, Bo-ra, living as the daughter of a corporate mogul, seems to have
it all but remains trapped in a world of expectations, making her cold and
distant.
2) The Journey of Opening Hearts
Years later, fate brings them together
again. Tae-woong, despite the trauma involving Bo-ra's brother, finds himself
irresistibly drawn to her, while Bo-ra starts to see through his rough exterior
to the warmth beneath. As they slowly open their hearts to one another, Bo-ra
becomes captivated by Tae-woong’s genuine kindness, while he finds healing
through her presence. Yet, their love isn’t without obstacles—Bo-ra is already
entangled with Geon-woo, and Tae-woong hesitates to let himself love again due to
the burden of his past.
3) A Love Tested by Struggles
Tae-woong and Bo-ra’s love is far from simple. Bo-ra’s father disapproves of Tae-woong, and Bo-ra herself struggles between her love for him and loyalty to her family. Tae-woong, too, is burdened by his troubled past and doubts whether he can provide the happiness Bo-ra deserves. Meanwhile, Geon-woo's affection for Bo-ra further complicates things, adding tension to the love triangle. Unable to bear Bo-ra’s pain, Tae-woong decides to leave her, believing she deserves a better life. Their parting leaves both with unspoken words and lingering sorrow.
4) Finding Each Other, Against All Odds
Despite all the challenges, Bo-ra and Tae-woong realize they cannot be happy without each other. Tae-woong chooses to confront his fears, while Bo-ra breaks free from her family's expectations to be with him. Their love becomes a beacon of strength, and they reunite on a snow-filled night. However, their happiness is short-lived as Bo-ra's terminal illness worsens. In the end, Bo-ra passes away, leaving Tae-woong with cherished memories. Though their time was brief, their love transformed them both, teaching Tae-woong that true love means being there for each other, even in life’s most difficult moments.
Appendices
[Appendix 1] Iconic Scenes and Memorable Quotes
1. Tae-woong's Narration: The Story of
the Snow Queen
"The Snow Queen said to Kai,
'Everyone hates me. Nobody wants to be my friend. All I have are cold
snowflakes and wind that chills to the bone. But you, why did you choose to be
my friend?' Kai couldn't answer at first. The Snow Queen asked him again, 'Why
did you decide to be my friend?' After hesitating, Kai finally replied...
'Because I love you... I love you.' "
This line beautifully encapsulates the
essence of the drama, symbolizing the evolving relationship between Tae-woong
and Bo-ra. It highlights the theme of love that defies coldness and pain, just
like the Snow Queen’s struggle to find warmth in a frozen world.
2. Tae-woong's Resolve
"You asked me why I lived like
this. Yes... I lived like this because I felt guilty about Jeong-gyu. But...
living this way... made me survive."
This powerful scene shows Tae-woong
acknowledging his past wounds and deciding to move forward. It’s a turning
point where his inner conflicts are laid bare, giving the audience a glimpse
into his journey toward healing and acceptance.
3. Tae-woong's Soliloquy
In this moment, Tae-woong's solitary
thoughts convey the depth of his emotional struggles. His inner monologue
speaks of loneliness, regret, and the delicate hope that ultimately pushes him
to fight for love despite everything.
[Appendix 2] Soundtrack (OST)
The soundtrack of Snow Queen perfectly
captures the emotional weight of the series, blending touching melodies with
lyrics that resonate deeply with the drama's themes. Here are some
unforgettable songs:
- Jo Sung-mo - “Love... It Makes Me Cry”
A hauntingly beautiful ballad that encapsulates the bittersweet nature of Tae-woong and Bo-ra's love, reflecting the deep sacrifices made for each other.
- Kang Sung-min - “First Snow Love”
This song adds a nostalgic touch, enhancing the magical feeling of the snowy scenes that play an essential role in the drama.
- Echo - “Loveholic”
The melody complements the lighter, more hopeful moments between the characters, providing balance amidst the heavy emotional tones.
[Appendix 3] Similar Korean Dramas You Might Love
If Snow Queen touched your
heart, here are some similar classic Korean melodramas that will pull at your
heartstrings:
l Autumn in My Heart (2000): This is a quintessential Korean melodrama
about two childhood friends who face a tragic twist of fate. It’s a moving
story filled with deep emotions, much like Snow Queen.
l Stairway to Heaven (2003): A heartbreaking love story that follows
two lovers, separated by fate, but destined to find their way back to each
other. This drama is one of the most iconic tear-jerkers in Korean television.
l I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004): A tale of revenge and redemption. It
follows a man abandoned in his childhood, who returns to South Korea to get
back at his biological family, only to find himself falling deeply in love and
discovering the power of sacrifice.
[Appendix 4] Lead Actors’ Other Works
The main cast of Snow Queen have
also starred in several iconic dramas and movies that made them household names
across Asia.
l Hyun Bin
Ø Dramas: My Lovely Sam-soon (2005), Secret Garden
(2010), Memories of the Alhambra (2018), Crash Landing
on You (2019).
 |
| Secret Garden (2010) |
Ø Movies: Late Autumn (2011), The Fatal Encounter
(2014), Confidential Assignment (2017, 2022), Negotiation
(2018), The Point Men (2023).
l Sung Yu-ri
Ø Dramas: Thousand Years of Love (2003), Hong
Gil-dong (2008), Romance Town (2011).
Ø Movies: Detective Cha (2012), Noona (2013), Sorry, I Love You, Thank You (2015).
 |
| Detective Cha (2012) |
[Appendix 5] Writers & Director
l
Kim Eun-hee, Writer
Notable Works: Phantom (2012), Signal (2016), Kingdom (2019), Jirisan (2021).
 |
| Signal (2016) |
l
Yoon Eun-kyung, Writer
Notable Works: Winter Sonata (2002), When It’s
At Night (2008), Prime Minister & I (2013), The
Golden Spoon (2022).
l Lee Hyung-min, Director
Notable Works: Winter Sonata (2002), Sang-doo!
Let’s Go to School (2003), I’m Sorry, I Love You (2004), Strong
Woman Do Bong-soon (2017).
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