Guardian Angel
Guardian Angel is a heartfelt Korean family drama that explores the deep bonds of love, motherhood, and redemption. Song Hye Kyo stars as Jung Da So, a kind-hearted and resilient young woman who takes on the responsibility of raising her late friend’s child. Despite her own difficult upbringing, Da So chooses to protect and love the child as her own, becoming the emotional anchor of the story. Kim Min Jong plays Ha Tae Woong, the son of a wealthy conglomerate family with a rebellious streak and a mysterious past. When he meets Da So, his life is changed by her sincerity and unwavering compassion. As they grow closer, both begin to confront their hidden wounds and slowly heal through love and trust. Meanwhile, Yoon Da Hoon as Kang Sae Hyun and Kim Min as Ho Ji Soo create emotional tension and romantic rivalry that add depth and drama to the series. The show beautifully examines the challenges of single parenthood, the strength of chosen family, and the courage to forgive and start again. With powerful performances, especially from Song Hye Kyo, and a moving storyline filled with emotional highs and lows, Guardian Angel is a must-watch for fans of touching Korean dramas about love, sacrifice, and personal growth. This series remains a timeless tale of how true love—whether romantic or parental—can change lives forever.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 수호천사
🌎 Also Known As: Guardian Angel, Sooho Cheonsa
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Family
🏷 Tags: Single Mother, Adoption, Orphan Female Lead, Rich Male Lead, Found Family
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Hee Myung
🎬 Directors: Kim Young Sup
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: August 1, 2001 – September 20, 2001
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday & Thursday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Da So holding her best friend’s baby for the first time, deciding to raise the child as her own—an emotional turning point.
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Tae Woong confronting his father about the company’s corruption adds depth to his character and family conflict.
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Da So’s court battle to keep the child is a dramatic highlight that tests her courage and loyalty.
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Romantic confession between Da So and Tae Woong under the rain—a classic K-drama moment of vulnerability and love.
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Da So reuniting with the child after being separated delivers a powerful message about unconditional love and motherhood.
Filming Locations
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The drama was primarily filmed in Seoul, with scenes around neighborhoods like Yeouido and Gangnam.
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Local markets and small alleyways were used to portray Da So’s modest lifestyle and daily struggles.
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Several hospital scenes were filmed in real medical centers in Gyeonggi Province, lending realism to emotional moments.
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Corporate office buildings in downtown Seoul served as backdrops for Tae Woong’s business and inheritance storyline.
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The courthouse scenes were filmed at actual judicial locations, reinforcing the drama’s grounded and emotional intensity.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Song Hye Kyo’s wardrobe reflects Da So’s humble and pure-hearted nature—simple blouses, cardigans, and soft tones.
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Kim Min Jong’s character wears sleek suits that contrast his emotional vulnerability with professional confidence.
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The child’s outfits are intentionally colorful and warm, visually reinforcing the theme of hope and innocence.
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Indoor scenes use soft lighting to highlight family intimacy, while courtroom and office scenes are colder and more dramatic.
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The visual tone of the series uses pastel and earthy colors to evoke warmth, sincerity, and emotional struggle.
Themes and Messages
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Guardian Angel explores the theme of unconditional love, especially through adoption and chosen family.
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The drama emphasizes motherhood as a moral commitment, not just a biological connection.
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It presents a strong message about doing what’s right even when it’s hard, especially in the face of injustice.
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Healing through love is central, as both Da So and Tae Woong overcome emotional scars by trusting each other.
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It also touches on social inequality, as Da So’s background is constantly challenged by societal norms and elitism.
Interesting Facts
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Guardian Angel was one of Song Hye Kyo’s first lead roles after the massive success of Autumn in My Heart.
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The drama aired in SBS’s prime-time slot, competing with major titles yet maintaining solid ratings.
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The child actor’s performance received praise, contributing significantly to the emotional depth of the storyline.
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Though not internationally hyped like later K-dramas, it gained a dedicated fanbase in Southeast Asia and Japan.
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The series helped define early 2000s melodramas, setting a tone for family-centered, emotionally intense storytelling.
Awards
🏆 SBS Drama Awards (2001)
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Top 10 Stars – Song Hye-kyo
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Top 10 Stars – Kim Min-jong
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Excellence Award, Actor – Kim Min-jong
These accolades highlight the drama’s impact and the outstanding performances of its lead actors.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no confirmed reports of a real-life romance developing between the lead actors of Guardian Angel (2001), Song Hye Kyo and Kim Min Jong. While the pair shared strong on-screen chemistry as Jung Da So and Ha Tae Woong, and their emotional connection in the series was well-received by viewers, it did not translate into a public relationship off-screen.
During and after the airing of the drama, no official statements or credible sources suggested that the two actors were romantically involved in real life. Both were highly respected in the industry at the time and maintained a professional relationship throughout the production.
In short, while Guardian Angel portrayed a touching and heartfelt romance, it remained fictional. The emotional impact and chemistry came from skilled performances, not a real-life love story.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
