Secret Garden
Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin) is an arrogant yet charming CEO, living a life of luxury until he crosses paths with Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won), a fearless stuntwoman with a strong will. Their worlds couldn't be more different, but fate pulls them together through a series of unusual encounters. What starts as bickering soon turns into undeniable attraction, despite Joo Won’s family disapproving of their growing bond. Things take a fantastical turn when the two mysteriously swap bodies after drinking a potion at a mystical place called the Secret Garden. Now trapped in each other’s bodies, they are forced to experience life from a completely different perspective. Joo Won struggles to adapt to Ra Im’s tough stunt world, while Ra Im faces the pressures of high society. Their hilarious misadventures soon deepen their emotional connection, leading to heartfelt moments and romantic tension. Adding to the drama is "Oska" (Yoon Sang Hyun), a famous singer and Joo Won’s cousin, who harbors unresolved feelings for Yoon Seul (Kim Sa Rang), a sophisticated woman from his past. As their relationships intertwine, family expectations, career ambitions, and fate itself challenge their love. The more Joo Won and Ra Im fight against their growing feelings, the more destiny pushes them together. With a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, comedy, and drama, "Secret Garden" is one of the most beloved K-dramas of all time. Featuring iconic chemistry between Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won, breathtaking cinematography, and an unforgettable OST, this classic love story is a must-watch for fans of soul-swapping, rich-boy-poor-girl romance, and heartfelt storytelling!
Details
🙂 Native Title: 시크릿 가든
🌎 Also Known As: Sikeurit Gadeun
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
🏷 Tags: Body Swap, Rich Man/Poor Woman, Stuntwoman, CEO, Love Triangle
✍ Screenwriter: Kim Eun-sook
🎬 Directors: Shin Woo-chul, Kwon Hyuk-chan
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: November 13, 2010 – January 16, 2011
📅 Airing Days: Saturdays and Sundays
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (suitable for ages 15 and up)
Best Scenes
- First Meeting in the Department Store: Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin) and Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won) have a chance encounter that sets the stage for their tumultuous relationship.
- The Magical Body Swap: After drinking mysterious wine, Joo Won and Ra Im wake up in each other’s bodies, leading to comedic and heartfelt moments.
- Oska’s Concert Performance: Yoon Sang Hyun’s character, Oska, delivers a memorable performance that showcases his charisma and adds depth to the storyline.
- The Sit-Up Scene: A tender moment where Joo Won assists Ra Im during training, highlighting their growing affection.
- The Final Reunion: The heartwarming conclusion where Joo Won and Ra Im overcome obstacles to be together, providing a satisfying end to their journey.
Filming Locations
- Maiim Vision Village: Located in Yangpyeong, this picturesque site served as Joo Won’s luxurious mansion.
- Jeju Island: The scenic beauty of Jeju Island provided the backdrop for several romantic scenes between the lead characters.
- Seoul Action School: Depicted as Ra Im’s workplace, this real-life stunt school added authenticity to her character’s profession.
- Lotte World: The iconic amusement park in Seoul was featured during a memorable date scene, adding charm to the narrative.
- Vivaldi Park Ski World: The ski resort was the setting for the characters’ winter adventures, blending romance with winter sports.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Joo Won’s Sparkling Tracksuit: His signature sequined tracksuit became an iconic fashion statement, reflecting his quirky personality.
- Ra Im’s Casual Stunt Attire: Her practical yet stylish outfits highlighted her profession and independent nature.
- Oska’s Trendy Wardrobe: As a famous singer, Oska’s fashion-forward clothing mirrored his celebrity status and flamboyant character.
- Luxurious Mansion Interiors: The opulent design of Joo Won’s home showcased his wealth and sophisticated taste.
- Fantasy Elements: The use of dreamy sequences and special effects enhanced the magical realism of the story, captivating viewers.
Themes and Messages
- Class Differences: The drama explores the challenges and prejudices faced by individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Self-Discovery: Through the body swap, characters gain insight into each other’s lives, leading to personal growth and empathy.
- Unconditional Love: The series emphasizes that true love transcends external factors like wealth and status.
- Family Expectations: It delves into the pressures imposed by family obligations and the pursuit of individual happiness.
- Fantasy vs. Reality: The blending of magical elements with real-life scenarios challenges characters’ perceptions and decisions.
Interesting Facts
- Cultural Phenomenon: “Secret Garden” achieved massive popularity, leading to increased tourism at its filming locations.
- Parodies and References: The drama inspired numerous parodies and references in other shows, highlighting its impact on Korean pop culture.
- Soundtrack Success: The original soundtrack, featuring songs like “That Man” by Hyun Bin, topped music charts and became iconic.
- Award-Winning Performances: Both lead actors received accolades for their roles, cementing their status in the industry.
- International Remakes: The show’s success led to adaptations and broadcasts in various countries, showcasing its universal appeal.
Awards
“Secret Garden” received numerous awards and nominations, reflecting its popularity and critical acclaim. Here’s a list of its notable accolades:
2010 SBS Drama Awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang): Go Hyun-jung for “Big Thing”
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Drama: Hyun Bin for “Secret Garden”
- Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Special Drama: Ha Ji-won for “Secret Garden”
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Drama: Lee Beom-soo for “Giant”
- Excellence Award, Actress in a Special Drama: Kim Jung-eun for “I Am Legend”
- Best Supporting Actor: Lee Jae-yong for “Big Thing”
- Best Supporting Actress: Lee Soo-kyung for “Big Thing”
- New Star Award: Hwang Jung-eum for “Giant”
- Top 10 Stars: Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won for “Secret Garden”
- Best Couple Award: Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won for “Secret Garden”
2011 Baeksang Arts Awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang) for Television: Hyun Bin for “Secret Garden”
- Best Drama: “Secret Garden”
- Best Actor (TV): Nominated – Hyun Bin for “Secret Garden”
- Best Actress (TV): Nominated – Ha Ji-won for “Secret Garden”
- Best New Actress (TV): Yoo In-na for “Secret Garden”
- Best Screenplay (TV): Kim Eun-sook for “Secret Garden”
Seoul International Drama Awards:
- Outstanding Korean Drama: “Secret Garden”
- Outstanding Korean Director: Shin Woo-chul for “Secret Garden”
- Outstanding Korean Screenwriter: Kim Eun-sook for “Secret Garden”
- Outstanding Korean OST: “That Woman” by Baek Ji-young for “Secret Garden”
Mnet Asian Music Awards:
- Best OST: “That Woman” by Baek Ji-young for “Secret Garden”
Grimae Awards:
- Best Actress: Ha Ji-won for “Secret Garden”
- Best Lighting Director: Park Man-chang for “Secret Garden”
Korea Drama Awards:
- Best Drama: “Secret Garden”
- Best Writer: Kim Eun-sook for “Secret Garden”
Korea Content Awards:
- Prime Minister’s Award in Broadcasting: Kim Eun-sook for “Secret Garden”
These accolades highlight the drama’s exceptional performances, writing, direction, and overall impact on Korean television.
Real-Life Loves on Set
While “Secret Garden” captivated audiences with its on-screen romance between Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won, there is no public record of a real-life romantic relationship between the two actors. However, Hyun Bin began dating actress Son Ye-jin, his co-star from the 2018 film “The Negotiation” and the 2019-2020 drama “Crash Landing on You,” in 2020. The couple announced their engagement on February 10, 2022, married on March 31, 2022, and welcomed their first child, a son, on November 27, 2022.
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Music / OST
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