This traditional and predictable romance features all the plot devices Korean romance dramas are famous for.
School sweethearts Soo-ho and Soo-eun are thrust into the heady world of first love and subsequent first loss. It's always summer or autumn in Korea, so the lovers can take leisurely walks and bike rides through the countryside, and visit the beach, all in spectacular scenery.
She's the prettiest and most popular girl in the school, he's considered a bit of a dork. She playfully taunts him, he completely adores her; things are looking good for them.
But...there's a terminal illness waiting in the wings to snatch their happiness away. This comes as no surprise, since we are told in the first five minutes what will happen. The amazing thing is, even when you know how it will end, you still keep hoping that the opening scene was somehow a mistake.
It's so much better than you think it will be, mostly due to the charm of the leading actors, Song Hye-kyo (who is 24) as Soo-eun, and Cha Tae-hyeon (who is 29!!) as Soo-ho. It's surprisingly effective and emotionally engaging, and has several moments of real and deep feeling. You will almost certainly need your hanky.
School sweethearts Soo-ho and Soo-eun are thrust into the heady world of first love and subsequent first loss. It's always summer or autumn in Korea, so the lovers can take leisurely walks and bike rides through the countryside, and visit the beach, all in spectacular scenery.
She's the prettiest and most popular girl in the school, he's considered a bit of a dork. She playfully taunts him, he completely adores her; things are looking good for them.
But...there's a terminal illness waiting in the wings to snatch their happiness away. This comes as no surprise, since we are told in the first five minutes what will happen. The amazing thing is, even when you know how it will end, you still keep hoping that the opening scene was somehow a mistake.
It's so much better than you think it will be, mostly due to the charm of the leading actors, Song Hye-kyo (who is 24) as Soo-eun, and Cha Tae-hyeon (who is 29!!) as Soo-ho. It's surprisingly effective and emotionally engaging, and has several moments of real and deep feeling. You will almost certainly need your hanky.