The Heirs (Korean: 왕관을 쓰려는 자, 그 무게를 견뎌라 – 상속자들), also known as The Inheritors, is a South Korean television series starring Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, and Kim Woo-bin.[3] Written by Kim Eun-sook, the drama is set in a high school populated by the privileged and uber-rich.[4] It aired on SBS from October 9 to December 12, 2013.[5]

Quick Facts The Heirs, Also known as ...
The Heirs
Thumb
Promotional poster
Also known asThe Inheritors
Hangul
왕관을 쓰려는 자, 그 무게를 견뎌라 – 상속자들
Hanja
王冠을 쓰려는 者, 그 무게를 견뎌라 – 相續者들
Literal meaningHe Who Wishes to Wear the Crown, Endures Its Weight – The Heirs[1]
Revised RomanizationWang-gwaneul Sseuryeoneun Ja, Geu Mugereul Gyeondyeora – Sangsokjadeul
McCune–ReischauerWang'gwanŭl Ssŭryŏnŭn Ja, Kŭ Mugerŭl Kyŏndyŏra – Sangsokjadŭl
Genre
Created byChoi Moon-suk (from SBS Drama Production)
Written byKim Eun-sook
Directed by
  • Kang Shin-hyo
  • Boo Sung-chul
Creative directors
  • Lee Kwang-young
  • Choi Ji-young
  • Choi Yong-joon
Starring
Music byPark Se-joon
Opening theme"I Will See You" by Trans Fixion
Ending theme"I'm Saying" (말이야) by Lee Hong-gi
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producerYoon Ha-rim
Producers
  • Shin Bong-chul
  • Lee Sung-hoon
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time58–60 minutes
Production companyHwa&Dam Pictures
Original release
NetworkSBS TV
ReleaseOctober 9 (2013-10-09) 
December 12, 2013 (2013-12-12)
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This was the first Korean drama co-produced by American digital distribution platform DramaFever and Korean production company Hwa&Dam Pictures.[6]

Due to its star-studded cast and writer Kim Eun-sook (who previously wrote Lovers in Paris, Secret Garden and A Gentleman's Dignity), international broadcasting rights were sold to 13 countries.[7][unreliable source?] It had the highest selling price in Japan among all the 2013 Korean dramas at US$30,000 for each episode.[8][9] As of January 26, 2014, the series has garnered more than one billion views on Youku, China's biggest video streaming site.[10]

Synopsis

The series follows a group of wealthy, privileged high school students as they are about to take over their families' business empires, overcoming difficulties and growing every step of the way.

Kim Tan (Lee Min-ho) is a wealthy heir to a large Korean conglomerate called Jeguk Group.[11] He was exiled to the U.S. by his half-brother Kim Won (Choi Jin-hyuk), who tries to take control of the family business.[12] While in the States, he meets Cha Eun-sang (Park Shin-hye), who went there to look for her sister.[13] Despite being engaged to Yoo Rachel (Kim Ji-won), a fellow heiress, Kim Tan soon falls in love with Eun-sang. When Kim Tan returns to Korea, his former best friend turned enemy Choi Young-do (Kim Woo-bin) begins picking on Eun-sang to irritate Tan. Tension ensues when Young-do also falls in love with Eun-sang, and Kim Tan is forced to choose between his responsibility of pursuing the family business or love.

Cast

Main

Heir to Jeguk Group.[21] He is the son of his father's mistress, but is listed in the family registry as the son of the second wife in order to be a legitimate child. Though hot-headed and at times immature, Kim Tan is warm-hearted and honest. Although he is engaged to Yoo Rachel, he is attracted to Cha Eun-sang at first sight and falls in love with her despite her poor background.[22]
Down-to-earth and somewhat cynical, Eun-sang diligently works part-time jobs to support herself and her mother after her sister leaves for the U.S. She lives in Kim Tan's home, since her mother is a live-in housekeeper of Tan's family. She is enrolled in Jeguk High School on a welfare scholarship given by Chairman Kim.
The heir to the Zeus Hotel Group. Known for his cunning intellect and volatile manners, he is feared by his classmates, whom he bullies.[30] He is formerly best friends with Kim Tan, but a misunderstanding made them enemies. Young-do begins picking on Cha Eun-sang to irritate Tan but he soon realizes that's not the only reason she's always on his mind.

Supporting

Jeguk High School

Kim Tan's fiancée. The rich, chic and haughty heiress of clothing company RS International, she is also known as the "Paris Hilton of Jeguk High School". She dislikes Cha Eun-sang, and attempts many times to split her and Kim Tan apart. She is also on close terms with Tan's half-brother, Kim Won.
Son of Jeguk Group's secretary. Kind, cool-headed, warm, and smart, Chan-young always sees the best in people. Despite being in the social care group, he doesn't get picked on by the "higher social status" students because he is the class president. He is also Eun-sang's best friend, and his friendship with her makes his girlfriend, Lee Bo-na jealous. Nonetheless, Chan-young thinks that everything Bo-na does is cute, especially when she is jealous.
The beautiful daughter of the CEO of Mega Entertainment. Though somewhat spoiled, she is actually kind-hearted. She is praised for her beauty and cuteness. She is Kim Tan's first love and ex-girlfriend, and now they are still on friendly terms. She is now dating Chan-young. She dislikes Eun-sang at first for being Chan-young's best friend, believing that "there is no way for a girl and a boy to simply be just friends", but as the time goes by she became friends with her. She has a protective older brother she is close to who studies in New York.
Son of the attorney general. Calm and laid back, he runs the school broadcasting system together with Bo-na and later Eun-sang. He is also close friends with Kim Tan. Hyo-shin is constantly pressured by his family to get into law school, despite his dislike for the profession. To overcome his family's pressure, he joins the army without telling anyone besides Tan and Rachel. Hyo-shin also has a one-sided crush on his private tutor, Jeon Hyun-joo, but later falls for Rachel.
Son of the CEO of Victory Law Firm, the largest law firm in the country. He is quick-witted, playful and often jokes around. He often hangs out at night clubs and take photos of his friends. He is best friends with Young-do and Bo-na.
The daughter of a former bar hostess who owns 10 large bars in Gangnam. She is Lee Bo-na's best friend. Her existence in Jeguk High School was unremarkable until Rachel exposed her mother's profession, which temporarily halted her friendship with Bo-na as she had looked down on Eun-Sang for her humble upbringing despite her own mother's past profession as a bar hostess. She has a crush on Choi Young-do.
A victim of Choi Young-do's bullying at Jeguk High School due to his "welfare status". He later leaves the school.

People at Jeguk Group

Kim Tan's older half-brother. The son of his father's first wife, who died when he was young. He is an accomplished and capable young executive who runs his family's giant conglomerate. At constant friction with his family, he attempts to rule the company himself, and fears that Tan will get in his way. Due to this, he had never had a real brotherly relationship with Tan, despite the latter trying everything he can to win his brother's heart. He is in a relationship with Hyun-joo, whom he later gives up on for the sake of the company.
President of Jeguk Group, and father of Kim Tan and Kim Won.
Kim Tan's mother and the mistress of Kim Nam-yoon. Though somewhat vain and self-centered, she cares for her son deeply and only wants him to be happy. She later forms a friendship with Eun-Sang's mother.
Chairwoman of Jeguk High School. Kim Nam-yoon's second wife, and Kim Tan's legal mother. Selfish and controlling, she attempts to take over Jeguk Group when her husband falls ill.
The mute housekeeper of Tan's family, and mother of Eun-sang. She lost her voice when she was three years old due to a severe fever. She often gives advice to Kim Tan's mother. She is kind, and wants the best for her daughter.
Jeguk Group's secretary and Chan-young's father, who was previously involved with Esther Lee. He is Kim Won's confidant.

Others

President of Zeus Hotel Group and father of Young-do. He is controlling and violent, and became a womanizer after his first wife, Young-do's mother, left their family. He is engaged to Esther Lee, but he's having an affair.
President of RS International and Rachel's mother, who is engaged to Choi Dong-uk, Young-do's father. However, she still appears to be in love with Yoon Jae-ho, whom she previously gave up on to marry someone who would help her business.
A teacher at Jeguk High School. Diligent and earnest, Hyun-joo gets Kim Won's attention for her sharp intelligence, and they enter into a relationship. But she eventually broke up with Won to allow him to concentrate on running the company. She is also the private tutor of Hyo-shin, who had a crush on her.
Choi Young-do's mother.
  • Seo Yi-sook as Lee Hyo-shin's mother
  • Jung Won-joong as Lee Chan-hyuk
Lee Hyo-shin's father.
Choi Young-do's lackey.
Choi Young-do's lackey.

Special appearances

Cha Eun-sang's sister.
Kim Won's blind date woman.
Lee Bo-na's older brother

Original soundtrack

Quick Facts The Heirs OST, Soundtrack album by Various artists ...
The Heirs OST
Soundtrack album by
Various artists
Recorded2013
GenreSoundtrack
Language
LabelCJ E&M
FNC Entertainment
Hwa & Dam Pictures
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More information No., Title ...
The Heirs OST 1
No.TitleArtistLength
1."I'm Saying... (말이야)"Lee Hong-gi3:50
2."Love Is..."Park Jang-hyun & Park Hyun-kyu (Vromance)3:40
3."Moment"Lee Changmin (2AM)3:40
4."In the Name of Love (사랑이라는 이름으로)"Ken (VIXX)3:22
5."Two People (두 사람) (Remake)"Park Jang-hyun (Vromance)4:29
6."Serendipity (세렌디피티)"2Young3:37
7."Biting My Lower Lip (아랫입술 물고)"Esna3:43
8."Here for You"Big Baby Driver3:40
9."What We Used to Be"Big Baby Driver3:27
10."Some Other Day"Big Baby Driver3:27
11."I Will See You"Trans Fixion2:54
12."I'm Saying... (말이야) (Inst.)"Lee Hong-gi3:50
13."Love Is... (Inst.)"Park Jang-hyun & Park Hyun-kyu (Vromance)3:40
14."Moment (Inst.)"Lee Changmin (2AM)4:03
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More information No., Title ...
The Heirs OST 2
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Story (스토리)"Park Shin-hye4:35
2."Crying Again (또 운다)"Moon Myung-jin3:50
3."Only with My Heart (마음으로만)"Lena Park4:25
4."Don't Look Back (돌아보지마)"Choi Jin-hyuk4:07
5."Painful Love (아픈 사랑)"Lee Min-ho3:56
6."Love Is... (Acoustic Ver.)"Park Hyun-kyu (Vromance)3:10
7."In the Name of Love (사랑이라는 이름으로) (English Ver.)"Ken (VIXX)3:22
8."Growing Pains 2 (성장통 2)"Cold Cherry3:52
9."Heritor"Various Artists2:04
10."I'm Saying (말이야) (Piano Ver.)"Various Artists2:02
11."Dream Catcher"Various Artists2:30
12."Love Is... (Comic Ver.)"Various Artists1:25
13."Logical Love"Various Artists2:44
14."Weight of the Crown"Various Artists3:08
15."Aim at the Crown"Various Artists2:11
16."(별을 세는 아이)"Various Artists2:12
17."Portents of War"Various Artists1:58
18."Dream of One Summer Night (한여름 밤에 꿈)"Various Artists2:31
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Ratings

In the table below, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.

More information Ep., Original broadcast date ...
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
Nielsen Korea[46] TNmS
Nationwide Seoul Nationwide Seoul
1 October 9, 2013 11.6% (7th) 13.1% (6th) 9.9% (13th) 12.0% (5th)
2 October 10, 2013 10.5% (11th) 11.8% (9th) 11.2% (13th) 13.4% (5th)
3 October 16, 2013 10.6% (10th) 11.8% (6th) 10.9% (9th) 13.9% (4th)
4 October 17, 2013 11.5% (10th) 12.7% (7th) 12.4% (8th) 15.2% (4th)
5 October 23, 2013 11.4% (8th) 12.8% (7th) 12.2% (9th) 15.6% (3rd)
6 October 24, 2013 13.5% (6th) 14.8% (5th) 13.9% (5th) 17.9% (3rd)
7 October 30, 2013 13.1% (8th) 13.1% (7th) 12.9% (8th) 16.2% (3rd)
8 October 31, 2013 13.1% (5th) 14.1% (4th) 14.1% (4th) 17.6% (2nd)
9 November 6, 2013 13.4% (6th) 15.3% (6th) 13.3% (6th) 16.6% (3rd)
10 November 7, 2013 15.3% (5th) 17.2% (4th) 14.3% (4th) 17.9% (2nd)
11 November 13, 2013 15.4% (6th) 16.8% (5th) 13.9% (4th) 17.1% (3rd)
12 November 14, 2013 15.9% (5th) 17.5% (4th) 14.0% (5th) 17.8% (4th)
13 November 20, 2013 20.6% (2nd) 22.7% (1st) 18.2% (3rd) 22.1% (1st)
14 November 21, 2013 22.1% (2nd) 24.6% (1st) 19.4% (2nd) 23.4% (2nd)
15 November 27, 2013 19.8% (2nd) 21.0% (2nd) 18.2% (4th) 22.7% (1st)
16 November 28, 2013 21.1% (2nd) 23.2% (2nd) 20.2% (2nd) 23.8% (1st)
17 December 4, 2013 21.4% (2nd) 23.4% (2nd) 21.4% (2nd) 27.6% (1st)
18 December 5, 2013 23.9% (2nd) 26.5% (1st) 21.8% (2nd) 27.3% (1st)
19 December 11, 2013 24.3% (2nd) 27.0% (1st) 22.5% (2nd) 28.5% (1st)
20 December 12, 2013 25.6% (2nd) 28.6% (1st) 23.5% (2nd) 27.9% (1st)
Average 16.7% 18.4% 15.9% 19.7%
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Awards and nominations

More information Year, Award ...
Year Award Category Recipient Result
2013 18th Anhui TV Drama Awards[47][48][unreliable source?] Popular Foreign Actress Park Shin-hye Won
Popular Foreign Actor Kim Woo-bin Won
Baidu Fei Dian ("The Hottest") Awards[49] Best Asian Actor Lee Min-ho Won
21st SBS Drama Awards[50] Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special Won
Excellence Award, Actress in a Drama Special Park Shin-hye Won
Special Acting Award, Actress in a Drama Special Kim Sung-ryung Won
Top 10 Stars Lee Min-ho Won
Park Shin-hye Won
Kim Woo-bin Won
New Star Award Choi Jin-hyuk Won
Kang Min-hyuk Won
Kim Ji-won Won
Netizen Popularity Award Lee Min-ho Won
Kim Woo-bin Nominated
Park Shin-hye Nominated
Best Couple Award Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye Won
Best Dressed Lee Min-ho Won
2014 50th Baeksang Arts Awards[51] Most Popular Actor (TV) Nominated
Kim Woo-bin Nominated
Park Hyung-sik Nominated
Most Popular Actress (TV) Park Shin-hye Won
Best OST MomentLee Changmin Nominated
2nd Asia Rainbow TV Awards Best Modern Drama The Heirs Won
Best Leading Actor Lee Min-ho Nominated
Outstanding Leading Actress Park Shin-hye Won
Best Supporting Actor Kim Woo-bin Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Kim Ji-won Nominated
Outstanding Director Kang Shin-hyo Won
Outstanding Scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook Won
Outstanding Theme Song MomentLee Changmin Won
9th Seoul International Drama Awards Outstanding Korean Drama The Heirs Won
Outstanding Korean Actor Lee Min-ho Nominated
Outstanding Korean Actress Park Shin-hye Nominated
People's Choice Actor Lee Min-ho Nominated
Kim Woo-bin Nominated
People's Choice Actress Park Shin-hye Nominated
Outstanding Korean Drama OST I'm SayingLee Hong-gi Nominated
Only With My HeartLena Park Nominated
7th Korea Drama Awards Grand Prize (Daesang) Lee Min-ho Nominated
Best Production Director Kang Shin-hyo and Boo Sung-chul Nominated
Excellence Award, Actor Kim Woo-bin Nominated
Choi Jin-hyuk Nominated
16th Seoul International Youth Film Festival Best Young Actor Kang Ha-neul Nominated
Best Young Actress Park Shin-hye Nominated
Best OST by a Male Artist I'm SayingLee Hong-gi Nominated
MomentLee Changmin Nominated
3rd APAN Star Awards[52] Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Lee Min-ho Nominated
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Kim Woo-bin Nominated
Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Park Shin-hye Won
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Remake

A 2014 Chinese television drama titled Billion Dollar Heir (亿万继承人) starring Yu Xiao Tong, Kan Qing Zi and Korean singer-actor Choi Si-won was originally reported to be a remake of The Heirs,[53][54] but this was later denied by Choi and director Li Shao Hong, citing the completely different story and characters.[55] In 2016, it was announced that a Korea-Chinese film based on The Heirs is in the works.[56][unreliable source?]

References

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