Well I'm gonna miss this one. It was so lighthearted and fun to watch despite it's obvious flaws, that it made me watch kdramas again and I'm so looking forward to the next project Yong Hwa and Shin Hye have together.

Also Ki Young (and his abs) should have his own drama.

I like the drama coz the couple has a feel good chemistry which makes it affable to watch..

I won't lie. I was kind of disappointed by this drama. I loved You're Beautiful, but I think this drama severely lacked a well-written script. The whole wrist injury and the separation seemed unrealistic to me - I mean really? A year long breakup over that?

I guess rushed plotlines happen though with the live-shoot dramas in Korea though. Regardless, I'm still a fan of Park Shin-Hye and Yong-hwa. :)

I actually disagree with most people who say that the writing was weak...I actually found it an enjoyable change from the usual kdrama pattern in which there are annoying love triangles with an evil girl or something...and misunderstandings that make the main couple break up like 5 times...Shin and Kyuwon and a stable relationship in which they were sure of each other...and misunderstandings with the director or any other twists didn't make them separate...which happens in particularly most kdramas and is absolutely annoying! They only separated because of Kyuwon's own good...and their saparation never meant losing feelings for each other. During the director-Kyuwon scandal, when Shin told her not go to, she didn't...which I loved. Overall the writing was refreshingly new and enjoyable...the directing was great...and the acting...well I think we all know that Shin Hye is amazing...and Yong Hwa is drastically improving. I will miss heartstrings forever...loved te light story that didn't get on my nerves because of stupid breakups....your recaps are great, but if you keep your comments for only the part where you comment, it's be great...so that we can read the recaps without any other bias :)

Also...I think that the last twist in the story (Shin's wrist) wasn't too extra...it was trying to show that every love has ups and downs and sacrifices for the other's sake...and also to show thate ven after separation, they can't bear being apart...which just shows how much they love each other...and the kiss...w
Well it wasn't TOO awkward...if only they had been standing a little closer to each other :P

Had* a stable relationship
It'd*
excuse the typo

I actually made an effort. AND EFFORT dammit, to sit through this episode. Watched in on dramafever, then thunder and lightening interrupted so I paused it, put it back on and got roughly to the patbingsu scene between Kyuwon and Shin before I fell asleep. Light breezy summer fare with a heavy handed smattering of awkwardly written lines. And oh... Taejoon, I've long since written him off as comic relief that's just not..... comic.

This whole drama was like a balloon that was being blown and then let go and the craziness of it all was watching the balloon go through the air as it loose its air. I was very disappointed by it all. I think that this show could have been great but for some reason it never got there. The story never got where it should have been. It didn't deliver a WOW. All i got was a what... huh... thats..it.

I love this drama so much that i can't breathe!!!!!!!!!!... Ohh please tell me that there would be you've fallen for me part 2.. >.< sooooooon :))

thanks for the recap.. so sad, the series was already ended. i like the simplicity of the story. well, it may lack of it's originality but over all it was fine.

at the first few episodes, i didn't like the context and the plot. you didn't know who are the main characters and i think park shin hye's accident turned into a blessing in this series because they changed the script and ended it well.

i do also credit shin hye and yong hwa's acting. yong hwa's acting was better than his in you're beautiful and shin hye's other talents was seen.

although you may forget this series a year from now, but once you'll hear their ost,, i bet you'll reminisce this drama.

:)

Are you guys planning on recapping Protect the Boss? I thought it was going to be boring from the previews but it is an awesome some (bazillion times better than heartstrings so far, even though i love yonghwa and shin hye so much).

Thank you for the recap, kaedejun :D

Everything was all over the place and parts were disconnected, but this goes into my list of "comfort dramas" simply for the interaction between Shin and Kyu-won. Can't help it-- there is something about this drama that somehow hits the heartstrings just right and makes you fall for it.

Also, that breakup scene-- kills me. Because sometimes it happens in real life like that... you see that the other person has to fulfill something and you're the only one holding her back. The only thing you can do is cut the ties so that she'll go on to do what she has to do, and maybe later, somewhere down the road, you'll see each other again. Sort of like Hye-mi and Samdong, only they didn't really have an official relationship before they parted. What made it harder for Kyu-won to go was that she was already in a sense committed to Shin and felt she needed to stay. So Shin cuts the ties and suffers for it.

kaedejun i've enjoyed your recaps! can you please do protect the boss too?

but why they cancel ep 16 ???

it's the non-verbal scenes that will be most remembered in HS... I especially liked the rain scene when LS grabbed hold of KW's instrument for her and waited out the rain with her, in silent camaraderie

love this drama even more than YB and PK

I will definitely miss shin and gyu won.. The thing that draws me to the drama was when shin and gyu won were at the bickering stage..and when shin realized his feelings for her and turn to care for her instead. The rest mellowed down for em after that. i will definitely miss them!

Hello, I'd like to know what the lyrics are from "To Love Me" that Shin has written about her?

Is it shown on some video somewhere since I checked all the links that shows the video- none of them show the lyrics of the songs.

Anyone know!? I'd like to read them! Let me know!

Thanks!

Crystal

regardless of what others say, i fell in love with this drama..i fell in love with YH and PSH all over again...I fell in love with the OSt..i fell in love with the fusion of traditional and modern instruments..i fell in love with the scenery..

overall, the lightness, the simplicity and the realism made me fall in love with this drama..

also, i love that PSH was able to show her dancing talent even for a short period in this drama..this girl amazes me with her many talent and dedication..likewise, YH have come a long way since YAb and i admire how he used his eyes to convey his message..

i will miss this couple, they are the best OTP for me..very natural and comfortable with each other..i wish that they will be paired again in a movie but this time with more challenging roles..

thanks for the recap...omo i may have read so many recaps in the past because i so wanted to hear everyone's thoughts about HS...
i dearly love this series, even though i'm such a big PSH fan...
i am already missing the dooley couple and am crying whenever i hear their sad music...
just the music alone is enough to get me by...i wish there would have been more than 15 episodes...
it would be nice to see all the casts development and more
lovey dovey stuff for the loveable OTP...but we all knew they have busy schedules...CNBlue was already in Japan for a concert so we just knew that even if we had wanted a longer ep it wouldn't have transpired...
no matter what the other people say, to me, i totally loved this show and will definitely buy the DVD!
I already miss WED/thurs and don't know what i'll watch...
i'm already feeling empty coz i wont see Shin and Kyuwon anymore!!!
Thank you for a wonderful ride, HS!!!

Enough bickering and raging.. It's a rush but it's the beauty of youthful love... I miss my youth.

I always want this kind of things from a Korea drama. Not the "I love you till death I can't part with you" drama, but just "I'm here for you whenever you want me to be" drama. I think that's why I love this drama so much. While watching this, I feel like I'm going back to my college days (with all the angry bitches and competition, it did happen in my life, though no boyfriend lol) so I have a very fun time watching it.

Thanks for the weekly recap. I really appreciate it :)

great leads, loved that they finally got together after you're beautiful. a better script would have been preferable, but I'll take what I can get....so in short...great cast, pale story in comparison. =)

What ...that's it..and the kiss...lee shin...i'm going to give you a kiss lesson ...for free...:)

I agree! This drama started decent then got better towards the end. But I didn't really like the ending. I started rolling my eyes when Shin starts acting like the noble boyfriend. I mean, everything falls perfectly in place in the end, but if I were GyuWon, I would feel more miserable to find out about Shin's secret a lot later than everybody else. (What kind of girlfriend am I???? I wasn't even there for him!!!!) I just feel like he didn't need to break his arms. He has gone through so many things already! IDK. I don't know what the writers are thinking. It's too much drama (and conflict) for a final episode.

I like your preferred ending, though. It really should have ended after their performance. :)

Anyone know the name of the song at the beginning? The one Shin begins playing but fails then continues to play?

I loved this serie iwish it would continue

oh yeah! I loved this line too: “You are the best lead actress to me.”

Although a bit cliche, but I think every girl's heat will skip a beat hearing this... =)

overall loved the music, story was so so and some scenes stood out but definitely not a highly recommended one unlike Best Love or City Hunter..

What I don't get is this...

She tells Shin she is going to stay. Then he breaks up with her because he says his hear will change if they are apart for a year. But... she just said she would stay. They won't be apart for a year. Did I miss something in translation or was this how it really went?

This drama had a shaky start, but really found it's footing by the middle of the drama. I really enjoyed watching it. It felt light and fresh. However, I'm sad to say that it somehow lost its' way during the last episodes.

Shin hurting his hand was unneeded angst. It was unnecessary. If Shin didn't hurt his hand, I still think that Gyu Won would have went to the UK. Even if she really didn't want to, I'm sure he would have convinced her anyway. And the Director would have too. I don't really understand how his hurting his hand fits into the story. It just felt too contrived. I already know how much he cares for Gyu Won, I don't need him to lose his ability to play the guitar to see that. And honestly, how did he keep the surgery a secret from everyone?! When rumours get out so quickly in that school!

Additionally, I found that this drama didn't succumb to needless confusion or heartbreak. For example, when Gyu Won was caught in a scandal with the Director, Shin didn't even blink an eye and he knew that there was nothing going on. They want to cancel our performance...well we'll just hold our own! And that's what I loved about this drama!! Conflicts were resolved pretty quickly. And that is why the angst of Shin hurting his hand going on for two episodes was just tiresome. If they really wanted to go with that and have conflict and angst, then Gyu Won should have found out. I understand she wouldn't want to go, but then Shin could have fought back with the whole I don't want you to regret not going because of me....you always give up your dreams for everyone else, but don't do that for me...for once, live for yourself....I will always be here to encourage you. Instead of the whole keep-the-surgery-a-secret-angst (which was just tiring), we could have had realize-your-potential-angst (which goes with the storyline). Which makes more sense, because wasn't one of the aspects of the drama about no one (even Gyu Won herself) not understanding/realizing Gyu Won's potential. And then that would lead to a lighthearted final episode.

I just wish that the drama kept to its light, and breezy atmosphere. Shin hurting his hand in the final episodes just ruined the pacing. I was just waiting for the moment for someone to tell Gyu Won the truth. Due to the fact that the angst was so late into the drama, some of the reasoning was just so skewed. Shin hurts his hand - Shin tries to keep it a secret - Gyu Won finds out - Shin breaks up with her - One year later - Gyu won finds out about the surgery - Shin and Gyu Won go down memory lane - Suddenly they are back together. If the drama really wanted filler, they could have kept the last episode for showing how the characters all fulfilled their dreams, or how they are still trying to achieve their dreams.

I understand Shin wanted to protect Gyu Won, but come on! How does she so easily get angry about the surgery, and then all of a sudden they are back together. I understand that obviously they would have ended up together, but I wish there was some development there. Some conversation at least. I understand Gyu Won, but how did Shin have the change of heart? Was it because that the secret was finally out? So he didn't feel burdened by it? But then by Shin's logic, if Gyu Won knew about his hand...then wouldn't that hold her back? And because he didn't want to hold her back, he broke up with her. So what changed now? Gyu Won knows about his hand, so in theory, wouldn't that be holding her back? Therefore, in order to not hold her back, he breaks up with her, so that she has no reason to stay. I mean he spent the whole episode (the whole year!) trying to make sure that she didn't find out, but when she does, they just easily get back together. How does Shin overcome the obstacle of Gyu Won finding out the truth, but that truth not holding her back? Where was that resolution?!

I honestly really did enjoy the drama. I felt the chemistry between the leads. I enjoyed the supporting characters. I'm glad they ended up together. I just wish that the final episode was better. Honestly, I wouldn't be ranting this much if I hadn't loved the drama. I'm just so sad to see such a great drama conclude on a not so great ending.

Within the realm of cutesy k-dramas, “Heartstrings” deserves a 4/5 for a refreshing delivery, new music, and a quality endearing cast that leaves you feeling good. However, if cutesy k-dramas aren’t for you… I’d move on.

“Heartstrings” plays to the viewers hearts by enticing their ears. As previously seen in “Dream High,” this k-drama formula is a successful one. However, rather than emphasizing the edgy and sometimes gritty road towards k-pop stardom, “Heartstrings” takes a more upbeat, light hearted approach into the world of musicians while highlighting instruments (specifically the gayageum and the guitar), musical composition and theater production.

You follow the drama with the security that conflicts will eventually wrap themselves up nicely, complete with a cute little bow on top. It is this warm sense of happiness and security, punctuated by the upbeat rock songs by real life band “C.N.Blue” who play “The Stupid,” that keeps us hooked and invested in what, on paper, would seem to be a predictable plot and character set.

This drama stars Music, Dreams and Love, three leads that, quite literally, come together on stage in the production of a musical. We follow the students at Arts University as the work to produce a successful show for the 100th anniversary celebration. Does the set up sound naïve and slightly cheesy? Well it is. For this reason, I suspect the targeted audience is also a bit on the young side and cares less for the plot developments and more for the chemistry between their favorite actors. Don’t let the initial set up scare off those of you seeking excitement; the drama does not unfold so predictably. The writer’s threw in some surprising issues for the character to overcome. The lead actors Jung Yong Hwa & Park Shine Eye played their parts as the cool yet emotionally distant rocker boy and the sweet, spunky girl who fall for each other, believably enough. The writers included more than enough tension and puppy love to satisfy younger audience members (and the young at heart). More mature audiences however, may find that they are more drawn to Song Chang Ui, who played the playful former Broadway producer Kim Suk Hyun and So Yi Hyun as the smart sophisticated dance professor, Jung Yoon Soo. Their interactions with the each other as well as with rest of the cast members were particularly refreshing to watch.

While the drama does have its sad moments, as all k-dramas should, they are evenly sprinkled evenly over the 15 episodes so as not to overwhelm the audience. In addition, many of the delightful supporting cast members are there to provide comic relief. C.N blue’s Kang Min Hyuk does an exceptional job as relief with his baby-face and his ever-adorable character, as does Shin Goo as the stern but lovable abuji who longs to relive his glory days through a protégé. No k-drama would be complete without a romantic conflict, but “Heartstrings” skips the standard angst ridden love-triangle, that inevitably leaves us feeling empathy for the odd man/woman out, and ties up the loose ends by embracing the resolution-friendly love-square.

Unfortunately, the writers took their sweet time to make the lead couple official, and the climax was a little bit of a disappointment. But they made up for it by making the relationship extra sweet. For some (i.e those who know how babies are made…), it may be unrealistically cute and naïve but it’s acceptable for the majority of viewers (i.e those who don’t know it or choose to ignore it for the purposes of the drama). Sentiments of the relationship between the mature couple are echoed in that of the younger couple throughout the drama. This is particularly true towards the end when history repeats itself. Perhaps, the writers meant to show the growth from puppy love to a more matured love. With more episodes, the writers could have explored Gyu Won and Lee Shin’s newly matured love as many viewers may have liked to see. What these viewers may not realize is that the writers have already done so, by presenting the mature couple’s relationship. In short, to continue the series would be overkill.

no offense to Jung Yong-hwa fans but I can't seem to take You've fallen for me when he is on screen. It's not that I hate him...but I burst out laughing all the time because for some reason he reminds me of HOWARD WOLOWITZ...
I keep expecting Howard's mom to shout "Hooowaaard who is it? I'm in the bathroom get the doooooor!
hahahahaha

must be the skinny pants :D

is a cute ending but its a bit rush. It feels like everything is made in one episode so the emotions and feeling are being cut at some parts. the break up is too fast, doesnt she knows that there must be something wrong when he acts so different. He tried so hard to hide to her, and they suffered for a long time, but they get back together after they think back about their past, isnt that too fast. At some part is lacking, but since they are cut shorted one episode, their effort is what counted

This drama was quite enjoyable and so much fun to watch, even with the last awkward scenes. It allowed you to leave your worries or concerns and just enjoy the sweet drama for what it was.

A sincere drama about simple love and getting through your life day by day. I really admired the fact that it didnt go into your typical krdrama love/square jealously overload.

I am happy I watched this drama to the very end. It was worth it! And thanks for your recaps and comments.

It does not make sense that shin's sister ends up doing traditional music, it just does not convince me. They could have never made that happen altogether, i mean seriously?

you're an amazing analyzer and writer<3 last line was PERFECT for this drama. i totally agree. i wish kyu-won didnt give in to lee shin so easily at the end. Though it was obvious it was ending, i wished she'd given him a little run for his money, make him work for that final kiss. i wish he cried a little more, he's a talented actor, but still has to go more out there to express his feeling, like my friend who calls him a rock xD. i agree partly tho i claim there is emotion behind every gaze and stare, maybe because of my obvious bias x]. watever it is iknow that the ending is rushed and this fact has been stated many times. it had potential but they still did not end up meeting my crazy drama lovers' desires ;D

i really love kang min hyuk

Where are my Stoofers?

Totally agree on your review about the last episodes. The series ended when Lee Shin said "YOu Are the best lead actress to me". its a nice story. i'll watch it again and again. =)

finally finished this today (after too much procrastinating XD). the actors were good. the OST were A+ for me. but the story itself is kinda meh. it's like it has identity crisis or something. the ending was definitely rushed. and what happened to the lead guy in the musical? his character was done half-assed.

Hey guys I need some help here...the song that plays when kyu won calls shin and asks to see him in the coffeshop, what is it called?? Thanx in advance! :)

As in when they're in the coffeshop...^^

I agree with you on the point that the writing got lazy towards the end. It's such a pity coz the series started fresh and promising with all these colorful characters and plots that could have made a great series should it have been written right. But this drama just screamed Korea's High School Musical to me after awhile coz the plot just gets so insanely tacky. I couldn't even watch pass episode 13, I was done with this drama's predictability and at times, cringe-worthy scenes.

I like the simpleness of this melodrama. There wasn't really anything that would've gotten me to make my heart fall out of my chest onto the floor.

I think it's perfect for something sweet to watch. I like how Gyu Won and Lee Shin were a couple for a majority of the series instead of other dramas.

Thanks again dramabeans your recaps are always print-soup perfection XXXXX

Thanks for the amazing recaps! I actually only watched the drama because you made it sound exciting. I was honestly disappointed. I think all the elements were there but the flow of the story was a bit draggy. I'm probably the only one who liked the angst (the wrist) but it felt out of place. Nonetheless, it's drama worth watching.