These golden dramas managed to win top awards at the time and gave birth to countless popular trends and items.
Korea has come to much fruition when it comes to dramas. Not only critically acclaimed, but these series also manage to leave a strong impression on the audience from within and beyond national borders.
2013 was a clear milestone when various famous, high-rated dramas greeted the audience. They were so popular that many remake versions came out after, hoping for similar success. Many popular trends also withstand the test of time.
After 10 years, they still manage to be at the top of the audience’s mind whenever an iconic detail is mentioned.
That Winter, The Wind Blows
“That Winter, The Wind Blows” is a complete drama, from the setting and plot to the characters’ images.
The drama tells the story of Oh Soo (Jo In Sung), a gambling addict who leads a carefree life. A twist of events leads him to deceive a blind girl named Oh Young (Song Hye Kyo), the daughter of a millionaire. With a realistic and convincing depiction of a moving love story between two opposite characters.
The series marks Jo In Sung’s return after his military enlistment and Song Hye Kyo’s comeback after 5 years of absence from the small screen. The drama successfully brought the two lead actors prestigious awards.
I Hear Your Voice
“I Hear Your Voice” greeted the audience with a compelling plot and an intriguing topic much-loved in Korea at the time. The drama started with a modest rating of 7.7% and later shot to stardom with a double-digit rating.
The drama tells the story of Park Soo Ha (Lee Jong Suk), a young guy with the ability to read other people’s minds. He tries to use his ability to protect and help Jang Hye Sung (Lee Bo Young), a young and brave lawyer. They form a trio with Cha Kwan Woo (Yoon Sang Hyun), a determined and sharp public defender.
Apart from the imagined details of superpowers, the drama caught attention with suspense-filled crime-solving in each episode. Through a firm thread of argument, each investigation comes to a satisfying end.
At the “Korean Drama Awards” in 2013, Lee Bo Young won the Daesang Awards. Her co-star Lee Jong Suk also won a prestigious award thanks to his immaculate portrayal.
Master’s Sun
“Master’s Sun” revolves around the story and life of Tae Gong Shil (Gong Hyo Jin), a girl with the ability to see ghosts after an accident. Tae Gong Shil lives in insecurity and obsession over her ability until she meets Joong Won (So Ji Sub). Their encounter somehow makes the ghosts disappear, putting Gong Shil at ease.
The drama is an apt blend of comedy, supernatural elements, and romance. Gong Shil and Joong Won form a special connection as the story unfolds.
So Ji Sub bagged home two major awards at the “SBS Drama Awards”. The drama OSTs are still listened to until this day.
The Heir
“The Heir” is a story about Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye) and her meet-cute with Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho) during her trip to California. They develop feelings for each other. However, the love is met with various obstacles due to class differences.
The drama gathered a stellar cast. The lead actors Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye perfectly captured the essence of their characters. However, the supporting actors also helped maintain the links between characters and drive the plot forward.
The drama garnered much success at award shows. Many popular items are born from this hit series.
My Love From The Star
“My Love From the Star” was one of the main drivers that propelled the Hallyu Wave to other countries. The drama marked A Jun Ji’s return after 14 years.
The series tells the story of an alien Do Min Joon (Kim So Hyun) who came to Earth during the Joseon era and was stuck for centuries. Just three months before returning to his home planet, Min Joon falls in love with Chun Song Yi (Jun Ji Hyun), a top actress of the Korean entertainment industry.
The drama blended seamlessly elements of romance and mystery in a way that kept the audience on a thrilling and emotional roller coaster. Moreover, it was one of the forerunners in exposing the dark side of the entertainment industry.
The series brought various awards from in and out of Korea to the leading actors in the dramas. It also made waves in China and other Asian countries.
Source: K14
