The Heirs (Korean: 상속자들; Japanese: 相続者たち) is a youth love story about the conflicts, youth and romance of chaebol heirs — "If you wish to wear the crown, bear its weight." Starring Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye, it was a huge hit across Asia. The writer is Kim Eun-sook, of Secret Garden and Goblin.
📺 Drama Info
| Broadcast | October 9 – December 12, 2013 (SBS, Korea) |
| Episodes | 20 |
| Genre | Youth love story / chaebol drama |
| Writer | Kim Eun-sook |
| In Japan | Aired on KNTV in 2014, later on BS Fuji (2023) and TV Asahi Channel 1 (2024) |
👥 Main Cast
- Lee Min-ho as Kim Tan
- Park Shin-hye as Cha Eun-sang
- Kim Woo-bin as Choi Young-do
- Krystal (f(x)) as Lee Bo-na
- Kang Min-hyuk (CNBLUE) as Yoon Chan-young
- Kim Ji-won as Yoo Rachel
- Kang Ha-neul as Lee Hyo-shin
- Park Hyung-sik (ZE:A) as Jo Myung-soo
📖 Plot (no spoilers)
Kim Tan, a high-school student and the heir of the Jeguk Group, is an illegitimate son with no place in his own family. While studying in the U.S., he meets Cha Eun-sang, a girl from a poor family.
The two meet again at the elite Jeguk High School in Korea. Despite class differences and interference from those around them, Tan and Eun-sang are slowly drawn to each other.
✨ Three Reasons to Watch
- Lee Min-ho's overbearing but awkward heir — behind the strong attitude is a lonely Tan; the gap between his wistful gaze and smile captivated many viewers
- A star-studded young cast — Kim Woo-bin, Kang Ha-neul, Park Hyung-sik and Kim Ji-won, who are now leads, appear in their younger days
- A treasury of memorable lines — characteristic of writer Kim Eun-sook, with deep friendship and family conflicts as well as aching romance
Kim Ji-won is also in the cast of Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia, and Park Hyung-sik has a fan concert in Tokyo — see our guide.
🎬 Where to Watch in Japan
As of October 2026 it was listed on U-NEXT, Hulu, Disney+, Netflix and Lemino (all included). Availability changes; please check each service.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Heirs have?
20 episodes.
Who stars in The Heirs?
Lee Min-ho (Kim Tan) and Park Shin-hye (Cha Eun-sang), with Kim Woo-bin, Krystal, Kang Min-hyuk, Kim Ji-won, Kang Ha-neul and Park Hyung-sik.
When did The Heirs air?
From October 9 to December 12, 2013 on SBS in Korea.
Who wrote The Heirs?
Kim Eun-sook, who also wrote Secret Garden and Goblin.
Where can I watch it in Japan?
As of October 2026: U-NEXT, Hulu, Disney+, Netflix and Lemino (availability may change).
Based on information as of October 2026. Streaming availability changes — please check each service.