A Millionaire's First Love
Kang Jae Kyung (Hyun Bin) is a wealthy, arrogant heir who has everything—money, status, and an extravagant lifestyle. But when his grandfather’s will states that he must graduate from a rural high school to inherit his fortune, Jae Kyung is forced to leave his luxurious life behind and move to a small countryside town. Annoyed by his new surroundings, he plans to leave as soon as possible, but fate has something unexpected in store for him. In this quiet town, he meets Choi Eun Hwan (Lee Yeon Hee), a bright yet mysterious girl with a free-spirited nature. Unlike anyone he has ever met, Eun Hwan sees past Jae Kyung’s arrogance and challenges him to open his heart. As they spend time together, Jae Kyung slowly starts changing, realizing that life is more than just wealth and material possessions. However, Eun Hwan harbors a heartbreaking secret—one that will test their love and change Jae Kyung’s life forever. Directed by Kim Tae-kyun, A Millionaire’s First Love is an emotional Korean romance that beautifully blends themes of first love, fate, and personal growth. Hyun Bin delivers a deeply touching performance as a privileged young man forced to confront his own humanity, while Lee Yeon Hee brings warmth and depth to her role as the girl who teaches him the true meaning of love. Will Jae Kyung be able to hold onto the love he never expected to find, or is their time together destined to be just a fleeting memory? A Millionaire’s First Love (2006) is a heart-wrenching story that reminds us all that true love is the greatest treasure of all.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 백만장자의 첫사랑 (Baekmanjangja-ui Cheot-sarang)
🌎 Also Known As: A Millionaire’s First Love
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Heir, Terminal Illness, Country Life, First Love, Transformation
✍ Screenwriter: Kim Eun-sook
🎬 Director: Kim Tae-kyun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: February 9, 2006
📺 Original Network: N/A
⏰ Duration: 116 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 12+ (suitable for ages 12 and older)
Best Scenes
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Jae-kyung’s Transformation: Witnessing Jae-kyung’s evolution from a spoiled heir to a compassionate individual as he immerses himself in rural life.
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Eun-hwan’s Secret: The emotional revelation of Eun-hwan’s terminal illness, adding depth to their burgeoning relationship.
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Heartfelt Confession: Jae-kyung’s sincere declaration of love, marking a pivotal moment in his character development.
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Snowy Farewell: A poignant scene where the couple shares a tender moment amidst falling snow, symbolizing fleeting time.
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Final Letter: Eun-hwan’s touching letter to Jae-kyung, encapsulating the film’s themes of love and loss.
Filming Locations
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Gangwon Province: The film showcases the picturesque landscapes of Gangwon, emphasizing the contrast between city and rural life.
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Traditional Korean Village: Authentic settings provide a nostalgic backdrop, enhancing the film’s emotional resonance.
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Local Schoolhouse: The quaint school symbolizes Jae-kyung’s journey towards humility and understanding.
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Countryside Roads: Scenic drives highlight Korea’s natural beauty, reflecting the characters’ introspective journeys.
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Historic Landmarks: Incorporation of cultural sites adds depth to the narrative, grounding it in Korean heritage.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Evolving Wardrobe: Jae-kyung’s transition from designer suits to simple attire mirrors his character growth.
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Eun-hwan’s Dresses: Her modest clothing reflects innocence and aligns with her humble background.
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Seasonal Imagery: The use of seasonal changes, especially winter scenes, symbolizes themes of love and mortality.
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Warm Color Palette: Earthy tones in set designs evoke a sense of warmth and community.
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Symbolic Accessories: Items like Eun-hwan’s necklace serve as metaphors for deeper narrative elements.
Themes and Messages
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Redemption Through Love: The transformative power of genuine affection is central to the storyline.
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Wealth vs. Happiness: The film critiques materialism, emphasizing that true joy stems from meaningful relationships.
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Mortality and Cherishing Moments: Eun-hwan’s illness underscores the importance of living fully.
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Self-Discovery: Jae-kyung’s journey highlights the value of understanding oneself beyond societal expectations.
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Community and Belonging: The supportive rural community contrasts with the isolating nature of wealth.
Interesting Facts
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Directorial Vision: Director Kim Tae-kyun aimed to portray a heartfelt love story that transcends socioeconomic barriers.
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Soundtrack: The film features the song “Insa” by TVXQ’s Jaejoong, adding emotional depth to key scenes.
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Cultural Impact: The movie inspired remakes in other countries, showcasing its universal appeal.
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Critical Reception: While some critics pointed out the clichéd plot, audiences praised the chemistry between the leads.
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Box Office Performance: The film recorded 639,596 admissions in South Korean cinemas, reflecting its popularity.
Awards
- 2006 Baeksang Arts Awards:
- Most Popular Actor: Hyun Bin
This accolade highlights Hyun Bin’s compelling performance in the film, contributing to its enduring appeal among audiences.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public record of a real-life romantic relationship between Hyun Bin and Lee Yeon-hee, the lead actors in the 2006 film “A Millionaire’s First Love.”
Trailer
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