Ireland
Lee Joong Ah (Lee Na Young), an orphan adopted by an Irish family, grows up in Ireland, far from her Korean roots. Haunted by the mystery of her past, she returns to South Korea in search of her true identity. As she struggles to adapt to an unfamiliar culture, she crosses paths with Kang Gook (Hyun Bin), a reserved and disciplined bodyguard, who unexpectedly becomes a key figure in her new life. Meanwhile, Lee Jae Bok (Kim Min Joon), a tough yet compassionate doctor, and Han Shi Yeon (Kim Min Jung), a charming actress with a hidden vulnerability, enter Joong Ah’s life, entangling them all in an emotional web of love, secrets, and destiny. Their interconnected pasts slowly unravel, revealing shocking truths that challenge their understanding of family and love. As Joong Ah navigates the complexities of her dual identity, she finds herself drawn to the unwavering presence of Kang Gook. At the same time, Jae Bok and Shi Yeon must face their own emotional battles, forcing them to confront the painful realities of their past and the unpredictability of their future. Amidst heartache and healing, each character must decide whether to embrace love or let go of the past. With a unique blend of romance, melodrama, and psychological depth, "Ireland" offers a heartfelt and thought-provoking journey through identity, love, and the meaning of home. Featuring stellar performances from Lee Na Young, Hyun Bin, Kim Min Joon, and Kim Min Jung, this K-drama is an unforgettable tale of self-discovery and emotional resilience.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 아일랜드 (Aillaendeu)
🌎 Also Known As: Ireland
🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance
🏷 Tags: Adoption, Identity Search, Sibling Relationship, Love Triangle, Melodrama
✍ Screenwriter: In Jung-ok
🎬 Director: Kim Jin-man
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: September 1, 2004 – October 21, 2004
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday & Thursday
Best Scenes
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Joong-ah’s Return to Korea: Joong-ah’s emotional arrival in Korea, seeking her roots, sets the tone for her journey of self-discovery.
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Kang Gook’s Confession: The poignant moment when Kang Gook confesses his feelings to Joong-ah, highlighting his vulnerability.
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Sibling Revelation: The intense scene where Joong-ah and Jae-bok discover their sibling relationship, adding complexity to their interactions.
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Si-yeon’s Sacrifice: Si-yeon’s decision to support Jae-bok despite personal hardships showcases her unwavering love.
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Climactic Confrontation: A heated argument among the main characters brings underlying tensions to the surface, leading to pivotal decisions.
Filming Locations
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Seoul’s Urban Landscape: The bustling streets and modern architecture of Seoul serve as the backdrop for many scenes, reflecting the characters’ dynamic lives.
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Traditional Hanok Villages: Scenes set in traditional Korean houses emphasize cultural heritage and the contrast between past and present.
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Jeju Island: The picturesque landscapes of Jeju Island provide a serene setting for moments of introspection among characters.
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Namsan Seoul Tower: This iconic landmark features in romantic scenes, symbolizing the highs and lows of relationships.
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Han River: The riverside serves as a tranquil location for reflective conversations, highlighting the characters’ emotional journeys.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Joong-ah’s Wardrobe: Her clothing blends Western and Korean styles, reflecting her multicultural background and personal evolution.
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Kang Gook’s Attire: His formal and subdued outfits mirror his disciplined and reserved nature as a bodyguard.
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Si-yeon’s Fashion: Her glamorous yet understated wardrobe captures her dual life as an actress and a woman facing personal struggles.
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Cinematic Color Palette: The use of muted tones conveys the melancholic and introspective themes of the series.
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Set Design: Contrasting urban and rural settings visually represent the characters’ internal conflicts and desires for escape.
Themes and Messages
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Identity and Belonging: Explores the complexities of cultural identity and the search for one’s place in the world.
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Family and Reconciliation: Highlights the importance of familial bonds and the challenges of reconciling with one’s past.
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Love and Sacrifice: Depicts the lengths characters go to for love, including personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas.
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Trauma and Healing: Addresses the impact of past traumas and the journey towards emotional healing and acceptance.
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Cultural Displacement: Examines the feelings of alienation and adaptation faced by individuals straddling multiple cultures.
Interesting Facts
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International Setting: The drama uniquely begins in Ireland, showcasing the protagonist’s diverse cultural background.
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Lee Na-young’s Acclaim: Her portrayal of Joong-ah received critical praise, solidifying her status in the Korean entertainment industry.
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Hyun Bin’s Rising Fame: This series contributed to Hyun Bin’s growing popularity, leading to more prominent roles in subsequent dramas.
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Cultural Representation: “Ireland” stands out for integrating Western settings and characters, offering a broader cultural perspective.
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Soundtrack: The OST blends traditional Korean music with Western influences, enhancing the show’s thematic depth.
Awards
The Korean drama “Ireland” received several notable awards and nominations during its run. Here’s a comprehensive list:
2004 MBC Drama Awards:
- Best New Actor: Hyun Bin for his role as Kang Gook.
- Best New Actress: Kim Min-jung for her portrayal of Han Shi-yeon.
- Popularity Award, Actress: Lee Na-young for her role as Lee Joong-ah.
- Top Excellence Award, Actress: Lee Na-young was nominated for her performance as Lee Joong-ah.
2005 41st Baeksang Arts Awards:
- Best Drama: “Ireland” was nominated in this category.
- Best New Director (TV): Kim Jin-man won for his direction of “Ireland.”
- Best New Actor (TV): Hyun Bin was nominated for his role as Kang Gook.
- Best Screenplay (TV): In Jung-ok was nominated for writing “Ireland.”
These accolades highlight the drama’s impactful storytelling and the outstanding performances of its cast and crew.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public information indicating that the lead actors of the Korean drama “Ireland” (2004), such as Lee Na-young, Hyun Bin, Kim Min-joon, and Kim Min-jung, were involved in romantic relationships with each other during or after the production. Their interactions remained professional, focusing on their respective careers.
Hyun Bin later entered a high-profile relationship with actress Son Ye-jin, his co-star from “Crash Landing on You” (2019-2020). The couple confirmed their relationship in 2021 and married in 2022.
Lee Na-young married actor Won Bin in 2015, and they have a child together.
Kim Min-joon married fashion designer Kwon Dami, sister of G-Dragon from Big Bang, in 2019.
Kim Min-jung has kept her personal life private, with no publicly confirmed relationships.
Therefore, while “Ireland” featured compelling on-screen romances, these did not translate into real-life relationships among the main cast members.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
