Stairway to Heaven (2003-South Korea-SBS)

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Drama: Stairway to Heaven / Stairway to Paradise
Revised romanization: Cheongookeui gyedan
Hangul: 천국의 계단
Director: Lee Jang-Soo
Writer: Park Hye-Kyeong, Moon Hee-Jung, Kim Nam-Hee
Network: SBS
Episodes: 20
Release Date: December 3, 2003 - February 5, 2004
Runtime: Wed & Thurs 21:55
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot

Song-Joo (Kwon Sang-woo) and Jung-Seo (Choi Ji-woo) were destined to be together even before they were born. Both of their parents were close friends, they have almost grown up together since their childhood. They even looked alike as if they were twins. They even try not to be sick because one may worry the other. Song-Joo, being the only son of a multi-national cooperation, begins his business training and prepares himself to study abroad. Before Song-Joo’s departure, Jung-Seo and Song-Joo exchange necklaces as if they are exchanging parts of their souls. Time passes and Song-Joo returns from his studies to get back with Jung-Seo. But a tragic accident happens. Jung-Seo gets hit by Yoo-ri’s car and suffers amnesia. Jung-Seo doesn’t remember Song-Joo, who she loves the most and is not even able to identify his existence. She does not even remember her name…

Cast



Kwon Sang-Woo	Choi Ji-Woo	Shin Hyeon-Jun	Kim Tae-Hee
Cha Song-Joo	Han Jung-Seo	Han Tae-Hwa	Han Yu-Ri



Baek Sung-Hyun	Park Shin-Hye	Lee Wan	Park Ga-Ryeong
Cha Song-Joo (young)	Han Jung-Seo (young)	Han Tae-Hwa (young)	Han Yu-Ri (young)



Ha Jae-Yeong	Kim Ji-Sook
Professor Han	Min Seo-Hyun

Additional Cast Members:

Lee Whee-Hyang - Tae Mi-Ra
Jung Han-Yong
Park Young-Ji
Lee Tae-Seung - Cha Song-Joo's friend

Comments

Fred Cordiano Apr 30 2026 10:39 pm How can you not love this Love Triangle. I adore the Drama

Stumpd Dec 16 2023 7:33 am One of the saddest stories ever told, and one of the best stories ever told. A classic masterpiece. If you do not shed tears, your not human. ya this is Kdrama.. but i am comparing it to every story ever told! I've watched it 3x and will probably watch it again.

Heyjay Aug 01 2023 10:59 pm Watching this in 2023 is so annoying, the lead actress is so frustrating and shallow. She’s the most shallow character have ever seen in Kdrama, the writer doesn’t do justice to her character.

Akiraryuhanna Feb 14 2022 2:49 am I came after crash landing on you, but it actually reminiscing my childhood growing up watching kdrama. This stairway to heaven actually published during my primary school. At that time, I did feel much sadness love but now I totally understand and hate yoo ri ?

underrated gems Sep 01 2021 10:24 pm 9/10

ally Jan 26 2021 9:51 pm my mother told me abt this show so im starting to watch it and i love the goofyness and the times where they r there foreachother and tae hwa always asking jung seo do u like me or not? even until they are all grown up lol 10/10 so far i will come back when i finished the show my 1st kdrama was "Boys Over Flowers" kdrama version its my fav kdrama so far if u like this show watch 2009 korean version of Boys Over Flowers the music is amazing the love and empathy you will enjoy it

Oi Jan 22 2021 6:11 am I hate jungseo father

Ted C Nov 18 2020 10:40 pm I am currently enjoying this series. But I have rarely seen a character as frustrating, slow-witted, and unrealistic as Jung-Seo's father - the guy who is supposed to be a "professor". A "professor"? Really? This is a guy who lacks common sense, basic insight, and modicum of care for his biological daughter. The writers' of this drama truly did a disservice to not only fathers but also professors around the world. Hold on...Is the father a f**king retard? It would explain some of his actions....

Pinku Mar 26 2020 4:54 am The drama that teach you what's the true love. Such beautiful love story. I really hoped that they get happy ending. Cha song Joo struggle is to much I feel bad and it's break my heart.

    Ost are so good. Because of that ost in cloy cameo I watched this drama. I'm happy that I watch it.beautiful kdrama in Korean history.kwon sang woo is darling oppa.

Iman nadieya Hassan Feb 16 2020 12:23 pm Whooo came here after CRASH LANDING ON YOU ?????

Daile Lance Xavier Alenton Labrador Feb 10 2020 3:12 am Congrats ju-muk from crash landing on you finally meeting his idol <3

Api MinHo Nov 09 2019 10:10 pm Cant stop weeping from episode 3 till 20??... What a true love story❤

Yeinjungkook Nov 01 2019 8:26 am since the first time this drama appeared until now I repeatedly watched it I still always provide tissu to cry. drama that really drains emotions, and tears .... even though it ended tragically but the ending was very imprinted in my heart ... until now I can't forget it at the last moment of the breakup ??????

RXrxrx Jul 18 2019 10:00 pm I watched it after much waiting because I know how renowned it is in the kdrama world and honestly I absolutely loved the first couple of episodes with them as kids because the acting and feels were fabulous. After making it to the 17th episode I honestly couldn't take it anymore, I mean I get it that it's a melodrama but bruh I have never seen such a stupid plot in terms of running and running away from people, crying all the time and I started to hate the word "oppa" because she said it all the freaking time in that voice that I now recognize as awfully nasal in nature. The OST is straight up daebak and I have heard it many a times before I watched the drama and it's beautiful, especially love Jong Shin's version from Knowing Bros! But rest assured, I will not watch another drama with her as the lead because I am honestly sick to the stomach with that endless plot holes and her reaction to cry a river for everything. Yes it is tragic and sometimes even beyond tragic but after 20 hours it is only an eye sore!

jeg Nov 20 2018 8:45 am One of MUST-WATCH korean drama series I have watched almost 10 times and still make me crying. Such a great actor, Choi Jiwoo and Kwon Sang woo

saythename Sep 20 2018 12:58 pm thinking about it Park Shin-Hye and Baek Sung-Hyun meet again in Doctor

xoxo May 03 2018 10:29 am Best story,out of emotions and very heartbreaking drama

PT Mar 04 2018 4:33 am i should have read the reviews before i watch this drama. yes..indeed it's a beautiful one.. but sad ending broke my heart. like someone said have tissues ready while u watch this drama. may be a towel is good enough as u can't stop crying

CKW Feb 24 2018 6:30 am One of the dramas that carried hallyu wave during its first stage. Was such a popular drama back in the days. This also launched Kim Tae Hee's career even though she was cringe worthy here.

Team 69 Jan 02 2018 10:29 am Love it! Though sometimes reminds me a little bit of Autumn in my Heart

Kdrama land Aug 04 2017 6:15 am I've been watching kdrama for about 11 years now. Rerun watching old kdrama which broadcast on early 2000. The old drama is really well potrayed sad story. This on is my favorite.

Nowadays, you barely find newspaper and used of public phone in drama. It feels nostalgic.

If you love such a heartbreaking drama, you have to watch this one.

Diane Jun 25 2017 3:28 pm If you enjoy being tortured, you will love this drama.

Nana Jun 21 2017 10:10 am I really have mixed feelings about this movie . It was one of the biggest part of my childhood memories . Songjoo and Jungseo are my fav couple , they look so cute together like they were born to be together. Thats why i hate this movies ending so much. uhhh After suffering soooooo much why they couldnt be together . ???

Rory Apr 13 2017 10:30 am I really hate this drama lol, the ost that keeps playing over and over is so loud and annoying, I love the main actor though.. It's only 20 eps but i felt like watching 30 eps... God i hate it xD

lrt Jan 25 2017 7:56 pm This was one of the highest rated Korean dramas ever and for a reason. Great love story that's never boring.

a Jan 24 2017 6:40 pm My first kdrama! What a classic. I've been watching kdramas for over a decade but i still can't stop coming back to this one. I've watched this drama 3 times now. it's still one of my top favorites. It makes me so sad. The actors and actresses were just amazing. It's like it knew I love crying or something because it got me in tears every second.

Don cardoza Dec 29 2016 6:38 pm One of the best Korean melodramas out there Great acting great music and a mesmerizing storyline The addition of Lee Cham as director Jang is brilliant And he plays it to a T the sad storyline had me entranced For all 20 episodes Great work great writing

surbhi vyas Dec 02 2016 10:02 am best drama ever..unique love story..emotional ending.....when you are watching this drama,takes some tissues for wipe your tears.

Irene chung May 13 2016 9:16 am I have seen severak time this drama since 2005, but until now i syill loved it exspecially i had visit the location of the drama made

flower May 08 2016 7:24 am I really love dis drama..and currently in malaysia, its airing on ONE HD.. this is my third time watching this drama.. The feeling of this drama when i watch it never changed. I do cried a lot while watching it. instead of waiting for the next episode on the tv, i watch it online,, I think nowadays, its hard to find that kind of love that both oppa gave to the beloved one ...

uhall1 May 08 2016 2:54 am YES....this drama is on "ONE" right now.....instead of waiting for the next episode the next day.....I decided to watch it in galaxytv....and now it's my third time....

Gosh....I just loved it so much......this drama told us about the meaning of "true love", "faith", and the real world we see how greedy the people are when they talk about power and money...they can do anything.....

Why is it so unbelievable for people who live together for 5 years and not having sexual intercourse? It's not abnormal.......especially when one of them lost their memories and not sure about the relationship too.....is it love or compassion?

Ayyu May 06 2016 5:35 am Now this drama is reairing in Malaysia..i love this drama so much...

Joshua Apr 09 2016 6:38 am I Loved this drama with temptation i really like this drama for those who you hated the drama get a life and go watched your other drama plus i really like the OST And the Extra Special features. :)

Yaya Mar 05 2016 8:44 am I have been searching this drama for a long time. Because i only remember its ost HAHA. The ost really good and i only remember the " Ah..Ah " part and actually i found out it is Ave Maria song in this drama. Really love this drama. I watched it when i was 8 more or less HAHAA. Really sad story as far i remember.

Jamieee_lee Dec 29 2015 2:19 am I'm a huge melodrama fan but woooow this has got to be the ULTIMATE melodrama I have ever watched. Like woooow. Sooo many story lines that always kept me in tears!! This is worth watching the acting is superb. The actors played very well to the point that you can feel their pain as if it's real. Woooow I'm just in tears!! Don't watch this without a box of tissue trust me I've done that haha

dramania Dec 27 2015 8:42 am THIS IS ACTUALLY THE BEST MELODRAMA I'VE EVER SEEN IN KDRAMA WORLD LIKE SERIOUSLY. i'm telling you this is so worth watching. the story will move your heart, totally heartbreaking. the sincerity of the actors are superb, i'm saying the classic drama is way better in terms of showing the sadness. one rule while watching this drama: make sure you have a box of tissues.

Masterpiece Nov 11 2015 1:01 am to those who is planning to watch this for the first time, don't be discouraged on the comments below. give the drama a try. yes, it will drain you emotionally, but it was one of the most beautiful drama ever created. it was not made to make you laugh like the dramas nowadays but it was made to measure how long can you be with the story after the struggles they faced. It was a super hit in our country. It was not something that I will watch a second time, that's true. because I don't like heavy dramas that much but it was the kind of drama that due to the emotions that it will stir in you, once is enough. afterall, it was still a masterpiece.

CKW Oct 06 2015 1:47 pm This drama is why I can't take Kim Tae Hee seriously. Her acting is horrid in this drama. Very amateurish.

The drama itself left me wanting to punch things.

Shinubi Wang Sep 19 2015 1:25 am One of the the worst korean drama I had ever watched. Only watched it because of Kim Tae Hee, 23 at that time. It was so stressful to watch. Among other things:

1. Too many long scenes of chasing buses, taxis on foot. They must be cheetahs or bionic man/woman. 2. Hey, where is DNA technology to prove she was his daughter? 3. 5 years living to gether and no sexual intercourse! Man, they must be Buddha reincarnated. 4. The music. Oh, God, how annoying. 5. Twisted logic. Stupid dialogues. 6. Dreadful script and awful directing. Feel bad for Kim Tae Hee

In summary, this drama lacks substance, an insult to our intelligence and waste of screen time.

mali Jun 04 2015 5:16 pm Ok..so I finally finished this. I gotta say. Yes ok. It was worth it but why do I feel so emotionally drained., thanks for telling me to hang in there. As dreary and depressing and tragic this was....it's ironic that we talk about how unfortunate her life was. She had the most amazing love. Most people don't even find that in a lifetime. She was the blessed one.

to mali May 26 2015 11:34 pm Haha, Mali it is so worth it to keep on watching. The drama has some really really low points in it, and you are around that area where it gets really frustrating and sad. Trust me, everyone that watched it knows what you're going through. I can't promise you that you'll be entirely happy when you finish the drama, but the feelings that this drama gives you and the lessons that are taught.. It is just so good.

What I will finish off with is that you will cry, and you will be mad, but most of the people that you're hating on right now will get what they deserve, or they will learn their faults one way or another. Have fun, and enjoy!

mali May 25 2015 10:46 am So ... I was getting into this I think because the Ava maria ost...but I am at the 7th episode and .I keep thinking something pleasant should be happening. ..I love the male leads character. .but the lead female is just making me annoyed now...talk about depressing...I will watch til the end but sometimes I think the torture of this depressing theme...hmmm is it worth it.

upornpan May 05 2015 7:51 pm I don't like the characters of Cha Song Ju and Han Jung suh in their adult years. They grew up in the rich and noble families but the way they eat, running and yelling are out of manner. The way they play together just not like the love ones treat each other. It's very rude, or else, I may be from different culture. The way Cha Song Ju walks, it's liked more of a gangster than an executive. For me, all these ruin the romantic parts. One more, Han Jung Suh babbles too much during her sick days, very demanding, not like her young age.

Emer Mar 10 2015 9:09 pm I really touch my feelings, I was crying like crazy. This is the first Korean soap opera I watched and I love it. I learn the song Bo Go Ship da!! I love all the music they played in the movie.

Lilian Feb 08 2015 12:56 pm This the most beautiful and hartbreaking loving drama. I really love the story love line and although the ending is sad, I know true soulmates love goes beyond death. Amazing performances from each actor and actresses especialy the leading couple. Best drama in a lifetime ;)

Sharon Dec 01 2014 3:01 pm This drama was my introduction to my love for Korean drama. I have continue to watch and will continue to watch Stairway to Heaven every Christmas. I know the story line but I still get mad, happy and as always I cry a lot. If by chance a cast or crew member visit this site, I would like to say thank you so much for your hard work. I really enjoy this drama. Stairway to Heaven will in my heart be my first love of drama. Thank you again.

Amber Nov 22 2014 6:43 am I'm currently watching this drama very wonderful and I must say it's classic and that I add as one of my very favorite Korean drama of all time. Very phenomenal plus I love the 2 lead stars ms. Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo they really look good together. I love their chemistry. Sarangheyo.

kelly Jul 16 2014 11:25 am this drama has to be one of the most realistic one i've ever seen. the actors were great and on point. gotta be one of my favs.

jane Jul 12 2014 6:11 pm This Drama is really sad and Frustrating . but it was such a good and inspiring drama. I cried so much . but the actors are amazing and the drama is really interesting. I loved it. It' was really good.

SO SAD :( Jul 11 2014 3:43 pm This has to be one of the most depressing Korean dramas I have every watched. From the beginning to the end it was heartbreaking. I was watching each episode hoping for someone to be happy. Not a single character in this drama ended well. Although the drama is sad, it was a great drama because, all the actors did a good job of making the drama so realistic. It got to the point when I had to tell myself that this is not real.

Frosty Jun 22 2014 1:56 am Waste of emotional time! Do yourself a favor and fast forward to the last episode--I did. If that kind of stuff is your cup of tea than have at it.

See Vue Feb 22 2014 4:37 pm This drama is a good one but haven't finish this lakorn yet

little my Feb 16 2014 9:03 pm What a mess !?! - I have consumed some 200 korean tv-dramas, a few exceptional, quite a lot worth seeing, most of the rest not that bad. - Watching 'Stairway to Heaven' was frustrating.

SenDo Nov 01 2013 11:42 am the first drama that i'm falling in love with a really really mean girl 'Yuri' Also the first time i'm falling for Kim Tae Hee <3

Florence Sep 18 2013 3:41 am One of my favourite dramas..even to these days it's still in my heart

Florence Sep 18 2013 3:39 am One of my favourite dramas.. It's still in my heart..

zipcojames Jul 19 2013 11:31 am i love this movie. i was missing to someone when i watched this movie..

rojalin Apr 20 2013 11:57 am i have completed 10-15 korean drama...but i never watch this type of sad drama..i lyk all korean drama but this was really best...i was crying when i was watching dis.from the fast episode we can feel the sadness of this drama...really amazing....♥

kimcy Mar 13 2013 11:15 am omg!!! the story about stairway to heaven was soooooo sad but it was soooooo interesting. i kept on crying when i was watching this drama. the drama was awesome and all the actors and actresess were like . . . soooooooooo good. they could actually bring out the feeling. it was all sooooo real to me. i just love it!!!! saranghae, stairway to heaven!!!!!

M.Fauzi Rizal Aug 26 2012 8:44 pm very very very sad story! and not good at the end......

karlita Jun 02 2011 6:19 pm i don´t know what to think about this drama, the actors are really good but the story is sooooo boring, always crying and thinking about the past, kwon sang woo saves the drama.

lala Apr 19 2011 7:57 am Park Shin-Hye & Lee Wan are adoreable ♥♥

renaline Apr 08 2011 5:09 am hello ang ganda talaga ng programa niyo bilib talaga ako sa inyo saranghae stairway to heaven cast

mary grace Feb 19 2011 7:06 am all these are very touching movie...so sad....i love to watch

mary grace Feb 19 2011 7:05 am pls uploaded stairway to heaven episode 7 and above... and also dream high...episode 14 and above... I loved to watch the actor kwon sang woo....let me know all his drama .. thanks

KwonSangChoiJiWOO Oct 23 2010 7:27 am My mind filled with sadness. My eyes filled with flowing tears. My heart filled with painful aches... Unbearably, I just love Stairway to Heaven. A tragic modern Cinderella scenario, with twisted Endless Love series.. These all were my interpretation and feelings for the series. Too bad I was too young to understand what exactly its story was when it had its first appearance on TV. But now, if only I could return back in time, perhaps, I would have been the number 1 fan of this drama. I love Cha Song-Ju-'pa loving Han Jung-Su-shi, who had loved him endlessly as well. I hate how unfair the story went for both of their lives, but then again, those unfairness brought the undying love they had for each other.

Just watch it. Cry all you want. Feel the love made from Heaven.

KSCJWoo Forever <3

iamsyerah Oct 21 2010 1:16 am i love this story.... there heve been a remake in phillipine version... but i prefer the original...

non sibi May 11 2010 3:01 pm The only son of a multi-national cooperation is involved in this drama, so it must be glamorous. Wow, he inspects the building while surrounding by his bodyguards. Thank you for making such a wonderful story, great actors and beautiful panorama. Enjoyed watching it. Good job!!

@LiCe Dec 01 2009 4:51 am Very touching drama-worth to watch but with tissue aside...

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Stairway to Heaven (2003-South Korea-SBS)

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