"Yellow Boots" Korean Drama: A Riveting Tale of Revenge

Are you a fan of intense, emotionally charged Korean dramas that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Do you find current daily dramas aren't well-crafted enough? Then consider watching the 2012 Korean drama “Yellow Boots” (also known as “Ice Adonis”). 

This 108-episode melodrama follows the story of Seol Yeon Hwa (starring Lee Yoo Ri), who is falsely accused of murder and seeks revenge on those who wronged her, while also discovering her newfound purpose and the “light” that motivates her to keep going.

Plot and Characters

Yeon Hwa and her spirit of never giving up

From the beginning, the show was compelling and full of suspense. Yeon Hwa is framed for the murder of her fiancé’s sister and sent to jail. She then plans to escape with the help of her friend and confronts the woman who framed her. As the drama unfolds, Yeon Hwa struggles to clear her name and get justice for the wrongs against her.

The cast of this drama is top-notch, with every actor and actress playing their part to add to the emotional feeling of the drama.  Yeon Hwa's sister Soo Ae, who's autistic, sees everyone's true personality, leading to some of the best character development in the drama. You feel for Yeon Hwa and want her to succeed in her quest for revenge, and you hate the villains, who are ruthless and evil.

Yu Ra is the definition of what an evil character is

Without spoiling too much, the main villain Choi Yu Ra is one of the reasons to watch this show. Her portrayal of evilness is remarkable, making her one of the best antagonists in any Korean drama. Every time you think you know how evil she can be, she proves you wrong, making this character a true masterpiece.

Length and Pace

One of the main concerns I had before watching the drama was its length. With 108 episodes, I wondered if it would drag on and become boring. However, my concerns seemed eliminated after watching a few episodes. 

The drama was relatively well-paced and not felt too slow or too fast. Every episode had a cliffhanger, and the plot kept moving along without becoming repetitive. But this is just my experience seeing it; I saw some comments about it being dragging.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of "Yellow Boots" was also one of its strongest aspects. The intro song sets the tone for the emotional and dramatic journey that the show takes you on. The music adds to the emotions and makes each scene and moment even more impactful.

Themes and Lessons

While “Ice Adonis” is full of suspense and drama, it also explores deeper themes and lessons. One of the main themes is the idea of revenge and its consequences. On the one hand, Yeon Hwa seeks revenge. But on the other hand, she learns that it may not bring her happiness and that forgiveness is probably a better path.

Another theme revolves around the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Yeon Hwa goes through many challenges and obstacles, but she never gives up. She is determined to clear her name and get justice, and her strength and courage throughout the show are inspiring.

Other Thoughts

The female characters in "Ice Adonis" are abundant and well-developed. Meanwhile, male characters are few and often lackluster, serving as mere accessories or plot motivations for their female counterparts. Although I am enjoying the drama, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it due to the need for patience with some of the plotlines.

My favorite characters include Yeon Hwa, who starts standing up for herself, Yoo Ra who deserves her comeuppance, Soo Ae who sees through everyone's façade despite being underestimated for her autism, Lady Jang who is well-informed and makes cutting remarks, and Tae Il who is unpredictable. Yoon Jae, on the other hand, is a character I dislike for his brazen attitude and constantly wavering decisions.

Throughout the drama, Yeon Hwa struggles to clear her name but with the assistance of Kang Wook, she eventually finds a glimmer of hope. Though describing Kang Wook's role in the show may be complicated, it is clear he aided in her revenge and offered solace while she was imprisoned. After several episodes, Yeon Hwa discovers Kang Wook's true identity but their fate together remains unclear.

Despite my personal hope that they would end up together, the story took a harsh turn when he sacrificed himself to save her son. In the final episode, Yeon Hwa is seen riding her bike and looking up to the sky with a smile on her face after she mails a postcard. This indicates that Kang Wook still holds a special place in her heart. It's a bittersweet ending, as some fans wished for Yeon Hwa to end up with Yoon Jae due to their child, but I wished that Kang Wook had survived.

Final Thoughts

"Yellow Boots" ("Ice Adonis") is one of the best melodramas I have ever seen. Its plot, characters, soundtrack, and themes combine to create a show that is emotional, intense, and impactful. Despite its length, the drama doesn't become too dull. Instead, it can keep you invested in the story until the very end. 

Ice Adonis flower can survive the harsh weather and whatever happens to it.

Image credits: Original authors