Sandglass (1995 South Korean Television Series)
Sandglass (Korean: 모래시계; RR: Moraesigye) is a landmark South Korean television drama that aired on the SBS network from January 10 to February 16, 1995. Directed by Kim Jong-hak and written by Song Ji-na, the 24-episode series is noted for its ambitious scope and its depiction of turbulent historical events in South Korea.
Historical Context and Plot
The narrative of Sandglass spans from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. The series weaves together the lives of three primary characters against the backdrop of significant political shifts in South Korea. The plot explores themes of social unrest and political power, specifically addressing the student demonstrations of the 1980s and the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.
The central characters include:
- Park Tae-soo (played by Choi Min-soo), a man who becomes involved with organized crime and political power structures.
- Yoon Hye-rin (played by Ko Hyun-jung), the daughter of a powerful casino magnate.
- Kang Woo-suk (played by Park Sang-won), a principled young man who pursues a career in law.
- Baek Jae-hee (played by Lee Jung-jae), a loyal bodyguard to Hye-rin.
Production
The production of Sandglass involved two years of preparation, a significant commitment for a television project at the time. The series is often cited for its high production values and its willingness to tackle sensitive historical topics, including the authoritarian governance of the era and the struggle for democratization in South Korea.
Cast
The series featured a large ensemble cast, including:
- Choi Min-soo as Park Tae-soo
- Ko Hyun-jung as Yoon Hye-rin
- Park Sang-won as Kang Woo-suk
- Lee Jung-jae as Baek Jae-hee
- Park Geun-hyung as Chairman Yoon