Snowdrop
Snowdrop is a gripping Korean drama set in the politically charged era of 1987 Seoul. Jung Hae In stars as Im Su Ho, a mysterious man covered in blood who unexpectedly seeks refuge in a women's university dormitory. Jisoo of BLACKPINK fame plays Eun Yeong Ro, a bright and compassionate student who bravely shelters him, unaware of the secrets he holds. Their fateful meeting sparks a heart-wrenching love story amidst nationwide turmoil. As Yeong Ro hides Su Ho from authorities, the two become entangled in a dangerous web of political conspiracies and divided loyalties. Meanwhile, Lee Gang Mu, portrayed by Jang Seung Jo, leads the relentless ANSP team determined to capture Su Ho. Yoo In Na captivates viewers as Kang Cheong Ya, a skilled surgeon with hidden motives. The tension between duty, survival, and forbidden love intensifies with every episode. The drama masterfully combines romance, suspense, and historical elements, painting a vivid picture of a society torn apart by fear and betrayal. Yoon Se Ah shines as Pi Seung Hui, the strict yet protective dormitory head, and Kim Hye Yoon adds emotional depth as Kye Bun Ok, a complex character longing for recognition. Every twist and emotional moment pulls viewers deeper into a tale where trust is a dangerous luxury. Perfect for fans of historical Korean dramas, emotional romance, and political thrillers, Snowdrop offers stunning performances, breathtaking cinematography, and an unforgettable story. Witness the love and sacrifices of Im Su Ho and Eun Yeong Ro as they navigate a world where one wrong move could cost them everything. Snowdrop is a must-watch K-drama that will linger in your heart long after the final scene.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 설강화
🌎 Also Known As: Seolganghwa, Snowdrop Korean Drama
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Melodrama, Political
🏷 Tags: Forbidden Love, Political Turmoil, Hidden Identity, University Dormitory, 1980s Setting
✍ Screenwriters: Yoo Hyun Mi
🎬 Directors: Jo Hyun Tak
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: December 18, 2021 – January 30, 2022
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: JTBC, Disney+
⏰ Duration: 90 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Im Su Ho and Eun Yeong Ro’s first emotional encounter inside the university dormitory sets the stage for their forbidden love story.
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The intense rooftop escape scene where Su Ho and Yeong Ro fight for survival captivates viewers with high suspense.
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Yeong Ro’s heartbreaking plea to protect Su Ho during the hostage situation showcases Jisoo’s emotional acting.
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Lee Gang Mu’s confrontation with his superiors highlights the inner conflicts between duty and morality.
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The final bittersweet farewell between Su Ho and Yeong Ro leaves a deep emotional impact that resonates long after the ending.
Filming Locations
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The women’s university dormitory was entirely recreated on a large-scale indoor set for maximum historical accuracy.
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Many of the exterior shots were filmed around Incheon’s old city streets to capture an authentic 1980s atmosphere.
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Certain government office scenes were shot at the Seoul Metropolitan Government complex for realism.
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University lecture halls and libraries were recreated based on real 1980s South Korean academic institutions.
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Night scenes featuring student protests were filmed with hundreds of extras to authentically depict the era’s tension.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Traditional 1980s Korean fashion was carefully replicated, from college uniforms to casual everyday wear.
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Jisoo’s character, Yeong Ro, often wore soft pastel outfits symbolizing her innocence and inner strength.
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Darker, muted tones were used for Su Ho and political figures to emphasize the contrast between love and danger.
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Set designs, including vintage dormitory rooms and antique radios, perfectly captured the nostalgic period vibe.
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Posters, telephones, and props from the 1980s were sourced to recreate an immersive and historically accurate visual setting.
Themes and Messages
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The cost of political manipulation and sacrifice is a central theme, highlighting how innocent lives are caught in power struggles.
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Forbidden love blooming in the midst of distrust and fear underscores the tragedy of Su Ho and Yeong Ro’s relationship.
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Friendship, loyalty, and betrayal are recurring motifs among the students and secret agents alike.
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The drama explores the idea that true freedom often demands heartbreaking personal sacrifices.
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Family ties and divided loyalties illustrate how political ideology can tear apart even the strongest bonds.
Interesting Facts
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Snowdrop marks BLACKPINK’s Jisoo’s first-ever lead acting role, earning her widespread praise for her emotional performance.
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Jung Hae In revealed that he worked closely with a dialect coach to perfect Su Ho’s North Korean accent.
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The set for the university dormitory was so detailed that it took over six months to design and build.
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Despite initial controversies, Snowdrop gained a strong international fanbase, especially through Disney+ global streaming.
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Many of the emotional OSTs, like “Friend” by Kim Hee Won, became fan favorites, perfectly enhancing key scenes.
Awards
Awards Won by Snowdrop
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Jung Hae In won the Best Actor Award at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards for his performance in Snowdrop.
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Jisoo received the Rising Star Actress Award at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards for her debut role in Snowdrop.
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Snowdrop won the Best Drama OST Award at the 2022 Seoul International Drama Awards for its emotional soundtrack.
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Kim Hye Yoon was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2022 Korea Drama Awards for her role as Kye Bun Ok.
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The drama received a Popularity Award for its international success on streaming platforms like Disney+.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There were no real-life romantic relationships that developed between the main cast members of Snowdrop. Despite the strong on-screen chemistry between Jung Hae In (Im Su Ho) and Jisoo (Eun Yeong Ro), there were no confirmed dating rumors or real-life romances linked to the drama. Both actors maintained a professional relationship during and after filming, focusing on their individual careers. Their emotional performances in Snowdrop were praised for their realism, but their bond remained purely as co-stars and colleagues.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
