Boys Over Flowers (TV series)

Boys Over Flowers

Promotional poster for Boys Over Flowers
Also known as Boys Before Flowers
Genre Romance
Comedy
Drama
Based on Boys Over Flowers 
by Yoko Kamio
Written by Yoon Ji-ryun
Directed by Jeon Ki-sang
Starring Ku Hye-sun
Lee Min-ho
Kim Hyun-joong
Kim Bum
Kim Joon
Theme music composer T-Max
Opening theme "Paradise" by T-Max
Ending theme "Because I'm Stupid" by SS501
"Making a Lover" by SS501
Country of origin South korea
Original language(s) Korean
No. of episodes 25
Production
Location(s) Korea
Macau
New Caledonia
Running time Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:50 (KST)
Production company(s) Group 8
Broadcast
Original channel Korean Broadcasting System
Original run 5 January 2009 – 31 March 2009
Chronology
Preceded by Worlds Within
Followed by The Slingshot
Related shows Meteor Garden
Hana Yori Dango
Meteor Shower
Boys Before Friends
Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan
External links
Website
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja 보다
Revised Romanization Kkot Boda Namja
McCune–Reischauer Kkot Poda Namja

Boys Over Flowers (Hangul: 꽃보다 남자; hanja: 꽃보다男子) is a 2009 South Korean television series starring Ku Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong (of SS501), Kim Bum, Kim Joon (of T-Max) and Kim So-eun. It aired on KBS2 from January 5 to March 31, 2009 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:50 for 25 episodes.[1]

It is based on Japanese shōjo manga series Boys Over Flowers (花より男子 Hana Yori Dango) written by Yoko Kamio. The series is the fifth television adaptation of the manga following the Taiwanese Meteor Garden and its sequel Meteor Garden II, and the Japanese Hana Yori Dango and its sequel Hana Yori Dango Returns. It spins the modern-day Cinderella tale of a poor, but spunky schoolgirl at an exclusive academy who attracts the interest of the four ultra-rich and ultra-handsome princes of the school known as F4.[2]

An Indian remake known as Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan began airing on MTV India from 21 July 2014. It has been declared a runaway hit.

Plot

Hardworking Geum Jan Di (Ku Hye-sun) attends the exclusive Shinhwa High School by a scholarship she gets because of an incident. She finds her shallow, privileged classmates unbearable, especially the notorious F4. Rich, handsome, and arrogant, Goo Jun Pyo(Lee Min-ho ), Yoon Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun-joong), So Yi Jung (Kim Bum), and Song Woo Bin (Kim Joon) are the kings of the school and no one, not even the teachers, dare challenge them. No one, that is, except Jan Di. Angry at their rudeness, Jan Di tells off F4's leader Jun Pyo, bringing a world of trouble upon herself. The proud and persistent Jun Pyo falls hard for feisty Jan Di, but she shares a connection with the quiet, sensitive Ji Hoo. Through Jan Di's encouragement, Ji Hoo goes abroad to join his model girlfriend Min Seo-hyun, and in his absence, Jan Di and Jun Pyo grow closer. Soon Jan Di realizes that it is Jun Pyo that she really loves, not Ji Hoo. But numerous difficulties arise, threatening their relationship. Jun Pyo's mother, a cruel and selfish businesswoman, who is also the President of Shinhwa group, disapproves of Jan Di's lowly upbringing and tries her best to split them up. And newly single Ji Hoo returns to Korea, prepared to declare his feelings for Jan Di. He comes when Jun Pyo is announcing in the school about Jan Di being his girlfriend. Somehow Ji-Hoo pretends to be Jan Di's boyfriend, which develops conflicts between him and Jun Pyo.But,Jun Pyo finds out that Ji Hoo likes Jan Di,so problems begin.

Cast

Main characters

Geum Jan-di is the headstrong daughter of a dry cleaner. While on a delivery run to Shinhwa High School, she saves a bullied student from committing suicide. She is offered a scholarship to attend the prestigious school, and ends up getting on the dark side of Gu Jun-pyo.
Gu Jun-pyo is the leader of F4 and heir to Shinhwa Group, one of the most powerful business groups in South Korea. As leader of the most popular and powerful clique in Shinhwa High, he torments Geum Jan-di after she stands up to his bullying ways, but ends up falling for her instead. His family is one of the most rich and elite in the country.
Yoon Ji-hoo is a member of F4 and the grandson of a former president of Korea. His musical talent catches Geum Jan-di's attention and she begins to develop feelings for him. He has a driving phobia after being involved in a car accident that killed his parents and left him the only survivor. He is initially in love with Min Seo-hyun, but eventually falls for Geum Jan-di and acts as her protector.
So Yi-jung is F4's Casanova. He is a skilled porter,His family owns the country's biggest art museum. He eventually changes his playboy ways when he realizes that he is in love with Chu Ga-eul. Although he doesn't develop romantic feelings for Jan-di, he does grow very fond of her and they become good friends.
Song Woo-bin is known as F4's Don Juan. His family runs a large successful construction company, which Woo-bin later admits has strong connections to the mafia. Like Yi-jeong, he eventually befriends Jan-di and becomes caring and protective towards her.
Geum Jan-di's best friend who works with her at the porridge shop. She falls for So Yi-jung after he helps her get over her cheating ex-boyfriend. He eventually reciprocates those feelings.

Supporting characters

Differences from the manga

Reception

Boys Over Flowers attracted high viewership ratings and buzz throughout South Korea during its broadcast in 2009,[3] and created another Korean wave throughout Asia. 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.[4]

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 looks like the color pink and floral prints.[5]

The drama's local filming locations became tourist attractions, such as 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.[6][7]

The series' international popularity extended to Japan,[8] Thailand,[9] Vietnam, Singapore, India, Nepal, Philippines,[10] Taiwan,[11] Sri Lanka[12] and among others. The cast members held various sold-out events across Asia, such as concerts and fan meetings.[13]

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.[14]

Ratings

Episode # Original broadcast date Average audience share
TNmS Ratings[15] AGB Nielsen[16]
Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area
1 5 January 2009 14.3% 14.4% 13.7% 13.8%
2 6 January 2009 17.6% 17.4% 16.1% 15.9%
3 12 January 2009 20.8% 21.1% 18.2% 17.2%
4 13 January 2009 21.4% 21.6% 17.7% 17.8%
5 19 January 2009 24.8% 24.3% 22.2% 21.4%
6 20 January 2009 24.8% 24.6% 23.2% 23.0%
7 26 January 2009 19.5% 19.1% 18.1% 17.4%
8 27 January 2009 25.9% 25.3% 22.6% 22.1%
9 2 February 2009 29.7% 29.4% 25.8% 24.9%
10 3 February 2009 30.5% 30.2% 26.7% 25.6%
11 9 February 2009 31.5% 31.8% 26.2% 25.6%
12 10 February 2009 31.4% 31.2% 27.6% 27.0%
13 16 February 2009 31.5% 31.5% 27.6% 27.7%
14 17 February 2009 31.9% 32.0% 27.7% 26.8%
15 23 February 2009 32.4% 32.3% 29.2% 28.5%
16 24 February 2009 33.2% 32.9% 30.1% 30.0%
17 3 March 2009 29.9% 30.6% 26.6% 27.3%
18 9 March 2009 35.5% 35.7% 32.9% 33.3%
19 10 March 2009 31.2% 31.3% 26.6% 26.3%
20 16 March 2009 32.6% 31.6% 30.6% 31.2%
21 17 March 2009 33.6% 33.8% 30.8% 31.1%
22 23 March 2009 31.8% 32.4% 29.9% 30.8%
23 24 March 2009 31.8% 31.6% 30.3% 31.7%
24 30 March 2009 30.2% 29.2% 29.0% 30.1%
25 31 March 2009 34.8% 34.9% 32.7% 33.5%
Average 28.5% 28.4% 25.7% 25.6%

Music

Album # Album Info Tracklisting
1st Boys Over Flowers Original Soundtrack: Part 1[17]
  • Artist: Various
  • Released: 23 January 2009
  • Label: Doremi Media Co. Ltd.
  • Language: Korean
  • Format: Studio album (CD)
  • Genre: K-pop
2nd Boys Over Flowers Original Soundtrack: Part 2
  • Artist: Various
  • Released: 16 March 2009
  • Label: Doremi Media Co. Ltd.
  • Language: Korean
  • Format: Studio album (CD)
  • Genre: K-pop
3rd Boys Over Flowers OST 2.5 - F4 Special Edition
  • Artist: Various
  • Released: 18 March 2009
  • Label: Mnet Media Corp.
  • Language: Korean
  • Format: Studio album (CD)
  • Genre: K-pop

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Recipient Result
2009
45th Baeksang Arts Awards[18]
Best New Actor Lee Min-ho Won
Popularity Award Kim Hyun-joong Won
Lee Min-ho Nominated
14th Asian Television Awards
Best Drama Actor Lee Min-ho Nominated
Best Drama Actress Ku Hye-sun Nominated
3rd Mnet 20's Choice Awards
Hot Male Drama Star Lee Min-ho Nominated
Kim Bum Nominated
Hot Female Drama Star Ku Hye-sun Nominated
Hot Character ("Gu Jun-pyo") Lee Min-ho Nominated
4th Seoul International Drama Awards[19]
Popular Drama Boys Over Flowers Won
Popular Actor Lee Min-ho Nominated
Kim Hyun-joong Won
Cyworld Digital Music Awards[20]
Song of the Month (February) "Because I'm Stupid" - SS501 Won
Best OST Won
11th Mnet Asian Music Awards
Best OST Won
Bugs Music Awards
Best TV Drama Song of the Year Won
2nd Korea Junior Star Awards
Best New Actor in a TV Drama Kim Hyun-joong Won
KBS Drama Awards[21]
Top Excellence Award, Actress Ku Hye-sun Nominated
Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama Lee Min-ho Nominated
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama Ku Hye-sun Won
Best New Actor Lee Min-ho Won
Kim Hyun-joong Nominated
Kim Bum Nominated
Best New Actress Kim So-eun Won
Best Young Actor Park Ji-bin Nominated
Netizen Award, Actress Ku Hye-sun Won
Popularity Award, Actor Lee Min-ho Nominated
Kim Hyun-joong Nominated
Best Couple Award Lee Min-ho and Ku Hye-sun Won
Kim Hyun-joong and Ku Hye-sun Nominated

International broadcast

DVD licensing

In North America, YA Entertainment released the series in two DVD box sets; volume one was released in November 2009 and volume two in December 2009.[28]

References

  1. Han Sang-hee (10 February 2009). "Boys Over Flowers Continues to Bloom in Korea". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  2. Han Sang-hee (23 December 2008). "Boys Over Flowers to Air in January". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  3. Yoo Bo-lam (11 March 2009). "Boys Over Flowers explodes in popularity". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  4. "Korea’s Flower Boy". My Sinchew. 29 March 2009. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  5. Lee Hyo-won (12 February 2009). "Men, Be Beautiful for Spring, Summer". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  6. Bae Ji-sook; Kwon Mee-yoo (26 February 2009). "TV Drama Getting People Travelling". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  7. "Gyeonggi Bus Tour Targets Tourists". The Chosun Ilbo. 30 June 2009. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  8. Han Sang-hee (24 February 2009). "Stars Look to Revive Hallyu in Japan". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  9. "Boys Over Flowers star visits Bangkok". The Korea Herald. 13 April 2009. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  10. Jonathan M. Hicap (6 September 2009). "Korean Dramas Continue to Captivate the Philippines". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  11. "Koo Enjoying High Popularity in Taiwan". The Korea Times. 10 July 2009. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  12. http://www.derana.lk/Boys-Over-Flowers-TV-Derana-Korean-Teledrama-South-Korean-television-series-Sinhala
  13. Han Sang-hee (4 November 2009). "Lee Min-ho to Meet Japanese Fans". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  14. "YWCA calls Boys over Flowers failure". The Korea Herald. 15 April 2009. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  15. "TNMS Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". TNMS Ratings (in Korean). Retrieved 2009-01-05.
  16. "AGB Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Retrieved 2009-01-05.
  17. "Boys Over Flowers Original Soundtrack: Part 1 album info". YesAsia. 23 January 2009. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  18. "Boys at Baeksang". The Korea Times. 1 March 2009. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  19. "Popular Prize winners - 4th SDA 2009". SeoulDrama.org. Retrieved 2011-10-20.
  20. Jonathan M. Hicap (2 March 2010). "2NE1 wins big at Cyworld Digital Music Awards". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  21. Han Sang-hee (3 January 2010). "2009 Drama Awards Wrap Up With No Surprises". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2011-10-20.
  22. "Boys over Flowers to Air in Japan from April 12". KBS Global. 10 February 2009. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
  23. http://www.bs-tbs.co.jp/hanadan/kr/
  24. http://www.tbs.co.jp/hanryu-select/hana-dan/
  25. "Boys Over Flowers Hulu Page". Hulu. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  26. "Korean Series Boys Over Flowers Mega Hit in Puthuyugam Tamil TV Channel". Tamil Funda. June 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
  27. "A 100-crore budget series on Puthu Yugam". The Times of India. 29 July 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-04.
  28. "Bringing the Korean Wave to North America". YA Entertainment. Retrieved 2012-11-17.

External links