Twinkling Watermelon

반짝이는 워터멜론 ‧ Drama ‧ 2023
Completed
Aurora Nebula
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 11, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

I wish everyone’s youth twinkles and shines!!

I loved everything about this drama be it cast, acting, storyline and music. The idea that we all want our youth to shine and be full if great memories is what made this drama very endearing. I then thought that my parents were also a kid once, who had their own dreams and desires, who wanted to enjoy their youth and fall in love with life. But the responsibility of growing up made most of their dreams to be locked up in their heart. Yi chan and Cheong ah had to sacrifice a-lot to keep their children safe and happy. On the other hand, both Eungyeol and Eun Ho were understanding and kind hearted children. I really loved how they portrayed all characters as positive even though life gave them so many tough events.

Cast and acting: Hyun Wook is an exceptional actor. You can feel every emotion that he is trying to convey like sadness, happiness, love, denial and acceptance. All the other cast were also exceptional in delivering their dialogues and emotions. Moreover, the chemistry between each cast is so good. It made me attached to watermelon sugar. Also loved the relationship between 1995 Yi chan and Eun gyeol.

Story: Although time travel plot is nothing new in kdrama world, I would say the story is definitely unique. I had gotten some spoilers from SNS, so some plot twists were not jawdropping for me, but for those who haven’t seen any spoilers, I’m sure you will be shocked. I really liked the whole setting of the drama which was in 1995. To be able to see your parents youth where something major in their life happens would be so cool. I cried ugly tears while watching the last episode because I got really attached to every characters. To see how all the band mates were still together in 2023 and how it transitioned to their youth days made me weep so hard. I also thought about how my youth will go someday and all I’ll have is memories of it to reminisce.
I wouldn’t say that romance is the main theme of this drama, since it mainly revolves around Eun gyeol trying to fix his parents destiny, but nonetheless the love story of both leads is really adorable. I wish we got to see more in depth about Eun gyeol and Se gyeong’s relationship in 2023 and how things patched up between Yichan and Cheong ah after the accident.

So to all those who are debating whether to watch this drama or not, I strongly recommend you to give this drama a try. I love that this drama has all the elements like romance, slice of life, comedy, family love, friendship and brotherhood. You will really love this drama.

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Completed
TinyChan
0 people found this review helpful
21 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A touching, uplifting drama that strikes the right chord between laughter and tears.

Twinkling Watermelon is a heartwarming fantasy youth drama about a musically gifted boy who accidentally time-travels to the 1990s and meets his teenage father. It beautifully blends comedy, music, and heartfelt family moments, with standout performances from Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, and Seol In-ah. The story balances youthful romance with deeper themes of family, dreams, and reconciliation, making it both fun and emotional.
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Completed
NyxLuna
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 9, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

I was expecting a different ending-SPOILERS****

****SPOILERS AHEAD***


Since the whole show deals with the value of family and understanding that your parents were also young once, I really didnt expect the ending to be so based on career "success". The main character ends up being famous but he doesnt even know how he got there, hasnt even lived through it, Also, his parents would be completely different people since their lives have been different so i wonder, wouldnt that be disappointing for the main character? how is that a happy ending? I wish they had focused more on whats important: love, family and not on materialistic stuff

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Completed
Kannadin
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 7, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

STRONG pacing issues, engaging storylines resolved off-screen and a very rushed ending.

So finally finished this... Can't believe it took me this long... But I struggled with the first 4 episodes... then was entertained up to episode 10... and then for some unknown reason slugged through the last 6 episodes.
I really wish I liked this as much as everybody else but for some reason this show wasn't "it" for me. I can't say it's a bad show... But reading other negative reviews... I finally was able to put my finger on what made me struggle with this show:

1. The pacing
2. The pacing
3. The pacing

Basically, this show was really good at creating interesting and engaging storylines but then didn't give enough time to them. It spent too much time on the less engaging ones. It didn't deliver on the romantic front for both couple... It was better on the friendship and youthful aspect, but it didn't deliver at all on the most interesting storylines created such at the relationship between Cheong Ah and her father nor between Se Kyung and her daughter or Se Kyung and her father or Se Kyung and her adoptive parents。 I'd rather they didn't introduce these conflicts if they had no intention of giving them a proper amount of time to be resolved in a satisfactory way... when there was a resolution for that matter because some questions are just... not answered. Yes I'm frustrated.

The end was rushed so that's another minus.

Now, most people really enjoyed the show and were able to get over it in spite of its flaws... And I get it, some of my favorites have plotholes and flaws I just disregarded because ultimately these shows delivered on what I cared most... But this show didn't. It introduced lots of storylines and only delivered on those I cared the least while giving some off-screen resolution if any to the ones I cared the most.

This made each episode feel really really overly long to me.

I know I'm part of the minority so don't let my opinion deter you from watching it. I still gave it a 7 which in my book means that it was enjoyable in some way.

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Completed
sunny4ever
2 people found this review helpful
Oct 9, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

Twinkling Watermelon is absolutely the best drama of the year for me.

Main Actors—Ryeo Un (Secret Romantic Guesthouse) and Choi Hyun-Wook (Twenty five Twenty One, Weak Hero Class 1)

Twinkling Watermelon Youth Music Life Romance is a great concept drama.

A hearing little boy has deaf parents and a deaf older brother. He speaks to them through sign language. When they move to another neighborhood, the boy begins to be mentored in music by a music shop owner. The boy is uniquely aware of sounds, living in his family’s deaf world and he uses his hands to communicate. The shop owner chooses to teach him the guitar. This is a perfect match, because the boy must use his hands with the guitar to speak the language of music, the same as using his hands to communicate with his family. The shop owner discovers that the little boy is a musical genius. You get these rare finds of a drama which concentrates on a unique story. Twinkling Watermelon is a concept drama about Youth, Music, Life, and Romance. This is a youth driven music drama, but it will appeal to all ages. I am totally impressed. It is a high Yes to add this drama to your drama list.

There is a huge plot redirection in the drama, Twinkling Watermelon. I am totally surprised that no one has blabbed and let the secret out. The redirection knocked me for a loop. I will have to write up a spoiler later on. This can’t stay a secret long. I am watching real-time. For bingers, I would suggest to start this drama ‘Twinkling Watermelon’ and view the 5 episodes posted already, then you can binge episodes 6-16 later. It appears that no one was given advance notice, by what I have read so far. However, some want to be the first to tell the secret. With 5 episodes posted, many won’t keep the secret long. In addition, so many others do not understand what a spoiler is. Twinkling Watermelon may tap out to be one of the best Music Life Romance Korean Dramas ever.

The boy is a coda. That means that he is the only one in the family who can hear and speak.

Quote: Music is the only legal drug.

Sign hung in the father’s restaurant: No need for words.

Cast

Choi Hyun Wook—This role is in his wheelhouse, playing a creative dare devil who falls for the rich chick. He is so good in this drama. He overwhelms his scenes. Many have touted the acting talent of Choi Hyun Wook and I am one of them. He will not disappoint you.
Ryeo Un—He gives a breakout performance, which many will be talking about.
Seol In A—She is a veteran talented Actress and once again gives a great performance.
Shin Eun-Soo—This actress is a newcomer and she is a little shinning star. Shin Eun-Soo is given a difficult role, which I will not spoil.

Is it acceptable to use the word ‘Deaf’? Yes, most of the Deaf community do not shy away from this word.





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Completed
oppa_
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 22, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

SEOL IN AH first love of father and his two Son's

I love this drama, i i had no problem with the ending what so wrong with being rich ML mother was born into that family and he help her reconnect with her father, and her only brother become a criminal himself, so it was common sense that she is going to get everything from her father,
only thing i i was hoping was that Seol in ah did not meet older brother first ... in new version
i was hoping for one more ep of Seol in ah meeting ML parents too as her old friends now her in laws to be....

i think there music ooo ho oooo hoooo was Show me Your Panty (MY PS Partner)
Some Nitpicking
WHY does ML only recognize his own parents after knowing there names like i know actors are different but dude, they are your parents and you have seen them when you were growing up they were not born old parents..

You have girl who look like an Angel a real Angel from heaven
And you cast a demon looking man as her father who creepily stalk own daughter,
I loved the scene where Seol IN Ah did not even recognize her grandfather. ( he deserve that feeling that now his daughter doesn't even know him at all)

Our Hero (time travel try to mess his fathers first love so he can be born..
Thanks ML did not fall for mother but daughter Seol In Ah
It focus on music but in my personal opinion it was unnecessary noise..out hero hasn't meet his mother and did not even try to search for her and is focused on his father for so long


Ep 6
we found out all ML care about is his father and his mother was just a machine for giving him birth, this man knows nothing about his own mother and doesn't even recognize her...but is obsessed with father so he can be born,
I don't believe in this love story because his father would have even thought about his mother if he would not have manipulated
Ep 8 our ML BECOME INSANE AFTER he read his mothers name on but fail to recognize his mother before
Now he protect his poor mother and its like she will fall in love with her own child if he continues like that....
yi chan did not love se kyung for sure, after getting treated at hospital dude did not even once asked for her, even after he remembered she saved him...
Fake Lover Yi Chan

How did real Se Kyung know her first love can eat spicy food because she never eat with any of them before going to ABROAD.( she eat with her husband in front of her daughter )
Now he did not give a F about his father who has him inside his testicles. Will follow his mother because she is pitiful...


10/10 for first 8 episodes
8/10 for final 8 episodes


Ep 9 ML started to act like a jerk(become Great again)


Ep 12
Yi Chan dude did you forget who you love that fast ? What a fake lover....

Ep13 Lovey-dovey
ep 14 how ML forget that this Ajushi is father of Se kyung ?
ep15 - ep16 Happy 9/10
OVER-ALL NICE AND ENDING WAS FINE, people complain that why they don't remember him, because if they remember i don't think mom can explain how there second son look like there friend, and how there both son like the friest love of there father...or her daughter who look exactly like there fathers first love..

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Completed
oni san
1 people found this review helpful
May 27, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 10

K-Drama Review: Twinkling Watermelon

Twinkling Watermelon is one of those rare K-dramas that instantly grips your heart and doesn’t let go until the very last frame. From the storyline to the acting, it was truly a binge-worthy masterpiece. What sets this drama apart is how it beautifully intertwines youth, family, music, and identity—while also offering a refreshing and respectful portrayal of the deaf community, something rarely done with such care in mainstream media.

One of the most touching aspects of the show is how it reflects the untold stories of our parents’ youth. Often, we forget that our parents were once teenagers too—with dreams, heartbreaks, and friendships just like ours. This series opens a portal into that world, and it does so with warmth and nostalgia. It reminds us to see our parents as people, not just caretakers.

The friendship dynamics in this drama were absolutely heartwarming, with genuine chemistry among the characters. The bond between the band members, especially Lee Chan’s bright and lovable character, was the soul of the series. Lee Chan, for me, was the absolute standout—funny, full of heart, and so real. He brought so much joy to the screen.

However, while the drama starts strong and keeps a steady pace throughout most of the journey, the ending felt noticeably rushed. After all the emotional build-up and efforts the characters made—especially involving time travel and personal growth—the conclusion didn’t quite give the satisfying closure we hoped for. Important elements, such as the transformation they were working toward, were barely shown. The fate of the female lead’s family was left in the dark, and too much emphasis was put on Eun Gyeol and Eun Yu’s romance in the final episodes, overshadowing other meaningful plotlines.

It almost felt like there was more to tell, more to show—but they simply ran out of time. That lack of depth at the end did affect the overall experience. Still, the show’s strength lies in its relationships and emotional core, especially the friendships and family connections.

Despite its flaws, Twinkling Watermelon remains a touching, unique, and emotionally fulfilling drama that’s worth watching. It gives voice to those often overlooked, tells stories that matter, and reminds us that music, love, and understanding can bridge even the widest generational gaps.

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Completed
AtinyOnce
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 4, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

just one word "EXCEPTIONAL"

WOW just WOW that's the review















..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
p.s. I'm gonna rewatch now 😩😂🥺

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Ongoing 14/16
ems
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 9, 2023
14 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Youth

I am so in love with this drama. Not only because of the well-written storyline and chemistry between the actors but most especially with the PACING. The story isn't dragged out or too quick, it feels just right. Just right for you to understand the premises of the fantasy aspect of the story, immerse yourself in it, resonate with the characters and to be able to feel the drama as a whole. Each episode leaves you with your heart full. I've found myself attached to this drama that I don't see any flaws at all.
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Ongoing 14/16
NoahHyde
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 9, 2023
14 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

This is hit because?

I love this drama the pain that the main character went through and the other casts. But it doesn't only leave us with sadness but with enjoyment, cuteness, romance and comedies. I couldn't wait for all the episodes to come out because it was just too good to wait. The acting of the cast is the top tier you can feel the characters. This drama hits me hard as it shows the reality of a child who wants to be the perfect child for the parents. It shows no children are ever perfect they just hide it. It also shows the love of a child for their parents. I'm glad to say I could watch this drama over and again and I will never stop crying or laughing from watching. Although the acting is insane from the sadness to their chaotic sides this drama catches my heart. I always sympathise with every character. I would like another drama like this. The music scenes were great i replay the songs all the time. This drama has a lot of plot twists and one of the reasons i cannot let go of this drama.

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Ongoing 16/16
mygcheol
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 29, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 2.5

not the story I was expecting

I was so excited for this drama but I just feel like we could’ve gotten somewhere had we stayed in the present. we could’ve gotten a story line about him and his brother instead which is what I really was looking forward too. Him expecting his family not to understand him just because their deaf was something that effected his views on himself and his whole family. We also had this strange concept of being in the past and present until we he goes to the past is when you find out it’s not another side character. once I got the change in the story line I was over it tbh

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Dropped 11/16
XeiDaMoKa
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 22, 2024
11 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

just endure the first 3 eps , after that is just on point

first 3 eps i really thought it was boring , so much so that i had to read some reviews and even write one to rumble a bit to release some frustration , but im glad i didn't gave up , ep 4 everything changed , only after is that you understand the reason , its to establish what you want so that the rest of the drama feels so perfect , the story , the acting , the music , characters even tho sometimes they behave like 4yo , i really loved everything after it , its my third kdrama with 9 star after its okay not to be okay and snowdrop
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Twinkling Watermelon poster

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  • Score: 9.2 (scored by 79,511 users)
  • Ranked: #25
  • Popularity: #33
  • Watchers: 155,944

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