Love Story in Harvard

Cast:
Kim Rae-Won - Kim Hyun-Woo
Kim Tae-Hee - Lee Soo-In
Lee Jung-Jin - Hong Jung-Min/ Alex Hong
Kim Min - Yoo Ji-Na

Synopsis:
Kim Hyun-Woo was a freshman law student who got himself in a rivalry with Hong Jung-Min for the love of beautiful med student, Lee Soo-In. Both guys were also competing in their class but it was Hyun-Woo whom Soo-In fell in love with. At first Hyun-Woo thought she was a call girl and even asked her out. But it became clear to him when Sul-Gi (his childhood friend) introduced Soo-In to be his tutor. Their love grew and was close to ideal that Hyun-Woo was determined to make her his wife. But Soo-In had to leave for her OEP in South America and left Hyun-Woo feeling devastated. After two years Hyun-Woo was already in Korea making a name of his own as an attorney and taking cases only to what he believes in. Lee Soo-In was also back in Korea for a project so as Jung-Min and Ji-Na for a case. Hong Jung-Min and Yoo Ji-Na were like engaged here. Jung-Min saw Soo-In and was sad to see that she was still in love with Hyun-Woo.

Hyun-Woo on the other hand, instead to be happy of seeing Soo-In, he slapped her! But they couldn't avoid each other for they're working on the same project (somewhat): Hyun-Woo took over the environmental case from his dead friend. But before his friend died he asked help from Doctor Cha whom Soo-In was working with. Soo-In was actually sent to Korea by Hamilton Foundation to conduct a research on Shin-Ba-Ri people about the effects of certain chemicals (produced by DA Chemicals) to them. Hyun-Woo was the legal counsel of Shin-Ba-Ri people who would like to sue the DA Chemicals about the bad effects of chemicals did to them (skin, respiratory diseases), while Hong Jung-Min was the legal counsel of DA Chemincals. Obviously Jung-Min and Hyun-Woo would be up against each other's nerves again. Unable to withstand his feelings anymore, Hyun-Woo reconciled with Soo-In and asked for her help about medical matters ('hire' as Hyun-Woo would term it just like when they're in Harvard). Things were back the way it used to be between them (dating, hugging, and eating Kim chi soup together) but Soo-In had to leave for Somalia again but Hyun-Woo was now determined to wait. On Soo-In's departure date, she fell ill and fainted at the airport and later found out that she had a terminal disease (T-cell lymphoma). Hyun-Woo was the last to know and it was Jung-Min who told him about it after their fight. Then as the research on the case of Shin-Ba-Ri went on, Hyun-Woo discovered that Hamilton Foundation and DA Chemicals were related and that Jason, the chairman of Hamilton Foundation was also the executive director of DA chemical and he soon found their lives in danger: he almost died after a hit and run and his life was in threat, Jung-Min was blackmailed and couldn't drop the case for he was too involved with it.

On their first hearing, Hyun-Woo lost the case because Chun Nok-Sun (the key to the case) told the court that he received bribe money from Hyun-Woo but the truth was that the side of Jung-Min was the ones who gave him money. His financial problem, Soo-In's rejection of his marriage proposal and the possibility that his license will be taken away added to his burdens. But even though he lost the case it didn't discourage him from seeking the truth and filed an appeal. And as he was beginning to unveil the secrets it became clear to him that Jason was behind the death of his friend, the man behind the alteration of the result researched by Soo-In, and that DA chemicals was using fresh graduate students from Harvard. Then Hyun-Woo was suspected of murdering Chun Nok-Sun. But his name was cleared on their wedding day when the daughter of Nok-Sun saw the real murderer with Jason and Jung-Min (beginning to realize his mistakes) helped him in chasing the guy. Soo-In's treatment wasn't working so she needed to have a bone marrow transplant. Jung-Min made a deal with Jason that if he would continue to be his legal counsel he would help him find a bone marrow donor for Soo-In and Hyun-Woo made that deal (drop the case) in the later part when Jason had manipulated the donor. But Soo-In would rather die than let Hyun-Woo drop the case. Soo-In was very disappointed after learning the truth about the foundation, DA chemicals and Jason. She spread the news to her friends by emails and she recorded the threat of Jason on tape which was also used as evidence to the case. And on the day of the second hearing Jung-Min became the witness of Hyun-Woo and they won the case. Jung-Min and Hyun-Woo became friends and went together in the states for another case. Soo-In had a bone marrow transplant and she and Hyun-Woo had triplets.

Review:
"Love Stroy in Harvard" (LSIH) caught my interest the first time I saw its trailer and since then I've been watching it. The love story between Hyun-Woo and Soo-In was very platonic and you would really be swooned away by their romance. And the link between the characters and the story was really impressive. Then I didn't really see any rivalry in love between Jung-Min and Hyun-Woo. No major love triangle in the series which was good because it wasn't exaggerating. I'd watched Korean series which portray characters having terminal illnesses and I think it was already a cliché when Soo-in had one so I wasn't really moved but her acting was still exceptional. The best part for me was the moot trial and the bad part for me was the slapping scene. I didn't like it. Maybe it was understandable for Hyun-Woo the first time he did it because he was overwhelmed by his emotions that had bottled up for months. But he did it twice. Hyun-Woo seemed to be all that loving but he definitely got a temper. Then I was a bit disappointed to the environmental case trial because they had planned their strategies for ages and got their lives in danger seeking for the truth but there wasn't a huge argument in the court. And there's this artificial insemination. Did Soo-In have to go through the procedure in order to get pregnant?

Characters:
Hong Jung-Min- his character wasn't that really bad. It's just that he's a perfectionist and he would do anything to achieve his goal. But was it also his goal to take over James Yoo Law Firm why he engaged with Ji-Na? Obviously he doesn't love her. What I like about his character though was that he wasn't insistent of his feelings to Soo-In like 'leave Hyun-Woo because I'm better than him'. I didn't really see any competition in love between him and Hyun-Woo. Yes, he loves Soo-In very much and he wanted the best for her and he would do anything to save her but after the night he saw Soo-In and Hyun-Woo playing rugby and laughing together, he didn't made any effort for Soo-In anymore. He was jealous Hyun-Woo and Soo-In were getting along with each other but it seems like it was okay with him too. When he found out that Soo-In was dying, it was really touching when he kneeled in front of Hyun-Woo begging and crying to drop the case so that Soo-In would be saved and the time when he told Soo-In that he was willing to sell his soul just to save her (I was really touched). And I think he considers Hyun-Woo as his friend though he doesn't show it because of the 'thing' happened between his dad and Hyun-Woo's dad. I liked him on the last few parts of the series when he befriends everyone and his character was beginning to loosen up. He began to smile and enjoy Hyun-Woo's company but it wasn't clear to me if he became one of Hyun-Woo's team. (KTH and KRW's tandem were great. It seemed like they really had an intimate relationship.)

Lee Soo-In - She's a very hard-working girl who would do all the jobs to make money to support her studies. Her determination of becoming a doctor was inspiring. She would do anything to help the sick even she would get sick herself. She knew Mr. Kim and Hyun-Woo weren't in good condition because of her that's why Hyun-Woo won't ask help from his dad so she sacrificed her love to help him. And I like the last scene when she was looking into the microscope and silently talking to the 'sperm cells', introducing herself as their 'mom'. I've never seen such ending as interesting as that. I just felt weird (in a good way). The first time I saw Kim Tae Hee was in "Stairway to Heaven" and even her charater was bad and enjoyed it and I've always enjoy watching Kim Tae Hee because her approach to every character she was playing was always different. You won't get bored on her acting. She looks cute every time she winks at Hyun-Woo. Her eyes are very expressive. Did you notice too that she has no bad angle? The camera really loves her and the phrase that says "a face that could turn a thousand heads" really suits her, agree? Thumbs up for her.

Kim Hyun-Woo - he's funny, playful and a bit childish - you may not think he was studying law. But if you're looking for a perfect partner (almost perfect), well he's the guy you have in mind - very gentle, charming, smart and a guy with pride and principles. His character was very pleasant and you would really enjoy watching him (I like Kim Rae-Won's acting here than in "Attic Cat". I think the character really suited him and made him like a real actor). And another thing that makes him adorable was his boyish grin. His determination and effort to help those who were poor in justice was also remarkable. But what I don't like was his flaw. He loves Soo-In so dearly but I don't understand why he had to slap her.

Yoo Ji-Na - she's purely business. Her character was obstinate, insecure and at the same time a bit different because she's not the usual wicked character (like making plans to harm Soo-In). But I hate her for making Jung-Min like an underdog. And also I like her English accent.

Oh Sul-Gi - she was the childhood friend and the girl whom Hyun-Woo's parents wanted him to marry.

Favorite Scenes (not in order):
Prof. Keynes class: On Hyun-Woo's first day at Harvard, Sul-Gi told him that Prof. Keynes was a tough teacher and that some of his students committed suicide while some had therapies. Then they went to Hyun-Woo's classroom. An old man came into the classroom as Sul-Gi was attempting to kiss Hyun-Woo playfully and scolded them for their behavior. Hyun-Woo annoyed, reasoned out but the man only got angrier. On his first day in class, he was surprised to see that the old man who scolded them was Prof. Keynes. Prof. Keynes definitely recognized him and Hyun-Woo made a bad impression when he hadn't answered any of Prof. Keynes questions. Because of that happening no group would like to take him as their member of the study group. But he regained his confidence and the respect of his classmates and Prof. Keynes after his tutor with Soo-In.

"Hyun-Woo's misconception"
> Hyun-Woo's first encounter with Soo-In was in the motel. Soo-In was there to meet his dad and Hyun-Woo thought she was with a DOM and misunderstood her as a call girl.

> Hyun-Woo came to see Prof. Oh to ask for help about Prof. Keynes when Soo-In came by his office too. He left the office and was standing outside wondering what she was doing there when he remembered his gift for the professor. He opened the door without knocking and found Prof. Oh half naked and Soo-In was standing in front him. But actually Soo-In was there for the professor's regular check-up. (It was a funny scene for me)

> After he saw her in Prof. Oh's office, he followed her to the bar where she was working. Again he saw her talking with a guy. When Soo-In came out from the room, he told her that what she was doing was bad and she shouldn't do it to herself. Soo-In replied that what she was doing wasn't his business. Annoyed, Hyun-Woo dropped his books on the floor and grabbed Soo-In's butt and held out a 20 dollar bill in front of her. Soo-In was surprised and when she realized what Hyun-Woo was thinking of her, she played along and told him that he could even kiss her and if he could add another 100 dollar bill he could bring her to a motel then Soo-In took the money and walked off. (Kim Tae-Hee looked sexy in this scene)

> On a school party, Hyun-Woo saw Soo-In again with James Yoo, the host of the party. He told Prof. Oh that he might be jealous because Soo-In was not with him. Then while Soo-In was sitting in a corner, Hyun-Woo walked by her and told her that if he could give her money she would come to a motel with him. But Soo-In still playing along told him that she had already earned 1000 bucks and if he would like to be with her, he should make reservations.

> Soo-In saw her in the library and asked him if he would like to go with her. Hyun-Woo wondered how she could get in the library since she was not a student. Then he told her that he'll call the guards if she wouldn't get out.

> Hyun-Woo was having a hard time in Prof. Keynes class. Sul-Gi introduced Soo-In to be his tutor and left them in a restaurant. He couldn't believe that Soo-In was also a Harvard student. He was sorry for 'they' misunderstood each other but Soo-In corrected him that 'he' misunderstood her and she was only playing along because she found it funny.

Touch Down:
> Hyun-Woo teaching Soo-In how to play rugby in the field.
> Back in their building, Hyun-Woo running towards Soo-In and kissed her
> Their kissing scene in the bathroom

Hospital scene: Hyun-Woo was confined in the hospital after the accident and was put in the same room with Soo-In (cute scene!!!)

Beach scenes:

> Hyun-Woo and Soo-In went to the beach. Hyun-Woo pretended that it was raining and pretended that they were in the same umbrella. Then Hyun-Woo started talking about his ideal life with Soo-In: if they'll be husband and wife they would only buy a single bed and let the air con turned on so that they could cuddle each other through the night.(it was so sweet of him)

> Hyun-Woo and Soo-In lying on bed (they're inches apart) with only a single blanket covering their body, their hands interlock with each other. They had wet their clothes and were waiting for them to dry. Soo-In asked Hyun-Woo what he wanted to do and she would do it if she can but Hyun-Woo told her that he only wanted their clothes to dry fast. (Awww...)

> Hyun-Woo brought Soo-In in the beach after knowing that the guy she saved was already awake. Hyun-Woo wanted to lighten up her the mood so he kept on throwing her on the sand. (Funny scenes)

Susan Williams' mock trial: Susan Williams was a black woman with angina pectoris (a heart disease) who was accused of stealing in S-Mart. She was strip-searched and because of the shame brought to her, drank vodka and died in her bathroom. Hyun-Woo was taking the prosecution's side while Jung-Min took the defense side. Hyun-Woo thought that she was not given fair justice because she was black. His group mates weren't convinced that they would win the case because they were thinking that Jung-Min was far better than them. But Hyun-Woo was determined to win the moot trial. He and Sul-Gi went to S-mart and Sul-Gi pretended to shoplift. She was seen by a guard and was brought to the admin for check-up. It was they're plan. Hyun-Woo came to her 'rescue' and asked the officers if they're going to strip search her and that she had a heart disease. The officers told him that they were only doing they're standard procedure to the people who were caught stealing. Hyun-Woo, to make sure that no strip search was done asked for a video from their surveillance camera.

While Hyun-Woo was having a hard time thinking for strategies in winning the trial, Jung-Min on the other hand was being helped by Ji-Na. On the real trial of Susan Williams, S-mart won the case and their legal counsel was from James Law firm. Ji-Na was giving Jung-Min private data and information of the case. On the day of the mock trial Hyun-Woo was surprised when Jung-Min presented Soo-In as his witness (medical matters). He examined her if a person was likely to have a heart attack after drinking vodka. His point was that if Susan Williams knew that it was bad for her health but still drank it, then it won't be S-mart's responsibility why she died. After Jung-Min's examination, Hyun-Woo cross-examined her (he shouted bad words at her). Jung-Min objected but the court favored Hyun-Woo and he asked Soo-In if a person could have a heart attack after being humiliated in front of many people. Soo-In answered that there could be a possibility. Then he asked the court if he could show them his evidence, the tape from S-mart. He explained to them that the video shown was the standard procedure done to people who were suspected of stealing and that if S-mart did the same to Susan Williams they should have shown the tape to everyone. Then he concluded that, Susan Williams didn't go through the same standard procedure S-mart was talking because she was strip-searched and humiliated. And they did that to her because she was black. Applause to Hyun-Woo they won the trial.

Soo-In's confrontation with the disciplinary panel: Soo-In saved a man from dying on her work. The man was choked and wasn't breathing for more than 5 minutes. The ambulance wasn't there yet and she knew by the time they arrived the man would be dead. She was hesitating to perform tracheotomy but she wanted to save the man's life. Jung-Min stopped her from doing it because she was not a licensed doctor yet and she could be imprisoned if something happened to the man. But she ignored Jung-Min's advice and performed the procedure. The man breathed and was brought to the hospital in time. It was her first time to do the procedure and the attending physician admired her for what she'd done but the bad news was the patient was in coma. Her professor was very furious because she was the one who'd be in trouble and her license was at risk.

She suspended Soo-In in taking her intern until some matters were settled. But it got worst when the man's parents agreed to Ji-Na that they could sue Harvard school because Soo-In was their responsibility. Jung-Min was with Ji-Na when she met with the patient's parents and though he complained he hadn't convinced her. Soo-In was very upset because she knew she could be expelled. Hyun-Woo was there to cheer her up and was doing research work that could help her case. Jung-Min was also doing research work and was giving Hyun-Woo some books to read. But they were getting anxious as the panel date was getting nearer because they still don't have the solution. Jung-Min's idea was to let Soo-In admit her fault and find another school where she could continue her studies while Hyun-Woo found the answer on the day of the panel. Soo-in visited the patient and told him that she wasn't resentful and that she could still help other people even she won't be a doctor anymore and she bode him well. On the day of the panel, Soo-In was asked if she regretted what she did and if she would do it again. Soo-In told them that she would do it again if the situation calls for it. Then when the panel was about to discuss their decision, Hyun-Woo asked permission to speak. He told them that Soo-In shouldn't be expelled from school and be sued because she'd be protected by the Good Samaritan law. Then the panel asked for the opinion of Prof. Keynes and their verdict was to support Soo-In from any legal action. Soo-In cried from relief and Jung-Min was glad that Hyun-Woo found the answer on the last minute. Ji-Na on the other hand was a bit disappointed because it would have been a good fight.