This review may contain spoilers
One of the best dramas out there
Twinkling Watermelon was a great drama, probably one of the best out there. Every character developed to perfection. All the characters, main and supporting, have a purpose and a role to play, none of them feels out of place or as a filler.I was so happy that the change was not Eun Gyeol saving his father because that would defy the purpose of the drama for me. Instead it showed us that even the smallest change , although it might seem insignificant might carry importance. Also, is Eun Gyeol supposed to live his new life with no recollection of his past and how his childhood was different??
The only black spot for me was that the final episode was slightly mismanaged. The first half of this episode could have been in episode 15 and then 1st half of this episode could have focus on Yi Chan trying to adjust after the accident. I really hate the way we left their younger versions, Yi Chan in a dark place and Cheong Ah unaware of it. It was great to see the older versions and see how the future changed but those were not the characters we grew close to, cheered for and cried with. It just left a bitter taste that we didn't get to say goodbye to the younger versions when they were happy, when everyone else got that. I mean we needed a scene between them to have some closure, what stopped Yi Chan, what happened to Choeng Ah and her father, even a montage could have done the job and answered those questions, but we got nothing and, at least personally, I feel cheated. Also, it would have been great to have a scene with how Eun Yu's life changed in the future.
All in all, Twinkling Watermelon is not only one of the best youth dramas out there but one of the best dramas in general and it’s definitely worth watching.
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This review may contain spoilers
How can a drama be so funny yet so heartbreaking at the same time?
The plot was something new, yet simple and refreshing. It wasn't too complex like 'A Time Called You' (another time travel masterpiece) which I liked because I was never confused about what was going on or who was who. The drama was so beautifully-written that it was a great experience and it really felt like I was in the drama myself, experiencing what the characters were. As for the hearing loss part, the ending was perfect. As heartbreaking as I was during the climax portions, it was bittersweet to see how the writer wrapped up Ha Yi-Chan's story.The casting was absolutely perfect, especially the younger cast who I was immensely attached to during the whole drama. The friendship between the band members and the girls was so natural, realistic and flowed so well. Of course the bromance or father-son bond is something I have to mention because it had me laughing so much- "I like girls!" lmaoooo. The character development of Cheong-Ah was a perfect pace- I loved seeing her character slowly break out of the shell both society and her family made for her. Seeing her accept and love herself, embracing who she is and learning that being deaf is not a flaw, was so lovely to watch that I genuinely cried at multiple points in the drama (also because of Ryeoun's amazing portrayal of a lonely and struggling son).
The only issue in my opinion is that I believe Eun-Gyeol and Eun-Yu recognised that they're both from 2023 too late for my liking. I think it would've been great if they'd had a least one or two episodes where Eun-Yu was just Eun-Yu and not Se-Kyeong. I was expecting them to "recognise" each other and help each other with their personal missions but it seemed more like an individual fight instead- which is in no way a negative but just not the route I was expecting.
Overall, this drama has everything you could want for in a drama: plot, acting, music, casting, ending. EVERYTHING was perfect.
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I CRIED, perfect ost too.
This reminds me of my parents. Although they are not mute, they are strict. Yeah, I sulk if I don't get what I want, but I get why they are like that, especially my mom. I cried when knowing how much trauma the youth of the character had experienced and that reminds me of my mom again haha. I think this really touched my heart because of the relationship i have within our family. Our parents once became like us too so they know the best so let us try to find ourselves our answer and understand them because they will not change that quickly.Was this review helpful to you?
“I will make your youth twinkle just like your wish“ Ha Eun Gyeol
STORY was beautiful! I really like how everyone and everything was all connected in a way. Everyone’s connection was so unique, funny and pleasant to watch! The whole time its like a mystery, you are like part of the journey trying to figure it out together while having the laughs too. Yi chan was such a funny and interesting character, love the bromance. Love how the main leads learn a “life lesson”/see a diff perspective on their parents and grow as a person (extra points to character development for all the main leads). I like how everything turned out from start to finish! Some moments do get slow but the curiosity and humour makes u enjoy the boat.ACTING everyone was so good but gotta give the credit to In A and EunSoo they slayed their roles, especially Eunsoo she shows all the emotions without even talking I respect that.
MUSIC personally was just average on first listen but more you listen and see the story behind it, you start liking it more.
REWATCH VALUE I mean I binged it in 2 days so I def think I will be rewatching it and prob in one go too.
OVERALL It was giving back to the future x lovely runner collab with the best parts. Such a good binge watch on your day offs. Refreshing watch if you have been watching too much intense dramas (like weak hero). If you want a cute high school romance/friendship but a fun twist and a deeper story then choose this!
VIVA LA VIDA LONG LIVE LIFE
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A DRAMA I REALLY DIDN'T EXPECT TO BE SO....
Really didn't expect a coming-of-age drama to be so good. I really liked Shin Eunsoo's and Choi Hyunwook's chemistry more than anything else. I feel like this series did a good job in its representation of CODAs and deaf people. I really love how elegant and comforting this show was, this really taught me about how beautiful of a language sl is and this actually inspired me to learn the alphabets in sign language. So, Thank you Twinkling Watermelon for making my Mondays and Tuesdays worthwhile 🩵💛Was this review helpful to you?
WHAT EVEN WAS THIS SHOW??
The best show, in my opinion. This was just amazing. I can't even explain how great of a show and story it was.Every character looked so freaking perfect in their roles. I fell in love with everyone, atleast twice. This was so perfectly made. Everyone's acting and their character development throughout the show, was amazing. I loved loved loved teen Yi Chan. The way he was potrayed is fantastic. All the emotional scenes were done so perfectly right. They really brought out all the emotions, especially the last episodes. The way the story unfolded, and how we were always kept on our toes, was another amazing thing. I think words don't justify the beauty that this show was.
THE ACTING OMG THE ACTING. FANNNNNNNNTAAAAAAAAAASTIIIIIIIICCCCCCCC
I've got one complaint though—I wish this show was longer😭😭
I wish we could see more of their lives in the future. But I think that is just me being greedy😂
We all have the power now to imagine what would have happened and that's pretty cool too. I just hope they keep making more shows like this.
And big love to you, Yi Chan's grandma😭😭
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IT'S ONE OF THE BEST!!
This DRAMA Is Become so close to my heart it's Just perfect 😭 One Of The Best K-DRAMA of All Time Frr!! I'm in Love it's Like Riding in Rollercoaster of Emotions and it's Awesome 😭 I'm gonna Miss them so hard 😭💗 Highly Recommend! I'm not crying! This is A Perfect MASTERPIECE with perfect story and Perfect Casting and Perfect Music! AND ITS JUST PERFECT THE ACTING IS SO REAL YOU FEELS CONNECTED TO THEM 😭 THE EXPRESSION OF SIGN LANGUAGE IS SO BEAUTIFUL!✨ Extremely in Love! Go and Watch it without thinking it's gonna blow your mind for sure!!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
Time Travel at its best.
This drama was simply amazing. The story was so well framed it was a delight to watch. The actors were all on point. The young boy time travels to ensure his parents do well in life and the story couldn’t be written any better. The innocent romance, the thrilling adventure and the period difference was all very cool. It makes you want to. experience such time travel. It definitely makes you sob at many places so make sure to keep your hand kerchief intact in hand because this is gonna be one of a kind experience.Was this review helpful to you?
MGGO; never give up and u will win <3
Sometimes all it takes is to keep pushing!!!
loved the story, characters, and how the characters developed. I wish we heard the father speak in the future since we know now that he isn't mute, or why he decided to not speak. Was also wondering how the band members didn't recognize the ML but it makes sense its been 28 years since then. But at least we know the father recognized him. The open ending wasn't really open which I loved.
Each episode had something like laughter, lessons, realization, and friendship. The actors brought the characters to life. Among everything thing else, it is a reminder that the moment we start using our disadvantages to our advantage everything will be possible.
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Excelente drama pero...
Me parece increíble la historia, me encantó como abordaron todo el tema de las personas sordas, y la importancia de comunicarse con los demás.Creo que el problema de la mayoría de los k dramas es siempre el final, se siente apresurado, yo hubiera alargado el drama 2 episodios más o simplemente no alargar tanto el asunto de la banda, siento que se centraron mucho en eso y se no profundizó tanto la trama en otros personajes.
El último episodio me pareció como incompleto, me hubiera encantado ver más la relación de Cheong ah y lee chan jóvenes.
Pero es un excelente drama, las actores están increíbles acá, la música y la historia, todo 10/10
Es de esos dramas que te puedes volver a ver y no te aburres. Lo amé. Ahora veo por que fue uno de los mejores dramas del 2023.
Súper recomendado.
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one the best drama of the year
I just think about how the director managed to convey this mix of good feelings, I think about what my mother's adolescence was like and what it would be like if I had the opportunity to see it, I was very moved and I would see it again. I would recommend this drama a thousand times. brilliant actors, incredible script and ots 10/10.I got positively involved with the characters' stories and it was really beautiful to follow their developments and outcomes. I wouldn't change the ending, I think it ended in the best way and with everyone in their right places.
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Back to the Future with a twist
This is a story of what ifs, of second chances, and ultimately of discovering what truly matters in life.The idea of traveling back in time to change the past is one of the oldest tropes in storytelling. On the surface, Twinkling Watermelon doesn’t reinvent that formula. But what makes this series special is that it uses time travel not to alter history, but to deepen our understanding of the people we love.
Its emotional core lies in our relationship with our parents. As children, we often see them only as mothers and fathers, forgetting that they were once teenagers themselves—full of dreams, insecurities, first loves, disappointments, and impossible choices. Through the eyes of the protagonist, we are reminded how arrogance, youth, or simply ignorance can blind us to the struggles they quietly endured long before we were born.
Watching this series reminded me of the song Dance with My Father. It carries the same bittersweet longing—the weight of “could have,” “should have,” and the question we all ask ourselves: If I were given one more chance, what would I do differently?
There are obvious echoes of Back to the Future, not only in its time-travel premise but even in the way music becomes a bridge between generations. Speaking of music, the original soundtrack is simply wonderful. It’s one of those rare OSTs that lingers long after the final episode and deserves a permanent place on my iPhone playlist.
The performances are equally remarkable. Every actor is convincing, and each character feels authentic and fully realized. Their chemistry makes every emotional moment believable, whether joyful, heartbreaking, or quietly reflective. I found myself eagerly waiting for each new episode, and when it ended, I was already longing for the next.
In today’s landscape of increasingly familiar dramas, Twinkling Watermelon feels refreshingly sincere. It takes an old trope and breathes new life into it through warmth, humor, music, and genuine emotional storytelling. More than anything, it reminds us that while we may never get the chance to change the past, we can always change how we understand it.
Without question, this is a series I’ll gladly watch again.
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