“Snowdrop,” the original Korean drama set during the June 1987 Democracy Movement, is making its way to Disney+ this February. The 16-part series tells the story of forbidden love between a North Korean agent (Jung Hae-in) and a university freshman (Blackpink’s Jisoo). It was among the top five most-watched titles in most APAC markets on Disney+ in its first five weeks on the service. While the series found popularity in those regions, it’s not without its controversy. Protestors have accused “Snowdrop” of historical negationism – the practice of distorting historical records.
Here’s the official plot synopsis:
When a blood-soaked man (Jung Hae-In) bursts into a women’s university dormitory in Seoul, Korea, Eun Yeong-ro (Jisoo) will go against her better judgment and risk being expelled to hide the man from his attackers and tend to his wounds. But, unbeknownst to Yeong-ro, the man has a harrowing secret that threatens to put her friends’ and family’s safety at risk, and the two young lovers will have to work together to overcome the obstacles.
It’s interesting that a series like “Snowdrop” would find its way on Disney+ instead of Hulu – which is another streaming hub for Korean Dramas. But here were are. For some historical context, the June Democracy Movement was a nationwide pro-democracy movement in South Korea that generated mass protests in June 1987. The demonstrations were so fierce that they forced the ruling government to hold elections and institute democratic reforms, which eventually led to the establishment of the present-day government of South Korea. But many of those who protested were accused of being North Korean spies. Some were even imprisoned, tortured, and killed for being political dissidents.
In an effort to pacify some of those concerns, director Jo Hyun-tak said the series ” is a heart-warming fictional melodrama about a young couple in love, and as the story unfolds, find themselves enduring an unbearable pain that one rarely encounters in a lifetime. I hope global audiences find this heartfelt series also gripping and suspenseful as the two come to face their fate.”
“Snowdrop” marks Blackpink’s Jisoo’s acting debut. The Korean drama will take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster full of excitement, action, and romance. Based on the above premise, we will see how the young Yeong-ro (Jisoo) navigates the complexities of going against her family and country she loves, while Lim Soo-ho (Jung Hae-In) puts everything on the line to save the only thing he loves more than his country, Yeong-ro.
“Snowdrop” also stars Yoo In-na, Jang Seung-jo, Yoon Se-ah, Kim Hye-yoon, and Jung Yoo-jin.
All episodes of “Snowdrop” will premiere on Disney+ on February 9, 2022
