South Korea · Drama · 2019
Crash Landing on You
Binge Brief
- Crash Landing on You stars Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri and Hyun Bin as Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok.
- The story begins when Yoon Se-ri's paragliding accident sends her crash-landing into the North Korean demilitarized zone.
- Filming took place in Switzerland, Mongolia, and South Korea, including the DMZ and Seoul.
- It was the first South Korean drama to be officially released in North Korea, though with some censorship.
- Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin confirmed a real-life relationship after the drama ended.
- The drama received numerous awards and became one of the most decorated Korean dramas of its time.
Synopsis
Yoon Se-ri is the heir apparent to Seryeong Group, a South Korean conglomerate, and runs her own fashion and cosmetics line. While testing a new paraglider near the inter-Korean border, a sudden tornado sweeps her off course, carries her across the Military Demarcation Line, and drops her in a tree on the North Korean side of the demilitarized zone. She is found by Ri Jeong-hyeok, a captain in the North Korean special forces who, like her, comes from an elite and politically connected family.
Rather than report her, Ri hides Se-ri in his village and tries repeatedly to smuggle her back across the border before her presence is discovered. Each attempt falls through, and she ends up living for weeks among Ri's army unit and the villagers, who slowly grow attached to the outsider from the South despite the risk she brings. Complicating things further, Ri is engaged to Seo Dan, the daughter of a State Security Department officer, while back in Seoul, Se-ri's family is consumed by a bitter succession fight over the family business, led by her half-siblings.
As Ri and Se-ri grow closer, a smuggling and gambling scheme tied to Gu Seung-jun, a Korean con man hiding from debts in Switzerland, pulls the story back and forth between North Korea, Seoul, and Europe once Se-ri finally makes it home. Surveillance by North Korean state security and the constant threat of exposure keep the two apart even as they try to find a way to stay together.
Crash Landing on You aired on tvN and Netflix from December 2019 to February 2020 across 16 episodes and became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. It was written by Park Ji-eun, whose past credits include My Love from the Star and The Producers; the production consulted North Korean defectors to shape the North Korean setting and dialect. The drama's success internationally also introduced audiences to the real-life relationship between its two leads, Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin, which the couple confirmed after filming wrapped.
Crash Landing on You cast
Best scenes
- Paragliding Accident: The opening scene where Yoon Se-ri's paragliding stunt goes wrong, leading to her unexpected crash landing in North Korea, is one of the most memorable and pivotal moments in the series.
- First Encounter: The moment Yoon Se-ri and Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok meet in the North Korean village, setting the stage for their unconventional love story.
- The Piano Serenade: Captain Ri's piano serenade for Yoon Se-ri is a touching and romantic scene that has left a lasting impact on viewers.
- Farewell at the Border: The heartbreaking farewell at the border, as Yoon Se-ri returns to South Korea, is a tearful and emotional moment in the series.
- The Reunion: The reunion of Yoon Se-ri and Captain Ri in Switzerland is a heartwarming and joyous scene that beautifully concludes their love story.
Filming locations
- Switzerland: The breathtaking Swiss landscapes provided the backdrop for many of the scenes in the later episodes.
- Mongolia: Some of the scenes in the North Korean village were filmed in Mongolia, giving an authentic feel to the setting.
- South Korea: Various locations in South Korea were used to depict both North and South Korea, including the DMZ and Seoul.
Visual design and costumes
The drama's visual design and costumes beautifully captured the contrast between the affluent South Korean lifestyle and the more austere North Korean setting. The North Korean military uniforms and the luxury fashion worn by Yoon Se-ri were particularly notable for their attention to detail.
Themes and messages
"Crash Landing On You" explores themes of love transcending boundaries, the human spirit's resilience, and the power of unity. It also sheds light on the stark contrast between the lives of North and South Koreans and the complexities of inter-Korean relations.
Interesting facts
- The drama was a massive hit not only in South Korea but also internationally, gaining a dedicated global fanbase.
- Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin, who portrayed the main characters, confirmed their real-life romantic relationship after the drama ended.
- The drama was praised for its accurate depiction of North Korean culture and dialect, thanks to the involvement of North Korean defectors as consultants.
- It was the first South Korean drama to be officially released in North Korea, albeit with some censorship.
Real-life loves on set
The drama brought together Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin, who later confirmed their real-life relationship, making them one of South Korea's most beloved celebrity couples.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2019-12-14 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2019-12-15 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2019-12-21 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2019-12-22 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2019-12-28 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2019-12-29 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2020-01-11 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2020-01-12 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2020-01-18 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2020-01-19 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2020-02-01 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2020-02-02 | Aired | |
| 13 | Episode 13 | 2020-02-08 | Aired | |
| 14 | Episode 14 | 2020-02-09 | Aired | |
| 15 | Episode 15 | 2020-02-15 | Aired | |
| 16 | Episode 16 | 2020-02-16 | Aired |
Frequently asked questions
What is Crash Landing on You about?
Crash Landing on You follows Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), a South Korean businesswoman who paraglides off course and crash-lands in the North Korean demilitarized zone, where she meets North Korean officer Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin). A forbidden romance develops between them as they navigate the divide between North and South Korea.
Who stars in Crash Landing on You?
The drama stars Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri and Hyun Bin as Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok.
Where was Crash Landing on You filmed?
Filming took place in Switzerland, Mongolia, and South Korea. The Swiss scenes appear in later episodes, Mongolia stood in for the North Korean village, and various South Korean locations, including the DMZ and Seoul, were also used.
Are Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin a couple in real life?
Yes. Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin confirmed their real-life relationship after the drama ended.
Did Crash Landing on You win any awards?
Crash Landing on You received numerous awards and nominations for its cast and production team, becoming one of the most decorated Korean dramas of its time.