Beautiful Days
Cast:
Lee Min-chul (Sung-chun's son): Lee Byung Hun
Lee Min-chul is a rich man's son but bears hatred for his father. He is so bitter towards him that he goes to France to study for his music degree to get away. However, he still works in Victory as the GM for the sake of the company's interest.
Lee Sun-jae (Young-jun's son): Ryu Shi Won
Innocent and is ill-treated by the Lee siblings since young. Being mild-mannered, he is forced to give up his love for music. He likes Yonsoo and woos her despite Lee Min-chul's threats
Kim Yonsoo (orphan): Choi Ji Woo
She grew up in an orphanage. She gave Shi Na one of her parents' rings on a chain while she wears the other on her finger. Both decided Christmas would be their birthday.
Lee Minji (Sung-chun's daughter): Shin Min Ah
She is Min-chul's younger sister. Min-chul still insists on moving home. Min-chul wants to show Cheng Chun that they can still live despite their misery.
Kim Sena (orphan): Lee Jung Hyun
She is very selfish and stubborn. She hates Yonsoo for deserting her. She expects people to give in to her all the time. But you will admire her confidence and the suffering she is willing to go through to be a successful singer.
Zero
Jung Myung-ja (Sun-jae's mother): Lee Kyung Jin
Lee Sung-chun (Min-chul's father): Lee Jung Gil
Lee Young-jun (Sun-jae's real father): Ha Jae Young
Kang Narae (Yonsoo's roommate/co-worker): Lee Yu Jin
Min Kyu-suk (bodyguard/chauffeur): Kim Dong Hyun
Yang Mimi/Kyung-hee: Lee Hwi Hyang
Shin Jae-eun (sick girl): Lee Ae Jung
Summary:
The drama begins with a scene in the 1970s.
It is the annual Korean Record Competition.
The hot favourite is Liang Mi Mi [Lee Hui Hyang], who is a singer for Lee Yong Chun [Ha Jae Young], the owner of the biggest record company in South Korea at the time.
However, in a unscrupulous move, Sung Chun [Lee Jung Gil] plants cocaine in her house and sets her up, causing her to lose her award and prevents from ever stepping up the stage as a singer again.
Lee Yong Chun, the manager of Liang Mi Mi, finds out that the scandal was all a delicate plot to frame Liang Mi Mi and confronts Sung Chun.
In their agitation, the two get into a fight and Sung Chun hits Yong Chun's head with the award tablet, killing him.
To cover his tracks, he makes it look as if Yong Chun's death was a car accident and got his subordinate to assist him in the cover-up.
In the wake of Yong Chun's death, Sung Chun assists the pregnant Jung Myung Ja [previously Yong Chun's wife], in the pretence of helping his late buddy [Sung Chun and Yong Chun were supposedly buddies], but actually wants to take over Yong Chun's record company.
The naïve Myung Ja, pregnant with Song Jae [Ryu Shi Won], gratefully accepts his help and when Sung Chun's wife passes away from an illness, he seizes the opportunity and remarries Myung Ja to take full control of Yong's Chun's record company.
It is renamed Victory Records.
On seeing his father remarrying immediately after the death of his mother, Min Chul [Lee Byung Hun] confronts him and questions him about Song Jae's family background and in a fit of anger, Yong Chun lies to him that Song Jae is his illegitimate child with Myung Ja.
From here on, Min Chul dislikes Song Jae and his mother, Myung Ja, as somewhere in his heart, he never forgets how quickly his beloved mother was forgotten by his ungrateful father due to their appearance.
Meanwhile, Yeon Soo [Choi Ji Woo] and Se Na [Lee Jung Hyun] are both orphans living in a orphanage. Being orphans, they have no one to depend on but themselves, therefore after years of being together, they become as close as sisters. There is an incident within the orphanage when Sung Chun brings Song Jae along during Christmas.
Song Jae accidentally bumps into Se Na and Yeon Soo as they are celebrating their birthday. [on Christmas day that is]
Se Na wishes for a watch but doesn't get it, on seeing this, Song Jae generously offers to give her his watch, Yeon Soo sees this but refuses to take it, eventually Song Jae gives it to her in exchange for a picture she drew: A picture of her and Se Na walking up to their dream house, a house with care and warm love.
Later on in the day, Se Na is scalded by hot water accidentally by Yeon Soo, and whilst being treated at the hospital, Song Jae sees how hard Yeon Soo cries for her and is very touched. They eventually separate but Song Jae can never forget the look on Yeon Soo's face as Se Na was hurt and keeps the drawing given to him by her carefully.
Yeon Soo, being the bigger of the two, eventually leaves the orphanage first as she finds work but before she departs, passes a ring [a gift left behind by her blood mother before she passed away] to Se Na, and tells her that she will meet her again on Christmas that very same year.
Alas, she gets into a car accident whilst going to meet Se Na and never makes it there.
Se Na, who suffered so much bullying in the orphanage after Yeon Soo left, had escaped from the orphanage just to meet Yeon Soo, and is left heartbroken when Yeon Soo fails to arrive. In her heart, she feels betrayed and promises to herself that she will never trust another person again.
Fast forward ten plus years, the once-adolescent Min Chul is now a degree holder from an established French Music Academy. He starts to take over the reign of Victory Records as the director of main operations.
Yeon Soo, on the other hand, gets a job at Victory Records as a salesgirl, in the hope that she can eventually climb up to a decent position, where she will be able to help Se Na achieve her childhood dream – to become a singer. Her first job is to catch a shoplifter from Victory's shop. She does so, but realizes that the shoplifter is none other than Se Na. All these years after being betrayed by Yeon Soo, Se Na had been living a wandering life. She still aspires to be a singer but because of her qualifications, she has to resort to underhand means to survive. Yeon Soo realizes this and feels extremely guilty and swears she will do anything now to help Se Na to become a singer to repay this debt.
Meanwhile, Min Chul's first encounter with Yeon Soo is when he requires her to act as a decoy to distract the media who is stalking one of Victory's singers. His second encounter with Yeon Soo is when she stops his sister, Min Zhi from disgracing herself when she tries to strip in front of a club. Yeon Soo sees Min Zhi in time and because of the fact that Min Zhi reminds her very much of Se Na [rash yet pitiful], she stops Min Zhi just in time.
Eventually when Min Chul thanks her for her help, she is mistaken that he is the same boy to whom she gave a drawing to when she was young when she finds out that he is the son of Sung Chun [who has two sons: Min Chul & Song Jae]. He gives her a gift, a coat to which he says to her very romantically: "You cannot reject anything I give to you."
Min Chul loves her sister dearly and wishes for her to grow up in life.
He realizes that she has a natural flair for drawing and upon realizing that Yeon Soo studied art in university, offers a deal: If Yeon Soo is willing to stay in his house and be Min Zhi's teacher, he will allow Se Na to have a shot at becoming a singer. Yeon Soo considers and eventually decides to move into Min Chul's house in return for Se Na having a shot at becoming a singer.
On the night where she is to move into Min Chul's house, she bumps into Song Jae for the first time since his visit to the orphanage, but both of them do not know each other's identity. But through certain events, Song Jae finds out that Yeon Soo is the girl from the orphanage and shows her the picture he kept and she realizes she has been wrong all the time about Min Chul being the boy who visited the orphanage. After all these years, Song Jae has never forgotten Yeon Soo and wishes to pursue her.
Alas, his elder brother Min Chul also finds himself falling in love with Yeon Soo unknowingly. Now, the two brothers fight for her affection and in turn unearths the dark secret of Sung Chun's past…..
Credits: Devache at http://www.krystalheart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=303
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1
Lee Sung Chun kills his best friend accidentally and takes care of his widow and her son. Their presence creates a strain in the household. Yeon Soo leaves the orphanage for Seoul; when her best friend, Sae Na, fails to locate her in Seoul as arranged, it causes a misunderstanding.
Episode 2
Yeon Soo intervenes when Min Ji creates a scene in public, Min Chul is grateful and presents her with a gift. Sae Na participates in an audition organised by Victory Records, she embroils in an arguement with Min Ji and is further upset when she sees Yeon Soo.
Episode 3
Yeon Soo asks Min Chul for a favor to groom Sae Na, she is relieved when he agrees to think about it. Min Ji and Sae Na crossed paths at a lounge and their conflict is aggravated when Sae Na torches the lounge; Min Chul and Yeon Soo are dismayed by the turn of events.
Episode 4
Min Chul offers Yeon Soo a position as a governess to Min Ji in return for grooming Sae Na. Sae Na is excited when she is choosen to train as a singer in Victory Records and shares her joy with San Jae. Yeon Soo meets San Jae on her way to Min Chul's home.
Episode 5
Min Chul is upset that Sung Chun has forgotten about his mother's death anniversary. Min Chul brings Yeon Soo to a dinner party and angers Sung Chun further. Myong Ja arranges a memorial service and angers Min Ji, San Jae is upset and and returns in a drunken stupor.
Episode 6
Min Ji sells her artworks and presents Min Chul with a gift from her earnings, Min Chul is grateful to Yeon Soo for guiding Min Ji. Sae Na is shocked to learn about San Jae's identity and blames him for keeping it a secret. San Jae is delighted to learn that Yeon Soo is the little girl at the orphanage and breaks the news to her, their camaraderie upsets Min Chul.
Episode 7
Sae Na is excited about an outdoor performance and invites San Jae to support her. Her performance is sabotaged by her rival and she seeks solace with Yeon Soo. Min Chul receives a call about Zero's whereabouts, he rushes to the hospital and is shocked to learn of his identity.
Episode 8
Kyong Hee meets Myong Ja and tells her to reveal the secret about San Jae's birthright, Myong Ja is shocked by her words and pleads with Kyong Hee to keep it a secret. Min Chul and Yeon Soo fall out over San Jae; San Jae is dismayed by Min Chul's attitude and confronts him, confessing his love for Yeon Soo.
Episode 9
San Jae is disappointed to learn about Min Chul and Yeon Soo's love for each other, he accepts her decision but assures her he will be there for her. Sae Na grows suspicious of Yeon Soo and is further angered to learn that she is staying at San Jae's home, Na Rae assures her that Yeon Soo's heart lies with Min Chul.
Episode 10
Sae Na is upset that her rival has been choosen over her to release an album and seeks solace with San Jae. Min Chul grows suspicious of Sung Chun's past deeds after meeting with Kyong Hee, he digs into his past and is curious about Myong Ja's involvement. He sees San Jae with Kyong Hee and warns him about her.
Episode 11
San Jae is shocked to learn the truth from his mother and seeks confirmation with Kyong Hee. Min Chul intends to tell Min Ji of his relationship with Yeon Soo, when Yeon Soo fails to turn up , he is greatly disappointed. He is infuriated when he sees Yeon Soo and San Jae together, he gets into a fight with San Jae.
Episode 12
Yeon Soo's attempts to make up with Min Chul is faced with his aloofness, she decides to leave his home. San Jae is saddened by the turn of events and helps to reconcile the couple. Kyong Hee is disappointed that San Jae prefers to forget the past, she reveals that Sung Chun has taken advantage of his father's death.
Episode 13
Min Chul is greatly affected by the truth concerning San Jae's birthright and confronts his father. He meets San Jae and expresses his regrets about the past. Kyong Hee offers San Jae a position in her music company and hints that a positive decision will benefit Sae Na's career.
Episode 14
San Jae's decision to accept Kyong Hee's offer intensifies the business rivalry with Min Chul. San Jae is grateful for Yeon Soo's efforts in arranging for him to spend time with his mother, he assures her that he will assist Sae Na's career. Kyong Hee embarrasses Min Chul at a media conference by announcing the real identity of Zero.
Episode 15
Sung Chun enraged by Min Chul and Yeon Soo's relationship, hints to Yeon Soo to leave. San Jae is angered by Yeon Soo's predicament and vents his displeasure at Min Chul. Min Chul proposes to Yeon Soo and informs San Jae of their engagement, San Jae attempts to dissuade Yeon Soo.
Episode 16
Sae Na is upset about San Jae's feelings for Yeon Soo and confides her feelings for him. Min Chul learns of Sung Chun's murderous deeds towards San Jae's father and is greatly shocked. He makes a drastic decision and shocks Yeon Soo by calling off their engagement and ending their relationship.
Episode 17
Sung Chun blames Bong Tal for revealing the past to Min Chul, Bong Tal exposes his crime to Kyong Hee in a fit of anger. Min Chul decides to leave the country with Min Ji despite Yeon Soo's pleas, San Jae confronts Min Chul about his attitude towards Yeon Soo. Kyong Hee reveals the truth to San Jae about his father's death.
Episode 18
Min Chul apologises to San Jae on behalf of his father and informs him of his decision to leave the country. Yeon Soo accepts Min Chul's decision and sends him off at the airport. San Jae reports Sung Chun's crime. attracting a media blitz; Min Ji is shocked by the news and rushes home with Min Chul.
Episode 19
Myong Ja commits suicide over the scandal and San Jae blames himself for her death. Yeon Soo is happy to see Min Chul but Min Chul distances himself on the pretext of taking care of his family. San Jae informs Yeon Soo that she might has a blood disorder and needs to be admitted to the hospital.
Episode 20
Sae Na's past catches up with her and affects her career. Yeon Soo pleads with San Jae to keep her illness a secret . She decides to make a clean break with Min Chul and informs him of her decision. Min Chul is disturbed over Yeon Soo's sudden change and enquires about her well-being.
Episode 21
San Jae coaxes Yeon Soo to seek treatment, in return he assures her he will take care of Sae Na. Min Chul is disturbed by Yeon Soo's sudden aloofness and presses Na Rae for the reason, he is shocked by the truth and makes a decision to reconcile with Yeon Soo. Yeon Soo is dismayed by his decision and expresses her reluctance.
Episode 22
Sae Na is forced to face her real feelings for Yeon Soo when she learns of her illness. Min Chul proposes to Yeon Soo for a second time but she rejects him. Na Rae and Min Ji learn of the proposal and plan for the wedding, Yeon Soo is touched by their efforts and accepts Min Chul's proposal.
Episode 23
San Jae plans to rebuild Sae Na's career, Sae Na is delighted and encouraged by his words. Yeon Soo is uneasy about keeping her illness from Sung Chun and Min Ji but Min Chul reassures her. Yeon Soo's illness deteriorates and she collapses in front of her family, reeling them in a state of anxiety.
Episode 24
Yeon Soo's illness worsens and her loved ones sets out to locate a suitable marrow donor. Yeon Soo decides to take a risk and agrees to an operation. The operation proves to be a success much to Min Chul's relief. Sae Na accomplishes her dream as a popular singer.
Credits: AC_Hikaru
What I Think:
I am just rewatching this series, I have seen this one in cetv channel before, now that it is shown in local tv channel, gma I thought I might check some scenes again.
Lee Byung Hun had 2 dramas shown at the same time, this one and Hotelier; he was nominated for Best Actor in the 2001 SBS television awards. I like the scene where he is taking care of his younger sis (Shim Mina). This is the first series I have seen Lee Byung Hun and he looks dashing when he wears his cool shades, black long jacket and that cool car! I am surprised he is a good actor. I just like him okay. Oh and he is not too tall, I don't like shorties…just about the same height as CJW. Ryu Shi Won is taller than him. He has done so many movies and series with Choi Ji Woo, they even did a Tour Korea commercial together, they should hook up.
Right from the first time I saw Ryu Shi Won acting "The Truth" or Jinshil (another series he did with CJW again) I knew I already like him. He has some ummphh in him that I can't just point out. But I like him. He sings great too. Sang some songs in BD ost and All In ost. He looks good with CJW.
Choi Ji Woo is the wimpiest person ever or what? I don't like her that much, she always is a wimp in all her series and movies. She gets sick, gets maltreated, always dies, I want to see her do roles like Jeon Ji Yeon's role in "Windstruck" man! Hahah, she'd look so funny I bet!
Shim Mina is another revelation. She looks so young here… I think just as young as her role in Madeline. This girl not only is cute, she is a good actress!
The house of Ryu Shi Won and Lee Byung Hun is the same house of Choi Ji Wo in The Truth and Kim Sung Soo in Stained Glass. Aish! I have seen that house many times over already! But Beautiful Days has a happy ending, great songs too.
I like the part where Ryu and Choi Ji Woo went out together and bought an mp3 for her sister! Omg can he really play the piano that good? He got the right keys!! Ahhggg I gravitate to guys who can play the piano well. I also like another scene where Ryu and CJW were cooking vegetable rice together! They look so comfortable with each other and the look cute together too! They have this amazing chemistry!!
Rating: 6 Korean Kimchis out of 10
Other Stuff:
Beautiful Days OST Tracklist:
01. geu ddae gga ji ahn nyung - Zero
02. yak sok - Zero
03. Heaven - Lee Jung Hyun
04. yak sok - Ryu Shi Won
05. geu dae dwi eh suh - Zero
06. For You - Zero
07. geu ddae gga ji ahn nyung - Ryu Shi Won
08. uhn je na oh neul chuh rum (Scat Version) - Zero
09. ggoom - Lee Jung Hyun
10. Missing You - Ryu Shi Won
11. Please - Zero
12. sang chuh - Ryu Shi Won
13. nuh man eul wi hae - Zero
14. ma ji mak sarang eul wi hae yuh - Lee Byung Hun
** The OST had 15,000 orders even before it was out. This had never happened before which was even better than Autumn in my Heart OST
** Who is that singer, Zero? He sings well for fast and slow numbers. No one has seen Zero. It is said that he is a university student majoring in music and only wants to be a cyber singer. Others say that this is only an imaginary voice tuned to perfection. Answer: Adam, SBS hired him to sing the ost (thanks to cherodar) :)
**The CD shop where Choi Ji Woo worked becomes a hot spot in Korea after filming.
**The Mercedes convertible belonged to Si Won in real life. He has many cars and lent it to Byun Hun.
** The scene where Byun Hun hugs Ji Woo to dance in the KTV room was the most embarrassing moment for Byun Hun. He had to wear high heels to be taller than Ji Woo! No wonder CHW was just too happy to wear very high heels in "101 Proposal" with tall hottie Jerry Huang Zhi Wei. J
** The producer wanted to let Xuan Zai and Yan Xiu to be together while Min Zhe was the ruthless man who toyed with her feelings. However, Byun Hun is so attractive in the role that the switch was made.
Credits: krystalheart, spcnet
Music Playing in the Background: Only you and Me- Soulstar
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