This is Love

"Was It Love?" is a South Korean drama that follows the life of Noh Ae-jung, played by Song Ji-hyo, a single mother who has been raising her daughter alone for 14 years. She works tirelessly to balance her career and personal life, but her world is turned upside down when four men from her past reappear, each bringing a new challenge and a chance for love. The first man to return is Oh Dae-oh, portrayed by Son Ho-jun. A charismatic but enigmatic novelist, Dae-oh reawakens long-buried emotions in Ae-jung, offering her a connection that could change everything. Alongside him is Ryu Jin, played by Song Jong-ho, a successful actor who has also had a significant impact on Ae-jung’s past. Both men bring tension and excitement, each with their own agenda. Then, there's Goo Pa-do, played by Kim Min-jun, a former gangster who has transformed into a powerful CEO. His reappearance adds an element of danger and mystery to Ae-jung’s life, as his past with her is shrouded in secrecy. Finally, the youngest of the men, Oh Yeon-woo, played by Koo Ja-sung, enters the scene, bringing fresh hope and a new perspective on love. His charm and youthful energy stand in stark contrast to the others. As Ae-jung juggles these four men, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting the pain of her past while learning to embrace new opportunities for happiness. "Was It Love?" blends romance, comedy, and drama, offering viewers an exploration of love, second chances, and the complexities of life and relationships.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 사랑은 이런거야
🌎 Also Known As: This is Love
🎭 Genres: Family, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Family Drama, Romance, Korean Drama, 2001, 2002
✍ Screenwriters: [Information not available]
🎬 Directors: [Information not available]
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 172
🗓️ Aired: October 29, 2001 – June 28, 2002
📅 Airing Days: Monday to Friday
📺 Original Network: KBS1
⏰ Duration: Approximately 35 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: [Information not available]

Best Scenes

Cha Joon Bum’s Confession: In a pivotal moment, Cha Joon Bum (played by Lee Chang Hoon) confesses his feelings to Yoon Hae Young (Yoon Yeo Jung), leading to a significant turning point in their relationship.
Family Gathering at the Hanok: The Cha family’s reunion in their traditional hanok (Korean house) showcases heartfelt interactions, highlighting the warmth and complexities of family bonds.
Park Hoon Sook’s Support: Park Hoon Sook (Kim Hae Sook) offers unwavering support to her daughter-in-law, Yoon Hae Young, during challenging times, emphasizing themes of maternal love and sacrifice.
Cha Ki Bum’s Return: The return of Cha Ki Bum (Ahn Jae Hwan) from abroad brings a mix of joy and tension, as he navigates family expectations and personal aspirations.
Jang Oh Bok’s Wisdom: Jang Oh Bok (Han Jin Hee) imparts valuable life lessons to his grandchildren, blending humor with wisdom, enriching the family’s narrative.

Filming Locations

Bukchon Hanok Village: Situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, this village features traditional Korean hanoks, providing an authentic backdrop for family scenes.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: As Seoul’s largest palace, it offers historical grandeur, enhancing the drama’s cultural depth.
Cheonggyecheon Stream: This urban stream flows through downtown Seoul, providing serene settings for various interactions between characters.
Namsan Seoul Tower: Offering panoramic views of Seoul, this iconic tower is featured in romantic scenes, adding visual appeal.
Ihwa Mural Village: Known for its vibrant murals and artistic ambiance, this village serves as a lively backdrop for character interactions.

Visual Design and Costumes

Traditional Hanbok Attire: Characters often don hanbok during family gatherings and cultural ceremonies, showcasing Korea’s rich heritage.
Modern Urban Fashion: In urban settings, characters’ contemporary clothing reflects current Korean fashion trends, balancing tradition and modernity.
Set Design of the Hanok: The detailed interior of the Cha family’s hanok, with its wooden beams and sliding doors, authentically represents traditional Korean architecture.
Color Palette Choices: Warm tones dominate the family’s home, creating a cozy atmosphere, while cooler tones in outdoor scenes depict Seoul’s urban landscape.
Seasonal Decorations: The drama thoughtfully incorporates seasonal elements, like spring flowers and winter motifs, aligning with the storyline’s progression.

Themes and Messages

Family Bonds: The narrative emphasizes the importance of familial support, love, and the complexities inherent in family dynamics.
Romantic Relationships: It explores the nuances of romantic relationships, highlighting commitment, challenges, and personal growth.
Generational Wisdom: Elders impart life lessons, bridging generational gaps and enriching the family’s collective wisdom.
Personal Aspirations: Characters’ individual dreams and struggles are portrayed, emphasizing the balance between personal goals and family obligations.
Cultural Heritage: Through settings and attire, the drama showcases Korean traditions, fostering cultural appreciation.

Interesting Facts

Extended Episode Count: With 172 episodes, the drama offers an extensive exploration of characters’ lives, a characteristic feature of many Korean daily dramas.
Renowned Cast: Featuring esteemed actors like Yoon Yeo Jung and Lee Chang Hoon, the series benefits from their extensive experience in Korean cinema and television.
Cultural Festivals: Scenes set during traditional festivals provide viewers with insights into Korean cultural celebrations.
Realistic Storytelling: The plot addresses everyday issues, making it relatable to a broad audience and reflecting common societal themes.
High Viewer Ratings: The drama’s compelling storytelling and relatable themes contributed to its popularity, achieving impressive viewer ratings during its original broadcast.

Awards

The Korean drama “This is Love” (also known as “Sarangeun Ireongeoya”) does not appear to have received any major awards.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no publicly available information indicating that any of the cast members of the Korean drama “This is Love” (also known as “Sarangeun Ireongeoya”) were involved in real-life romantic relationships during or after the show’s production. The series, which aired from October 29, 2001, to June 28, 2002, on KBS1, focused on the fictional lives of the Cha and Park families. While it portrayed various romantic storylines, there is no evidence to suggest that these narratives extended beyond the screen to the personal lives of the actors involved.