Boys Over Flowers () is a 2009 South Korean television series starring Koo Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, and Kim Joon. Based on the Japanese manga series which was written and illustrated by Yoko Kamio, the series, directed by Jeon Si-Kang, tells a story of a working-class girl who gets tangled up in the lives of a group of wealthy young men in her elite high school. It aired for 25 episodes on KBS2 from January 5 to March 31, 2009.
It is often regarded as a pioneer in Korean high school series, as well as to have helped the proliferation of the "Korean Wave". The series earned high viewership ratings in South Korea, and became a cultural phenomenon throughout Asia. Lee Min-ho's role as the leader of F4 completely contrasted his role in Mackerel Run, which earned him overseas popularity.
Shinhwa Group is one of South KoreaâÂÂs largest conglomerates, led by Chairwoman Kang Hee-soo (Lee Hye-young). Her son, Gu Jun-pyo (Lee Min-ho), the heir to the Shinhwa empire, attends Shinhwa High School, an elite institution for the children of the wealthy and powerful. Jun-pyo leads F4, the most influential group at the school, alongside Yoon Ji-hoo (Kim Hyun-joong), So Yi-jung (Kim Bum), and Song Woo-bin (Kim Joon).
Geum Jan-di (Koo Hye-sun), the daughter of a dry-cleaner, draws national attention after saving a Shinhwa High student from attempting suicide. In response to public backlash, Chairwoman Kang arranges for Jan-di to enroll at the school on a scholarship. At Shinhwa High, Jan-di immediately clashes with Jun-pyo after standing up to him and refusing to submit to the school's culture of bullying enforced by F4. She becomes the target of severe harassment, including the issuance of a "red card", but continues to resist.
Jan-di grows close to Ji-hoo, who remains emotionally affected by his first love, Min Seo-hyun (Han Chae-young), a former Shinhwa student who left Korea to pursue a career. Seo-hyun later returns to Korea, briefly reconnecting with Ji-hoo before leaving again.
Although initially hostile toward Jan-di, Jun-pyo gradually develops feelings for her. He later makes a public declaration at school, announcing that Jan-di is his girlfriend. Following this announcement, Oh Min-ji (Lee Si-young), a friend of Jan-di who becomes resentful of her growing attention and association with Jun-pyo, orchestrates an incident that falsely implies Jan-di had slept around. Believing the allegations, Jun-pyo feels deeply betrayed and distances himself from her, while the student body resumes bullying Jan-di. The truth is later revealed, and Min-ji's actions are exposed. Jun-pyo realizes his mistake, apologizes to Jan-di, and publicly defends her, strengthening their relationship, while Min-ji leaves the school.
As Jan-di spends more time with Ji-hoo, she becomes emotionally conflicted, particularly after the two share a kiss. Jun-pyo witnesses the kiss between Jan-di and Ji-hoo, leaving him feeling deeply hurt and betrayed. This leads to a confrontation between the two friends, straining the bond within F4. Jun-pyo distances himself from both Jan-di and Ji-hoo, while Jan-di struggles with guilt and confusion over her feelings. Ji-hoo later acknowledges Jun-pyo's feelings for Jan-di and chooses to step aside, prioritizing their friendship.
Meanwhile, Jan-di's best friend Chu Ga-eul (Kim So-eun) becomes involved with F4 member So Yi-jung, a womanizer with unresolved emotional trauma. As their relationship develops, Yi-jung gradually confronts his fear of commitment, and the two form a meaningful bond that continues throughout the series.
Chairwoman Kang strongly opposes Jun-pyo and Jan-di's relationship due to Jan-di's social status and repeatedly intervenes to separate them, going as far as interfering with Jan-di's family and shutting down their dry-cleaning business.
Jan-di is later kidnapped by a student seeking revenge against F4. While attempting to protect Jun-pyo, she sustains a serious shoulder injury that permanently ends her swimming career. The incident strengthens Jun-pyo's determination to protect Jan-di, while escalating Chairwoman Kang's efforts to keep them apart.
After Jun-pyo's father falls into a coma, Jun-pyo is forced to prepare as the successor to the Shinhwa Group. Under pressure from his mother, he leaves Korea for Macau, cutting off contact with Jan-di and his friends. Chairwoman Kang later arranges his engagement to JK Group heiress Ha Jae-kyung (Lee Min-jung). Although Ha develops feelings for Jun-pyo, she later calls off the engagement after realizing his feelings for Jan-di.
Jun-pyo later loses his memory following a car accident while saving Ji-hoo. Initially unable to recognize Jan-di, his memories gradually return. The two reunite and decide to pursue their individual goals before marriage. Several years later, Jun-pyo returns as a successful businessman and reunites with Jan-di and the members of F4, where he proposes to Jan-di at the seaside.
Source: HanCinema
Elle Magazine ranked Boys Over Flowers #6 (out of 10) on the October 2020 10 Best K-Dramas To Binge-Watch On Netflix list. Boys Over Flowers attracted high viewership ratings and buzz throughout South Korea during its broadcast in 2009. The cast members became household names and shot to stardom overnight, and after the series ended, several of them became the faces of various endorsements and advertisements. The show is credited with launching the career of its lead actor, Lee Min-ho, who had previously appeared in a small number of low-budget high school dramas.
During its broadcast, the series influenced South Korean men to take their appearances more seriously to copy the metrosexual or "pretty boy image" (kkotminam, lit. "men as beautiful as flowers") of the F4 characters in the drama. This led to an increase in South Korean males wearing cosmetics, preppy and cruise outfits, and clothing in traditionally more feminine styles like the color pink and floral prints. The drama's local filming locations became tourist attractions, such as the Damyang Dynasty Country Club in South Jeolla Province; Ragung Hanok Hotel in Silla Millennium Park in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province; Hilton Namhae Gold & Spa Resort in South Gyeongsang Province; Grand Hyatt Seoul ice rink; Lotte Hotel World's Emerald Room; Farmer's Table in Heyri; and Yangpyeong English Village. The overseas locations featured such as New Caledonia and Macau also became sought-after holiday destinations.
The series' international popularity extended to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Zambia among others. The cast members held various sold-out events across Asia, such as concerts and fan meetings. The Seoul chapter of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) criticized the series for being the epitome of materialism and the Cinderella complex, saying it sets a bad example for Korean dramas by depicting school violence, and teenagers indulging in pleasure and prejudice toward others based on their appearance and social class. The YWCA report also singled out the leading female character (Geum Jan-di) for being passive and dependent.
In the table below, the represent the lowest ratings and the represent the highest ratings.