Drama Review: Sweet 18

Sweet 18 (KBS- 2004)
Number of Episodes- 16
Main Cast: Han Ji Hye, Lee Dong Gun

Sweet 18 ranks as one of the top dramas I recommend to first time drama viewers who want to learn about Korean culture because the drama brings together traditional Korean culture with a modern love story. When the drama opens, the head of the traditional Kwon family agrees to an arranged marriage between his grandson Kwon Hyuk-Joon and his best friend’s granddaughter Yoon Jung-Sook, who has just been born. Shortly after they enter into the contract, Jung-Sook’s family has financial problems, and the family is forced to run away. Eighteen years later, Hyuk-Joon’s Grandfather is ready for him to get married, and he seeks out Jung-Sook to fulfill the promise. Jung-Sook, played by Han Ji Hye, is now a happy-go-lucky high school senior. Her father has passed away, and her mom runs a dry-cleaning business. Her mom pushes her to study hard for college, but she has no aspirations for her future. The complete opposite of Jung-Sook, Hyuk-Joon is now a 28-year-old successful no-nonsense prosecutor. The drama centers around the marriage of this unlikely couple.

I like this romantic comedy for so many reasons. First, it is light and funny and enjoyable to watch. Like Lucy in "I Love Lucy," the immature Jung-Sook is always getting into some sort of trouble after her husband leaves for work. Not only does is she trying to figure out how to be a good wife to Hyuk-Joon, but she also has the added pressure of marrying a husband from a traditional family. All the grumbling elders want to see her be a good traditional wife to hold up the name of the family. Of course, fulfilling this obligation involves intensive studying and practice, not exactly Jung-Sook’s specialty! However, fortunately for Jung-Sook, one of her greatest specialties is winning the heart of Hyuk-Joon’s Grandfather! In addition to the humor, the drama is loaded with traditional Korean culture, thanks to Hyuk-Joon’s family. The scenes that take place at the family home in Andong are a great contrast to modern Seoul where Jung-Sook and Hyuk-Joon live. The ladies of these families are skilled in the fine art of Korean royal cuisine and prepare elaborate meals in the most primitive of kitchens. It is fun to see the ceremony that goes along with this life style. Finally, the drama has a meaningful side as we see Jung-Sook and Hyuk-Joon mature into a real couple. As the couple learns to open up and trust each other, it explores the true meaning of marriage in a very warm and genuine way. This overall message makes the drama well worth watching.

You can find the drama (most of it!) on http://www.youtube.com/ (ep 1 link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxD3FztaHnw). Also, you can rent dramas at: http://www.tigercinema.com/ Finally, you can download the drama at: http://www.silentregrets.com/.