The Snow Queen

It is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of a man and a woman both with a heart as cold as snow.

Lead Cast
Hyun Bin as Han Tae Woong/ Deuk Gu
Sung Yu Ri as Kim Bo Ra
Im Ju Hwan as Suh Gun Woo
Yoo In Young as Lee Seung Ri

Supporting Cast
Kim Tae Hyun as Choi Choong Shik
Go Doo Shim as Park Yeong Ok (TW's mother)
Kim Weung Soo as Lee Dong Sul (Boxing Coach/Seung Ri's father)
Ho Jin as Kim Jang Su (BR father)
Lee Sun Ho as Kim Jeong Kyu
Ko Joo-yeon as young Kim Bora
Kim Beol Rae the little Jordan of Math (College professor)

Story

The Best of Friends

Both exceptionally gifted in math, high school prodigies Tae Woong (TW - Hyun Bin) and Jung Kyu (JK - Lee Sun Ho) in the beginning they don't get along, but they soon become best friends. Inseparable, together they experience the growing pains of youth and share their aspirations.

JK is a fêted genius. He is an arrogant, self-centered young lad. He does not want anyone to surpass him. He wants to be on top of everyone else. One day a teacher gave a confusing question. JK raised his hand when no one dared to answer the question. He proves his answer through a mathematical equation but out of the blue TW disagrees. He said that the answer is correct but the question is wrong. The teacher seemed amazed by his new student's way of understanding mathematics and JK felt threatened. The two become arch rivals in every class but many side with JK because they know nothing about TW. Their rivalry becomes more intense when TW submits ahead of everyone a thesis proposal about Rational Number as partial fulfillment of their school requirements. JK is quick to accuse him of plagiarism but later learned it's just a mix-up and apologizes. After this incident they were inseparable and shared their aspiration and dreams. JK wants to win a Nobel Prize and to become a boxer like his idol Deuk Gu, a local legend who died in a match. While TW is just like he is – simple. He wants a white collar job with fair income, marry and have children. JK comments on TW's down-to-earth dreams so JK told him about introducing a pretty girl who he describes looks like an angel.

In the same school year, the boys where chosen to participate in a Math Olympiad. JK is confident of his winning. He is determined to win as his father's words hung to him "they only remember the first place winner...". On the day of results, everyone is so excited because they all expect JK to win but the reporter ask for a boy named Han Tae Woong instead.

JK lost because of the news. His father's words were clouding his mind. TW tried to comfort him but he was quick to accuse TW as a hypocrite. TW was hurt with this stinging words and he ends up saying if JK thinks this way he is not worth a friend if he could not be happy for him.

JK is in pain and felt guilty of the way he reacted. TW is the only true friend he had. He was able to share even his darkest secrets with him. It is so simple to say congratulations but he does not know why he was not happy doing it. Pressures are up with him too – the media, the silent taunting of classmates, and his pride. Prior to this event TW and JK talk if they would be friends after whoever wins. TW quickly says they will still be friends and JK answered to him that he will never lose. He is so much tattered with everything and in the midst of his clouded mind and misfortune he meets a car accident.

TW went to a shop to look for boxing gloves. He knows JK loves boxing so supposedly the gloves will bring an end to their petty misunderstanding. But when he goes home to his room he found a letter of apology and Ahn Ho, his roommate, informs him of the tragic death.

The Lovers

Tae Woong meets a cocky and stuck-up 14 year old girl who thinks that the world revolves only in money. The girl tried to buy a book called the Snow Queen by C. Henderson in a local library. She had a heated argument with the librarian when she did not allow her to buy it. Everyone watched in dismay. TW stayed back watching the whole scene. The girl walks out in dismay because she badly wants to acquire that book. Once outside, a group of older girls cornered the girl to take the money and TW saw the whole thing and tried to help her but they got away quickly. He gave her some spare money. The young lady asks how she would pay him back and he shrugs and says it's okay. But she thinks it is not okay. She got nothing at hand but she felt her beeper in her pocket and hurriedly left it before he can object. She said she will contact her soon to pay him back.

TW was running away in distress due to the plagiarism indictment and he is hurt because his mother does not believe his innocence. Then in the midst of his reflection he receives an alarming message. He immediately rushes to the girl's abet as she indicates in the message it's a matter of life and death only finding her that she lied so she could get a ticket to Lapland. They failed to get the ticket because TW is high school student and not what she described to the ticket teller. She sees a police officer and thinks that her father sends them for her. She drags him onto the airplane runway until they got the end of the field.

After learning the truth, since TW is not in mood to get back to the school and he sense that the girl needs a break they went to the amusement park. They took a cable car and she told him her plans. She wants to see her mother who died and she blamed the Snow Queen of taking her away same as how she took Kai from Gerda.

When they went to their separate ways, they remember that they were not able to get each other's name. The story of Snow Queen and BR's lingers to TW mind so tried his luck to find a copy of that book and arranges a meeting with her – a rendezvous which he failed to appear.

Year 2006, 8 years after

TW is now a third class boxer now going by the name of Han Deuk Gu after the favorite boxer of JK. He is not in office just as he dreams. He does not a have a white-collar job like he planned. He does not have a wife or even a girl friend as he intended. Unable to get over JK's death, he continues to take responsibility for the past by living in dejection, desperately trying to fulfill JK's dream to atone for his sins. He lets go of the chance to go abroad and a full scholarship when he chose to run away. He returned home and informed his mom about his decision and his mother was really disappointed. She throws him out and he can only return if he will go back to school. After a year of reflection he looks for his mom but she is nowhere around. He kept looking around.

He meets Kim Bora (BR - Sung Yu Ri), a wealthy and bad-tempered 22-year old young lady. Their path finally crosses when BR made a commotion telling everyone she is tired of everything and she just wanted to rest. A dextrose glass broke and she picked one of the pieces and threatens everyone that she will kill herself. TW suddenly came in view stopping her from her plans. They meet again when he becomes an aid to visit a grave; a grave he thought that is her mother's. He immediately took her home but her father reprimands him to stay. He accused him of being a user that woos rich ladies to acquire wealth. He tried paying TW to get away from his daughter. TW watch the father in sadness and asks a startling question "Are you always like this towards your child? Was it a sin to visit the grave of a mother?" He was caught off guard and TW immediately leaves the premises.

After some time, BR visits TW at his humble home, apparently the same address of the boxing school in surprise and senses some oddness – it's like saying goodbye. A day after this, he got a surprise visit from the employee of BR's father saying that BR is missing who was supposedly should be in an airplane going to US. He is alarmed as he remembers his meeting with BR and the images of his moment with JK before his death came back and he runs and remembers the grave. The thought of suicide crosses his mind. Fortunately, he got there in time to save her. BR's father was so grateful to what he has done and offered supports if he needs it but he declines his help.

TW finally manages to find his mother but he receives no warm acceptance. His mother is still hurt by his decision. Then to hurt him she told him he will be useful if he could find money to pay her debtors. TW immediately thinks of BR's father and in return he ends up working as BR's driver.

TW accompanies BR where ever she goes but mostly to school. He waited for her to finish the day; sometimes does her assignments. During these moments he meets an odd intelligent professor who immediately learns about his skills. They do new math tasks together and play basketball during free time; they even add in BR to play with them.

One school day, he meets BR's suitor Suh Gum Woo (GW - Ju Hwan). He is also her doctor. He tried to pin him down when he thought he is hurting BR. Evidently, they previously met in a hospital when one of his co-boxers got hurt in a match. With his intelligence he even stated what happened to his teammate to the doctor assigned and this amazed GW because those words were only used if a person is a medical student/graduate. GW thinks he is a medical student.

Another school day, TW accompanies BR researching for some materials for her class and found a copy of Snow Queen. He nonchalantly asks BR if she knows where the Snow Queen is. She looked at him without blinking while TW continues to relate about meeting young girl who told him about Snow Queen. Flashbacks rush back of a young man and a girl running in the airplane runway. She does not know if she will be happy to meet her first love or angry because he forgot his appointment with her. Apparently, BR is the young girl he met 8 years ago.

BR attempts to restore his memories by asking him to meet her in an amusement park for a class requirement. On that day, TW again did not go to meet her instead he puts on GW as he is thinking that she likes him but cannot just inform her and GW also asked for TW's assistance though his heart felt like breaking apart when he did this. He later realizes that BR was the young lady he met 8 years ago.

BR gets really annoyed so she accepts GW proposal to be his girlfriend. But gets confuse of her true feelings to TW. She felt so happy around TW and very much comfortable to tell almost everything. She also preferred TW's presence rather than her boyfriend. One day she finally breaks off with GW and tells TW's about her love for him.

TW meets his high school friend, who had proven his innocence in plagiarism; in such a small world he happens to be Bora's doctor/suitor's colleague. She tried to tell TW to get on with his dreams and he is not responsible for JK's death. In a series of events, through this lady he learned that BR is JK's younger sister. Right then and there he started to shy away from her. He told her some hurtful words so she would hate him.

GW manages to piece in TW's identity and confronts him. TW asks GW assistance to keep the secret to BR so she will not be hurt again.

However, BR accidentally learns of TW's identity. She confronts TW/DG for truth and brought him back to the school. He was quiet all the way but crying silently as he rekindles those days in school. They end up in the gym and told her that his friend had died because of him. He felt responsible for his death because he thinks he got really hurt that he told JK that he does not need a friend like him. He yearns to take back those hurtful words and has been atoning for the last 8 years. Unexpectedly, he fell in love with a girl who happens to be JK's sister and felt for the first time that he wanted to be happy. He wants her to hate him so he could atone for his sins. BR is unable to do so because she thought that his brother was weak. BR's father learned about TW's identity and what's the real score between BR and TW he immediately demanded BR to go to the States.

On the day she is scheduled to fly to America, TW tried sends a message using the beeper number he used to contact her before. Apparently, it is still working. TW went to the amusement park; stayed there all day; not expecting BR to come by. He watches everyone who comes and goes until it closes. When he was about to go home he sees BR and he could not move any part of his body in shocked. She goes against her father's wishes and continues her relationship with TW. TW visit BR's father continuously to let him know what is happening to BR.

BR moves in with Seung Ri (Yoo In Young) the daughter of TW boxer coach; who is also in love with TW and even takes a part-time job at a boutique. This is BR's new life and she like the independence because for a long time she depends on everyone. TW learns this and he is really infuriated that he was not notified about it. He is worried because she might faint again like the last time. They got into a heated argument but ends up well. She buys her father a necktie on her first paycheck.

A trip to Lapland

TW and BR are so happy together fighting for their love. One time they went to a snow resort with their friends to their very own Lapland. However, BR is soon diagnosed with late stage cancer. She did not let TW know this fact as she cannot bear to let him suffer again.

TW's paper was accepted for publication even though he is not a student of the school. With help from the professor he was able to obtain support from the university. The professor soon gives TW another math problem that has yet to be solved for decades. BR hears of this problem and promises if he solve it BR will grant a wish. He is so happy to hear it and he manages to find a solution and tells BR that his only wish is to be with her forever. But BR knows her life will end soon. Thus, to protect TW for another tragic event she whined and complained a lot that she wanted to go home. She asks assistance from GW and tells him to keep it secret from TW. BR asks his father to help her in order to prolong her life but in exchange not to see TW.

However, TW was not convinced of BR's reasoning and later learned the real reason. He stayed day and night with her and BR's father finally caves in to let them be together as he knows her daughter's time is almost up and he does not want to hinder her happiness like what he did with JK. TW and BR went away and spend the remaining moment together. BR said it is like their honeymoon.

One day BR went for a long sleep and was so tired as if she knows her time is almost up. TW prays that he wanted to be with her when she passes on. BR apologizes to TW for not staying longer; to make more memories. She felt so tired but wanted to say more but TW said there is still tomorrow. But some time in the night BR Bora passes on.

TW gets ready to leave for his studies abroad but on the day he instead buys a one way ticket to Lapland determined to join Bora. Everyone knows that TW will go abroad; they are sad and happy - sad because they will miss him and happy because he can fulfill his dreams but no one knows his plans. On the eve of his departure he receives a package from BR through her family aid (Deuk Nam). He called DN and DN tells that BR entrusted her to pass to him. He opened the package and found the same pager that connected them 8 years ago. He cried when he heard her angelic voice.

"I do not know when you will receive this message. But when you do, I am sure I'd be in Lapland. I am sorry I was unable to keep my promise. But I am not sad because I know that we will see each other and be together some day. I am now telling you the words you once said to me: Even if you'd feel like avoiding challenges that come your way, do not close your eyes; don't run away; face them and live on. It is better to be alive."

Hurting Father...

BR's father Kim Jang Su (JS) is self built millionaire. Starting from black market and soon making it right and clean. He wife left him for another man under his management making him colder even to his children. However, he is a disciplinarian and a very ambitious man. When he learned of his son's (JK) math abilities he dreamt so much for him and blocked all of his son's dreams. JK accepts this but it left him so wounded. JS always reminds his son that "they only remember the first place..." which brings a great blow to JK when he did not win the Math Olympiad. After his son's death he felt so remorseful but his attitude did not change towards his remaining family – Bora.

TW finally meets him when BR tried to end her life. In exchange for saving his treasure he will help him at any cause. With his gratefulness to TW he even entrusts BR's life to him. JS supports TW in his skills when he accidentally learns it.

When JS by chance learns of TW's identity he immediately forbade BR to see him. He blames TW so much for his son's death but in the end he realizes that it was he who was responsible for JK's death because they both are weak.

In the end, JS finally accepts BR and TW's relationship. He told TW he is grateful to him for sharing a peek of bliss for a few moments to his dying daughter. After some time, he attends the Fulkerson Prize ceremony where Dr. Han Tae Woong is being honored for his work.

Review Comments
Though the story is tragic, I was really happy because it is the first time I watched a Korean Drama of same kind of tragic ending but value life. From the beginning BR was already diagnose with an incurable disease but medications delayed death so I was already prepared for her death. But TW taught BR to take most of what life can give her rather than give up and in the end BR also asked TW to value life after her death. Her death is just the beginning of their greatest love.

The story's outline is perfectly written. The chosen scenic spots fall in perfectly. All the actors portrayed the assigned characters flawlessly. Let me detail the things that let me I enjoyed watching it 20 times literally.

It values life. I am saddened that most Korean's choose death rather than making most of what the life can offer. But this story shows another light and reasons why we should take what life can offer rather than hasten our life in earth.

It values education. Despite the deficiency of financial sources the mother of TW meets the end to push TW to finish schooling as it is the only thing she can give him that no one can ever steal. I also like that it featured great capacity of Koreans in Math and Science (I was reminded of an American TV series called Numb3rs.)

It values selfless love. The third party character Im Ju Hwan (Suh Gun Woo) let go of his love and remain friends with BR and TW even in his pain.

It values true love. The two HS friends, Ahn Ho and the woman doctor (I do not know their names). I was touched of their support and trying to give courage to TW that it was not his fault that JK chooses death. The character Choi Choong Shik (played by Kim Tae Hyun) although he felt deceived that TW chooses to hide his identity he openly accepts and trust him afterwards. The Lee Dong Sul, the "ajussi" who accepts and wholly supports him until he comes to terms with his past. He did not pressure TW but he waited patiently until he is ready. True friendship does not ask anything in return. You may get nothing from friendship but it surely worth treasuring. True friendship understands. True friendship accepts and knows how to forgive. The professor (I don't know him but regard his as small Michael Jordan, because despite his small height his aura is like the Babel tower because of the support he relentlessly gave to TW until he fulfilled his dream.

The caste system. I get bored of drama series where status is always a top of priority. The rejection of the father of TW and BR relationship is because he was always reminded of JK through TW and not the status in life.

The Characters. I am fan of Hyun Bin and watch all the series he starred in, the movies where he was the supporting actor or the only movie he starred in and all his MVs and model shoots through the net. I watched him mature and hone his acting skills. He perfected his crying segments which melt millions of hearts every time he does it. Even Sung Yu Ri's acting skills were executed correctly – cockiness, cold-heart, happy and very sick look. The supporting casts did their role accordingly that made it my choice as outstanding drama series.

The two cocky and haughty characters of the Kim siblings were portrayed very well. The struggles, pain and suffering. They were left behind by their mother and deceived them that she was dead (actually their father fabricated that because he was really hurt that she chooses another man). The dreams of the father that JK should always be the No. 1 pushes JK to its limit driving him to choose death than to face failures. His father never thought him well facing failures as failures shows weakness for him (serves the father right that he is battling the demon that pushes him to kill inadvertently his son). BR being so sick all the time and most of the time two siblings were left to wonder life on their own as their father is always abroad to business.

Climax. I like how each episodes reach its climax. It really kept me awake and so interested – the crying moments of TW that shows the prowess of Hyun Bin's crying acting; the discovery of his identity; the dying moments of BR and opening segment where I thought Hyun really followed BR to her deathbed.

However, I found loop holes. Here is the list of oddness that destroys the almost realistic aspect of the story. It's odd to park cars in front of a school's car runway. Non-students are not allowed to lurk in schools. Chauffers cannot enter libraries or any other facilities like classrooms, faculty etc. unless they have official ID cards (when I was in KAIST in Dae jeong we were asked to submit our ID cards before entering the school ground). It was told that TW is a good English speaker but I really did not understand any of his English. Cast director should make it to the point that their actors, if assigned to act a character with good grasps of English, should really speak well or even just pronounce it correctly. Hyun Bin should try to hone his English speaking tone. He can do it with more practice.