“Secret Love” is a 2013 Korean drama with 16 episodes, categorized as Crime, Revenge, and Romance. It is streaming on Viki and KOCOWA+.
- Memorable Quote: “I swear I’ll become a righteous prosecutor.”
SUMMARY: A devoted woman who takes the blame for her boyfriend’s crime, only to face betrayal and unexpected emotional entanglements. As secrets unravel, she and a grief-stricken chaebol heir confront the painful truths that bind and divide them.
♦ Love, Revenge, Control, Betrayal
“Secret Love” (2013) focuses on Kang Yoo-Jung, a kind-hearted woman whose life is defined by sacrifice. She has always believed in loyalty, especially toward her longtime boyfriend, An Do-Hoon, a rising prosecutor with a promising future. When An Do-Hoon becomes involved in a tragic hit-and-run accident that results in a woman’s death, Kang Yoo-Jung makes a life-altering decision: she takes the blame and goes to prison in his place. An Do-Hoon does what any grateful and appreciative boyfriend would do when his woman takes his place for his crime: he betrays her.
While Kang Yoo-Jung struggles to survive behind bars, another figure emerges with a storm of his own, Jo Min-Hyuk, a wealthy chaebol heir whose girlfriend was the victim of the accident. Jo Min-Hyuk is consumed by grief and rage. He is determined to make the person responsible pay. Blinded by revenge, his pursuit of vengeance leads him straight to Kang Yoo-Jung, whom he believes to be the culprit. Jo Min-Hyuk’s initial cruelty toward Kang Yoo-Jung is fueled by heartbreak, but as he observes her resilience and sincerity, his rigid assumptions begin to crack.
Meanwhile, An Do-Hoon’s character undergoes an evolution. He went from dark to darker to darkest. Once idealistic and principled, he becomes increasingly corrupted by ambition and guilt. As Kang Yoo-Jung serves time for his crime, An Do-Hoon distances himself emotionally, allowing his moral compass to erode. His internal conflict fueled by guilt, fear and self preservation warps him and destroys his closest relationships.
Shin Se-Yeon, Jo Min-Hyuk’s fiancée, also born into privilege, is accustomed to control. She becomes threatened by Jo Min-Hyuk’s shifting emotions. Her insecurity and jealousy make her obsessive and possessive. She is determined to maintain her place in Jo Min-Hyuk’s life, but she only creates friction.
Main Characters:
- Jo Min-Hyuk (played by Ji Sung, “The Apartment Job”, “The Judge Returns”, “Familiar Wife”, “Doctor John”, “Confession”, “Connection”, “Adamas”, “The Devil Judge”, “Defendant”)
- Kang Yoo-Jung (played by Hwang Jung-Eum, , “Mystic Pop-up Bar”, “The Escape of the Seven”, “The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection”, “She Was Pretty“, “Incarnation of Money”, “Giant”)
- An Do-Hoon (played by Bae Soo-Bin, “26 Years”, “The King’s Affection”, “Dong Yi”)
- Shin Se-Yeon (played by Lee Da-Hee, “S Line”, “The Divorce Insurance”, “Island 1 and 2”, “L.U.C.A.: The Beginning”, “Search: WWW”)
Where to Watch: Viki and KOCOWA+
Viewership and Rating:
- IMDb: 8 out of 10 stars
- My Drama List: 8.3 out of 10 stars
- Viki viewers’ rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars
My personal rating is the same as the Viki viewing audience.
This 2013 Korean drama still captivates viewers. A storyline that weaves from tragic betrayal to healing love makes “Secret Love” unforgettable. The strong performances and compelling character journeys are the reasons this revenge-driven romance is difficult to stop watching.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
Secret Aka Secret Love (2013) Korean Drama Review. | KDrama Love
[K-DRAMA] Secret (2013). | My Asian Movie & Drama
TRAILER/TEASER:
KBS WORLD TV. “Secret Love.” YouTube, 22 Sep. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW6EM8yQmRY.
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