This review may contain spoilers
Amazing youth drama that's worth to watch
Spoilers ahead.This is one of the best youth k drama I have ever watched in a while. It definitely made me cry multiple times and the interactions of the two couples were so sweet. The message this show was trying to deliver is meaningful and touching.
The problem that I also face when I watch this show is also the pacing issues. not everything was concluded in the last episode and left with a lot of plot holes. For example.
Revolving Eun Yu and Segyeong:
How is the real Choi Segyeong doing in the US when Oh Eun Yu was impersonating her in Korea? How did Choi Segyeong and her husband's life change in 2023? Did Segyeong and Eun Yu's perspective and misunderstandings resolve? How is Eun Yu's fear of playing the cello and being the trophy of her mother resolve? Did Segyeong reconcile with Mr.Jonathan? Did Segyeong come back from US earlier?
(Since the real Segyeong was pretty much not really involved during half of the story, I really wanted to know how her life and perspective was changed despite not seeing the main characters in Korea during 1995)
Mr Jonathan and Eun Gyeol:
Did Eun Gyeol see him in the present? Did he not commit suicide anymore? Did he reconcile with his daughter?
Eun Ho ( I was kinda hoping he was a main character since he connected some of the dots of the story and he seems interesting but oh well):
What happened to Eun Ho and Eun Yu's relationship in 2023 at the end? How was Eun Ho and Eun Yu's relationship before the time slip? Is he still doing taekwondo?
(I'm sorry if you got heartbroken Eun Ho :( )
Yi Chan and Cheong Ah:(also with the rest of the band)
What happened to them after Yi Chan lost his hearing? How did they grow after that? Did the band disband?
What happened to the contest? What happened to grandma?
That's all. Thanks for reading my review xoxo. :3
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Youthful memory
I’ve been hearing about how good this drama is. It was on my watchlist but never really had the chance to watch it til Monday this week during my day off. I literally binged it.I love it! The story. Chemistry. Family. Conflict. And the perseverance.
I don't really know how to explain it but this drama is very inspiring and has good meaning about life.
I'm thankful for the inspiration and motivation for life.
This drama has definitely inspired me to go for it rather than miss the opportunity.
The story about impaired hearing is very inspiring!
The quote that Chan said to Cheo is
“You don't enjoy music with just your ears. Music makes you feel with your eyes, mind and heart.” ep 12.
This drama gave me an open view of people who are struggling. And that we should be thankful for what we have. We're all struggling in life however, there are ways to overcome those difficulties. Ways to make life fun by being positive. Going out. Hanging with friends and family.
Very youthful.
The acting was amazing! I love the cast! I love the 1995 group and the 2023 group. I'm happy I get to see Choi Hyun Wook act as a student again. I miss 25-21!🥹🥹
Thankful for their amazing acting! The way they acted while doing the sign language must be hard! Truly a work of art!
The singing! Guitarist! AHHHH
22:45pm 12/6/23
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Worth to watch
Actually at first I didn't expect that I will love it but each epidode become better and I was wauting for next ep (what these days are rare for me for other kdramas, they don't make me curious to wiat for the rest). The acting was so good. It was so satisfying. If you love romcom and a refreshing kdrams it's for you.But something miss at the end. Everything with the ML character was clear but for the FL not. What happen to her in future? The relationship between her mother and her dad ??? And also her mother and his dad? What she could change in future?
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Best 2023 K-Drama
Before i get to the good stuff, i want to point out the ONLY weakness first. The ending was really rushed, but don't get me wrong, i LOVE the pacing in this drama. There are so many things that weren't revealed till the end which is ashame. if only they could add up to more episodes, it would really be a perfect drama.Now, when i said i love the pacing, i meant the character and relationship build up in this drama is amazing. it's nlt too slow, and it's not rushed, everything except near the ending was slightly perfect! The casting here is remarkable, the family looks so much alike and the couple looks so good with eachother. The chemistry there is everything!! It made people fall in love with the characters, which is a good thing.
Also, family complex as the conflict! Oh man how i cried alot. Lessons can be learned through this drama, every scene makes you feel things, and the comedy here is good!
I have no more arguments. It's still ashame about their weakness, but on the bright side this drama is amazing!! I would definetely watch it again <3
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Make your life twinkle!!
Twinkling watermelon is one of the first k-dramas I've watched and I have to say it left a very big impression on me. I've seen like 4 other k-dramas and they were all very good. What makes this k-drama diffrent tho, isn't just the amazing and creative story it has, I can really feel a connection with the characters of the show.One by one you get to know them. You get to know their motives, their past and what made them the way they are. By the 8th episode, I hade already fallen in love with all 4 mc's. They're all so diffrent but match very well with eachother which makes seeing them interact with one another and become closer, even more satisfying and fun. Despite their obvious persoanlity traits, they also have a more coplex side to them that you wouldn't be able to see without looking closely. Understanding the characters made the show feel so much more alive and enjoyable.
Besides the great characters, I think the show has some great lessons for us. We not only learn that we should not do anything eun gyeol does if we ever happened to be stuck in 1995 (cause he coulda handled it a lot better imo), but so does it teach us that we should do what we can to make the best out of our lives, no matter what obstacles we might face. We should make our lives "twinkle".
Overall I don't have any complants about the show at all. I did hear some people say it had pacing issues tho. I myself didn't feel that because I started watching right after all episodes had aired. I feel bad for the people that had to wait a whole week after every episode that always ends on some crazy cliffhanger. I would've loved to see more of Yi chan's life after the accident happened tho. THe ending might've been a little rushed but there isn't much the creators could do about that. The ending was great either way.
Overall I'd say this was the most enjoyable k-drama I've ever seen. It was fun to make tour own theories about the story while slowly getting the answers you've been pondering. I've enjoyed the acting and the storytelling a lot and it will definitely have a special place among the list of many k-dramas I'll be watching from now on.
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just watch it
Twinkling Watermelon is a heartwarming and emotionally rich K-drama that masterfully blends time travel, music, and family dynamics. Directed by Son Jung Hyun, this drama aired in 2023 and quickly captured the hearts of viewers with its unique storyline, nostalgic 90s setting, and strong character development.The story follows Ha Eun Gyeol (played by Ryeoun), a high school student who is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Despite growing up in a deaf family, he has a deep passion for music, especially playing the guitar. His life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a mysterious music shop and is transported back in time to 1995. There, he meets his teenage father, Ha Yi Chan (Choi Hyun Wook), a free-spirited and enthusiastic student who dreams of becoming a rock star. Eun Gyeol decides to form a band with his young father and names it "Watermelon Sugar," hoping to guide him toward a better future. However, he soon realizes that changing the past isn't as simple as it seems.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Twinkling Watermelon is its ability to balance multiple themes. At its core, the drama is about family, love, and sacrifice. It highlights the struggles and misunderstandings between generations, especially between a hearing son and his deaf parents. Eun Gyeol's emotional journey of understanding and appreciating his family is deeply touching. The drama also explores the beauty of music as a universal language that connects people beyond barriers.
The performances in this drama are exceptional. Ryeoun delivers a heartfelt portrayal of Eun Gyeol, making the audience deeply connect with his struggles and emotions. Choi Hyun Wook brings charm and energy to his role as Yi Chan, capturing the carefree yet passionate nature of a 90s teenager. Seol In Ah and Shin Eun Soo also shine as the female leads, adding depth to the romantic and friendship aspects of the story. The chemistry between the characters feels natural, making their interactions even more engaging.
The time-travel element is handled well, creating an intriguing mix of past and present. Unlike many dramas where time travel is overly complicated, Twinkling Watermelon keeps it simple and meaningful. It allows viewers to reflect on how small choices can shape the future. The nostalgic 90s setting, with its vintage aesthetics and classic rock music, adds to the drama’s charm. The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring both original songs
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This review may contain spoilers
GREAT CASTING
I really LOVED the acting!! The cast either made you really hate them, or really love them, which shows that they did their job in playing their roles. I thought the storyline was there, but it ended up missing quite a bit to it. I didn't quite understand the whole mystery shop guy turning into Eun-gyeol's mentor at the end, and the ending was also really rushed. A little disappointed that being in the past changed how their lives were in the future. It was kind of like they were saying they weren't happy with their middle-class life in a way?? Either way, my FAVORITE and I mean FAVORITE part of this series was Yi-chan and Cheong-ah's younger storyline. The actors were adorable, played their parts super well, and they were just eye grabbing ♡ I couldn't stand Se-kyung's daughter though. It seemed like they just added her for a love story with Eun-gyeol! Overall I rate this a stretched 8.5! I'd like to put it lower, but it's definitely rewatchable, thinking about all the great parts to this series.Was this review helpful to you?
Looking To The Past
The story is about a man who is a CODA (Child of a deaf adult). He must survive in a world where their parent and brother are deaf. He's the only one who can hear in the family as a bridge for communication with the external environment. One day, He's involved in one of the band and become a member but doesn't want to be known by his family. Then his father saw him and was very angry because He didn't tell him first. On the night of that day, He find that there is something wrong with the moon and there is one of the strange shop that appears from nowhere. That's how his journey begins by traveling into the past to find out the truth about what's happening with his parent.Was this review helpful to you?
oh to be young and in love...
absolutely lovely! enchanted with the main leads' dynamic. but frankly, it surprises me that this is currently the number one drama on MDL. despite the tragic loss of hearing of the father, i found this drama to be a bit idealistic at times... perhaps my personal taste prefers intensity over light-heartedness, but i would've loved to see greater depth in the father's love for the mother beyond simple infatuation. great pick for those who would like to watch a chill drama on a lazy sunday morning.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Well written coming of age, time travel, romance that is heartwarming
9.5/10 is my rating. This is 2023 South Korean Coming of Age, Time Travel, Fantasy romance. It has 16, 59-73 minute episodes.First I provide a unique synopsis then review.
Synopsis
Han Eun Gyeol (Reyoun, Go Yoon-hwan) grew up in a household where the other family members, his dad, mom and older brother were all deaf and he acted as the interpreter and spokesperson for his entire family. It was a large burden for a young person, so he found refuge in the company of a grandfather figure who taught him to pay guitar at a local music shop. Growing up, he continues to pursue guitar but keeps it a secret as his father, Ha Yi Chan (Choi Hyun Wook) is determined his son become a doctor, or something else, to elevate the status of the family. Just when Eun Gyeol’s secret is discovered by his father, and they are amid a huge falling out, Eun Gyeol is transported back in time to 1995. A magical music store appears, because it has musical instruments he goes in, sells one of his guitars, then he steps out back in time. In the past, he encounters the younger version of his father, who is forming a band but is also very interested in a beautiful but icy cellist, Se Keyong (Seol In Ah) who is problematically not Eun Gyeol’s mother. To get his mother, Cheong Ah (Shin Eun Soo) and father together Eun Gyeol he has to join his father’s band and make it successful. Will he succeed in uniting his parents in this new past and can he return to his own timeline?
Review
I did not fully read the description before starting this series, so I was surprised it turned into a time travel show. I thought the main element was just going to be a family where most of the members were deaf. That would have been enough to write a compelling story, so when it switched to time travel, I was surprised. The switch from a family centered drama to a time traveling drama, would have been okay, but I did not feel they did it well. It was confusing a lot of times. The switches back in forth in time were not very clear at times. But then it got really good. It had a bit of a rough start, but the latter half of the series was very good. There were a few, relatively minor, issues in terms of time travel concepts. I liked it a lot and I am not a huge fan of time travel. The romance was not completely central to the story, it was more focused on the family relationships. But there were two very heartwarming romances. I liked this a lot, would definitely rewatch it and recommend it to anyone that likes time travel, romance, stories about musicians, magical content, or are fans of any of the actors.
Spoilers
I am not a fan of time travel series. I like things to happen in the order they occur. Switching back and forth between timelines can be confusing and I felt like this story suffered a lot in that process. For instance, when the younger version of the dad was first introduced, we were simultaneously following the main guy in the current time and I kept wondering who that character was and how they fit into the story. We hadn’t yet been introduced to the time travel so I was not considering the possibility it could be a younger version of one of the characters. After the big reveal on time travel, and I realized that was the younger version of the father, I had to mentally review what happened with that character. There were times when, rather than just abruptly change the scene to something that transpired earlier, they could have had a character reflect back so it was clearer the events happened in the past. Instead they just throw a scene in with past events and you wonder if that is present or past.
I found it annoying how oblivious the main character was to the fact that the people, in the past version of themselves, would not know who he was. I get it would be exciting to come across a young version of a parent, other relative, or close friend but you would have to temper that with the knowledge they haven’t lived the future yet. If they were time travelers too, sure call someone “dad” or “ajumma” but if you call someone that, who you are a stranger to, they will think you are crazy. And he didn’t just call them like that once, realize his error, and act like you would towards someone you just met, he continued to call them familiar titles. He persisted even when the person would say I don’t know you or why are you calling me that. I’m like dude they don’t know who you are. No wonder he is running from you, you seem crazy.
The main character, who is supposed to be super smart, not only didn’t realize people in the past wouldn’t know him, he was also really frustrating in getting practically any point across. Like when he is trying to convince the younger version of his dad he can play guitar, he doesn’t say let me play guitar and show you. So, they would be arguing about whether or not he is telling the truth about his musical abilities and there would be a guitar right there. I am like grab the guitar, and do a riff, that would convince your “dad” way more than any verbal argument. But they tease that through scene after scene until they finally have him playing and the dad hears him from a distance. There was the same frustrating situation with the past version of his mom. She is deaf, and the dad keeps misunderstanding her because he doesn’t know she is deaf, it has to be apparent to her that is going on yet she never grabs something and writes “I am deaf.” In both situations the situation could have been resolved quickly. And I get it is entertaining to have that carrot move as you are just about to grab it, but if you do that too much it quits being amusing and just becomes frustrating. And both were such smart people, it is not credible within each character that they would fail to think of something so obvious.
A “hole” in the time travel concept was when one of the main female leads traveled back in time and people mistook her for her mother, she let them think she was her. The grand plan was, she wanted her mom not to fall in love with her dad but with someone else. She was suicidal and figured if her “mom” fell for someone else, then she would never be born. But, the problem with that was, people thought she was her mom, but she wasn’t really her mom. Her mom was studying abroad. They never explained how her getting someone else to fall in love with her would have any impact on her mom’s future. So that was an inconsistency, to me, with the theories around time travel.
#TwinklingWatermelon #Ryeon #GoYoonHwan #JungHeyonJun #ChoiHyunWook #ChoiWonYoung #SeolInAh #LeeSoYeon #ShinEunSoo #SeoYoonHee
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This review may contain spoilers
Very Good Indeed!
This is honestly such a good coming-of-age Kdrama. Firstly, the acting was very stellar, I was especially impressed by Ryeouns performance here. The show also blends romance, comedy and drama in a very good and natural way. I was invested in both romances even though the parents love story hit a bit different. Honestly its difficult to point out all the good things about this drama because most things just work and tugs on your heartstrings. I even shed a tear or two watching it. Lastly, the soundtrack is just *chef´s kiss*. That being said, it does have a few flaws in my opinion which takes it down a bit.What did not work as well imo:
- The first 2 episodes did not grab my attention, I was genuinely considering watching something else instead, happy I didn´t though.
- The show was a bit frustrating at times, with all the misunderstandings etc.
- I honestly wish they had ended it in a different way. It´s supposed to be a happy ending but I honestly felt a bit sad (not in a bittersweet way), because like...Eun Gyeol kinda missed out on his entire childhood? All his childhood memories didn´t matter in the end. Also I think it kinda went against the ethos of the drama. Because they had a happy life despite all the struggles, but now they ended up basically in the same way but rich? I think the ending would have been a lot more impactful if nothing had changed, just that the Eun gyeol now feels more connected to his parents and is able to follow his dreams. This was also how I predicted the show to end, because it kinda pointed in that direction, but I was wrong.
Overall, I totally understand the people who give this drama a 10/10. I just had a few issues with it that I couldn´t look past. I can imagine that this drama will grow on me as time goes by, but right now it´s a very respectable 8.5/10.
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This review may contain spoilers
Started with 0 expectations and fell in love
I don’t even know where to start from. I believe the cast is what gives justice to this drama more than anything else. I fell in love with Ryeoun, although I've watched him in Adult Trainee I freaking DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM. The story is a little confusing when it comes to time traveling because it leaves some unanswerable questions, like what happens to the present until Eun Gyeol comes back? How did everything change and how did this affect the others? I have many questions, plus the ending seemed a little rushed. I would LOVE a scene where Yi Chan recognized Eun Gyeol as his past friend. Of course there would be some flaws but I think the drama is very close to being perfect. Seorina, Choi Hyun Wook and Eun Soo were soooo good, this genre gives justice to Hyun Wook's acting. The best part is the sign language and deaf people recognition, I think many people got interested in learning sign language after watching TW, including myself. I hope we see more dramas like this in the future ☺️Was this review helpful to you?
