Glass Slippers
"Glass Slippers" is a classic Korean melodrama that captivates viewers with its emotional depth, compelling characters, and timeless themes of family, identity, and love. The story follows two orphaned sisters, separated by a tragic accident in their childhood, only to be entangled in a fateful reunion years later under the most unexpected circumstances. Kim Hyun Joo plays Kim Yun Hee, a warm-hearted and resilient woman raised in hardship who strives to reunite with her lost sister. On the other hand, Kim Ji Ho stars as Kim Tae Hee, who was adopted by a wealthy family and lives a life of privilege, unaware of her true past. Their paths cross through a series of twists, deceptions, and emotional turmoil that test the limits of sisterhood and fate. The drama unfolds with the charismatic presence of So Ji Sub as Park Chul Woong, a loyal and complex man caught in the middle of the sisters' turmoil. His performance, alongside Han Jae Suk as Jang Jae Hyuk, adds a romantic and suspenseful layer that keeps audiences hooked throughout the 40 episodes. Their intertwined love stories, rivalries, and the ever-present threat of truth unraveling form the beating heart of the series. Packed with powerful performances, tear-jerking moments, and beautiful cinematography, Glass Slippers remains a fan-favorite K-drama that explores the pain of separation and the healing power of love. It's a must-watch for those seeking emotional storytelling, heartfelt reunions, and unforgettable characters that define early 2000s Korean drama excellence.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 유리구두
🌎 Also Known As: Glass Shoes
🎭 Genres: Romance, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: Amnesia, Sibling Reunion, Love Triangle, Revenge, Family Secrets
✍ Screenwriter: Kang Eun-kyung
🎬 Director: Choi Yoon-seok
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 40
🗓️ Aired: March 2, 2002 – July 28, 2002
📅 Airing Days: Saturdays and Sundays
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Emotional Reunion: The heart-wrenching moment when Yoon-hee and Tae-hee, separated since childhood, finally recognize each other, delivering a powerful emotional climax.
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Seung-hee’s Deception Unveiled: The intense scene where Seung-hee’s true identity and deceit are exposed, leading to dramatic confrontations.
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Chul-woong’s Confession: A poignant moment where Chul-woong expresses his deep feelings for Yoon-hee, adding layers to their complex relationship.
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Tae-hee’s Sacrifice: A touching scene showcasing Tae-hee’s selflessness as she makes a significant sacrifice for her sister’s happiness.
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Final Farewell: The concluding scene where characters find closure, leaving viewers with a mix of sorrow and hope.
Filming Locations
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Seoul’s Urban Landscapes: Various scenes were shot across Seoul, capturing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
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Traditional Korean Houses: Some sequences feature traditional hanoks, adding cultural depth to the setting.
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Hospitals and Clinics: Medical facilities in Seoul were used to depict pivotal health-related plot points.
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Educational Institutions: Several school scenes were filmed in actual educational settings, enhancing authenticity.
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Residential Neighborhoods: The drama showcases various Seoul neighborhoods, reflecting the characters’ socio-economic backgrounds.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Contrasting Wardrobes: Tae-hee’s elegant attire contrasts with Yoon-hee’s modest clothing, highlighting their divergent upbringings.
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Seung-hee’s Glamorous Style: Her sophisticated outfits mirror her manipulative and ambitious nature.
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Chul-woong’s Casual Look: His relaxed fashion sense reflects his down-to-earth personality.
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Use of Color Symbolism: Costume colors often symbolize characters’ emotions and transformations throughout the series.
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Attention to Detail: The wardrobe choices meticulously align with the narrative, enhancing character development.
Themes and Messages
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Family Bonds: The enduring connection between siblings, even when separated, is a central theme.
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Identity and Memory: The exploration of self-discovery and the impact of memory loss on personal identity.
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Deception and Truth: The consequences of lies and the pursuit of truth drive the plot forward.
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Love and Sacrifice: Characters often face situations requiring personal sacrifices for the sake of loved ones.
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Social Class Disparities: The drama delves into the challenges and prejudices arising from class differences.
Interesting Facts
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International Popularity: “Glass Slippers” gained significant popularity in countries like Vietnam, contributing to the Korean Wave.
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Career Boost for Cast: The drama played a pivotal role in elevating the careers of its main actors, including Kim Hyun-joo and So Ji-sub.
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Memorable Antagonist: Kim Gyu-ri’s portrayal of Seung-hee was so convincing that it left a lasting impression on audiences.
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Emotional Soundtrack: The series features a poignant soundtrack that complements its emotional depth.
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Cultural Impact: The show’s themes resonated with many, leading to discussions about family, identity, and societal expectations.
Awards
🏆 Awards for Glass Slippers (2002)
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SBS Drama Awards 2002 – Top 10 Stars:
Kim Hyun-joo was honored as one of the Top 10 Stars for her role in Glass Slippers. -
SBS Drama Awards 2002 – Top 10 Stars:
Han Jae-suk received recognition as one of the Top 10 Stars for his performances in Glass Slippers and The Great Ambition. -
SBS Drama Awards 2002 – New Star Award:
Kim Jung-hwa was awarded the New Star Award for her performance in Glass Slippers.
Real-Life Loves on Set
A real-life romance blossomed between two of the lead actors from the Korean drama Glass Slippers (2002). Kim Hyun-joo and So Ji-sub, who portrayed Yoon-hee and Chul-woong respectively, were involved in a romantic relationship off-screen. Their relationship began in the late 1990s, prior to their collaboration on Glass Slippers, and they even met each other’s families during this period.
Despite their breakup before filming Glass Slippers, Kim Hyun-joo and So Ji-sub maintained a professional relationship on set, delivering compelling performances that resonated with audiences.
Following their separation, both actors continued to focus on their individual careers. So Ji-sub later married Cho Eun-jung, a former announcer, in 2020. Kim Hyun-joo, on the other hand, has remained single and has not publicly confirmed any subsequent relationships.
Their past relationship remains a notable example of how real-life experiences can intersect with on-screen storytelling, adding depth to their performances in Glass Slippers.
Trailer
Music / OST
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