Friend, Our Legend

Set in the turbulent streets of 1980s Busan, Friend, Our Legend follows the lives of four childhood friends whose unbreakable bond is tested by time, ambition, and crime. Han Dong Soo (Hyun Bin) and Lee Joon Seok (Kim Min Joon) grow up together in the same neighborhood, dreaming of a better future. However, their paths take different turns—one choosing loyalty, the other power—leading them into the dangerous world of organized crime. As Joon Seok rises through the ranks of a powerful gang, Dong Soo finds himself struggling between loyalty to his old friend and a desire for a different life. Jung Sang Taek (Seo Do Young) and Choi Jin Sook (Wang Ji Hye), their other childhood companions, witness their transformation, each dealing with the harsh reality of their changing friendships. Love, rivalry, and fate intertwine as the friends navigate a world where trust is fragile, and betrayal can be deadly. Directed by Kwak Kyung Taek, Friend, Our Legend is a gripping Korean crime drama filled with intense action, emotional depth, and powerful performances. Hyun Bin delivers one of his most compelling roles, portraying the inner conflict of a man torn between friendship and survival. Kim Min Joon’s portrayal of the charismatic yet ruthless Joon Seok adds layers to the story’s complex narrative. Will their friendship withstand the test of time, or will ambition and betrayal drive them apart forever? Friend, Our Legend (2009) is a raw and emotional journey into the underbelly of 1980s Korea, where honor, power, and fate determine who survives and who falls.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 친구, 우리들의 전설
🌎 Also Known As: Friend, The Untold Story; The Unfinished Tale
🎭 Genres: Action, Crime, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Friendship, Gangster, Coming-of-Age, Betrayal, 1980s
✍ Screenwriters: Kwak Kyung-taek, Han Seung-woon, Kim Won-seok
🎬 Directors: Kwak Kyung-taek, Kim Won-seok
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: June 27, 2009 – August 30, 2009
📅 Aired On: Saturdays, Sundays
⏰ Duration: 60 min per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 18+ (violence, strong themes)

Best Scenes

Dong Soo’s Transformation: Witnessing Han Dong Soo’s (Hyun Bin) descent into the criminal underworld showcases Hyun Bin’s compelling performance, highlighting the character’s internal struggles.
Joon Seok’s Leadership: Lee Joon Seok’s (Kim Min Joon) rise to power within the gang is marked by intense confrontations, emphasizing themes of loyalty and ambition.
Sang Taek’s Dilemma: Jung Sang Taek (Seo Do Young) faces moral conflicts as he tries to distance himself from his friends’ criminal activities, adding depth to the narrative.
Jin Sook’s Resilience: Choi Jin Sook (Wang Ji Hye) navigates personal and societal challenges, portraying the strength and vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society.
Friendship Tested: The pivotal moment when childhood bonds are strained due to conflicting paths, leading to emotional and physical confrontations.

Filming Locations

Busan Streets: Authentic scenes shot in Busan’s neighborhoods provide a genuine backdrop, reflecting the city’s culture and atmosphere.
Gukje Market: Key sequences filmed in this bustling market highlight the daily lives of the characters amidst the vibrant locale.
Haeundae Beach: The beach serves as a serene contrast to the intense storyline, symbolizing moments of reflection and camaraderie.
Jagalchi Fish Market: Scenes set here emphasize the characters’ socioeconomic backgrounds and the city’s maritime heritage.
Local Schools: Filming in actual educational institutions adds realism to the characters’ formative years and their evolving dynamics.

Visual Design and Costumes

Era-Appropriate Wardrobe: Costumes authentically represent 1980s fashion, enhancing the period setting and character identities.
Gritty Aesthetics: The visual tone employs muted colors and raw textures, reflecting the harsh realities of the characters’ lives.
Symbolic Accessories: Items like Dong Soo’s leather jacket signify rebellion and his tough persona.
Contrasting Environments: Juxtaposition of urban decay with moments of natural beauty underscores the characters’ internal conflicts.
Authentic Props: Use of period-specific items, such as vintage vehicles and electronics, reinforces the 1980s setting.

Themes and Messages

Friendship and Betrayal: Explores how deep bonds can be tested by personal choices and societal pressures.
Socioeconomic Struggles: Highlights the impact of poverty and limited opportunities on life trajectories.
Identity and Transformation: Characters grapple with their sense of self amidst external influences and internal desires.
Consequences of Violence: Depicts the cyclical nature of violence and its toll on individuals and communities.
Nostalgia and Regret: Reflects on past choices and the longing for simpler times, emphasizing the weight of hindsight.

Interesting Facts

Director’s Continuity: Kwak Kyung Taek directed both the original 2001 film “Friend” and this television adaptation, ensuring thematic consistency.
Pre-Production Approach: The series was entirely pre-produced before airing, a rarity in Korean dramas, aiming for cinematic quality.
Local Casting: Many supporting actors were cast from Busan, adding authenticity to the regional setting.
Dialect Coaching: Actors underwent training to accurately portray the Busan dialect, enhancing realism.
Cultural Impact: The series offers insight into South Korea’s 1980s socio-political climate, reflecting historical events and societal changes.

Awards

There is no publicly available information indicating that the Korean drama “Friend, Our Legend” received any awards during its release in 2009.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no publicly available information indicating that any real-life romantic relationships developed among the cast members of the 2009 Korean drama “Friend, Our Legend.” The actors, including Hyun Bin, Kim Min-jun, Seo Do-young, and Wang Ji-hye, maintained professional relationships during and after the production. No credible sources report any off-screen romances stemming from this series.