K-Drama Review: Sassy Girl Chun-hyang

Writer: Haarini Angappan Balasubramaniam (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India)

Editor: Tahoora Charfare (Fahaheel, Kuwait)

Sassy Girl Chun-hyang (쾌걸 춘향) is a 17-episode KBS drama starring Jae Hee, Han Chae-young, Uhm Tae-woong and Park Si-eun. It aired from January 3 to March 1, 2005, on Mondays and Tuesdays. This drama is the adaptation of the famous Korean folk tale Chunhyangjeon (“Tale of Chunhyang”). It was the first drama written by the Hong Sisters, Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran. This drama was one of the first fusion dramas, which remains their highest-rated drama in their filmography.

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Tale of Chun-hyang

Chunhyangjeon is one of the best-known Korean folk tales. It is an iconic and classic love story that is based on the pansori named Chunhyangga. Chunhyangga is one of the five repertoires of pansori that was passed down from the Joseon Dynasty. Chun-hyang was a beautiful and free-spirited maiden born to a kisaeng (courtesans). Lee Mong-ryong was the son of the local governor. He fell in love with her at first sight. 

Mong-ryong wished to marry Chun-hyang despite the difference in their class. However, it was only possible if he passed the Kwago (Civil Service Exam). Chun-hyang saw his sincerity, which led her to open her heart to him, and she eventually fell in love with him. They were happily in love until Mong-ryong and his family moved to Hanyang (Seoul). His family disapproves of the couple’s union as Chun-hyang’s mother was a kisaeng. He promised her that he would come to marry her once he passed the exam and earned an honorable title.

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After Mong-ryong’s departure, a new governor came to the village. His name was Byeon Hak-do. He was a greedy and corrupt man who exploited the village people. Byeon Hak-do was captivated by Chun-hyang’s beauty and demanded that she become his concubine. Being loyal to Mong-ryong and his love, she refused his advances. Her refusal infuriated Byeon Hak-do and so, he imprisoned her for months.

Mong-ryong successfully passed the exam and became a secret royal inspector. With his new title, he went back to his hometown in disguise to arrest Byeon Hak-do for his crimes. Chun-hyang recognized Mong-ryong when he revealed his identity. They got married right away as Mong-ryong saw Chun-hyang had stayed faithful to him even when she was on the verge of death. This story shows how people who truly love each other overcome every obstacle that is put in front of them.

The Modern Adaptation

Sung Chun-hyang (Han Chae-young) is a cheerful, headstrong and brilliant girl. She grew up in hard circumstances and had to fend for herself and her mother who is a cabaret singer. Lee Mong-ryong is the son of a decorated police officer. He is a playful and an immature boy who only has his first love Hong Chae-rin (Park Si-eun) in his heart. As he was a troublemaker, he moves to a school in Namwon where Chun-hyang studies. 

Chun-hyang and Mong-ryong have a classic first meeting where they end up fighting. A series of accidents and events led them to sleep together in a room. Though nothing happens between them, their family and the people in their school misunderstand their relationship. They end up getting married to save their families and the school’s reputation.

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Sassy Girl Chun-hyang is a drama that is full of ups and downs and wrong timings. Though they were forced to marry, Chun-hyang and Mong-ryong eventually end up falling for each other. Their love and her pride make their story complicated and painful. Regardless of the obstacle they face, Chun-hyang and Mong-ryong always end up finding each other.

This drama perfectly portrays the saying ‘true love conquers all’. It has the right amount of romance, comedy, drama, and heartache. The highlight of this drama is that it is part fusion. The classic pansori tale Chunhyangga and its characters are given a modern look while keeping their essence the same. 

Sassy Girl Chun-hyang has amazing supporting characters. They add the comic element to the drama. One of the best parts about this modern adaptation is the fun yet strict character of Mong-ryong’s father and his heartwarming relationship with Chun-hyang. Also, this drama is a perfect choice for those who want to know what Korea was like in the early 2000s. 

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Original Soundtrack (OST) Recommendations

Sassy Girl Chun-hyang is famous for its OST collection. The drama has some evergreen OSTs like Emergency Room by Izi and Happiness is Fading by Lim Hyung-joo. The songs have melancholic music. The lyrics of these songs are filled with emotions that are beautiful and painful at the same time. Here are some of the best OSTs of Sassy Girl Chun-hyang.

• Happiness is Fading – Lim Hyung-joo
• Free – Jiny
• Emergency Room – Izi
• Do You Have to be Sorry? – As One
• I Love You – Kim Hyung-sup
• Bye Bye My Friend – Kim Hyung-sup
• Already You– Izi

Have you watched this drama? Do let us know in the comments section if you, too, like fusion dramas.