March

March is a heartfelt Korean drama that captures the emotional turbulence of youth, ambition, and first love. The series stars Song Hye Kyo as a bright, determined high school girl navigating the pressures of school, family expectations, and the unpredictable journey of growing up. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a passionate and rebellious young man who challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. Kim Rae Won plays the male lead, a charismatic and misunderstood student whose troubled past hides a kind heart. Their paths collide in a whirlwind of rivalry, misunderstanding, and ultimately, connection. As they struggle with personal dreams and deep-rooted family issues, their relationship slowly grows from tension to trust, bringing warmth and vulnerability to the screen. Set against the backdrop of Korean high school life in the late '90s, March offers a nostalgic look at youth culture, societal pressure, and the pursuit of self-identity. The drama’s supporting cast, including rising stars of the time, adds layers of humor, rivalry, and emotional support, making every episode both relatable and engaging. For fans of Song Hye Kyo’s early roles and those who love romantic K-dramas with themes of first love, coming-of-age struggles, and emotional resilience, March is a must-watch. Its heartfelt story, emotional depth, and timeless lessons about love and growth continue to resonate with viewers of all generations.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 마치
🌎 Also Known As: Machi, March (1999)
🎭 Genres: Romance, Youth, Drama, School
🏷 Tags: Coming of Age, High School, Teen Romance, Family Conflict, First Love
✍ Screenwriters: Not officially listed
🎬 Directors: Not officially listed
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: February 28, 1999 – April 18, 1999
📅 Airing Days: Sunday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

The first encounter between Song Hye Kyo and Kim Rae Won’s characters, filled with witty tension and instant chemistry.
A heated classroom confrontation that reveals personal insecurities and hidden family burdens.
The school rooftop scene, where the two leads finally open up and begin to understand each other on a deeper level.
An emotional moment of rejection and heartbreak as misunderstandings threaten their growing connection.
The final episode’s reconciliation scene, symbolizing growth, forgiveness, and the bittersweet end of adolescence.

Filming Locations

Most scenes were shot in real high school settings in Seoul, offering a raw and authentic look at Korean student life.
The schoolyard and sports field were central to many emotional and competitive moments in the story.
Rooftop and stairwell scenes provided private spaces for key confessions and internal reflection.
Family homes were shot in traditional Korean apartments, reflecting class differences and household tension.
Neighborhood cafés and small streets gave the show a relatable and intimate feel, common in late 1990s K-dramas.

Visual Design and Costumes

Song Hye Kyo’s school uniform styling emphasized innocence and emotional warmth, with natural makeup and soft hairstyles.
Kim Rae Won’s casual layered school look reflected his rebellious yet vulnerable personality.
The color palette leaned heavily on earth tones and muted hues, matching the show’s realistic and emotional tone.
Scenes often featured backlighting and soft focus, especially during romantic or introspective moments.
The visual tone captured the quiet beauty of teenage life, emphasizing expression over extravagance.

Themes and Messages

March explores coming-of-age struggles, where youth must navigate identity, ambition, and emotional confusion.
It highlights the power of first love—tender, awkward, and unforgettable.
The drama addresses family pressure and societal expectations, a common theme in late 90s Korean dramas.
It emphasizes personal growth through emotional honesty, with characters evolving through challenges and relationships.
March also promotes forgiveness and self-worth, teaching viewers that it’s okay to be vulnerable in love and life.

Interesting Facts

March was one of Song Hye Kyo’s earliest lead roles, helping her gain recognition before Autumn Tale.
Kim Rae Won also gained popularity from this series, marking it as a stepping stone in his career.
The drama aired on KBS2’s weekend primetime slot, contributing to its visibility during its original run.
March is considered a hidden gem of 90s K-dramas, especially praised for its honest portrayal of teenage life.
The series became a fan favorite among early Hallyu audiences, particularly in Japan and Southeast Asia.

Awards

The Korean drama March (1999) received any major awards during its original broadcast period. While the series featured early performances by notable actors such as Song Hye Kyo and Kim Rae Won, it did not garner significant accolades at prominent award ceremonies like the SBS Drama Awards or Baeksang Arts Awards.

It’s worth noting that March aired during the formative years of the Hallyu wave, a time when the international spotlight on Korean dramas was still emerging. Consequently, some productions from that era, despite their quality, may not have received widespread recognition or awards.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There are no confirmed reports of a real-life romance between the lead actors of the Korean drama March (1999), Song Hye Kyo and Kim Rae Won. Although their on-screen chemistry was notable and well-received by audiences, especially given the youthful charm and emotional depth of the series, the relationship between them remained strictly professional.

At the time, both actors were early in their careers and focused on building their reputations within the Korean entertainment industry. While fans admired their dynamic and speculated about a possible romance, no official statements or media sources ever supported these rumors.

In summary, while March delivered a touching and emotionally sincere portrayal of young love, it did not reflect a real-life relationship between its stars. The chemistry seen on screen was a testament to their acting talent and storytelling, not a real-life romance.