Watch Brilliant Legacy

Brilliant Legacy is a South Korean television drama series that aired on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) back in 2009. The show stars Han Hyo-joo, Lee Seung-gi, Moon Chae-won, and Bae Soo-bin in lead roles. Directed by Jin Hyuk and written by So Hyun-kyung, Brilliant Legacy is also known as Shining Inheritance.

The show revolves around Go Eun-sung (played by Han Hyo-joo), a hardworking and diligent girl who lives with her father and younger brother. Eun-sung's mother had died when she was young, and she is estranged from her stepmother, Baek Sung-hee (played by Han Ye-won). Eun-sung's father dies in a car accident, leaving her with a massive debt and no money to pay it off. She is then forced to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet, including working in a food market and a nightclub.

On the other hand, the show introduces the viewers to two brothers, Sun-woo Hwan (played by Lee Seung-gi) and Sun-woo Jae (played by Bae Soo-bin). Hwan is a rich, arrogant, and self-centered heir to a huge food empire, while his older brother Jae is a loving and caring man who works hard to support his family. Hwan and Jae's father, Jang Suk-ho, was a business partner of Eun-sung's father, and he was the one who caused Eun-sung's father's death.

The story of Brilliant Legacy kicks off when Eun-sung meets Hwan by chance at a nightclub, only to find out that it was his father who caused her family's downfall. Hwan, upon realizing his father's doings, is overcome with guilt and self-doubt. To make amends, he buys Eun-sung's family home, which is set for auction, and offers Eun-sung a job at his family's food company. Eun-sung, who still harbors hatred towards Hwan's family, only agrees to work for them to clear off her father's debts.

As the story progresses, Eun-sung and Hwan's relationship develops from hatred to friendship, and later, love. The show explores themes of forgiveness, love, loss, and family values. It also depicts the struggles of the working class and how society often discriminates against those who come from a lower socioeconomic background.

Moon Chae-won plays Yoo Seung-mi, Hwan's childhood friend, who is in love with him. Seung-mi is a sweet, kind-hearted girl who appears to be selfless, but she ultimately shows her true colors when her love for Hwan is threatened. Her character evokes different emotions from the viewers, ranging from sympathy to frustration, as she tries to sabotage Hwan and Eun-sung's relationship.

The acting performances in Brilliant Legacy are nothing short of amazing. Han Hyo-joo shines as Go Eun-sung, delivering a heartwarming and inspiring performance as the hardworking girl who overcomes all obstacles to find happiness. Lee Seung-gi impresses as well, portraying Hwan's character development with ease and conviction. Moon Chae-won aids the plot with her splendid acting as the sweet yet manipulative Seung-mi. Bae Soo-bin brings depth and emotion to his role as Jae, depicting the struggles of being the eldest son and the sacrifices he makes for his family.

The show's production values are top-notch, with beautiful cinematography, music, and costumes making it an engaging watch. The show's title, Brilliant Legacy, holds meaning as it explores the legacy of the main characters and how they overcome hardships to build up their future.

In conclusion, Brilliant Legacy is a show that will tug at your heartstrings with its emotional plotline and excellent acting performances. It remains one of the most popular Korean drama series, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry. If you are a fan of romantic dramas with lots of family values and a great soundtrack, then this show is worth your time.