First Love
First Love is a timeless Korean drama that became one of the highest-rated series in K-drama history, capturing the hearts of millions with its emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters. Set in the 1970s, the drama follows the lives of two brothers—Song Chan Hyuk (played by Choi Soo Jong) and Song Chan Woo (played by Bae Yong Joon)—whose love for the same woman sets the stage for an epic tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and heartbreak. As the older brother, Chan Hyuk gives up his own dreams to support his younger brother’s education. Meanwhile, Chan Woo, a law student with a promising future, falls in love with Lee Hyo Kyung (portrayed by Lee Seung Yeon), the daughter of a powerful man who disapproves of their relationship. Their love faces immense challenges, especially when Kang Suk Jin (played by Park Sang Won) enters the picture, turning a heartfelt romance into a dramatic love triangle. Choi Ji Woo plays Kang Suk Hee, a woman whose presence adds further complexity to the tangled relationships, while Song Hye Kyo, in one of her early roles as Jung Ah, supports the story with youthful charm and emotional nuance. The drama explores themes of family loyalty, first love, and class struggle, all wrapped in a gripping narrative that reflects Korea’s changing society during that era. With its powerful performances and emotionally charged script, First Love remains a benchmark in the world of Korean dramas. It’s a must-watch for fans of classic K-dramas, early Hallyu stars, and romantic dramas that leave a lasting impression. This is more than a love story—it’s a tale of endurance, destiny, and the painful beauty of first love.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 첫사랑
🌎 Also Known As: Cheot Sarang, First Love 1996
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Family, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: First Love, Brothers Rivalry, Tragic Romance, Family Struggles, 90s Classic
✍ Screenwriters: Jo So Hye
🎬 Directors: Lee Eung Jin
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 66
🗓️ Aired: September 7, 1996 – April 20, 1997
📅 Airing Days: Saturday & Sunday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Chan Woo’s (Bae Yong Joon) emotional courtroom scene, where his loyalty to family and love collide in a heartbreaking moment.
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The train station farewell between Chan Woo and Hyo Kyung, filled with longing and dramatic tension.
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Chan Hyuk (Choi Soo Jong) confronting his father, showcasing powerful family conflict and generational tension.
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Kang Suk Jin and Hyo Kyung’s intense confrontation, adding layers to the love triangle and political undertones.
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Jung Ah (Song Hye Kyo) watching her family from afar, a subtle but emotional moment that left a strong impact on viewers.
Filming Locations
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Seoul’s historic neighborhoods were used to capture 1970s Korea with authenticity.
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Many scenes were shot on university campuses, representing ambition, youth, and socioeconomic contrast.
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Courtrooms and government offices were filmed in real civic buildings to enhance realism.
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Countryside locations depicted the humble origins of the main family, emphasizing their struggles.
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Train stations and alleyways became recurring symbolic places of reunion and separation.
Visual Design and Costumes
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The drama featured classic 1970s Korean fashion, including flared pants, wool coats, and retro school uniforms.
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Lee Seung Yeon’s character Hyo Kyung was often styled in elegant, upper-class attire, highlighting the class divide.
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Color grading was muted, reinforcing the nostalgic and melancholic tone of the story.
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Choi Soo Jong’s rugged worker look symbolized sacrifice and responsibility.
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Traditional hanbok was used in ceremonial and family scenes, connecting the narrative to Korean heritage.
Themes and Messages
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The power and pain of first love, as seen through Chan Woo and Hyo Kyung’s romance, is the core emotional driver.
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Family loyalty versus personal ambition is explored through the brothers’ diverging paths.
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The drama critiques social class and inequality, especially in romantic and academic settings.
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It reflects Korean societal values of the 1970s, including filial piety and self-sacrifice.
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The show emphasizes that true love often comes with loss, a timeless K-drama theme that resonated with millions.
Interesting Facts
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First Love became the highest-rated Korean drama of all time with peak ratings of over 65.8%.
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The series helped launch Bae Yong Joon into Hallyu stardom before Winter Sonata.
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It marked an early major appearance for Song Hye Kyo, years before her breakout roles.
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The drama was known for its cinematic production values, rare for TV series at the time.
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First Love is often cited as a blueprint for modern melodramas, influencing storytelling for decades to come.
Awards
🏆 Awards and Recognitions for First Love (1996–1997)
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📺 KBS Drama Awards (1996)
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Top Excellence Award, Actor: Choi Soo-jong for his portrayal of Song Chan-hyuk.
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Excellence Award, Actor: Bae Yong-joon for his role as Song Chan-woo.
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Popularity Award: Bae Yong-joon, reflecting his rising fame during the drama’s airing.
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Best New Actress: Lee Hye-young for her performance in the series.
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🎬 Grimae Awards (1997)
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Best Actor: Choi Soo-jong was honored for his compelling performance in First Love.
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🌟 Baeksang Arts Awards (1997)
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Most Popular Actor – Television: Bae Yong-joon received this award, highlighting his popularity among viewers.
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📈 Viewership Milestone
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First Love achieved a peak viewership rating of 65.8% on April 10, 1997, making it one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time.
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Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no confirmed reports of a real-life romance developing between the cast members of the Korean drama First Love (1996–1997). Although the series featured deeply emotional performances and believable on-screen chemistry—especially between Bae Yong Joon and Lee Seung Yeon, and between Choi Soo Jong and Choi Ji Woo—these relationships remained strictly professional.
At the time, many fans speculated about off-screen connections due to the show’s massive popularity and the intensity of the love stories portrayed. However, neither the actors nor any official sources have confirmed any romantic involvement off-camera. Most of the cast members were focused on their rising careers, and several, like Choi Soo Jong, were already in long-term relationships or later married publicly known figures.
In conclusion, while First Love delivered iconic love stories that captivated viewers across South Korea and beyond, the romance was limited to the screen. The real-life chemistry came from strong acting skills and tight ensemble dynamics—not from actual romantic relationships behind the scenes.
