Damo: The Legendary Police Woman
Damo: The Legendary Police Woman
Historical Romance Drama
A 20-year-old drama with visuals more delicate and sophisticated than any other
A drama remembered for the line, ‘Does it hurt? I’m hurting too,’ still talked about today.
🎬 Overview “Damo”
Plot Summary
Despite being released over 20 years ago, Damo: The Legendary Police Woman remains one of the most visually stunning historical dramas ever produced. Its cinematography and atmosphere feel timeless, never outdated, and in many ways surpass the emotional depth and lingering resonance of more recent period dramas. The series is remembered not only for its artistry but also for the way it elevated its leads—Ha Ji-won and Lee Seo-jin-from relative newcomers to household names.
Set in the Joseon dynasty, the drama explores a society bound by Confucian values, rigid hierarchies, and gender restrictions. At its center is Chae-ok, a female officer—called a “damo,” akin to a constable-who defies the limitations imposed on women of her era. Though fictional, the drama’s portrayal of a woman in such a role challenged conventional depictions of gender and offered a fresh perspective on female agency within historical storytelling.
While Damo is often described as a historical romance, its scope extends far beyond a love story. The narrative intertwines themes of corruption among the ruling elite, the struggles of commoners, and the eruption of peasant uprisings. These elements create a layered portrait of late Joseon society, blending personal tragedy with broader social critique. The result is a drama that feels both intimate and expansive, capturing the sorrow and resilience of its characters against a backdrop of systemic injustice.
Ultimately, Damo is a poignant yet beautiful work that transcends the boundaries of genre. It is not merely a fictional romance set in the past, but a drama that reflects the harsh realities of history while delivering moments of breathtaking visual poetry. Its legacy endures as a rare combination of artistry, emotional depth, and cultural resonance-an unforgettable series that continues to be discussed and admired decades after its original broadcast.
🎬 Damo: The Legendary Police Woman stills
🎵 original sound track (main thema)
김범수(Kim Bum-Soo) – Sad Song(悲歌) (part2)
🌱 Kim Bum Soo’s “Biga (悲歌)”, meaning Sad Song, is the most iconic track from the Damo OST, serving as the theme for Jang Sung-baek. With its powerful orchestral arrangement and Bum Soo’s emotive vocals, the song perfectly captures the drama’s tragic love and deep sorrow, elevating key moments with haunting resonance. Though released over two decades ago, it remains the most memorable and widely recognized piece from the soundtrack, symbolizing the emotional core of Damo and cementing Kim Bum Soo’s reputation as one of Korea’s most expressive ballad singers.