Twinkling Watermelon

Insanely promising start, but devolves into stereotypical romcom

tl;dr: starts off extremely promising, but partially abandons deep themes that would make the show unique in favor of a typical romcom kdrama. Still explores said earlier themes and will make you super emotional, but plot holes are evident and there is so much wasted potential. However, the show does characterization so well that it's still worth a watch, but you might get distracted at the wasted potential of the show.

Twinkling Watermelon is an amazing show. I must admit: I cried like a baby in the first and last few episodes. I'll start off with my praise for it before moving onto criticisms.

1) Cinematography was amazing
The cintematography was so so smooth, and in the first few episodes, I was so immersed in the story that I forgot I've never touched guitar in my life, I'm not a CoDA, and I'm not Eun Gyeol. Seriously. Even in the less magnificent mid-end portion (more on this later), it would have been at worst considered a 8-8.5 overall ranking on MDL.

2) THE CHARACTERIZATIONS!!!!!!
Yi Chan and Cheong Ah stole this show. Both characters are relatively 2D, yet something about them just makes me so attached and I was rooting for them throughout the entire show. The main cast (barring Seol In Ah, but just because I'm biased and disliked the character she portrayed for reasons I will state later) is so immensely talented at bringing out their characters. It's something about the micro expressions and flawless execution of each scene that could make me believe that each character is real (also thanks to the cinematography).

3) THE EMOTIONS!
I cried like a baby so many times throughout this show (mainly at the beginning and the end). Every time they explored the relationship of Eun Gyeol and his parents, I would start to tear up. Again, the cinematography and characterizations of his family members was just so amazing that I genuinely felt like I was a part of their family.

While my criticisms may be a lot longer than my praise, it's just because the show (like I stated 10 times earlier...) just had so much wasted potential and left me so much to think about.

1) Music and the implications it has on Eun Gyeol
I'm not going to lie, I digged the guitar concept: it was so sick seeing Eun Gyeol work at something he was passionate about. Nice to see a series where the main protagonist actually has passions, and that passion is well explored. However, it pissed me off when he was praised as a guitar prodigy but the only thing he kept on playing was Pachabel Canon in D. Nitpicky much? Yes, but the main qualm I have about the music in Twinkling Watermelon is: they don't focus on it enough. The first few episodes leads viewers to believe that the show will be heavily centered around music creation with Eun Gyeol's prodigious talents and Yi Chan's strong willpower in creating a band. The focus on music in the first few episodes (especially the parts where Eun Gyeol is able to practice late at night as a child due to his family being deaf, which is interesting because it seems like an advantage but is in reality an example of what I'm about to say) also presents a painful dilemma: the people that Eun Gyeol loves the most, his family, will never be able to hear Eun Gyeol's passion in life. This pain is nearly untouched, and there was so much wasted potential in leaving music unexplored.

2) Time travel brain failure
God, I hate how they portrayed time travel in this kdrama. I was so distracted from the superb characterization and exploration of relationships between the characters by the dubious plot. In the beginning I was absolutely 100% in for the plot, when I assumed that Eun Gyeol would take on the role of Dong Jin, avoid the name Eun Gyeol at all costs, and desperately try to correct the tragic events that happened to his mother and father but in the end, fail to change anything because that's how time travel should work logically. Unfortunately I developed a brain aneurysm watching what the writers decided to do with the PERFECT CONCEPT while taking on a generic time-travel plot that makes no sense if you think about it critically (just search up time paradox). Also, I'd just like to say. Even if you ignore the time paradox, Eun Gyeol's parents in the last two episodes are NOT the parents he's grown to love. He is not the son they've raised for 18 years (or however old he is). In fact, he shouldn't even be there. Cheong Ah and Yi Chan met a lot earlier "in this timeline" (if you choose to turn off your critical thinking skills and accept the paradox). They didn't meet the same way. They were separated. Eun Gyeol's conception date should be extremely different. He shouldn't even be alive.

3) What even was that middle section????
If you watched the kdrama, you know what I mean. The middle section (more like mid-end) was only such a crime because they throw away amazing characterizations, portrayal of raw human emotions (like my favorite show: warts and all (iykyk)) Reply 1988 vibes in favor of your typical high school kdrama amok with frustrating misunderstandings, loves-me-loves-me-not dilemmas, and the pacing of a snail. It would be less of a crime against humanity if they didn't build up the focus on raw human relationships in the earlier episodes, the complexities between relationships that need to be said but aren't even remotely explored in the romcom kdrama genre (except for Reply 1988 and the like). Wasted potential much?

4) Eun Yu
I did not care for Eun Yu's character at all... first of all, her motivations for impersonating her mother made 0 sense. Se Kyeong is abroad... yes, Eun Yu and Se Kyeong are identical, but remind me again how her mother, who is abroad, and is still betrothed to Eun Yu's father, will be impacted by any way by Eun Yu trying to find and seduce Se Kyeong's "first love" in Korea? Suppose you ignore the time paradox. This is what will happen if Eun Yu succeeds: 1) Eun Yu finds and seduces Se Kyeong's "first love" 2) ??? Nothing happens to Se Kyeong? Because she is a social elite, and will not return to Korea until Se Kyeong's biological dad returns, meaning micro events in Korea will not have any impact on her life? 3) Eun Yu is still born!! Also, I understand how romance between Eun Gyeol and another character would popularize this show, but come on: it was so unnecessary. Eun Yu's character as a whole was unnecessary. I felt absolutely 0 chemistry between Eun Gyeol and Eun Yu, and so the romance felt so forced, unlike Yi Chan and Cheong Ah. Eun Yu's inclusion as a character also perpetuated this romcom shift, which I disliked a lot because it drew attention from the unique themes (I'll elaborate in 5 + 6) and to a more typical romcom.

5) The ending + themes part 1
Like many other people have said, the ending is super rushed. Why not cut off the BS romcom arc in the mid-end to spend much more time on building up the ending? Ignoring the time paradox rant, Eun Gyeol does not live his life at all. Everything is handed to him on a silver platter. He does not work to become the biggest boy band in Korea. He never even communicates with his parents and tries to resolve the unsaid pressures and tensions on him being a CoDA... none of the juicy plot from the beginning is resolved, and it feels like the kdrama switched directors midway.

6) More abandoned themes :(
Kind of touched on in 5- Eun Gyeol's conflict with his family in the beginning was because of the responsibility and pressure he felt as his family's connection to the outer world. He kept his issues to himself, he didn't communicate his true desires to his family. It was his own passion versus his love and responsibility he felt towards his family (particularly, his father). But Eun Gyeol doesn't realize: his father is his FATHER, someone he should rely own. Eun Gyeol is not responsible for his father's happiness, despite what the world wants him to think. But, you know what? Eun Gyeol travels back into time and fixes both his. mother's and father's lives (with the exception of his father's hearing loss). So Eun Gyeol is, indeed, responsible for his parents' happiness.

An Ideal World:
I swear to god, it feels like the first half of the show is written by a completely different person than the second half of the show. An ideal world, where the Reply 1988 vibes continue throughout the whole show (can you guess what my favorite kdrama of all time is???), goes like this: Dong Jin and Joo Ma have never been acquainted (even in the future), Dong Jin never sees the forum post Joo Ma and Yi Chan put up but Eun Gyeol does, Eun Gyeol sees the forum post and impersonates Dong Jin throughout the process while never revealing his own name. Yi Chan and Cheong Ah are originally high school sweethearts. Eun Yu DOESN'T EXIST. Eun Gyeol learns of his parents' tragic pasts, and how they are strong people even without him, while connecting Cheong Ah and Yi Chan and providing emotional support. Eun Gyeol tries his best to change anything, but nothing changes. He learns that he is not responsible for his parents' happiness: he is not an angel, he is just their child. Eun Gyeol returns to the future, where he communicates with his parents and chases his passion. They struggle, but in the end, it is organic, painful, the human reality: warts and all.

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One of the BEST!!

I’m going to try to keep this short so there won’t be any spoilers. This is not an epic drama but it will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This also took you into the world of the deaf which hasn’t been done very much.

The acting is superb. The two male leads have stolen my heart big time. Ryeoun and Choi Hyun Wook are just fantastic.

Ryeoun has the most expressive face and acted out every emotion flawlessly. I read that he even learned to play the guitar for this role.

Choi Hyun Wook was great in the heavier drama Weak Hero Class 1 but I think comedy suits him better. He had me laughing so hard at just his silly interactions with his grandmother.

Seol In Ah won me over in Business Proposal and she played her part perfectly.

Shin Eun Soo is a new actress to me but she is beautiful and talented.

No details about the plot. Let’s just say I laughed and cried (happy and sad) several times. I was so caught up in the story and was on the edge of my seat. This was just one of the best!

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B.O.A.T , G.O.A.T, DOTY.

My first time writing a review. This is how much I loved this. I cried when there was a sad scene but this is the first time I also cried when they were showing happy moments at the end.
First of all, a big round of applause and standing ovation to the directors, casts and other staffs. This has been a beautiful journey.
I love that person who casted the actors so much. and thanks to him for bringing Ryeoun and Choi Hyunwook together.
In my opninion, Choi Hyunwook and Ryeoun are of the best new generation actors. Their chemistry is top notch. It felt so natural. Eunsoo, it was my first time seeing her acting and really, she suited the character the best, it was like no one could've done better. Seol Inah being Seol Inah slayed her roles of Choi Se Gyeong and On Eun Yu, I only saw her in The Business Proposal, but with this I concluded that she's an versatile actor. The actor playing Majoo! I was surprised to see him here after Duty After School haha. Gave me quite a surprise with his versatlity. His character likability meter went from -100 to 1000 and actor liability from 100 to 1000. If you are reading this for deciding whether you should wacth it or not, You should really really go for it. Best Drama. (for me atleast).
Contains spoiler:
No. 1 likability of this drama for me would be the chemistry it showed among the friends(both the characters and the actors ). I was jumping with joy with tears running down my cheeks when they showed Yichan's friends in 2023.
No. 2 I must appreciate the writer who developed Yichan and his personality, because I didn't see a single character like him in my whole life. He's just so perfectly perfect as well as imperfect. The fact that after returning to 2023, Yichan's personality was same as Yichan in 1995, which at first(past 2023 iykwim) it wasn't, added onto my emotions.
No. 3 I think I will keep on saying this, Choi Hyun wook, woah he is such a good actor, I can't get enough of him. I want him to get more opportunities like this so that he can show himself. Ryeoun too, he has soo much potential , so he needs projects like these. I could feel emotions of Eungeol through Ryeoun's acting.
No. 4 The story ! The plot ! The big revealation at the end ! woah. The best. This is how you write a story, produce a drama and direct. It was really innovative with both Fantasy and reality mixed. Romance and comedy was also at it's peak.
I love how they didn't change that Yichan lost his hearing(even though I'm sad), because it connects to everything. If Yichan hadn't gone to the guitarist, the former wouldn't have gone deaf, the later wouldn't have made little Eungeol listen to the song and there would be no relation between them cause Eun geol would not feel the pressure of being the only one to have hearing ability in the family since Yichan would be fine too. And that cannot happen since the string that copnnected everything, Eungeol and On Eun Yu was the grandfather. It is really hard to relay what I'm trying to say cause it is really complicated hehe, but if you watch the drama, everything will be clear in your mind.
No. 5 The twist ? yeah the revealation of who the master really was. IT WAS NONE OTHER THAN THE GRANDFATHER !! THE GUITARIST, EUNGEOL'S SAVIOUR. It was so touching how Eun yu recognised him herself.
No. 6 I liked the editing of the drama at the end especially. The Watermelon Sugar band members in their adult form changed into the teenage form in Eun geoul's eyes, his mother Chungah's and father Yichan's transitions from young to adult. It was so beautiful. At last ! omg. I didn't expect that since I expected a plot hole of them not remembering Eungeol. But haha as expected of the writer, they gave a hint that the friends still remember even though they couldn't recognise and also that Yichan totally recognised Eun geol. Happy tears were running from my eyes.
Hence it was a good happy ending. Best production ! Best actors ! Thank you for hard work!!

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Love the friendship/family bond.

It’s been a really fun journey with Twinkling Watermelon, and I enjoyed it a lot. I especially loved the father-son(???xD)/friendship bond between the two male leads - it’s easily one of the best parts of the drama. I also really liked Yoon Cheong Ah as a character and her connection with both male leads.

I think Seol In Ah did a good job portraying Eun Yu, but I didn’t really like the character herself. She gets a lot of screen time, yet something feels missing about her story/character development/purpose. It feels like the writer didn’t quite do her character justice.

My favorite character is Ha Yi Chan - aside from his first-love stubbornness, which was a bit frustrating at times xD. Choi Hyun Wook did an absolutely amazing job bringing him to life; honestly, I can’t imagine anyone else pulling it off better. He makes Ha Yi Chan the soul of this drama for me.

Ryeoun also did a good job as Ha Eun Gyeol. He looks and feels completely different here compared to Weak Hero Class 2, so props to him for that range.

I loved almost everything about this drama except for the ending. It felt like it needed more episodes and a different direction. That said, it’s still a great drama despite some small holes here and there.

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A nostalgic journey with the true essence of youth.

Freshly out of my drama slump, I sat down to watch this back from where I left it and was so deeply moved by the drama, finding it heartwarming and relatable. I got into it soo deep that couldn't stop myself [11eps back to back><] until I finished this piece of a wonderful story. It really is necessary to praise the well-developed characters, particularly the father-son relationship and their bromance. All the actors' performances were also laudable, adding depth to the characters. The drama's nostalgic setting of 1995, with its use of old technology and references to the past, created a sense of authenticity. Specially the pager and the FAX machine. I would have never known how cool were FAX machines until now. All of it was so fascinating to know and learn about. The incorporation of the sign language and deaf characters and their portrayal was so well executed, normalizing their presence. The drama's soundtrack was just another level. So beautiful and pleasantly infused into the story. It really felt like the music perfectly captured the emotions of the story and left a lasting impression. No matter if you understand the lyrics or not, you will feel the song within yourself and the emotions it expresses. This drama really made me realise how beautiful is youth and how much of my youth I missed by not living that time of my life to the fullest. This drama really made me laugh and cry(both happy and sad tears) This drama will stay in my heart for a while. Definitely gonna go into my best drama of all time list. No wonder this drama was trending for such a long time even after it had finished airing.
Overall, I highly recommend this drama for its engaging storyline, strong performances, beautiful soundtrack, and heartwarming themes.

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ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!! BESTEST TIME TRAVEL DRAMA OUT THERE!!!

I seriously loved this drama soooo much!!! It served exactly what i wanted. Teen musical fantasy romance. everything was on point honestly. And it made me cry like I've never before. No lagging, no boring episodes honestly!! But at the end i felt like they could've shown more about their future lives. And also they didn't show On Eun Yu's parents i wish there will be a second season!!! I loved the bond between Ha Eun Gyeol and Ha Yi Chan so freaking much!!! And I didn't expect Choi Se Gyeong to be a time traveller too fr and The end was so awesome!!! OVERALL I'D RECOMMEND TO WATCH IT COZ I'M GONNA REWATCH IT TOO!!!

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A refreshing drama to make you think about life.

If you want a show to put you through every emotion, ‘Twinkling Watermelon’ is the ones for you. I can say with no regrets that this is easily the series that has made me the happiest out of the hundreds I’ve watched. Saying that, throughout the duration of watching it, there was always a mixed emotion, such as confusion, sadness, even anger; but overall, joy pushed through these and became everlasting.

Without spoiling anything, this drama, as said by many others, felt refreshing to watch with its unique characters, bright colours, and cheerful music. Although it discussed some dark topics, such as death, depression, and abuse, the show was quite cheerful. For me, I am an emotional person who loves watching dramas that put me through many emotions, since I feel more connected. If you’re a sentimental one like me, this will always be a show I’d recommend.

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the most heartwarming kdrama that i watched!?

WAH DAEBAK, one of the best dramas this year if I say so. romance, family, bromance, friendship, comedy, heart-warming, time-travel, fantasy are all mixed and contained in this drama. A drama that is not heavy but can make you sad. angry, sad, laughing, crying, annoyed, salty, I can express all of that in this drama.
like 16 episodes can discuss various issues?! that's cool. I just admit that this was a rushed ending, too deliberately rushed. There are still many questions that should be answered in one more episode. imo, there should be 1 special episode, but overall is so worth to watch! at least once in your life😙

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“The moment you give up, it’s game over.” – Ha Yi Chan

I postponed watching this show before it was all the way done. It was so tempting at times because I would see clips of this show on TikTok. I finally got around to watching this drama and it does not disappoint. This show lived up to the hype and many more. Twinkling watermelon might just be in my top ten dramas that I watched in 2023. This show falls into the all the things that I love in korean dramas from the funny wholesome friendships to the cute romantic relationships. It even show the different dynamics between the character and their parents. And to make this even better the music is really good. So shout out to everyone who was apart of making the music for this show. And shout out to the actors who worked so hard to produce such an amazing performance for all of us to watch.

The dynamic between Ha Eun Gyeol and Ha Yi Chan had me laughing, smiling, and crying all throughout this series. Their is just somthing that pulls at my heart strings when a son wants the absolute best for hsi father and vise verse. And with this show eun gyeol is dedicated to making sure that his father dosent suffer from the accident that makews him go deaf. Even when his father say’s meana things to him and even disregard his advice he always comes back to make sure yi chan isnt hurt or in trouble. He really cares about his father and yi chan even comes around to view eun gyeol as a son and is truely grateful for the things that he has done for him.

A couple I really love is Ha Yi Chan and Yoon Cheong Ah there the epitome of what love looks like. Love is a language that need no words it is just something that you feel. So when I see yi chan and cheong ah you can just tell that it is love. From the way yi chan learned sign language so that cheong ah would feel just a littl less alone in the world. Or how he even sang a song using sign language so that cheong could feel include and so she could watch him performe just the two of them. There was also so just such a cute couple that some time it made me want to throw up. But then at the same time I envy their love and that being able to communicate with eachother didnt stop ether of them from falling in love. All of this aside their visual are just amazing like their actors are just so attractive.

Its just something about this show that bring out my love for kdramas. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this show “Here’s a thing about life. It may not give you everything you want. But it does hide a small present for you from time to time. I hope you can endure the cruel hardship life throws your way. So you can receive the present life has tucked away.” – Mr. Viva. another quote is “Everyone just goes on with their lives while giving meaning to their lives or trying to find meaning. They do their best to rationalize their lives.” – Ha Eun Gyeol.“ You connect the world filled with sounds with the world of silence, using your voice and hands. And at times, like you through music.” – Mr. Viva

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One of the best drama in my watching all drama

There is a guy named Ha Eun Gyeol, he's passionate about music but he is currently the trophy son to his deaf parents and the only person who can communicate with the outer world in his family. And boy got a deaf brother too (Ha eun ho) who does taekwondo... So dude gotta be responsible for all of them but his guitar keeps calling him and he's unsure if he should pursue music or not... One night magical shit happens and he lands in 1995 where his parents are now his age and he is now going to play cupid for his future parents as younger version of his father (Ha Yi Chan) is a lively youngster who is in a band, is chasing a popular girl, has no interest in studies or Eun Gyeol's future mother (Cheong Ah)

Twinkling watermelon is another sunshine kinda, wholesome, cute cum melodramatic sometimes yet funny and enjoyable youth drama that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.

This show has a lot of music, dramatic comedy (often overdramatic with exaggerated expressions but trust me it will make you smile), two cute couples and a bunch of high schoolers who would apparently form a band and great friendships (usual to such youth dramas).

What I loved the most in this drama is Yoon Cheong Ah, the bunny girl who is literally the word "cute". A deaf girl who has not received much warmth growing up but she isn't all weak and tries to protect herself in whatever ways possible. I love how they chose the right actress Shin Eun Soo for this role because her smile is honestly all pretty and as worthy as Eun Gyeol talks about in some scenes.

Younger Ha Yi Chan acted by Choi Hyun Wook was again a bonus because we know he's great at portraying this funky outgoing guy vibe. Chemistry of Ha Yi chan and Cheong Ah was also so mushy and natural that made me root for them all along... Ryeom and Seol in ah also did a convincing job at their roles... haven't seen Ryeom before but he was good at acting all those frustrating scenes when he had to face the mess of his time travel.

Also I don't think I need to mention this but you gotta love the father-son duo, be it 2023 or 1995, you'll love how they fight, bicker, protect or kick each other or have emotional conversations. They're simply adorable.

A noteworthy character here is Yi Chan's grandmother acted by Go Doo Shim. Loved her positive presence throughout the show... somehow this show is such a comfort watch thing and quite entertaining if you end up liking the characters. I watched it as it aired so I actually become reluctant towards the end that like "is it really ending tomorrow? I'll miss them"

You'll get the suspense of "if Ha Eun Gyeol can make things right" as a bonus. The ending might have raised questions but most of the major questions were answered in micro details while some mysteries like the time travel link, the shop Viva Music are better left unanswered (because I don't think a satisfying backstory or explanation can be built for that) so its better being left like that.

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The best tv drama of 2023

Twinkling Watermelon was a great surprise for me this year! It’s the best drama of 2023, no doubt! I didn’t expected that I’d like so much this perfection of a show. The plot, the characters and everything else made this so special and incredible, it’s really amazing. The relationship between father and son, the main plot of the series, is something beautiful. Every scene with them had comedy, drama, and so many other things that only if you watch it you’ll understand. It’s so hilarious when have to be, emotional and good as well. I lost count of how many times I’ve watched these two.
It’s a drama that talks about deaf people, a family with a CODA (child of deaf adults) and time traveling. I know, it seems like they have many informations, but I guarantee you, everything makes sense for the purpose of the show.
And it was the end. I’m still not prepared for it. I’m so sad. I feel so attached to this characters. My precious Ha Yi Chan, you were one of the best characters on a tv show of all time, I love you so much. My awesome father/son duo, Yi Chan and Eun Gyeol, I’ll never forget you guys, you were the best thing that happened in this drama. Thank you for everything. Ok I’m crying lol. Twinkling Watermelon, forever in my heart.

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