First Love (1996 South Korean TV series)

First Love (Korean: 첫사랑; RR: Cheot Sarang) is a South Korean television drama series that aired on KBS2 from June 7, 1996, to April 20, 1997. Spanning 66 episodes, the series is recognized for its narrative focus on the intersection of romantic relationships and socioeconomic disparities.

Promotional poster for the 1996 television series First Love — Promotional image for the 1996 KBS2 drama First Love.

Plot

The series follows the complex relationship between Hyo-kyeong, the daughter of a wealthy family, and Chan-hyuk, a man from a lower socioeconomic background. Despite their mutual affection, Hyo-kyeong faces immense pressure from her family to marry Suk-jin, her former private tutor. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice and familial duty, particularly following the reported death of Chan-hyuk, which leads Hyo-kyeong to eventually marry Suk-jin. The story also features a subplot involving Chan-woo, Chan-hyuk's brother, who seeks retribution against those he believes have wronged his family.

Cast

The series features an ensemble cast, including:

Bae Yong-joon as Song Chan-woo
Choi Soo-jong as Song Chan-hyuk
Lee Seung-yeon as Lee Hyo-kyeong
Choi Ji-woo as Kang Seok-hee
Park Sang-won as Kang Suk-jin
Lee Hye-young as Park Shin-ja
Son Hyun-joo
Song Chae-hwan as Song Chan-ok