
Merry Go Round
Merry Go Round is an emotional and intense Korean family drama that unravels the tangled threads of love, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. At the center of the story is Sung Jin Kyo (played by the elegant Park Soo Ae), a kind-hearted woman trying to hold her family together despite deep emotional wounds and unresolved trauma. Her world is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Park Sung Pyo (portrayed by Lee Dong Wook), a man burdened by his own troubled past. As Jin Kyo and Sung Pyo grow closer, they unknowingly step into a complicated web of family history, where love may not be as simple—or as innocent—as it seems. Their relationship becomes increasingly tested as Kang Wu Sup (played by Kim Nam Jin), a charismatic and ambitious man, enters the picture with intentions that stir jealousy, rivalry, and emotional upheaval. Add to this the fragile presence of Sung Eun Kyo (Jang Seo Hee), whose mysterious past plays a key role in the unraveling drama. Throughout the series, themes of adoption, identity, and familial loyalty come to the forefront as shocking truths surface—changing the course of all the characters’ lives. As secrets from the past collide with the desires of the present, each character must face difficult choices that question the nature of love, blood ties, and forgiveness. Merry Go Round delivers a haunting yet beautifully written narrative filled with emotional twists and unforgettable performances. With a talented cast led by Park Soo Ae, Lee Dong Wook, Kim Nam Jin, and Jang Seo Hee, the drama explores the painful beauty of love caught in life’s relentless cycles. If you’re a fan of classic K-dramas filled with melodrama, heartache, and family intrigue, Merry Go Round is a must-watch.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 회전목마
🌎 Also Known As: Carousel, Hoejeonmokma
🎭 Genres: Drama, Family, Romance, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: Sibling Rivalry 👭, Forbidden Love 💔, Family Secrets 🗝️, Adoption Twist 👶, Emotional Trauma 😢
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Soo Hyun
🎬 Directors: Lee Dae Young
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 170
🗓️ Aired: November 3, 2003 – May 14, 2004
📅 Airing Days: Monday to Friday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 30 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Jin Kyo and Sung Pyo’s First Meeting
Their unexpected encounter is filled with curiosity and tension, sparking a relationship that will challenge both love and loyalty. -
Eun Kyo’s Breakdown After the Truth is Revealed
A raw emotional scene where Jang Seo Hee delivers a powerful performance, unraveling family secrets that impact everyone. -
Sung Pyo Confronts His Parents
Lee Dong Wook shines in a tense confrontation scene, demanding answers about his identity and past—changing his relationship with the family. -
Wu Sup’s Unexpected Proposal
A heart-stopping moment that puts the love triangle into motion, revealing deeper motives behind his romantic intentions. -
Final Farewell at the Hospital
An emotional climax involving love, regret, and redemption that leaves a lasting impact on the characters—and viewers.
Filming Locations
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Seoul City Streets
Busy urban scenes set the stage for many chance meetings and emotionally charged moments between the leads. -
Traditional Korean Family House
The central setting where many dramatic confrontations unfold—symbolizing generational values and secrets. -
Hospital Interiors
Frequently used for turning points involving illness, birth, and shocking revelations, adding a layer of emotional urgency. -
Han River Bridge
A recurring site for introspective moments, heartfelt monologues, and sometimes tearful goodbyes. -
Jeong-dong Backstreets
Atmospheric alleyways and residential corners enhance the feeling of nostalgia and hidden truths throughout the show.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Classic Early 2000s Fashion
Features nostalgic wardrobe choices such as long coats, layered sweaters, and statement accessories reflecting the drama’s era. -
Formal Wear for Family Prestige
Characters from wealthy or upper-class backgrounds are styled in elegant suits and refined outfits to emphasize social hierarchy. -
Muted Color Palette
Earth tones and soft lighting convey the emotional depth of scenes and enhance the melancholic atmosphere. -
Visual Contrast Between Siblings
Jin Kyo and Eun Kyo’s clothing styles highlight their opposing personalities—reserved vs. expressive. -
Hospital Whites and Cold Interiors
Symbolize emotional detachment, secrets, and the fragility of life—used heavily in key narrative moments.
Themes and Messages
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Blood vs. Bonds
Explores whether love and loyalty stem from biological ties or emotional connection and shared history. -
Identity and Belonging
Characters grapple with their origins, adoption, and self-worth in a world that often values appearances over truth. -
Love in Conflict
Romantic feelings develop in taboo or emotionally charged situations, challenging social norms and personal boundaries. -
Family Expectations vs. Personal Desires
The struggle between fulfilling family roles and chasing one’s own dreams forms a central emotional thread. -
Healing from the Past
Many characters face emotional scars and traumatic truths that must be confronted before growth or peace is possible.
Interesting Facts
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Lee Dong Wook’s Early Melodrama Role
This drama helped establish his reputation for handling emotionally layered characters with depth and charisma. -
Park Soo Ae’s Breakthrough Performance
Her nuanced portrayal of Jin Kyo marked one of her most recognized early roles and launched her into leading-lady status. -
Written by Acclaimed Writer Kim Soo Hyun
Known for complex family dramas, her writing in Merry Go Round reflects her signature emotional storytelling. -
170-Episode Daily Drama Format
A rare long-format show in modern K-drama, allowing deeper exploration of character arcs and gradual emotional build-up. -
Enduring Popularity Among Classic K-Drama Fans
Though not globally mainstream, it remains a favorite among viewers who enjoy multi-generational and slow-burn melodramas.
Awards
The Korean drama Merry Go Round (2003) received the following awards:
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MBC Drama Awards (2003):
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Best New Actress: Soo Ae for her performances in Love Letter and Merry Go Round.
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SBS Drama Awards (2003):
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New Star Award: Lee Dong Wook for his role as Park Sung Pyo in Merry Go Round.
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These accolades highlight the impactful performances delivered by the cast in Merry Go Round.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There was no confirmed real-life romance between the cast members of Merry Go Round (2003).
Although Lee Dong Wook and Soo Ae (Park Soo Ae) shared emotionally rich chemistry on-screen as Park Sung Pyo and Sung Jin Kyo, their connection remained professional. Fans admired their believable romantic tension and dramatic performances, which led to speculation, but no official reports or credible rumors suggested that a real-life relationship developed during or after filming.
The cast maintained a strong working relationship, and the drama’s emotional impact was the result of skilled acting and direction—not a reflection of personal romance behind the scenes.






