Winter Sonata is one of the best Korean dramas I have ever watched. Many will claim that the plot is trite, overused, typical, and predictable--but keeping in mind the fact that this drama came out in 2002 and that it was really what spurred the entire Korean drama craze in Asia, you've got to lend this one some credit. It begins with a cheerful girl named Yu Jin, along with her childhood guy friend Sang Hyuk, who attends Chun-Chuan High School. Sang Hyuk likes Yu Jin, but Yu Jin only thinks of him as a friend/brotherly figure. One day a strange new student arrives named Joon Sang--he's very quiet, aloof, and has this dark/intense look on his face at all times--who came to the high school in search of his biological father. Through a series of coincidences and amusing events, Yu Jin and Joon Sang become attracted to each other. On his way to meet Yu Jin for a date one night, Joon Sang is hit by a truck and he passes away. Ten years later, Yu Jin is engaged to Sang Hyuk; however, she spots someone who looks exactly like Joon Sang, and that's when the plot thickens.
I can't say too much without giving away everything, but this is really a very good drama. The scenery is extremely beautiful, and coupled with the sad piercing music, this drama can really bring out bucketfuls of tears. The actors and actresses (especially the leads) are extremely talented and can convey all the grief and pain that they feel inside and engage with the audience on a personal level. This drama is so captivating that you really will not regret watching it. It is my favorite Korean drama and if you give it half a chance, it'll be your favorite too. :)
