Love Rain

“Love Rain” (native title: “사랑 비”) is a 2012 South Korean romance melodrama starring Jang Keun-suk and Im Yoon-ah. Written by Oh Soo-yeon (“Autumn in My Heart”, “Winter Sonata”) and directed by the famed Yoon Seok-ho, the drama aired on KBS2 from March 26 to May 29, 2012, spanning 20 episodes.

The series blends two love stories across generations – first in the 1970s and later in the 2010s – capturing both the nostalgic innocence of young love and the complexities of romance in the modern era.

Plot Synopsis

The story unfolds in two timelines:

1970s

In a university campus setting, Seo In-ha (Jang Keun-suk), an art student, falls in love at first sight with Kim Yoon-hee (Im Yoon-ah), a shy literature student. Their love, however, remains unfulfilled due to misunderstandings and family expectations, leaving behind bittersweet memories of what could have been.

Present Day (2012)

Decades later, their children – Seo Joon (Jang Keun-suk), a modern, confident photographer, and Jung Ha-na (Im Yoon-ah), a cheerful gardener – meet by chance. Unaware of their parents’ history, they begin a romance of their own. As the past resurfaces, both generations must reconcile love, family, and fate.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Jang Keun-suk as Seo In-ha (1970s) / Seo Joon (2012) – In-ha, the sensitive artist of the 1970s, and Joon, his son, a free-spirited and charismatic photographer.
• Im Yoon-ah as Kim Yoon-hee (1970s) / Jung Ha-na (2012) – Yoon-hee, a pure-hearted and reserved student, and Ha-na, her lively daughter with a passion for nature.
• Kim Shi-hoo as Lee Dong-wook (1970s) / Lee Sun-ho (2012) – In-ha’s loyal friend in the past and his son in the present timeline, forming part of the generational triangle.
• Son Eun-seo as Baek Hye-jung (1970s) / Baek Hye-jung (present) – In-ha’s friend and Yoon-hee’s rival in love, who also appears in the modern storyline.
• Seo In-guk as Kim Chang-mo (1970s) / Kim Jeon-sool (2012) – A music-loving friend in the 1970s and his son in the present, adding humor and warmth to both timelines.

Reception

Domestic Reception

In South Korea, “Love Rain” received modest ratings, often averaging around 5–6% viewership, which was considered underwhelming given its star power and high-profile production. Some critics felt the pacing was slow, especially in the 1970s arc.

International Success

Despite lukewarm domestic response, the drama achieved significant popularity overseas. It was particularly well-received in Japan, where it topped drama sales charts and solidified Jang Keun-suk and Yoon-ah’s Hallyu star status. It also aired in several countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Critical Response

While some reviewers highlighted its melodramatic tropes, others praised its cinematography, nostalgic 1970s portrayal, and the dual-role performances of the leads.

Fun Facts

Retro Filming Style

The 1970s scenes were shot with softer tones and muted colors to reflect the era, contrasting with the vibrant cinematography of the 2012 timeline.

Iconic Director-Writer Duo

Director Yoon Seok-ho is known for the "Endless Love" series ("Autumn in My Heart", "Winter Sonata"), making “Love Rain” part of his signature style of bittersweet romances.

Fashion & Music

The drama’s retro fashion and old-school soundtrack became popular talking points, with OST tracks like “Love Rain” by Jang Keun-suk gaining traction.

Hallyu Impact

The series was pre-sold to Japan for a record-breaking price even before airing, thanks to the combined star power of Jang Keun-suk and Im Yoon-ah.

Final Thoughts

“Love Rain” may not have been a domestic ratings juggernaut, but its emotional dual-timeline storytelling, stunning visuals, and star-studded cast cemented it as a beloved Hallyu export and a must-watch for fans of classic K-drama romance.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

Aired on KBS2.