Love Can Be Traumatizing
Snowdrop or 설강화 (sul-kang-hwa) which is a flower that symbolises hope and comfort, is ironically fitting for a title of a drama that is a gripping politics-oriented love story that took me on a neverending emotional rollercoaster ride. Set in 1987, the drama follows the tragic romance of a North Korean spy, Im Sooho and an innocent and pure university student Eun Youngro whose father unbeknownstly a high-ranking South Korean politician. Their fates conjoined when Youngro sheltered Sooho in her university's dormitory attic after finding him lost and wounded inside Dormitory 207 where she and other 3 roommates live. Because of this, a dramatic chain of events that lead to heartbreak and devastation of all parties involved including me and other viewers are set off.
From the start, Youngro fell in love deeply with him while Sooho remains emotionally guarded yet we can see that he is tempted. It’s only later that he finally came to terms with his feelings, eventually confessing his feelings through a recording tape.
One of the drama’s strongest aspects is its stellar production and the quality of directing. The cinematography, set design, and overall atmosphere create an immersive story of how university life feels like in the backdrop of 1980s. The acting is top-notch with Jisoo delivering a standout performance despite being a rookie actress and all the veteran actors in the line-up. Jisoo's ability to show raw emotion, especially in intense and sad scenes is amazing. All the dramatic scenes are executed brilliantly, pulling viewers into the story’s tension and sadness of it.
While Snowdrop left a striking impression with all the production and acting, it's not difficult to say it is deeply traumatizing to me. I think I cried with and for Youngjoo in every episode... Also the finale definitely left a lasting impact, making it a difficult to rewatch the drama. I tried to rewatch once and I only could pass the first 20 minutes of the 1st episode. Youngro’s pain and loss are so overwhelming that the drama lingers in my heart a long time after watching the final episode. It’s a bittersweet experience, beautifully made yet emotionally draining.
Overall, Snowdrop is a must-watch for those who appreciate high-quality production and compelling plot, but please be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride that will forever stay in your mind.
From the start, Youngro fell in love deeply with him while Sooho remains emotionally guarded yet we can see that he is tempted. It’s only later that he finally came to terms with his feelings, eventually confessing his feelings through a recording tape.
One of the drama’s strongest aspects is its stellar production and the quality of directing. The cinematography, set design, and overall atmosphere create an immersive story of how university life feels like in the backdrop of 1980s. The acting is top-notch with Jisoo delivering a standout performance despite being a rookie actress and all the veteran actors in the line-up. Jisoo's ability to show raw emotion, especially in intense and sad scenes is amazing. All the dramatic scenes are executed brilliantly, pulling viewers into the story’s tension and sadness of it.
While Snowdrop left a striking impression with all the production and acting, it's not difficult to say it is deeply traumatizing to me. I think I cried with and for Youngjoo in every episode... Also the finale definitely left a lasting impact, making it a difficult to rewatch the drama. I tried to rewatch once and I only could pass the first 20 minutes of the 1st episode. Youngro’s pain and loss are so overwhelming that the drama lingers in my heart a long time after watching the final episode. It’s a bittersweet experience, beautifully made yet emotionally draining.
Overall, Snowdrop is a must-watch for those who appreciate high-quality production and compelling plot, but please be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride that will forever stay in your mind.
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