Inspiring Generation (South Korean TV Series)

Inspiring Generation (Korean: 감격시대 : 투신의 탄생; RR: Gamgyukshidae: Tooshinui Tansaeng) is a South Korean television drama series that aired on KBS2 from January 15 to April 3, 2014. The series consists of 24 episodes and was broadcast on Wednesday and Thursday nights at 21:55.

Background and Development

The drama is based on the comic series Inspiring Generation by Bang Hak-Ki, which was serialized in the daily newspaper Sports Seoul between June 1985 and June 1988. Set in the 1930s in Shanghai, China, the narrative explores themes of friendship, romance, and patriotism among young people during a turbulent historical period.

Production faced several challenges, including extensive overseas filming, which resulted in the series being postponed from its original November 2013 premiere date to January 2014. The first script reading was held in October 2013 at the KBS Annex Building in Seoul.

Production Changes

The series underwent notable changes during its production. The screenwriting duties were split: Chae Seung-Dae wrote episodes 1 through 10, while Park Kye-Ok took over for episodes 11 through 24. Additionally, casting adjustments occurred during the production process. Actress Kim So-Eun was initially cast as Kim Ok-Ryeon but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts caused by filming delays; she was replaced by Jin Se-Yun. Actor Kim Jae-Wook, who portrayed Kim Soo-Ok, also departed the series, with his final appearance occurring in episode 8.