The phenomenon that is Crash Landing on You has taken the globe by storm, with millions of fans swooning over the chemistry between Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin. The K-drama’s success has been a masterclass in storytelling, with its poignant portrayal of love transcending borders. However, before their breakout hit, the two Korean superstars had already shared the screen in a cult classic that has been quietly gaining a cult following on Netflix.
The Unlikely Origins of BinJin: Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin’s Pre-CLOY Romance
Thanks to BinJin’s dream casting and undeniable chemistry, Crash Landing on You became a global phenomenon upon release and continues to be amongst the most-watched K-dramas on Netflix. But did you know that the real-life married couple have previously starred in a cult K-drama before coming together for Crash Landing on You? But there’s a catch!
Before starring together in Crash Landing on You, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin were a part of the cult K-drama Secret Garden. While Hyun Bin played the male lead in the rom-com fantasy series, Son Ye Jin had a memorable cameo as herself in the final episode.
Notably, BinJin don’t share screen space in Secret Garden as Son Ye Jin’s special appearance was opposite Lee Phillip. Ultimately, the Hallyu stars would go on to work opposite each other in The Negotiation (2018) before Crash Landing on You (2019-2020).
A Cult K-drama Before Crash Landing on You
Secret Garden explores the “Cinderella” romance between Gil Raim (Ha Ji Won), a hardworking stuntwoman, and Kim Joowon (Hyun Bin), a narcissistic CEO. Starting off on a bickering note, the opposites are in for a wild ride when they wake up one day only to find that they have magically switched bodies.
Over time, the pair start to understand each other and eventually fall in love. However, the couple finds a roadblock in Joowon’s mother Moon Boonhong (Park Joon Geum), who doesn’t approve of their relationship because of Raim’s social status. Spoiler Alert In Secret Garden episode 20, Im Jongsoo, Raim’s action school mentor who harbours an unrequited crush on her, goes to meet a mystery guest, who is none other than Son Ye Jin herself.
Jongsoo is shocked by Son Ye Jin in front of him and is left even more stumped when the latter inquires about his script titled Black Rain which hasn’t found any takers. Son Ye Jin was impressed with Jongsoo’s script and cast herself as the female lead right away, much to Jongsoo’s utter delight.
Pre-CLOY Collaborations: The Hallyu Power Couple’s Early Work
The Negotiation (2018) marked the first big-screen collaboration between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin. The movie follows the story of a crisis negotiator and a corporate lawyer who engage in a fierce battle of wits as they try to negotiate the terms of a company’s bankruptcy. The film showcases the chemistry between BinJin, who played the lead roles, and delivered a gripping performance.
Notable Roles: A Look at BinJin’s Early Work Before Crash Landing on You
- The Negotiation (2018) – The first big-screen collaboration between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin
- Secret Garden (2010) – The cult K-drama that catapulted Hyun Bin’s career to newer heights
- The Man from Nowhere (2010) – Hyun Bin’s action-packed drama where he played a father figure to a young girl
- Personal Taste (2010) – A rom-com series where Son Ye Jin played a free-spirited artist
BinJin’s Breakout Role in Secret Garden
Hyun Bin’s breakout role in Secret Garden marked a significant turning point in his career. The cult classic K-drama catapulted him to stardom, and he went on to become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
The show’s success can be attributed to the chemistry between Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin, who played the lead roles. Their on-screen romance was believable and endearing, and their performances earned them widespread acclaim.
Hyun Bin’s portrayal of Kim Joowon, a narcissistic CEO, was particularly noteworthy. He brought depth and nuance to the character, making him relatable and human. The show’s success can be attributed to Hyun Bin’s exceptional acting skills, which showcased his range and versatility as an actor.
The Road to Stardom: Secret Garden’s Impact on Hyun Bin’s Career
Secret Garden’s impact on Hyun Bin’s career cannot be overstated. The show catapulted him to stardom, and he went on to become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
The show’s success marked a significant turning point in Hyun Bin’s career, and he went on to appear in numerous hit dramas and movies. He became known for his exceptional acting skills, which showcased his range and versatility as an actor.
From Narcissistic CEO to National Treasure: Hyun Bin’s Rise to Fame
Hyun Bin’s portrayal of Kim Joowon in Secret Garden marked a significant turning point in his career. He went on to become known for his exceptional acting skills, which showcased his range and versatility as an actor.
The show’s success marked a significant turning point in Hyun Bin’s career, and he went on to become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. He became known for his exceptional acting skills, which showcased his range and versatility as an actor.
Hyun Bin’s rise to fame can be attributed to his exceptional acting skills, which showcased his range and versatility as an actor. He went on to appear in numerous hit dramas and movies, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
The Stellar Performance That Earned Hyun Bin the Baeksang Daesang
Hyun Bin’s performance in Secret Garden was instrumental in catapulting his career to new heights. His portrayal of Lee Chang-Dae, the narcissistic CEO of Kim Joowon’s (Son Ye Jin) company, was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
- His chemistry with Son Ye Jin was undeniable, and their on-screen romance was a highlight of the series.
- His acting range was impressive, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions and nuanced character development.
- He brought depth and vulnerability to the role, making Lee Chang-Dae a compelling and relatable character.
- His performance earned him the Baeksang Daesang award, cementing his position as one of Korea’s leading actors.
Secret Garden’s Lasting Impact on K-drama History
Secret Garden is widely regarded as one of the best K-dramas of all time, and its impact on the genre cannot be overstated.
- It explored themes of love, loss, and relationships that resonated with audiences worldwide.
- The series’ unique concept and writing were praised for their originality and thought-provoking storytelling.
- Its impact on the K-drama landscape was significant, paving the way for future series to explore complex and nuanced themes.
- It also helped to establish Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin as one of the leading duo in K-drama history.
The chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin is undeniable, and their on-screen romance was a highlight of the series. Here are some key factors that contribute to their powerful couple status:
- Emotional Connection: The two actors have an undeniable emotional connection that translates to the screen. Their characters’ complex and nuanced relationship is expertly portrayed, making the audience feel invested in their love story.
- Chemistry: Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin have an undeniable chemistry that is evident on-screen. Their interactions are natural, authentic, and engaging, making the audience feel like they are witnessing a real-life romance.
- Trust and Vulnerability: The two actors are able to convey a sense of trust and vulnerability, making their relationship feel authentic and relatable. This trust is built through their on-screen interactions, and it’s what makes their romance so compelling.
- Authenticity: The chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin is authentic and genuine. They have a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which makes their relationship feel real and believable.
The Art of Creating Believable Romance on Screen
Creating believable romance on screen is a delicate art that requires a combination of skill, experience, and emotional intelligence.
Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s performance in Secret Garden is a prime example of how to create a believable romance on screen. Here are some key tips to help you create believable romance on screen:
- Understand the Characters: Before creating a romance, it’s essential to understand the characters’ motivations, desires, and flaws.
- Build Emotional Connection: Establish an emotional connection between the leads to make the romance feel authentic and believable.
- Keep it Simple: Avoid overcomplicating the romance with too many twists, turns, or dramatic moments.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than telling the audience what’s happening, show them through action, dialogue, and body language.
While Secret Garden and Crash Landing on You are two vastly different series, they share some commonalities that make them stand out as two of the most-watched K-dramas on Netflix:
- Power Couple Chemistry: The on-screen chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin is undeniable, and their romance is a highlight of both series.
- Emotional Connection: The two actors have an undeniable emotional connection that translates to the screen.
- Authenticity: The chemistry between the leads is authentic and genuine, making their romance feel real and believable.
BinJin’s Love Story: From Secret Garden to Crash Landing on You
Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s love story is a fascinating one, and it’s a testament to their on-screen chemistry that their romance has endured despite the passage of time.
Here’s a brief overview of their love story:
Secret Garden
Secret Garden is a cult K-drama that aired in 2017. The series follows the story of Gil Raim (Ha Ji Won), a hardworking stuntwoman, and Kim Joowon (Hyun Bin), a narcissistic CEO. The two meet by chance, and their opposites attract as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other.
Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing on You is a 2019-2020 K-drama that tells the story of Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin’s romance. The series follows the story of Son Ye Jin, a South Korean actress, and Hyun Bin, a Korean actor, who get married and have a daughter. However, their happiness is short-lived as they face numerous challenges, including the threat of divorce and the media’s scrutiny.
- From Secret Garden to Crash Landing on You: Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s love story is a testament to their on-screen chemistry and their ability to create believable romance on screen.
- From opposites to equals: The two actors played the roles of a narcissistic CEO and a hardworking stuntwoman, and their chemistry was undeniable.
- From chance meeting to real love: The two actors met by chance in Secret Garden, but their feelings for each other became real as they navigated their complicated feelings for each other.
Secret Garden and Crash Landing on You are two of the most-watched K-dramas on Netflix, and they share some commonalities that make them stand out as two of the greatest K-dramas of all time:
- Power Couple Chemistry: The on-screen chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin is undeniable, and their romance is a highlight of both series.
- Emotional Connection: The two actors have an undeniable emotional connection that translates to the screen.
- Authenticity: The chemistry between the leads is authentic and genuine, making their romance feel real and believable.