Twinkling Watermelon

WOWW✨!!! Unique, Fresh and Interesting! Best newer drama i’ve seen in a while!!

Wow! I highly enjoyed my time watching Twinkling Watermelon and will watch again, and definitely recommend you do too… I kept seeing how good this show was and decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. This is definitely one of my highest rated dramas. This show had a very good and unique theme. There was a good balance of humor, questions, love and drama. I love how this show isn’t hyper focused on the romance. It shows the relationship between Lee Chan and Eun Gyeol , father and son. It shows that our parents were kids once too and went through thier own hardships. I also just enjoyed them simple and innocent love between the main leads. It seemed to be very natural and the actors did amazing !The concept is very intriguing… though one of the parts it lacks is, the ending.Though there is so many unanswered questions and situations left to the imagination. I wish they dove deeper into .

**** THIS MAY BE SPOILER**.. One of the many questions I have is… I don’t understand how any of the friends or parents when getting older don’t remember or even see that Eun Gyeoul is the guy that help not only started the band, helped you learn sign language, (dad) the person you saved and got into the accident saving; you had a father son relationship with, and (mom) who literally helped you from getting abused .

But i try not get too focused on plot holes since it ruins the experience. That’s common with time traveling drama. BUT besides that I highly enjoyed my time watching Twinkling Watermelon and will watch again, and definitely recommend you do too…

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this is the most 2023's adorable kdrama

I'm totally in love w cheong ah and yi chan's relationship CAUSE LIKE SHE IS SO CUTE AND HE YK MAKES HER AND HIM BE EVEM MORE PRETTY CUTE AND FUNNY IM IN LOVE😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 its the most amazing couple this year in my opinion. I simply love the way how he always tried to speak w her and learned it all just for her ITS CRAZY IM GONNA CRY😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 im 10/10 for side couples 😪

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Back To The Future--But More Heartwarming

I finally finished this with my sister and we LOVED it.

I had wondered if the high rating was deserving, and I think it is.

It is certainly unique as far as Kdramas go; the pacing and plot does not feel particularly tropey or cliche in the typical Kdrama way, with a really unique main character setup since the the ML and his dad (who I guess is technically the 2ML) are basically equal parts the ML. We see more of the internal world of Eun Gyeol (the ML), but it's Ha Lee Chan that this story revolves around, and he is ultimately the main focal point.

It was SUCH an endearing premise and so beautifully executed. My sister and I loved how the ML basically acted as the parent his parents never had, and his presence in their past (paired with the love he shows them) changes all of their futures in such cool ways.

By going to the past, Eun Gyeol helped his parents deepen their connection to those around them and build lasting community built on found family, compassion, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice and love. He opened up a new world for both of them out of the fullness of love they had given him that he gave back to them when they needed it most.

I also love the theme of a child learning compassion and empathy for their parents' story (this is true for the ML and FL). After traveling to his parents' past, Eun Gyeol has such a different perspective of the imperfect parents he already loved to pieces, and I just loved how much he cried over them and their hardships, struggles, and pain. (It was refreshing to see the ML cry so often, and over things completely unrelated to romance. He now might be one of my favorite MLs of all time.) And, ironically, while Eun Gyeol parents his parents, haha, he also gets to have a second childhood, learning how to let go, let loose, have fun and do what he loves. For the first time, he also allows himself to play, fall in love and be a kid. (And he gets to do that with his very own dad while they are the same age. Eun Gyeol is a fussy mother hen, though, and he drives Lee Chan bonkers in the most adorable ways. I love that Lee Chan can also eventually see the place of deep care his over-protectiveness comes from; that was a lovely touch).

Some didn't like the ending, as they say it was a cop out and gave the wrong message about what was important. I disagree. The way my sister and I saw it was that the changed future shows the results of the love and care Eun Gyeol gave his parents in the past that changed their stories and life trajectories (for the better). He helped catalyze their growth and launched them into a more secure, grounded, flourishing independence and confidence. Because of him, they had more tools, stronger relationships, and realizations that allowed them to grow into a more stable flourishing. A byproduct was that this allowed them to not NEED Eun Gyeol in the same unhealthy way they needed him before he went to the past, and which gave him the freedom and independence he always craved. By selflessly helping his parents, he helped himself.

Another thing I loved is that all the characters in the past learned some form of sign language to draw Cheong Ah into their world and help her belong. As a result, I think it ended up being a crucial part of the main characters' stories changing in the future. And while Eun Gyeol's relationship with his dad in the past is just adorable and hilarious, Eun Gyeol's relationship with his mom is precious--he gives her a voice, and fights for her to have the dignity of a human and the quality of life of a beloved daughter. His aggressive, unabashed protection of her was just brilliantly and beautifully showcased. Eun Gyeol displays a man at his best--when he's wielding his strength to fight for the dignity and flourishing of those unable to fight for themselves.

It's also nostalgic in a variety of ways because of when it takes place; the 90's setting gives it a slight flavor of Reply 1988 which had such a deeply aching, nostalgic quality to it (the last episode of that drama tore me into little pieces and left me in a puddle). Both dramas do such a great job capturing the lovely, fleeting beauty of youth, and the hope, dreams and joy that accompany it. Beautiful memories are forged in that time of life, and this is one of the dramas that capture some of the quality of what it might feel like to relive those memories.

I kind of wish Episode 16 wasn't so darn emotional (it packs a punch), but it's a beautiful ending, and I think they wrapped up everything very well. The way they filmed some of the last scenes reminded me of the way they retroactively brought Hayden Christensen to be Anakin Skywalker's ghost in Return of the Jedi instead of the old dude that originally played Darth Vader (and don't worry, I'm not saying anyone dies). You'll know what I mean when you see the end.

The cast was awesome, but Choi Hyun Wook was so darn stinkin' cute. He was hilarious, and fit the role to a T. He just steals your heart. This is also by far my favorite drama with Ryeoun, too. He acted his heart out, and I love his deep, soft, velvety voice. Neither ML stole the limelight, but together, they stole the screen. Cheong Ah was a close second in cuteness, and she did a fabulous job with just her expressions and eyes.

Such a heartfelt, poignant, powerful, and beautiful watch. Highly recommend!

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This show felt like a warm hug

Twinkling Watermelon honestly felt like a warm hug I didn’t know I needed. The story pulled me in with its mix of family love, teenage confusion, and that magical time-slip twist that made everything even more emotional. I really loved how the drama showed the struggles of being caught between your own dreams and your family’s expectations—because at some point, I felt that too.

What hit me the most was the father–son storyline. Watching Eun-gyeol understand his parents’ past and seeing his dad in a completely different light made me cry more times than I expected. The friendships, the music, the quiet moments—they all felt so sincere. It’s one of those dramas that remind you to appreciate the people who love you, even when things get complicated.

It’s heartwarming, nostalgic, and surprisingly healing. Twinkling Watermelon isn’t just a coming-of-age story—it’s a reminder that even the smallest moments can change everything.

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A Tender, Honest Look at Growing Up Between Worlds

Twinkling Watermelon is a beautiful and heartfelt series that offers a believable and sensitive portrayal of what it means to grow up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). The show captures the silent pressures, emotional weight, and quiet resilience that often come with balancing two worlds—all through the lens of adolescence.

The story is touching without ever feeling overly sentimental. It strikes a rare balance between realism and warmth, showing both the struggles and the joys of navigating life as a kid who’s also had to grow up a little faster than most.

Hyunwook delivers a strong, grounded performance, bringing depth to every scene he’s in. But it’s Ryeoun who truly stands out—his portrayal is layered, expressive, and absolutely deserving of all the praise he’s been receiving. His ability to carry the emotional core of the series is remarkable.

While the ending did feel slightly rushed, it doesn’t take away from the overall impact of the story. Twinkling Watermelon is a quiet gem—poignant, well-acted, and deeply human.

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One of the best kdramas of 2023

I am honestly left empty after finishing this series, especially after following it since it started airing.

I’ve become a hyunwook fan since weak hero class and started following his work ever since and was so excited when i saw this promoted.

Especially since i saw that this show would be time travel!!! I LOVED IT!!!

The way the plot moved and how well everything was flowing, the friendships the tropes literally everything!!

I cried so much at how well the actors conveyed their emotions and also, i am just so happy to see deaf people and sign language representation. The fact that the actors learned it is so special, it made me want to learn it myself.

Such a beautiful show, it’s a show you just have to watch really…

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The challenges of youth and the optimistic outlook for the future

“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧? 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩. 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙄 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚, 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚.”
– 𝘏𝘢 𝘌𝘶𝘯 𝘎𝘺𝘦𝘰𝘭

I kind of wish I could meet my parents when they were younger. That'd be cool, right? There are some plot holes in the show, but honestly, it’s still a really good drama. It makes you think about how our parents have their own stories and perspectives. I wonder how many of us really try to understand them. Plus, you get a glimpse into the lives of CODA, youth, parental relationship, first love etc . They’re all flawed in their own way, but they’re working to become better versions of themselves.
Oh, and the music? Really good.
It's actually inspired me to learn sign language.


Cons:

The time travel part wasn't well explained(which is a common problem in many time travel dramas.)

There were some little errors between scenes.For example, the male lead has a guitar in one scene, but in the next, he’s ruining without it. Although it’s a minor detail, if you pay close attention, it can be distracting.

The male lead is way too persistent with the second female lead.Sometimes it felt like they were throwing in romance with the main female lead just for the kid's sake. But, hey, I get it they were trying to show that first love craziness. Lol.

The ending felt rushed and overly optimistic. I was actually curious about the second female lead's family and how she’d get along with her parents in the future.

Overall, I’d give it an 8.7 out of 10.

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Super Sweet, Super Funny Drama

This is the first drama in a long while that I have absolutely sailed through because I was enjoying it so much.

The cast is phenomenal, and I mean all of them. I will say that ML's mom from the past, Cheong-Ah (Shin Eun-Soo) did really start getting on my nerves. I understand she had a horrible childhood, but even when the boy she likes finally starts to do nice things for her, rescue her, etc., she storms off grumpy. She stormed off on Se Kyung (Seol In Ah) when they were all at that cabin and I was like, "Wow I don't even know what she's mad about this time!" Legitimately. I still have no idea even after I played it back. That got old quickly.

My only real complaint about this show is that it got incredibly difficult to follow the story near the beginning. and even more difficult to figure out who is who and when we're in the past vs the future. It made things very confusing for a good awhile. Not to mention, I suppose it's a key part of the explanation of the plot, but the fact that Se Kyung and her daughter were both played by the same actress (Seol In Ah), made it even worse in the beginning since I was already struggling with so many people and never being sure what year it was. lol

One more very minor complaint is that some of the plot lines, certain scenes, etc., just drag on too long for no reason. I found myself skipping forward in 10 second increments quite a bit. They had some of those moments where they're meant to sit quietly for dramatic effect, but there were too many and they went on for too long at times. Felt like lazy filler.

Oh, I also wish Eun Gyeol (Ryeoun) and Se Kyung (Seol In Ah) had pieced together that they were both from the future, must sooner than they did. I mean Squid Games? And not even a question from him. Could've been really cool if Ha Yi Chan (Choi Hyun Wook) actually did believe Eun Gyeol about being from the future. Obviously it ruins part of the magic and story, but I feel like that would've been fun.

The ending did seem a bit rushed. Considering how many times I hit the skip ahead 10 seconds button, I feel like they definitely could have used their time better. I wasn't sure how it would work with Cheong Ah not being told by her father what happened to Yi Chan, and being whisked off to America, but I am happy with the ending. Especially that dad got to live the life he wanted, at least to some degree.

I had high hopes for this as it had a 9.2 rating when I started it, and I've noticed people on here are not as generous as I am with my ratings, and I was right. It was a phenomenal drama.

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The best drama out there

definitely my favourite kdrama of all time.
this is the BEST drama out there, everything about it is perfect
the plot is so unique and well-written, like how tf did someone come up with a masterpiece like that???
this show has everything: comedy, nostalgia, romance, family, friendship, time-travel, disability
watching it will really make it get to you, you'll want to start a band of your own and experience a love story like that.
one character specifically is what makes it so special: ha yichan.
this guy is the LIFE of this show omg, he's so funny and adorable, and choi hyunwook did a great job acting as him
one flaw, is the last episode, because its so rushed and it feels like there's so much that they missed in it -- but I see it as because the plot is so complex, that's how they had to do it I guess? it was a vague ending though, we didn't see what happened after eungyeol went to the future for example or why ha yichan named his kid after his friend (son from the future) but..
its such a beautifully written and beautiful show in general.
ill never get over it too
live, laugh, twinkling watermelon

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Perfection

Truth to be told, I had no expectations when I started watching this. It was a random pick on a Sunday evening when I was bored. But God, did I expect it to be this good? Hell nah.

I'll be blunt. The first to episodes were boring and confusing. I was questioning who was the lead, who is this, who is that and all sort of things. But as I said, I was bored and kept watching.

But once he travelled back in time, I was laughing my lungs out and was itching to watch the next episode. I have not once pulled an all-nighter for a show. But I did for this one cause it was THAT good. I usually take upto a week to finish a show. This took me 3 days.

Go watch it people, it is one of the best drama I watched.

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