“If you and I were just ordinary people, what would it have been like?” – Eun Young-ro (Snowdrop).
The 2021 series ‘Snowdrop’ depicts a story where love blossoms amidst political unrest, sacrifice, and silence. Set in 1987, the series makes bold attempts to blend suspense, romance, and historical-political fiction, taking viewers back to a crucial year in South Korea’s political history. With Jung Hae-in as a mysterious man on the run and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo making a dramatic acting debut as a quirky 20-year-old student torn between love and loyalty, ‘Snowdrop’ beautifully crafts a story that is both thrilling and tragic.
Series: Snowdrop
Where to watch: Disney+
Cast: Jung Hae-in, Jisoo, Yoo In-na, Jang Seung-jo, Yoon Se-ah, Kim Hye-yoon, and Jung Yoo-jin
Written by: Yoo Hyun-mi
Directed by: Jo Hyun-tak
The Plot
Set in 1987, a year marked by intense political change and a critical moment in South Korea’s history, the drama unravels against the backdrop of the June 1987 Democratic Movement, a nationwide protest that eventually pressured the ruling dictatorship to hold fair elections. This culminated in the historic December 1987 Democratic Election, bringing an end to the authoritarian Fifth Republic of Korea and paving the way for the democratic Sixth Republic.
The series is set during November and December of that pivotal year and introduces Lim Soo-ho (played by Jung Hae-in), a graduate student who is badly injured and covered in blood. He is discovered by Eun Yeong-ro (played by Jisoo), a 20-year-old university student who, out of compassion and sympathy, hides him in her dormitory, unaware of his true identity.
As political tensions rise and secrets begin to unravel, an innocent yet forbidden romance slowly blooms between the two. But their growing bond is dangerously threatened by suspicion, betrayal, and the shifting tides of a nation in turmoil.
The Characters
Lim Soo-ho (played by Jung Hae-in)
His real name is Ri Tae-san, but he uses the alias Lim Soo-hyeok. He is a North Korean agent on a secret mission in South Korea. Disguised as a graduate student working on his economics thesis at the University of Berlin, he hides a much deeper agenda. Despite his cold and reserved exterior, he falls in love with the kind-hearted and spirited Yeong-ro, which later complicates both his loyalties and his mission.
Eun Yeong-ro (played by Jisoo)
Yeong-ro is a cheerful and spirited freshman studying English Literature at Hosu Women’s University. She saves Lim Soo-ho, believing him to be a graduate student. Unaware that her father, Eun Chang-su, holds a powerful position as the director of the Agency for National Security Planning (ANSP), Yeong-ro lives her life like a free bird. But her world changes when she falls in love with Soo-ho at first sight, unaware of his true identity.
Kang Cheong-a / Kim Eun-hye (played by Yoo In-na)
A highly competent and composed surgeon at a university hospital, she appears to live a normal life. However, it is later revealed that she is a North Korean spy.
Lee Gang-mu (played by Jang Seung-jo)
The head of Team One at the ANSP’s Anti-Communist Investigation Bureau, Gang-mu, is determined to capture Soo-ho, whom he holds responsible for the death of a fellow agent. But his pursuit takes a deadly turn when Soo-ho takes him hostage.
Pi Seung-hee (played by Yoon Se-ah)
The strict and sharp-witted housemistress of the dormitory at Hosu Women’s University. She keeps a close eye on the students and maintains a tight grip on discipline within the residence halls.
Gye Bun-ok (played by Kim Hye-yoon)
Bun-ok works as a telephone operator in the university dormitory. Once close friends with Yeong-ro, their relationship turns bitter when Bun-ok blames her for the escalating hostage situation. Financial struggles prevented Bun-ok from attending college herself, fueling her resentment and sense of exclusion.
Jang Han-na (played by Jung Yoo-jin)
Fiery, impulsive, yet passionate, Han-na is an ANSP agent and Gang-mu’s former fiancée. Still bearing the emotional wounds of being left behind six years ago, she throws herself into her work—and into the unfolding crisis.
What made the show popular?
- Spellbinding romance: The tragic romance between the leads captures fans’ attention and takes them on an emotionally charged journey that deeply resonates with those who enjoy emotional and bittersweet tales.
- Visual splendor: One of the best things about the series is its stunning visuals that beautifully bring the era to life through lovely, thoughtfully composed scenes.
- Historical and political background: Set against the backdrop of the 1987 pro-democracy movement, the series explores themes of love, sacrifice, and political turmoil, portraying the historical and political setting with care and nuance.
- Powerful performances: Jung Hae-in and Jisoo’s intense and impactful portrayals not only add depth to their respective characters but also enhance the overall viewing experience.
- Engaging storyline: The series is an impeccable blend of romance, thrill, suspense, and emotional depth, keeping audiences apprehensive about the fate of the characters until the very end.
- Global popularity: Despite initial controversy in South Korea, ‘Snowdrop’ gained global acclaim and became a hit on Disney+, generating significant attention across social media platforms.
‘Snowdrop’ — a bittersweet love story encased in layers of sadness, sacrifice, and heartbreak — manages to provoke viewers to look beyond the surface of a forbidden romance and contemplate the cost of freedom, truth, silence, and sacrifice.
With a stunning star cast, impactful performances, beautiful cinematography, and a narrative that leans into pain and sorrow, ‘Snowdrop’ lingers like a winter memory, cold, breathtaking, yet indelible.
Written by Mansha Chauhan
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