Snowman (2003, MBC miniseries)

While the country was swept away by the 'All In syndrome,' a few other dramas were fighting to stay afloat during the super popular show's run. One of those was Lee Chang-soon's debut miniseries Snowman. Starring popular Piano (the 2001 hit SBS TV drama also starring Kim Hae-neul and Jo In-sung) lead and Kim Ki-duk favorite Cho Jae-hyun along with veteran Oh Yeon-soo, Snowman had the unenviable task of facing off with the gambling melodrama for the entire course of its running time. And while the show's first few episodes actually beat All In, it was only because Song Hye-gyo and Lee Byung-heon weren't introduced yet. In the following weeks, Snowman would slip further down the ratings chart, sometimes even under 15%. But stiff competition wasn't the only reason Snowman didn't attract the audience it deserved: a controversial plot is also to 'blame.'

The controversy came from the possibility of a love story between a young girl (Kong Hyo-jin) and her hyeongbu (Korean for brother-in-law, played by Cho Jae-hyun). And you'll understand that even in a less conservative society than Korea, this would still raise quite a few eyebrows. But Korean TV is not foreign to stories of incest, impossible love between brothers and sisters, et al. While this turned off some viewers, it's refreshing to see that they didn't play the 'jjaksarang' (unrequited love) storyline in a predictable way. PD Lee Chang-soon was able to make a compelling story driven by a coherent plot and well developed characters. Even an important event involving one of the major characters - usually relegated to the finale for dramatic effect - only ends up shaping that character's role in the drama much more efficiently.

Once again - just like in Piano - Cho Jae-hyun plays a cop, in a role that seems to fit him perfectly. Han Pil-seung is mature, but his conflicting sentiments often blind him into making mistakes. Also, this series is further confirmation of Kong Hyo-jin's immense potential. After her career making performance in Ruler of Your Own World, she's starting to get roles that show a definite maturation. Her Yeon-wook is rapidly becoming a woman, and in such a delicate moment she feels very much conflicted, and unable to decide between what society defines as common sense, and her sentiments. Kim Rae-won is effective as well, as the rich but kind hearted (which in Korean TV dramas is something that rarely goes hand-in-hand) Cha Sung-joon, Yeon-wook's other potential love interest. Veteran Oh Yeon-soo is, as always, very good portraying a familiar role, and there's a fine supporting cast including movie regulars Myung Kye-nam and Lee Dae-yeon putting the icing on the cake.

Perhaps what characterizes Snowman best is its refreshing change of pace from conventional fare, while remaining solidly footed in familiar terrain. This is nothing terribly original, but excellent acting and a strong script, aided by PD Lee's assured direction, allow Snowman to become the first highlight of the 2003 season. For casual fans, the finale is also 'fanboy proof' (another controversial issue, especially for fans of Kim Rae-won), and very uplifting. A great start for MBC, and hopefully the sign of more success for Kong Hyo-jin and Cho Jae-hyun, they really deserve it.