Secret Love
"Secret Love" (2014) is a South Korean anthology series featuring five distinct romantic tales, each headlined by a member of the girl group KARA. The drama delves into themes such as first love, unrequited affection, and eternal devotion, offering a unique narrative in each episode. In the segment titled "Missing You," Han Seung Yeon portrays Min Ji Hye, a woman grappling with the loss of her beloved, Jang Hyeon Jin, played by Yeon Woo Jin. Their story explores the depths of longing and the enduring impact of love beyond separation. "The Thirteenth Bucket List" features Goo Ha Ra as Lee Hyun Jung, a terminally ill woman determined to complete her bucket list. She enlists the help of Yoon Joon Moon, portrayed by Kim Young Kwang, leading to a poignant journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance. In "Lilac," Kang Ji Young takes on the role of Park So Yeol, a woman revisiting her first love, Hyun Joon, played by Bae Soo Bin. Their reunion brings back memories and unresolved feelings, highlighting the bittersweet nature of past relationships. Each episode of "Secret Love" offers a heartfelt exploration of love's various facets, enhanced by the performances of KARA's members and their co-stars. The series provides a touching and diverse portrayal of romantic experiences, resonating with viewers through its relatable themes and emotional storytelling.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 시크릿 러브
🌎 Also Known As: Secret Love, Kara’s Secret Love
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
🏷 Tags: Omnibus, Anthology, Love Stories, KARA Members, First Love, Unrequited Love, Eternal Love, Time Travel, Heartwarming Stories
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Jung Sun
🎬 Directors: Kim Kyu Tae, Hong Jong Chan
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 5
🗓️ Aired: June 13, 2014 – July 18, 2014
📅 Airing Days: Friday
📺 Original Network: DRAMAcube
⏰ Duration: 20 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)
Best Scenes
- “Missing You”: The poignant moment when Ji Hye (Han Seung Yeon) confronts her boyfriend about his inability to say “I love you,” highlighting the complexities of communication in relationships.
- “The Thirteenth Bucket List”: Lee Hyun Jung (Goo Ha Ra) and Yoon Joon Moon (Kim Young Kwang) share a heartfelt conversation atop a Ferris wheel, symbolizing the highs and lows of love.
- “Lilac”: Park So Yeol (Kang Ji Young) revisits her childhood home, evoking nostalgia and the enduring nature of first love.
- “A Seven Day Summer”: The beach scene where Melly (Nicole Jung) and Lee Tae Yang (Lee Kwang Soo) share their dreams, capturing the essence of fleeting summer romances.
- “Have You Ever Had Coffee with an Angel?”: The café encounter between Park Sun Woo (Park Gyu Ri) and her guardian angel (Ji Chang Wook), blending fantasy with heartfelt emotion.
Filming Locations
- N Seoul Tower: Featured in “Missing You,” offering panoramic views of Seoul, symbolizing the peaks and valleys of relationships.
- Petite France: The French-inspired village serves as a backdrop in “Lilac,” adding a whimsical touch to the narrative.
- Haeundae Beach: The serene beach in “A Seven Day Summer” reflects the transient nature of summer love.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses in “The Thirteenth Bucket List” emphasize the cultural depth of the story.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: The romantic setting in “Have You Ever Had Coffee with an Angel?” enhances the magical realism of the plot.
Visual Design and Costumes
- “Missing You”: Modern, chic outfits mirror the contemporary love story.
- “The Thirteenth Bucket List”: Casual, everyday attire underscores the relatability of the characters.
- “Lilac”: Retro-inspired clothing evokes nostalgia, aligning with the theme of first love.
- “A Seven Day Summer”: Bright, summery outfits reflect the lighthearted and ephemeral nature of the romance.
- “Have You Ever Had Coffee with an Angel?”: Ethereal costumes for the angelic character add a fantastical element to the story.
Themes and Messages
- Communication in Relationships: Explored in “Missing You,” highlighting the importance of expressing love.
- Bucket Lists and Regrets: “The Thirteenth Bucket List” delves into fulfilling unachieved dreams.
- Nostalgia and First Love: “Lilac” portrays the enduring impact of one’s first love.
- Ephemeral Nature of Summer Romances: “A Seven Day Summer” captures the fleeting beauty of short-lived relationships.
- Supernatural Interventions in Love: “Have You Ever Had Coffee with an Angel?” blends fantasy with romance, suggesting destiny’s role in relationships.
Interesting Facts
- Each episode features a different member of KARA, showcasing their acting versatility.
- The series was pre-produced and aired in multiple Asian countries, including Japan and Taiwan.
- Filming took place between May and July 2013, with the series airing in 2014.
- The omnibus format allows each episode to stand alone, offering diverse storytelling styles.
- “Secret Love” marked one of the early acting projects for KARA members, expanding their careers beyond music.
Awards
The 2014 Korean drama “Secret Love” received the following awards:
-
2013 KBS Drama Awards:
- Top Excellence Award, Actor: Ji Sung
- Top Excellence Award, Actress: Hwang Jung-eum
- Best Supporting Actor: Bae Soo-bin
- Best Supporting Actress: Lee Da-hee
- Netizen Choice Award: Hwang Jung-eum
- Popularity Award: Ji Sung
- Best Couple Award: Ji Sung and Hwang Jung-eum
-
2nd Asia Rainbow TV Awards:
- Outstanding Modern Drama: “Secret Love”
-
7th Korea Drama Awards:
- Top Excellence Award, Actress: Hwang Jung-eum (Nominated)
These accolades highlight the drama’s exceptional performances and storytelling.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no verified information or credible reports indicating that any real-life romantic relationships developed among the cast members of Secret Love. The actors and members of KARA, including Han Seung Yeon, Goo Ha Ra, and Kang Ji Young, maintained professional relationships during the production of the series.
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