Kang Joon-sang is a complex character with a dual identity in the 2001 South Korean drama “Winter Sonata”. As an architect, Kang Joon-sang originally moves to Chuncheon to study architecture and search for his father, with whom he has a strained relationship due to his mother, Kang Mi-hee, keeping his father's identity a secret.
Joon-sang is a quiet and introverted person, often indifferent to the feelings of those around him. However, his life changes drastically after he is involved in a car accident that results in memory loss. Following the accident, Joon-sang's mother decides to change his identity to protect him from the emotional trauma of his past. She renames him Lee Min-hyung, and he adopts a new appearance, with blonde hair and eyeglasses, symbolizing his fresh start.
As Lee Min-hyung, he becomes a warm-hearted, caring, and sensitive individual, contrasting sharply with his former self. This dual identity allows him to live a different life, free from the burdens of his past. The transformation also impacts his relationships. While Joon-sang had fallen deeply in love with Jeong Yoo-jin, the accident and subsequent memory loss separate them. When they meet again as Lee Min-hyung and Yoo-jin, there is an undeniable connection, even though he does not remember their past. This creates a poignant and complicated love story as they navigate their feelings and the secrets of Joon-sang's past.
This dual identity highlights the themes of memory, identity, and the enduring nature of true love in **Winter Sonata**. It shows how one's past can shape their present, but also how new beginnings can offer a chance for redemption and happiness.
