Snowdrop (2021)

A love that bloomed through the coldness of winter, but never made it to the warmth of spring

'Snowdrop', I was one of those who had anticipated this drama for Jung Haein and ofcourse, one who got caught by the trailer that was almost fairytale-like, but was it ever? The answer is a straight NO. It wasn't a fairytale where the prince and princess would dance romantically on the middle of the dance floor wearing a suit and a pink dress, it was rather a tragic and cruel tale of two people who fell in love with each other when their hands briefly brushed against one another, meeting eye to eye, all to save a tower of matchsticks from falling. How innocent and pure their love could, would, should have been if they were just living as ordinary people who fell in love at first sight. But no, their love just had to be out of the ordinary, a welcoming door for tragedy to knock on. Their love was never given any chances, or perhaps, their cruel fate deemed them undeserving of any since the beginning. Maybe, all this time it was just the two of them against the world or it is because of how much they genuinely love each other so they bravely fought against their cruel fate all for the love they both dreamed to achieve, to the point they were willing to become human shields for one another. Nope, they weren't the Romeo and Juliet of Korea's 1987, but just simply Lim Sooho and Eun Youngro of Korea's 1987. The love between the both of them wasn't like the Titanic where even before Jack died in order to save Rose, they still got a shot at love. Sooho and Youngro's love was a different case, their love was like a snowdrop flower that bloomed through the coldness of late winter, but their love never made it to the warmth of early spring. It ended in coldness and its warmth could only be a memory. They had loved the right person but at the wrong time. So, in the end they were separated by life and death. Although, their end was so heart wrenching and sad, I still found beauty behind all their sufferings, as what lies behind is true love that tried to fight through until the end. It was tragically cruel but it was beautiful and worthy. Love is really powerful, Sooho and Youngro's love for each other is.

I'm not really fond of politics nor one who has complete knowledge about korean history. I have only managed to pick up some ideas here and there after being an avid k-drama fan for years, watching dramas after dramas, though at times I did my own little research as what has been depicted on dramas were far from the real reality or truth after all. I started to become interested in 'Snowdrop' not only for the star-studded line-up of cast it had, but with its plot which I found interesting and felt quite familiar with, i'm actually very fond of 'Youth Of May'. Yes, I felt a bit of familiarity but I don't find them completely similar in a sense. Both dramas were set around the 1980's time in Korea, a time where a lot of innocent people had greatly suffered under the hands of people who were greedy for power and they both involved romance. It was just the vibe that got me. So, I dived deeply into 'Snowdrop' and is one of those who would excitedly anticipate each episodes. The first half of 'Snowdrop' really heightened my interest in the drama, from seeing an innocent, kind, and lovely Youngro who fell in love at first sight during a group date, to when she bravely helped hide Sooho who was being chased by the ANSP agents, and to the beginning of the hostage scene. Then the second half of the drama came and I know most found it so draggy in which I don't quite agree with, I only found the second half slow-paced as every thing had been continuously revolving around the hostage scene at the dorm, like literally 90% of the drama is centered there. Regardless of that, I never felt it was boring or draggy instead i've only been frustrated. Frustrated because of all the hardships and suffering they each had to go through because of the ill-intentions of majority of the characters and those who had such hidden under their sleeves. It got heavy like a baggage with so many things happening that are out of favor for the main leads. Still, I never felt the urge to drop it, I continued and honestly enjoyed even if it became mainly about politics. I won't get into discussing about the politics part but just write based on the feelings this drama had made me felt.

I'm in the minority who never felt that the romance between the leads was lacking. I was fine with it and found it enough given the situation that they were in. Their romance wasn't little and it wasn't bold in words but rather in actions. The actions which I was referring to is not the usual lovey-dovey we see on other romance dramas, it is the actions in terms of the things they were willing to do for each other. How despite all the things that had happened between them from the revelation of Sooho being an NK spy and him pointing a gun over Youngro's head to Youngro deceiving him in order to snatch the detonator away from him or the time she made herself a bait in order for them to be able to escape, the love they had felt for each other since the first time that they had met remained in their hearts and they knew themselves they fell. Many may argue how such a thing as love at first sight might be ridiculous or not completely realistic to the point one would be willing to go through so much for the other, like the fact that Youngro and Sooho's relationship had never even started, they were never a couple. I thought differently about that. Despite how Youngro and Sooho never really became a couple like what they both had wanted to be, they truly loved each other, their love was evident with how they held one another through the look in their eyes, how they comforted with words or hugs and protected one another. Just how they had constantly been there for each other, I felt their romance. Our views about love are very vast and different, my view about it is as long as they truly love one another and is willing to go through so much for the person they cherish regardless of how long they have known each other or if they were a couple or not, love is love and it conquers all, the strong love both Youngro and Sooho had for each other conquered all. So, it was not lacking, for me at least.

Then came the ending of the drama which I had actually expected even before 'Snowdrop' officially began to air, and there were scenes that had foreshadowed what will come. I never had hopes for a happy ending as I was certain it will be a sad one. Even if I had already expected it, I still cried a bucket because of the pain, seeing how brutally Sooho died. Adding to that pain is the fact that he died at the dorms rooftop attic, which was once their safe haven, a door to their other world where it was only the two of them, where they could open their hearts to each other as just Eun Youngro and Lim Sooho, away from all the sufferings, and that exact same place also hold their beautiful memories. It was torturing to see and think that the last moment they would ever share together and the last memory that they would ever have at that attic, that very place that was once their own is now a place filled with blood, pain and tears. As if those weren't enough, Sooho's last words to Youngro, how he told her to continue living even if it is hard and his sincere confession which he recorded on a cassette tape as he knew he would never get a chance to confess. It was all too painful and cruel. Lim Sooho didn't lie when he said he was superman and the sad thing about it is that he can't fly to be free. His life has always been cold, he was an abandoned son to his mother, a sharpened weapon for his adoptive father. He had never received love, he was betrayed, and constantly used. It was only through Youngro did he finally receive the love he deserves and he protected that love until his last breath. That was the last straw for me. He was so self-less and so was Youngro. And as I had written on the first paragraph, their love is truly like a snowdrop.

Lastly, in terms of the acting, i'm not being biased although it may seem so, but there were just so many scenes where Jung Haein left me completely speechless and gave me a thousand of emotions with how amazing he had brought not only life but color into his role as Lim Sooho. His insane micro expressions, especially his eye acting that completely awed the whole of me. His eye acting is one of the things that could be considered rare, there are not many korean actors who could hold a thousand emotions in their eyes alone, in like a split second, yet be able to deliver them to the audience and make them completely immersed and connected to those emotions like he does. Jung Haein is truly a commendable actor, he is a great actor who is not only talented but skilled as well. He is an actor who doesn't act for the sake of acting but acts his roles to life. I have watched many of his dramas before and I must say that among all the roles he had played, Lim Sooho is his role which I loved most and I think is his best performance as it completely showcased his ability and range as an Actor. As for Jisoo, I do think she had done a great job considering this is her first drama and debut as an actress. The rest of the other actors, Kim Hyeyoon, Yoo Inna and the others did a great job too and deserved praises for their hard work. I honestly, found no problems with how each actors and actresses acted their characters. I'm glad they were casted to play their roles, all of them were very suitable for those roles. I hope to see the future projects of each of the cast, most especially Jung Haein. I probably won't be rewatching this drama, it will take years for me to do so. Also, I can't say it is the best drama out there or a perfect 10/10 for me, but it was worthwhile.

"Lim Sooho"
"as in 'protecting my love'?"

and so, he lived up to his name.

p.s Lim Sooho's confession to Youngro will always be touching and beautiful, "you bloomed flowers inside me who was so cold".

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Snowdrop Best Scenes/Moments/Realization

Very well written for viewers who's looking for right amount of romance/action/drama/black comedy and has a lot of twist and characters who has it's own stories. All episodes were my favorites but there scenes I always ended up re watching.

- Room 207 where all the girls were dancing
- Hye Ryung grabbed Bun Ok's hair (what a badass)
- Superman scene (attic)
- Yeongro & Seol Hee when sneaking out food for Soo Ho
- Soo Ho exercising without shirt (lol)
- 207 girls hid soo ho in the bathroom and started singing
- Soo Ho takes young ro as his hostage (his eyesssss)
- Yeongro ro first time shouted and called the spies communist bas****
- Yeongro becomes hysterical and passes out to soo ho due to his brother's passing(omg jisoo, her acting)
- Gyeok Chan asked for cup noodles
- When yeongro hugged soo hoo to get the detonator (mygad, their eyes with different emotions)
- Soo Hoo when he's begging yeong ro to come out and used the same code to knock
- Their first escape plan with Gang-mu and how soo ho looked yeongro when the about to escape and vice versa ( goshh again their eyes) no lines needed
- when Eun Chang Soo slapped Nam Tae Il (standing ovation, lol)
- Conversation between Yeong ro and his father and how soo ho saved yeong ro from Gyeok Chan(damn, the background music on this too)
- When gang mu confronted soo ho that he's in love with yeong ro (their acting!!!!)
- Soo Ho allience with Gang Mu and when Bun Ok takes yeong ro as hostage(breathtakingscene!!) then Ms.Pi's entrance and how she asked bun ok to shoot her
- Leads shared their first kiss in the attic over a heart warming convo and a cup of coffee (can't sleep that night)
-Soo Ho asked for fried chicken and Jang Hana was laughing at the back and when se delivered it and saw the soo ho/gang mu side by side
-Eung-cheol eating his fried chicken
-Yeong ro saved soo ho in front of his father (serves him right)
- Conversation between the leads in the chapel asking what if they're both ordinary people
- How cheong ya let soo ho go and gave her real name as if that moment will be their last
- Man-dong saved soo ho knowing that yeong ro was in danger (really surpised)
- Soo ho called gang mu *hyung* for the first time and how gang mu looked and held him in the face soo ho as if they're telling goodbyes to each other (This could be my favorite scene, can't handle my tears)
- Gang Mu holding white snowdrop flower and Jang Hana when they will driving somewhere

In Realization

- From Room 207, Jeong Min always stayed by Yeong ro side (except last ep14)
- Gang Mu will never know that soo ho saves him the first time back in germany
- Secret Based was in the prayer room which saved the life of the remaining hostages in the end
- Attic was the only witness of their most happy moments and also their saddest
- When Yeong Ro interpreted soo ho's name *As in protecting my love* - end game
- When Soo Hoo recorded back his message in the casette tape - really confirmed
- Cheong Ya letting go of Soo Ho in her most badasss scene
- Grandpa Mandong saved soo ho to save yeong ro
- Ms.PI's dedication to her students and bon ok despite being the spy
- Bromance between Gang Mu /Soo Hoo, Alliance between Cheong ya and Ha na
- Yeong ro went back to Soo ho to keep her promise that she will stay by his side and Soo Ho asked her to stay alive no matter hard it gets
- In another world, they're happy together (hoping it will be on real life)
- If Yeong ro was fast enough to catch up Ms.Oh(kitchen lady)before she stepped on that trapped then dragged her to secret based to escape, ROMCOM for Haesoo will not be on trending and i will not spend much time doing this feedback (lol)


I thought that this is just a typical romantic drama and just wanted to watch this because of hae in since his D.P series was also remarkable and quite curious how jisoo will act as bashers+controversies were all over the place even before the drama started but i never thought i ended up showing my best fangirling moment in a kdrama.

Really amazes me how this drama becomes successful despite how their local media/communities are controlling public's opinion and viewership, lack of promotion and limited streaming. Kudos to all the production team/staff/actors for your amazing hard work and portrayed their characters in most convincing way.Shout out to both Leads,,supperb acting.. hae in, this drama i think brings out the best in you and jisoo, i'm sure this will not be your last drama, you're really amazing. Congratulations to all, specially to those viewers and fans who i think the reason why snowdrop team manages to handle this controversy and was able to broadcast until the end.. Yes to season 2!!!!!

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Better story than many typical kdramas

I really liked the 80s backdrop in the story and life in the dorm . It gave a unique aesthetic vibe that I just loved . Main lead couple’s chemistry was fresh to watch they give off Romeo and Juliet vibes. I wish they had more scenes together. We didn’t get to see them together as much. So the sweet moments were less and tragic ones were more.
Although 70% of the story revolved around the hostage situation and I feel like the situation was dragging more than necessary. But it was a good watch because story was interesting . Ending was expected but the FL was left was nothing at all. It would’ve been better if she was less miserable at the end.
Yoo inna came as a surprise . Absolutely loved her character and her performance. She was the star of the show.

The story was unique than usual kdramas and less predictable too. Story gets gloomy after few episodes and gets more and more tense towards the end yet I still enjoyed it. Because it kept me on my toes as to what will happen next.

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Wasted potential

Snowdrop could’ve been one of the top love stories of k-drama world. But the writer wasted it all on the hostage situation.
The first episodes gave so much hope for a love story to be remembered and cherished but then it all went down with the 4th episode. The problem was not the hostage situation itself but problem was that 80% of the show was about hostage situation and the multiple failed deals between the spies and ANSP. I didn’t got to see romance between the main leads, the dorm life or student life in the 80s. Such as wasted potential.

There is soo much I wanted to see, the story had perfect actors and theme to show that, the 80s romance, the old school love story, the longing etc. But what we got to see was just action and hostage situation lol.

The ending was also not that emotional like main lead dying makes everyone cry but I didn’t cry or felt sad bcz his death did not came as a shock. It seemed obvious soo it didn’t invoked emotions which is sad bcz his character suffered most and his ending should’ve been the one to remember.

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DISNEY and JTBC i will send you my therapist bill.

Each episode in this drama was so well put together and really kept the suspense there wasn't a moment where i was bored or wanted to switch it off, itkept the viewers in anticipation throughout. This drama is definitely not a light hearted drama and it had me in a complete breakdown.

The soundtracks and cinematography were just perfect and the pace of this drama is great as well, nothing felt rushed. Overall this drama is a complete masterpiece. If you are not watching this drama you are totally missing out!

JISOO-
It's so hard to believe that this is Jisoo's first drama because her acting was phenomenal. She portrayed the character so well.

JUNG HAE IN-
Jung Hae In Is an absolutely incredible actor. Snowdrop has just completely solidified why he is one of my favorite actors. Seeing him portray a role so different from his usual roles was amazing. The way he expresses his emotions just through his eyes is just absolute perfection.

Every single actor in this drama portrayed their characters so well.

The leads had fantastic chemistry both on-screen and off screen as well. Jung hae in and Jisoo are literally perfect for each other.

This is now in my top 5 dramas of all time.

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Love and betrayals !!

This is one of the most heart breaking series I’ve ever watched this year. There are dramas that are more tragic but if I ever have to say top 10 saddest dramas, this will be one of them.
Jung hae In became one of the favourite Korean actor. I mean ever script he has chosen is very unique and beautiful. You just can’t overlook this man’s potential. As for the Fl, it was the first drama so I wasn’t expecting more and also there aren’t many scenes of her tho. But Jisoo was good. For a debut, she did an amazing work. The only drawback is that this show have way too many annoying characters which will make you to get into the screen and kill them. And some of them aren’t even necessary. I do think that this was dragged out and this isn’t fit for binge watching but this helped me pass my weekends. Definitely worth the shot. Looking forward to Jung Hae In’s Connect.

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Snowdrop

Storyline is pathetic, they kill the main lead
very emotional story and all actors were awesome
Kim JiSoo and Jung Hae In are very good actors
loved how dey depicted every scene
would have loved if they re were more romantic scene
its a thriller with each scene having a new secret revealed
all actors were awesome
k drama u shd watch for sure
beware its very emotional
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Soft, vigorous and mind-boggling ✨

Overall:
Can't believe how this drama intertwined a beautiful young romance with a lot of sensitive issues not only involving the most controversial social and political issues but also the selfish, greedy and untrustworthy nature of humans. Its no doubt worth a watch because the storyline is so well-made and almost tries to give justice to each and every character in the most realistic manner as possible. You'll see how the story slowly unravels each character's deep history and develops them to full maturity. Sometimes I even had to look up each episode or discuss it with my friends to actually understand the plot and mind-game better!

For whom?
Go ahead and watch this drama if you're looking for a drama with thrilling romance. This one is for those who love strategies and heated planning but at the same time enjoy a sweet romance filled with trust and faith.

Acting:
Okay the acting was really good that some characters make you feel so annoyed to the core XD
Now this being Jisoo's first debut drama, you need to watch it. She did complete justice to her character. And Hae-in's role was absolute masterpiece. Not to forget the guy who played Nam-tae-il! He did an amazing job in making a lot of viewer's laugh :D

As delicate as this romance is like a snowflake, you'll see how it tries to stay strong till the end enduring a lot of imposed hardships.

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A Tearjerker.

The story, the cinematography, the casts, the OST... all of it was perfect!

Despite all of the controversy it caused, I still watched this because I know how to differentiate a fiction from history. And I'm glad I did . In the end, Snowdrop proved that all of the accusation was wrong.

Only the first few episodes that contained laughter and happiness, after that, it was pure suffering lmao
This drama led me into a slump. The effects it got on me were tremendous. I can't watch any dramas without thinking about Young-ro and Soo-ho's tragedy. I cried on almost every episode, especially the ending.

I can't believe this was Jisoo's debut as the main lead. Her emotions, her tears - my heart was slaughtered by it. I don't think I can re-watch Snowdrop. The deaths left too much gap on my heart :"

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Tears, tears, and endless tears !!!MAJOR SPOILERS!!!!

Feb. 12, 2022

!!!!MAJOR SPOILERS!!!!

I bravely watched this drama as I already have an idea of what the ending will be like. But it still hurts, it took me a while to finish the drama especially after episode 11, as it became gloomy and man I was going through some shits too. So I took a couple of weeks off before finally finishing this. Snowdrop is that drama, not perfect and flawless, but it has such a huge impact on me.

The actors really did well especially to my girl, Jisoo, I am really proud of her acting here. Now I can see why she got in at YG through her acting audition. She is excellent, I hope that she pursues more acting endeavours in the future. I do hope its not as gloomy as this one. As for Haein, man, he rocks, I love his acting as well. I feel like their chemistry is really off the charts. Every time I see their scenes together I wanna scream cause I can't deal with it. I feel butterflies hehehe 🦋

DO I RECOMMEND SNOWDROP? Of course, I do, though prepare yourselves some tissues. yea tissues. Lots of them.
I wanna say I hope you have fun, but fun is far from this series. 😉

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Most favorite

Well this is one of the best drama you can find. Not only for their acting skills but also the plot everything from the start is good. Even though im disappointed in a rush ending and how young ro left alone it make kinda sad. But overall its a wonderful drama.

Thinks i hate in this drama :
Eun changsu, Nam taeil, An gyeong hui did have an ending as i anticipated
Why killing all the three spies ?
Choi suryeon lee tae san mother at the end it doesn't make sense since she didn't do anything to save him and it just added more pain to our boy.

Things i love
The twist and turns
And how they maintained a good humour in between thanks to byeong tae and gwang tae.
And the sweetest couples
Youngro - sooho
Han na - gang mu.
Gye bun ok - gyeok chan
Eung cheol - polka dot
Sooho and gang mu united atlast got me offguard.

Believe if you think this drama is a history distortion pls give it a try u may luv it..
Byee

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Snowdrop is a chaotic and emotional rollercoaster of a Kdrama. Every episode is like witnessing a terrifying horror film. I thought it to be more of a romantic story, but it turned out to be more political.
The cast is excellent, especially Jung Hae In and Jisoo. Jung Hae In, who plays Sooho, is a great actor. With just his eyes, he was able to communicate emotions and transmit all of his character's feelings. This, together with D.P., is his greatest drama in my opinion. Jisoo, on the other hand, has left me speechless. She exceeded all of my expectations for a first-time actress, and you can always sense her acting, especially when she cries. Their chemistry is so strong, yet the story somehow wasted it.

With their character and backstories, side characters such as Kim Hye Yoon, Yoo In Na, Yoon Se Ah, Jang Seung Jo, Jung Eugene, and others gave a powerful vibe and helped to carry out the narrative of the story.

The only problem in this drama is the hostage situation. I understand this is because the hostage is a political scheme, but it's unnecessarily long and dragging due to its repetitious scenes and script flaws, yet, to be honest, you'll never get bored watching it.

I believe that there should be more, but due to the controversy, they had to cut and remove it, which is really sad. I just hoped they gave it a chance before falsely accusing it.

I also didn't see any ANSP glorification at all. The drama showed how disgusting ANSP is, how they frame and kill innocent individuals for the sake of their image. I'm really glad JTBC fought for this drama.

The OSTs are lovely, and they provided a lot of emotion to the drama.
Overall, I must say that this is a masterpiece. The ending hurt so much that I don't think I'll ever get over it. If you're wondering if it's worth rewatching, do so at your own risk; you'll just end up hurting yourself. So if you are not into heavy Kdrama, this one is not for you. I cried my heart out, but strangely, it also comforted me. I'm glad I didn't give up on this drama; it's really worth watching.

+ WE NEED ANOTHER DRAMA OF JUNG HAE IN AND JISOO WITH A HAPPY STORYLINE!!

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