I know it’s been 3 months since my last post, and now I’m back with a new drama that completely stole my heart, My Youth.
Came to this blog just to post this, because you know how special this drama is to me.
Actually, I’ve always trusted Chun Woo Hee. She’s one of my favorite actresses in K-dramaland, and this time she definitely chose the right script. I just found out that the writer of this drama is the same one who wrote Run On, which I really loved so much. It was hard for me to move on after Run On ended, I really adore this writernim.
My Youth tells the story of Sunwoo Hae (Song Joong Ki), a florist who was once a popular child actor. His acting career didn’t last long, and after losing his mother, he had to stand on his own and take care of his younger sister during high school. Teen Hae was played by Nam Da Reum, and he portrayed the role so well, you can really feel how hard it was for him. At school, Hae meets Sung Jae Yeon (Jeon So Young), the class president. They fall for each other, but Hae can’t continue the relationship because of his difficult circumstances, and eventually, they part ways.
Years later, Sung Jae Yeon (Chun Woo Hee) is now an artist manager for Mo Tae Rin, who was also a child actress and once acted alongside Hae, they were famously known as “the nation’s siblings.” Hae and Jae Yeon meet again for work, and their interactions are adorable. Hae still keeps the bracelet Jae Yeon gave him back in school, and it seems she also never really forgot her first love.
I really love how the story unfolds, light yet emotional. Even though it’s categorized as a melodrama, it has touches of warm, subtle comedy. The flashback scenes of their youth are so sweet and deep, no wonder they can’t forget each other even after so many years. Nam Da Reum as teen Hae is amazing, I truly believe he’s one of the next great K-drama actors.
Maybe I’m biased because I love Chun Woo Hee, but seriously this slice-of-life story is exactly my kind of drama. The writer doesn’t rely on heavy or dramatic scenes to make us cry, instead, she plays gently with our emotions. Chun Woo Hee’s microexpressions are brilliant, and her chemistry with Song Joong Ki, both veteran actors, is undeniable. No surprise they nailed their roles perfectly.
And not just the main couple — the second couple, Mo Tae Rin (Lee Joo Myoung) and Kim Seok Ju (Seo Ji Hoon), also have an interesting dynamic. They’re not your typical K-drama couple, and that’s what I love about this writer, she can make even realistic, subtle relationships feel fresh and meaningful.
This isn’t your usual love story or heavy melodrama. It’s a slice-of-life drama that quietly became one of my favorite K-dramas this year.
Spoiler: Hae gets sick and has to join a clinical trial abroad, separating again from Jae Yeon. But the writer doesn’t make it overdramatic. It feels realistic yet deeply touching.
I still remember when Jae Yeon found Hae collapsed in the bathroom. The way they hugged, kissed, and supported each other was such a moving scene. I also cried when Seok Ju found out that Hae was sick in the hospital. There was no need for an overly dramatic scene, but I teared up just seeing Seok Ju’s reaction, his shock, realizing his brother had been sick without him knowing. And of course, I loved the ending too.
Highlights:
- Chemistry on point. Chun Woo Hee’s microexpressions and her chemistry with Song Joong Ki made me fall for them.
- The story flow: light but deep.
- Hae’s relationships, not only with his little sister Nuri, but also with Seok Ju, showing a unique brotherly bond.
- How Hae faces his hardship while staying strong and grounded.
- Realistic and deeply human.
If you love slice-of-life dramas, you have to watch this one! It really deserves more recognition. Hope you’ll love it as much as I do. Great job, My Youth team!
Pictures: hancinema | Teaser: viu singapore, viu philippines