[In Defense Of] My inexplicable fondness for Love Rain

129 January 17, 2018January 17, 2018

[In Defense Of] My inexplicable fondness for Love Rain

by Guest Beanie

Love Rain is not a drama that will make you into a better person, cause you to figure out who you are and what you should be doing with your life, or even give you anything to ponder over. It’s a drama that we watch when we want an escape from our own lives, stressful as they may be, if we’re sick, tired, or just need a story to make our own lives seem bit more livable and a lot more sensible.

So before you judge me and the rest of my family for loving this story, I actually did some research before writing this. Yes, actual research, which amounts to doing a literature search online and formulating this mini-thesis. Fun fact: Although this drama wasn’t well received in Korea when it came out, did you know that it was sold to Japan for the highest price for a K-drama at the time? Not a small feat for a mediocre drama.

For those of you unfamiliar with the story, Love Rain starred Jang Geun-seok and Yoon-ah in dual roles. They played both the parents and then their offspring over 30 years later. And as an OTP, I feel they were absolutely adorable and believable. The story first follows their characters (In-ha and Yoon-hee) as college students in a very uncertain time in Korea in the 1970s where socialism and communism were just a stone’s throw away, and anyone sympathizing or even just wanting to educate themselves was seen as subversive, punishable by imprisonment, and in In-ha’s case, mandatory military enlistment.

After the required separation, these unfortunate and in-love souls eventually find others to marry and have children (Seo-joon and Ha-na), whom we meet over 20 years later, again played by Jang Geun-seok and Yoon-ah. The tone is a 180 degree turn from the subdued dialogue, warm colors, and blanket-snuggling initial four episodes when we catch up with their progeny in the 21st century. The difference is so jarring that I was wondering if I was watching the same drama. The pacing is totally different—faster, modern, and the stark white of the snow gives it a colder feel as well. Jang Geun-seok is the jerkiest jerk, but endearingly hilarious at the same time. Yoon-ah says more in four minutes than in previous four hours combined. This was the first drama I had seen either of these two in and it made me do a double-take.

However, with 2012 also being the year that gave us King 2 Hearts, Faith, Gaksital, The Moon That Embraces the Sun, Queen In-hyun’s Man, Reply 1997 (should I go on?), Love Rain was bound to be at the bottom of the barrel. On top of this, Dramabeans only recapped the first episode. Imagine my surprise when after this one episode, there were 333 comments, with several of them imploring Dramabeans to continue recapping it! That doesn’t sound like a bad drama at all.

I mentioned that everyone in my family likes this little drama. My mother likes it, my husband likes it, and I like it. Some people really like the first four episodes set in the 1970s. My mom was reminded of her own courtship with my dad, the styling of the day, and she mentions how natural it felt. Back when she dated, no one would have the audacity to state whether or not they actually liked someone else. They were from the era of arranged marriages. I know, archaic, and I have no idea how anyone dated anyone with that mentality. Asian boys were much more innocent than they are now, apparently. It was just a simpler time where being blunt was seen as rude and coarse, and actions spoke louder than words.

There’s the non-dramatic drama of the first four episodes, how quiet the angst is, and then when it comes boiling to the surface, it comes with the fullness of the loss of love. It would have been fine had the whole drama adopted the same muted feel and sepia tones throughout. And the circle of friends was too precious. Seo In-guk sings so, so sweetly, setting the musical tone of that period (and I’ll mention the soundtrack later). The beach and water scenes are gorgeous and one of my favorite scenes is them just enjoying being together sitting on the beach, holding hands, leaning against one another. The cinematography is really well done, and the makeup is subtle (no guyliner, thank the Lord Almighty) and just feels real. I also liked the fact that the guy falls for the girl first and is infatuated with her from the first scene, because I do think this really happens (at least it did for me).

The acting is also very organic, even in 2012, when fashion and photography set the tone for the remaining episodes. There are no cringe-worthy performances. Absolutely none. It was also where I fell for a young Kim Young-kwang, as a clueless-about-love-puppy-chaebol who played our second lead in the present.

How Jang Geun-seok starts out as the over-the-top-diva-a-hole everyone hates to pining for a girl so intently is just so satisfying. I don’t even know why I like him in this, but I do, inexplicably. Yoon-ah is just plain adorable to watch. And I’ve read it’s really because this is how she is and she’s not really acting here. She is bubbly, happy, and mischievous (until the angst and noble idiot separation sets in) and it makes the drama. She just embodies this character and it suits her to a T.

The ensemble cast for both time periods complement each other. The gay guy friends in 2012 are also over-the-top, but entirely entertaining. The second and even third leads really never have a chance, nor do they try very hard, and they don’t need to here. The OTP is just that good.

And what’s a good drama without a good soundtrack? This one is very nostalgic. As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, these songs literally hit all the right notes for me. I actually played the theme from Love Story for my aunt’s wedding at 10 years of age. From the acoustic guitar riffs to a simple piano ballad to the minor key violin melody of “Song of Rain,” which reminds me so much of the iconic Itzhak Perlman violin in Schindler’s List that I superimpose those intense feelings when I hear it. I can’t imagine that this is coincidental.

Okay, so there is a really contrived plot. I don’t disagree. However, because this was one of the first dramas I watched, I just chalked it up to cultural differences and left it at that. So it’s a bigger deal in Korea to date each other if your parents end up getting together. Then there’s the deal about divorce and how bat-crap crazy his alcoholic mother is and how distant his father is. Then the continuation of the love story with the original OTP in the future. Aghh, their conversations were slow and too deliberate. I’ll agree with that too.

And the rain, that cursed rain—does it really rain in Korea like it does in Seattle? But I really didn’t care as long and Yoon-ah and Jang Geun-seok were able to to snuggle up with each other secretly in the rain, under an umbrella, soaking wet or otherwise. It was my crack for several months as I watched and rewatched them just being cute and thoughtful to each other.

The ratings in Korea were abysmal at the time, but I really wouldn’t worry about it because it made about $50 million in worldwide syndication, and the director’s company made a 4,100 percent profit in one year because of it. Even if no one else watches it, I know it really was filmed well, the acting and cinematography were excellent, and the feels it gave with the lovely soundtrack lasted long after the rain stopped. Oh, and there was that kiss too. That was worth the price of admission.

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Tags: Theme of the Month

129

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1 Jig

January 17, 2018 at 8:07 PM

I haven't read your article yet. I will, but I already agree with you. I mean it's not by any means a favorite drama, but I enjoyed it. I was surprised to hear how much people didn't like it.

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Jig

January 17, 2018 at 8:13 PM

Oh and it has my favorite wedding dress I've ever seen in a k-drama. It's soooo pretty. <3

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Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)

January 17, 2018 at 8:30 PM

(Difference between men & women?)
Not in a million years would you catch me remembering a wedding dress from a 2012 show.
FWIW, I watched the whole show -- don't even remember a wedding.

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Flin

January 17, 2018 at 11:18 PM

Can't help smiling reading comments here. Love Rain was one of my first kdrama that starts it all, ensues the Hours trolling YouTube for snippets of fave scenes, trying to summon all those giddy feelings each time 😁😁

OTP chemistry was just right, And the soundtrack, still things like earworm ㅋㅋㅋㅋ also I must remark that This is when I first discover Seo In Guk (boy, he can sing !)

anyway, back to the reason I am replying to you... The wedding was at the very last episode, oh the feels.

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:58 AM

In your defense, there was no wedding, just them in their wedding clothes on the way to one. She was watering flowers in her wedding dress--and it was gorgeous! They looked like kids playing house to me though!

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Flin

January 18, 2018 at 8:24 AM

Ahahahahaha ... My mind was fooled all this time. 😆

2 SnarkyJellyfish

January 17, 2018 at 8:18 PM

I'm so happy you wrote this @ally-le!

This was literally the first drama that popped into my head when I saw this month's theme, but I didn't know where to start. I too have a deep love of this drama even years on when I feel I should know better. It was one of my first dramas and despite knowing its flaws, what works in this drama really works.

I love the parallel stories and how the various family bonds between the sets of parents and children are broken and repaired by the same events. It's a strangely comforting drama to revisit despite the fact that it uses nearly every cliche in the book to some extent (noble idiocy in spades, first love, young love, playboy-innocent girl, rich/poor, my fave cohabitation, plus a few more).

And the setting and cinematography are to die for, as you mention. The constant contrast between the city and the natural world was a beautiful parallel of all the characters' journeys. I can probably ramble for years on the topic.

You're right about the acting too; it really did feel organic. Even though YoonA was really green when they made the drama, it worked so well with her character. She had this sass to her that never made her feel pathetic or outmatched by her costars. And all the parents in the contemporary timeline were so great.

Thank you for this!

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:25 AM

YOU should have written it! Even in your short synopsis here, your writing is infinitely better! I didn't know where to start either. I just started writing and it was MUCH longer than what it was finally edited into. I'm glad you loved it as well--definitely kindred spirits we are.

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SnarkyJellyfish

January 18, 2018 at 4:46 PM

I could never have brought the personal touch you did. But thank you! I really like that you managed to highlight all that makes the show endearing despite the fact that on paper it really shouldn't work.

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LydiBird

January 18, 2018 at 7:46 AM

Love Rain was my first thought, too! @ally-le, thanks for taking the initiative for all us LR fans!

This was one of my first dramas, and I think that probably helped me love it so much because I wasn't as put off by all the tropes (though I definitely noticed them on rewatches). I can also see how it might seem draggy in spots, especially with the parents' modern story-line but as I've never minded slow plots it doesn't phase me at all. Plus, I was really charmed by how maturely the two handled things once everything was out in the open (and after Dad finished being selfish for maybe the first time in his life).

As my first melodrama all the angst confused me a little (until I researched the family register and why it was SO SCANDALOUS the kids were in love, ha), but took it at face-value and enjoyed all the ugly-crying jags it induced.

And the OST, gaaah, it will forever be my favorite. I have both volumes and there is not a single track that I wouldn't listen to twice in a row. It's so beautifully mellow and melancholy. Even the music choices that weren't the official OST were perfectly selected and I've tracked a lot of those down, too.

I was also stunned by how well JGS played his two roles. It took half an episode for me to realize he was the same actor (so props to the hair/makeup/wardrobe people, too). He changed everything from his speech, gestures, microexpressions... It's a pity that he has so much trouble picking good drama roles because I really do think he's one of the most talented actors I've seen in kdrama.

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 8:21 AM

Speaking of family registers, I looked it up too, and couldn't he have switched family registers (going to his mom's side since his parents were divorced)? But then we wouldn't have had all the great crying that last half of the drama! The OST is one of my favorites too, better than most, I have to agree! I also think JGS is a great actor. Just a lot of real-life baggage with that one, which is why he's not as well-received. He's still talented, no doubt.

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3 WishfulToki

January 17, 2018 at 8:23 PM

You've sold me on the first four episodes at least. I'm still on a high from marathoning Girls Generation 1979 (which is only 8 episodes, too short). So yay, give me more '70s!) :D

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4 Mandy

January 17, 2018 at 8:27 PM

I'm not proud of liking this drama but I really did too! I definitely didn't love it, but I liked it a lot. I'm a huge melodrama fan. Not the sweet, not-so-angsty melos like Just between Lovers, but the wailing and extra dramatic type like A Love To Kill or That Winter.

I totally recognize the fact that most of those stories made no sense, but when I feel my heart being crushed on purpose and so dramatically too, I just get pulled in for more. I sound super masochistic, I realize lol.

In Love Rain, I didn't enjoy the 70s. JGS's dad character made me so mad I wanted him dead every episode. He was a terrible father and husband (not that his wife was any better) and was honestly so selfish it disgusted. And the initial part of 2012 also bored the heck out of me. But I stuck with it back then because I remember not liking anything airing at that time.

Then the angst kicked in, and it really all clicked for me in that stairs scene. I vaguely remember JGS's character comes in drunk and in a moment of weakness, just hugs Yoona. Then he catches what he'd just done and tells her something really painful. I just felt my heart crushed for both of them. Basically the last third of this drama is absolutely my cup of tea. So I totally understand your fondness for it!

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:22 AM

Wear your love for this little drama with a badge of honor, I say! I know that scene on the stairs just outside the little apartment they shared. He says he never liked her, but she knows the truth, but doesn't understand why he's still pushing her away. That's what made it heartbreaking. The other one that was so heart-breakingly good was outside the restaurant--I just remember it because of his jean jacket--where he just holds her. The back hugs in this...just as good as a kiss.

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5 mindy

January 17, 2018 at 8:28 PM

What a great post, Ally! I considered watching this drama just for The Love of My Life AKA Seo In-gook but never did because I was put off by fairly poor/mediocre reviews and, quite frankly, the fact that I never really see anyone say anything good about it. This post definitely changed my mind, though, and I’ll definitely be adding it to my (very long) list of dramas to check out now! The first 4 episodes especially sound like they would be right up my alley.

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blnmom

January 17, 2018 at 9:17 PM

I watched it just for SIG also! He was super cute in it, but I only watched the first part that he was in. The non-SIG parts were pleasant, but not enough to keep me watching without him. Maybe I'll go back and watch the rest of it since Ally sold it so well!

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:17 AM

Please do! It's definitely a slower pace than most dramas, really slice of life-like the first 4 episodes. I was definitely frustrated how no one ever says how they actually feel, but that was normal for the day. And Seo In Gook is great in it, he has so few scenes, but he steals them every time!

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6 owl 🦉 🫰

January 17, 2018 at 9:14 PM

Loved this kdrama, even learned to play "shy confession milktea" on the piano :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hockufrW5PM

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:15 AM

LOVE THIS, fellow pianist! I was hoping to click on the link and see you playing it!

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7 Jellybn

January 17, 2018 at 9:17 PM

I really enjoyed reading your write-up, @Ally! Love Rain was the first drama that i watched with my mom so it remains as a memorable one amongst all the others i watched. I really liked LR, but I'm in the camp with those that really loved the first four episodes. My mom, on the other hand, really loved it that when I showed her your article she was like "time for a rewatch", lol.😂

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:12 AM

It's a great inter- generational drama that I really enjoyed introducing my mother to as well. She fell in love with JSG and watched "You're Beautiful" right after this one!

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jess

January 20, 2018 at 7:32 AM

omg Love Rain is the first drama that I watched with my mom too! We usually have a very different taste in dramas so it's special that we finally get to watch one together. Is it because of the inter-generational plot? lol

On the other note, y mom became a Yoona's fan after Love Rain and then somehow now Yoona's dramas are the only dramas we could watch together (except The K2 since it's not my mom's cup of tea)

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Jellybn

January 20, 2018 at 9:01 AM

My mom loves stories of reunited lovers (I have seen Letters to Juliet way too many times because of her), but in this case I was surprised she rooted for the younger couple lol. I guess this was a good mom and daughter show!

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Ally

January 21, 2018 at 7:30 PM

My mom also loved The King Loves, also because of Yoona! Kdramas have definitely brought us closer together.

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8 kd

January 17, 2018 at 9:50 PM

I do not tend to rewatch dramas but Love Rain is a go to when it pops up. It's just fun. The same with Healer and DOTS. It's just satisfying.

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9 callie

January 17, 2018 at 10:39 PM

I loved the first four episodes in the 70s. When they went to present time it was so jarring and tonally different that I couldn't continue with it.

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10 MonAmie

January 17, 2018 at 10:52 PM

This drama was aired in our local TV station and it was my weekday morning siesta treat. I really enjoyed it even if it was dubbed in our local language. I watched it with my mother-in-law and she enjoyed it too. The OST, the cinematography, and acting were great and of course that is when I started liking Jang Geun-seok which I thought looked a bit like my husband (of course, in my eyes, hahaha).

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 5:54 AM

Here's to gorgeous husbands! I think mine is k-leading-man material too! :)

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11 thequiet1

January 17, 2018 at 11:07 PM

Thank you for the article. Love Rain was not the best drama, but it was a beautiful one. Tho I wasn't in love with it, I definitely enjoyed watching it, and I did watched it till the end. Like most, I like the 70's part more, the slow pace, the warm hues, the quiet scene, tho a bit too slooow.. but that's what made drama beautiful. Even the scene with the parents couple in the present have the same pace/feeling as in the 70's. And Lee Mi-sook's handbags are all gorgeous.

Also, Love Rain introduced and started my love for Seo In-gook, that alone made drama have a special place in my book.

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12 hwaiting

January 17, 2018 at 11:37 PM

Thank you for writing about this drama I love everything about it, I watched it 4x!

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13 klurker 🐙 Dora-Momo makes me wish I was young again

January 17, 2018 at 11:44 PM

I ended my comment slump just to write how much I loved this drama, too! This will always have a special place in my beanie heart. Although I think I was the only one in my family who watched the entire drama (in secret, because if not they would've teased me to death). My mom only enjoyed the parents' love story and not the kids' love line, so she stopped watching after the separation. Thanks for this great piece, @ally-le!

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:27 AM

I've missed your wit...but I agree, not a lot to comment about these days. Without Gong Yoo in anything, I'm thinking ;)

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PakalanaPikake

January 21, 2018 at 5:04 PM

@ally-le,

Hehehe. Some of the episodes of LOVE RAIN I watched had previews for the drama that would be following it: BIG. I haven't seen it. But maybe someone will write a convincing defense of it, and then we can both jump off the Cliff of Non-Doom and watch it together for Gong Yoo! ;-)

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Ally

January 21, 2018 at 5:17 PM

Yes! Actually, my draft that I sent in mentioned this, that Big immediately followed. I doubt anyone will do a defense for it though, even for Gong Yoo! Lol!

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14 mon chan

January 18, 2018 at 12:08 AM

This drama is from 4 season series' director. His dramas always go the outdated plot of childhood sweetheart and 1st love melodrama, but I have good nostalgia with them, including this one. Now they don't make dramas like this anymore, it's good memory.

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15 judepps

January 18, 2018 at 12:33 AM

Honestly, I didn't watched this drama simply because as you have mentioned 2012 there was King 2 Hearts, Faith, Gaksital, The Moon That Embraces the Sun, Queen In-hyun’s Man,Reply 1997.

I haven't watched all of the mentioned drama above yet watching 3 dramas King 2 Hearts, Gaksital and Queen Inhyun's man made my eyes full-:) and i guess by the way i picked this 3 dramas you can tell what type of genre im into.

I only heard the premise of the drama that it was like "The Classic" movie. I had watched this movie The Classic with Jo Seung Woo and Sohn Yen-Jin and i love it so far but i guess i wasn't convinced enough to watched it with Yoona and Jang Guek Suk.

Thank you for sharing at least i i had a glimpse of it.

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PakalanaPikake

January 18, 2018 at 3:41 AM

@judepps,

As I read Ally's essay, the plot reminded me a lot of THE CLASSIC -- and its great soundtrack. ;-)

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:28 AM

I'm making it a point to watch all those 2012 dramas I missed in the near future. Love Rain may be a distant memory!

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mindy

January 18, 2018 at 6:30 AM

2012 was really a spectacular year for dramas. So many of my favorites aired that year, it’s crazy.

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16 whoopeeyoo

January 18, 2018 at 1:54 AM

I never thought I'd have an interest in this drama but now I do so thanks (?!?!?!) for adding yet another drama to my list, @ally-le! Your write-up is so well-written and so convincing too! *trundles over to iflix* *why oh why does it have 20 episodes*

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:07 AM

Yay! It is just one to turn off your brain and enjoy the pretty!

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another woodalchi nicole recruit

January 24, 2018 at 4:40 PM

same here! you've piqued my interest--thank you :D

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17 Leichelb

January 18, 2018 at 2:24 AM

Thanks so much for writing this!! I feel exactly the same way!! I just got through re watching it again. I RARELY rewatching dramas. There are just too many new ones to try but Love Rain is just one of my all time favorites. Since I am a child of the 70s, I can relate to the time period and the music and cinematography is breathtaking. As an American, the story line is a little hard to relate to. We would have no problem with parents and step children marrying as long as there is no blood connection, no problem but Love Rain will always be in my top ten K dramas.

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:10 AM

I think it will remain as one of my favorites too. Yes, that plot! I recommended it to some friends here in the US and had to make that distinction as well, because it drives the story, and here, no one would bat an eye!

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18 tesshan

January 18, 2018 at 2:44 AM

Have to check it out!

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19 PakalanaPikake

January 18, 2018 at 3:47 AM

Congratulations, @ally-le, for another great essay. I won't necessarily run off and watch it, but I appreciate your synopsis. As @judepps notes, it sounds a lot like the film THE CLASSIC, which is one of my favorites. ;-)

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PakalanaPikake

January 18, 2018 at 4:33 AM

Duh, it just occurred to me that the title might be a reference to the short story "Sonagi" (소나기) [rain shower]. It was alluded to in the films MY SASSY GIRL (2001) and THE CLASSIC (2003), especially the latter.

http://hompi.sogang.ac.kr/anthony/Shower.htm

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:48 AM

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I think you would find some deeper meanings in this drama than I did when I first watched it. This was one of the first things I watched, so I didn't analyse things too much. I feel that the first 4 episodes may hit all the right spots for you. *come, come to the dark side...*

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PakalanaPikake

January 18, 2018 at 10:29 AM

Get thee behind me, @ally-le! ;-)

Seriously, though, have you seen either of those movies? MY SASSY GIRL spoofs the short story, while THE CLASSIC (which has a great OST) includes it as part of the plot.

Doggone it, I may have to watch the opening episodes of LOVE RAIN just to see if my hunch about "Sonagi" is correct. LOL!

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 10:37 AM

*My lips are sealed!* The Classic sounds (OST) beautiful though and I liked short story of Sonagi as well. I haven't seen either of these. Stop putting more dramas on my list! Or I'll have to tell you the same (Get thee behind me Satan)! How about this, I'll watch THE CLASSIC, if you give LOVE RAIN a gander?

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PakalanaPikake

January 18, 2018 at 12:06 PM

ROFLMAO.

Deal! ;-)

And then after you watch THE CLASSIC, see MY SASSY GIRL so you can appreciate the "Sonagi" spoofery. I didn't like the movie the first time because The Girl behaves like such a drunken sociopath. But you have to keep in mind that this is THE first film that depicted such outrageous behavior, and as such was groundbreaking in its day. As the story unfolds, we find out what makes her tick. Oh, yeah, and it's based on a series of true stories. More info here:

http://www.hangulcelluloid.com/mysassygirl.html

PakalanaPikake

January 21, 2018 at 7:07 PM

I finished watching all 20 episodes early this afternoon. For me, the first four were evocative of Ye Goode Olde Days. In fact, I felt as if I were living in Honolulu in the 80s. The pace of life there felt slower than that of the New York area where I grew up. When I'd come home on vacation, I'd have to make a conscious effort to speed up.

I think the more relaxed sense of time in the 1970s portion of the show is due in large part to the fact that before everyone and their uncle had small cell phones (as opposed to "portables" with batteries the size and weight of bricks), life was not a 24/7 proposition for most folks who weren't medical personnel, first responders, or computer professionals. Speed limits were lower. Many TV and radio stations still signed off in the wee hours. In some parts of the township in which I grew up, there were still quite a few cows in the 1970s. Nothing says "relaxed" like cows chewing their cud in a pasture. Since then, suburban sprawl has covered the hillsides with McMansions and the attendant traffic jams.

As for the drama itself, it's a mashup of the films THE CLASSIC and LOVE STORY plus the short story "Sonagi" (brief, drenching rain shower on a hot afternoon).

I concluded that one character pretty much ensured decades of pain and suffering for the OTP and their respective offspring. If Hye-jung had not been such a selfish, manipulative bitch from the get-go, there wouldn't have been much of a story. As it was, her stalkerish pursuit of In-ha came back to bite her. As frustrating as her character was, however, I was driven bonkers just as much by adult Yoon-hee, who seemed to have some kind of selfish martyr complex. Her insistence on being selfless struck me as being the opposite of what she intended. In the later episodes, I fantasized about whacking the character upside the head with a 2x4 to get her attention. Normally I don't get so worked up while drama watching. Her daughter also drove me nuts with her passivity towards the end of the show. As for good old inhibited In-ha, I was actually cheering for him that he got it together enough to plight his troth. And when he learned how that would have screwed up his son's life, he consciously chose to put his dream aside.

Overall, I enjoyed the show a lot. The music was great. The cast was solid. And I'm glad that @ally-le wrote such a convincing essay. It gave me a nice, cracktastic escape with a lovely soundtrack. Plus it prompted me to revisit THE CLASSIC OST, which is always a good thing. ;-)

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Ally

January 21, 2018 at 7:41 PM

Yay! You watched it! What a lovely summary and I would agree with the adult characters being exasperating as all get out! And speaking of cows and cud, we have those where we live too—my partner even raises a few on his 20 acres. I love raising my kids here for that very reason.

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PakalanaPikake

January 21, 2018 at 8:39 PM

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who found the adults irritating as all get-out. LOL!

I envy your being able to live out in the sticks. Beef critters or milk cows? Or some of both? I was born in the wrong century, and didn't figure it out until it was too late in the present incarnation. Lord knows I tried in 4-H, but living in the suburbs, the best I could do was raising rabbits. In the next life I hope to live my permaculture dreams in the boondocks with a team of draft oxen. I've had the pleasure of meeting a pair of magnificent Brown Swiss oxen, and they're like overgrown dogs. I used to like going to the oxen pull at the NJ State Fair. Very exciting, especially when a little pair of feisty Red Devons with terrific teamwork beat the pants off larger competitors. My dream team are little black Dexters from Ireland, which top out at half a ton for bulls, and 600-700 lbs. for cows. About half the size of Brown Swiss, and much lower to the ground. Just my size. ;-)

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Ally

January 21, 2018 at 8:06 PM

Oh, and speaking of the Classic, the main guy is our Forest of Secrets hero too! Took me 45 minutes to figure that out.

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PakalanaPikake

January 21, 2018 at 9:13 PM

You might want to check out CHUNHYANG (2000), in which Cho Seung-woo made his film debut as magistrate's son Lee Mong-ryong, especially if you like pansori. (Nok-soo's singing before she went to Yeonsangun's court in REBEL reminded me of that style, but I don't know if it is technically the same.) It's a bit risque, but pretty tame compared to THE SERVANT, which is a twist on the same story. HYANG DAN is yet another variation on the original theme. In it, Siwon is great as Mong-ryong, and the show itself is a great spoof with terrific music.

Oops! More movie suggestions... Mea maxima culpa!

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20 greenfields

January 18, 2018 at 3:47 AM

Such a lovely write-up, Ally! I'll be sure to catch at least the first four episodes - I'm sold. Also, Yoona looks so beautiful smiling so naturally here, no wonder she's incredibly popular in South Korea.

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:50 AM

She's a gem in this. This drama did wonders for her internationally as well.

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21 CCCri

January 18, 2018 at 4:04 AM

I love this drama and have watched it dozens of times. The parent’s story can be painfully slow but the modern day story is wonderful - romantic, funny - JKS and Yoona are so believable. It has been a huge hit internationally.

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22 CCCri

January 18, 2018 at 4:16 AM

I love, love this drama, especially the modern day love story. I agree that the parent’s love story is sometimes painfully slow but that’s why we have fast forward. Seo Joon (JKS) and Ha Na (Yoona) are so wonderful as they meet and fall for each other (romantic and funny) and then are wrenched apart but can’t stay away from each other. The OST is excellent, especially Tiffany’s two songs. I have watched it dozens of times and it never fails to move me.

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:53 AM

The OST is memorable. I can hear one or two bars and know exactly what drama it's from. Tiffany's songs are so good I learned the words to both of them. I know, the OTP is magnetic!

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23 mooninpisces

January 18, 2018 at 4:34 AM

I debated whether or not to watch this drama a while ago but ultimately took it off my “to watch” list based on reviews I’d read.

You’ve convinced me to at least watch the first 4 episodes since I’m curious to check out the 70s setting (which happens to be when I was growing up. *cough, just dated myself).

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 8:02 AM

It is a beautiful watch, if not anything else. I hope you enjoy it!

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PakalanaPikake

January 18, 2018 at 9:22 AM

@mooninpisces,

Hey, we should be glad that we got to hear so much great music while we were growing up. I don't care if I'm carbon-dating myself. ;-)

Have you checked out LINGERIE GIRLS' GENERATION? It was cute, but also depicted the political realities of life in Korea at that time. -- I've posted links to the OST and background music on my fan wall. Talk about a blast from the past.

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mooninpisces

January 26, 2018 at 3:48 AM

@pakalanapikake, sorry for the late reply.

Oh, I’ll definitely have to check Lingerie Girls’ Generation then!

I think one has a different appreciation of a decade’s music when they’ve actually lived through it. I’ll check out your links. Thanks!

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PakalanaPikake

January 26, 2018 at 5:15 AM

@mooninpisces
January 26, 2018 at 3:48 AM

No problem. Just enjoy. ;-)

Whichever times we live through, that's when all the music is being played on every radio, TV, Walkman, etc., etc., etc., and everywhere you turn, you hear it. It's literally the soundtrack of your life.

When I was growing up, I'd hear Big Band and Swing and American Songbook and Tin Pan Alley. It was still in the air because my parents' and grandparents' generations were still listening to the soundtracks of their youth. As they have passed over, the only ones left to listen to their music are ones too young to have heard it live in its heyday. Time marches on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVkfr-EyxcA

[I got to hear Bob Shane, the last of the originals, 30 or so years ago.]

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PakalanaPikake

January 26, 2018 at 5:26 AM

Oh, right!

I watched LOVE RAIN, and the music is great. I have a new JGS earworm rattling around in my noggin, and I love it.

It was a good watch. It had some frustrating moments, especially with the manipulative harridan who pursues the Sensitive Artiste. If only she'd fallen down a manhole... oh, right, there would be no show. ;-)

If you like the music in this, do check out THE CLASSIC. Needless to say, I've posted OSTs from it and LOVE RAIN on my fan wall. And I think from MY SASSY GIRL (2001), too. -- Enjoy!

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24 Ally

January 18, 2018 at 6:05 AM

I'm really in disbelief this one was posted! So much so, that I just wrote another one and sent it in not even a couple hours before this one made it to the site! And again, my good writing is really due to good editing, so thank you DB editing fairies! I had seen other kdramas before this one, but this one was the one that hooked me. I blame it on my husband who wouldn't stop talking about it to anyone who would listen. I still rewatch clips and listen to the soundtrack. I'm glad there are so many others where this holds a special place in their hearts as well! I actually liked the 2nd timeline better in this (although it sounds like I liked the 1st better when I read it) mainly because of Yoon-ah. She really is special in this.

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25 dukseonnoona

January 18, 2018 at 6:54 AM

Love this, and Love Rain too. ♥️ Who knows how many times I re-watched this drama (sans the parents’ storyline 😂). Cinematography was plain beautiful. The best I’ve seen Yoonah in. I think she’s best when doing the bubbly role. Otherwise, uhm, I’m not too sure if she’s acting (I’m looking at you, K2). And Jang Geun-seok. I think 2012 was the peak of my JGS love. This Oppa is still my greatest oppa love. I am patiently waiting for your return, Oppa!

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owl 🦉 🫰

January 18, 2018 at 7:49 AM

I always say to skip the first 4 eps. Or, watch enough to get the gist of the 70s parents story, then proceed to the train ride in Japan and diamond snow! It gets. Yoona is actually pretty good in this kdrama, too, and we get a peek at Guk In Seok as a newbie, too. But Jang Geun-seok is so great in Love Rain, ah, may squeeze it in again soon!

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dukseonnoona

January 18, 2018 at 7:51 AM

This post makes me want to watch my fave parts again! Which is maybe more than half the drama, so... 😂😂😂

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 8:03 AM

When I rewatch, I watch exactly 2 scenes from the first 4 episodes, then start at the 5th!

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dukseonnoona

January 18, 2018 at 8:09 AM

Could those two scenes be the one where he first went up to her with an umbrella in that rain? And the other one where she was sitting on a bench and he was watching her from afar, drawing a sketch of her? Because I only watch those two scenes from the first 4 eps and then go straight to episode 5 😂

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Ally

January 18, 2018 at 9:03 AM

The broken umbrella, yes, and I loved how soaked to the bone he was jumping around that amphitheater afterwards! And the beach scene, coming up with more lyrics to his song. That was just too sweet.

owl 🦉 🫰

January 18, 2018 at 8:47 PM

Silly me, of course I mean Seo In Guk!

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