Pure Heart
"Pure Heart" (2001) is an emotional Korean drama that explores the depths of love, sacrifice, and betrayal in the face of life’s harshest trials. At the center of the story is Han Sae Jin, played by the talented Lee Yo Won, a kind-hearted young woman whose life is forever changed by a series of heartbreaking events. Her strength and resilience in overcoming life’s toughest moments make her a character that viewers deeply connect with. Sae Jin’s journey intertwines with Kang Hyun Gee (played by rising star Lee Jong Won) and Lee Chan Suk (portrayed by the charismatic Ryu Jin), two men whose contrasting personalities and hidden pasts bring unexpected twists to the story. As the love triangle unfolds, emotional tension builds, making this a must-watch for fans of romantic Korean dramas and emotional K-dramas that tug at the heartstrings. Supporting characters like Lee Ho Sook (Yeom Jung Ah) and Cha Da Hae (Son Tae Young) add richness to the plot with their layered stories and intense performances. The drama also features veterans like Cheon Ho Jin as Cha Pan Jang and Park Ji Young as Hun Ki's mother, delivering compelling portrayals that ground the narrative in realism. These beloved K-drama actors elevate every scene with their strong presence. With themes of family, justice, and enduring love, "Pure Heart" captures the essence of classic early 2000s Korean dramas. Whether you're a longtime K-drama fan or new to the genre, this emotional series promises unforgettable moments, tear-jerking scenes, and heartfelt storytelling that has earned it a place among the most touching dramas of its time.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 순수의 시대
🌎 Also Known As: Era of Innocence, Age of Innocence
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Melodrama, Family
🏷 Tags: Love Triangle, Family Struggles, Tragic Past, Strong Female Lead, Revenge
✍ Screenwriters: Jung Yoo Kyung
🎬 Directors: Lee Jin Suk
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: Jan 3, 2001 – Feb 22, 2001
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday, Thursday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 60 min.
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Sae Jin’s hospital breakdown after learning the truth about her family is a gut-wrenching moment that showcases Lee Yo Won’s powerful acting.
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Kang Hyun Gee and Sae Jin’s rainy reunion scene is a classic K-drama emotional highlight—symbolizing unresolved feelings and emotional turmoil.
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Lee Chan Suk confronting his father reveals the deep scars of family betrayal and adds depth to Ryu Jin’s character arc.
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Cha Da Hae’s confession turns the tide of the story, delivering a shocking twist with raw emotion.
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The rooftop goodbye between Sae Jin and Hyun Gee—set against the Seoul skyline—perfectly captures the pain of lost love and sacrifice.
Filming Locations
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Seoul’s traditional hanok neighborhoods are used to reflect Sae Jin’s modest upbringing and emotional anchor.
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MBC’s iconic studio sets were utilized for most indoor scenes, including the hospital and police station sequences.
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Han River bridges appear in several dramatic walk-and-talk scenes, highlighting the passing of time and character transitions.
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High-rise office buildings in Gangnam were chosen to represent the elite world that contrasts Sae Jin’s background.
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Rainy alleyways and staircases serve as recurring visual metaphors for the characters’ emotional descent and growth.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Sae Jin’s simple pastel outfits emphasize her innocence and emotional vulnerability throughout the drama.
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Lee Chan Suk’s tailored suits reflect his status and emotional distance, contrasting with his chaotic personal life.
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Muted color palettes dominate indoor scenes, enhancing the melancholic tone of the series.
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Makeup and lighting choices subtly shift as characters grow darker or find hope, reinforcing emotional arcs.
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Traditional Korean costume elements are incorporated subtly during flashback sequences to evoke a sense of nostalgia and heritage.
Themes and Messages
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The cost of loyalty is a recurring theme, questioning how far one should go for love or family.
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Family secrets and betrayal are central, reminding viewers that truth often comes with pain and healing.
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Redemption through love plays out across several characters, especially Sae Jin and Hyun Gee.
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Justice vs. forgiveness is portrayed through the choices characters make in confronting their past.
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Resilience of women is celebrated through Sae Jin’s journey, embodying strength in the face of relentless adversity.
Interesting Facts
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Lee Yo Won gained critical acclaim for her breakout role as Han Sae Jin, which boosted her career significantly.
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Pure Heart was one of MBC’s early 2000s hits, attracting high ratings in both Korea and overseas markets like Japan.
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The drama’s script was loosely inspired by real-life events involving wrongful accusations and family cover-ups.
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Ryu Jin and Lee Jong Won’s rivalry onscreen was so well-received that it became a template for future love triangle storylines.
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Original soundtrack (OST) featured melancholic ballads that became popular and were often played on Korean radio during the show’s airing.
Awards
The Korean drama “Pure Heart” (2001) does not appear to have received any major awards.
While the series featured notable performances by actors like Lee Yo Won and Ryu Jin, there is no documented evidence of it receiving formal accolades. It’s worth noting that Lee Yo Won has earned recognition for her roles in other dramas, such as the Top Excellence Award at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards for “Different Dreams”
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public or confirmed information indicating that a real-life romance developed between any of the cast members of the Korean drama “Pure Heart” (2001). While the on-screen chemistry—especially between Lee Yo Won (Han Sae Jin), Ryu Jin (Lee Chan Suk), and Lee Jong Won (Kang Hyun Gee)—was praised by viewers, it did not lead to a known off-screen relationship.
All cast relationships remained strictly professional, and no reports of behind-the-scenes romance surfaced during or after the drama’s broadcast.
