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A Symphony of Youth, Family, and Second Chances
“Twinkling Watermelon” is a rare coming-of-age gem — a series that glows with warmth, humor, and unexpected emotional power. It weaves music, time travel, and family into a beautifully resonant story about self-discovery and love across generations. More than just a fantasy, it’s a heartfelt reflection on communication, understanding, and the bonds that define us.Ryeoun shines as Ha Eun-gyeol, a hearing child born to deaf parents, whose passion for music becomes both his gift and his burden. When a mysterious event sends him back in time, he meets his teenage father — not as a son, but as a bandmate. Through this surreal encounter, the series explores the beauty of empathy: how truly listening to someone often has nothing to do with sound.
The performances are exquisite. Ryeoun carries both youthful energy and emotional depth, while Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah, and Shin Eun-soo add charm, humor, and complexity. Every relationship — whether romantic, familial, or friendship — feels organic and tenderly developed.
The writing is sharp yet sentimental, blending time-loop mystery with grounded human emotion. The pacing never drags; each episode adds new layers of nostalgia and catharsis. The music — vibrant rock performances and gentle acoustic scores — is the heartbeat of the story, expressing what words often cannot.
Visually, the drama is gorgeous: sunlit classrooms, glowing night concerts, and soft hues that echo memory and hope.
What truly makes “Twinkling Watermelon” unforgettable is its sincerity. It’s about dreams, regrets, and the courage to connect — even across time.
Funny, moving, and full of melody, this drama doesn’t just sparkle — it sings.
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This review may contain spoilers
You own your feelings and I own mine.
This drama was super emotional. Definitely one of my favourite dramas ever. This came out 2 years ago but still remains trending, hand it's definitely worth it . I have read so many negative reviews saying that it did not live up to one's expectations and rushed ending but at the end it's definitely a drama i would recommend to every single person who's a beginner to the drama world.Their wasn't one single mistake in this drama, Everything was so perfect and well written. The casting, The ost, the characters, the writting, the plot, the scenes not a single was bad. The catch phrase Viva la vida will definitely remain in my bottom of my heart forever.
I usually don't care for the ost that much but the music in this drama was so good I added it to my everyday playlists. The the visuals of 1995 Korean and vintage lighting was so good. Overall visual was just 10/10.
Let's start with the characters, Both the couples did an amazing job portraying their characters. The first couple dynamic was the chaotic couple who's always fighting but I loved they healed eachother as the show gradually goes on. They both had their own problems but at the end they found eachother. I never really understood Eun yu's problem her being adopted but also not?. But she was quick to reveal her feelings, and she was so straightforward too. Eun gyeol was such a good character who's love for music is just one top. We could see the emotions of him being the trophy and scared for messing up.
The second couple are absolute pookies. They were my favourite . Yi chan set the standards by learning sign language for her. He's so extroverted and she was introverted. He also made his friends learn sign language too so she won't be lonely, like Yi chan, The man you are!. I honestly need a seperate drama for them.
Their bromance is completely what makes the series enjoyable and funny. The father-son duo was just do pure and heart warming. The band members honestly needs to get the best use of found family trope ever. Their relationship was so funny and adorable. I wish they showed more of the band members personalities we only learned about the gangster guy, he was absolute cutie.
I think the actor who played the adult Yi chan needs like so many award cause he acted so good, he needs a seperate appreciation post for this drama alone, the raw emotions when he yelled at Eun gyeol at the club was so realistic.
Yi chan's song "A Song For You" for Eun gyeol was my favourite thing in this drama cause it felt like he said it with his whole heart. The very few lines he said in this song was:
"Looking back, I realized that this song wasn't the only thing you helped me complete. When I wanted something, when I felt like I lacked something, when I was in despair, and even at my most radiant moments, you were always there with me. You lied that you were my son. But you know what? For some reason, I felt as though you were like my father. Even though I have never experienced a father's love, I got to experience something similar thanks to you. Son, thank you. But in my next life, I'll be born as your father"
This was very meaningful, Him called eun gyeol his son was such a cute moment as he hated and thought he lied to him saying that he was his father.
I could see why everyone was saying the ending was rushed , they definitely needed another episode to clear things up cause I still want more things to be settled until Eun gyeol went to the future, like what is Chung ah's reaction to Yi chan losing his hearing?, what about the band members reaction?. The step mother actually got what she deserved (her acting was so good it made me want to slap her through the screen), i just wished they showed more.
The last two episodes made me bawl my eyes out seriously, but teaches you that if the fate is written it can't be changed. I thought they would have an happily ever after just like every time traveling drama but this drama is not like that.
There are so many good quotes from this drama, i really want to write in a study note to read again and again. Some of them are
"Life didn't have to be perfect for it to shine. It's the little moments that make your life twinkle, and happiness is what you experience when those moments come together."
"I can't hear your voice but I see it.
I can feel it. You shine the brightest when you're doing music."
And the title of this review is one of my favourite quote in this drama said by Chung ah.
I would recommend this drama to everyone who watches dramas and even people who don't watch dramas. An absolute masterpiece of a drama, Hoping for more dramas like this in the future.
Viva la Vida
Long live life.
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A Breezy Time Travel Romance
Time travel romances seem to be in trend and joining the foray is tvN’s latest offering “Twinkling Watermelon”. If you are wondering about the title (as I’m), maybe it is a mere connotation to the storyline which sparkles with youthfulness and has varied tones of friendship/love. Starring Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, Shin Eun Soo in the lead roles, the drama premiered to high expectations and certainly it was worth the hype. The first two episodes set up the premise decently while introducing intriguing characters as well as the time travel element which pops up randomly. The storytelling is little out of place and at times without context (when they randomly switch between two timeframes), but the chemistry between the characters is reckoning and it manages to tide over those discrepancies. For now, I’m invested in this drama simply because the storyline is interesting and I’m hoping for some solid character development in the future episodes.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/twinkling-watermelon-first-impressions/
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Most funny drama have seen this year
One things I like from this drama is that number 1 all the characters they use especially this mad guy Choi Hyun Wook omo that guy I always like his acting both bully and comedy though I like his comedy acting the most all of his drama that have watch he always make me laugh, And also the first ML his reaction when he say (AJHUMA IT IS REALLY YOU) funny, I don't know for other people, but am really curious how he got deaf but from what I see from the episode 4 ending is that everything will change in the remaining episode because from what I watched do the trailer the CHOI SE YOEON didn't travel but am sure the future will change am really curious how this drama will endWas this review helpful to you?
A Beautiful Blend of Youth, Music, and Emotion ??
“Twinkling Watermelon” is the kind of drama that sneaks up on you — it starts light and cheerful, but soon becomes something profoundly emotional. It’s a story about family, youth, and communication, told through music and time travel, yet it feels so real and grounded.The writing is heartfelt, beautifully connecting the past and present while exploring themes of love, regret, and understanding between parents and children. Every character has depth; even side stories carry genuine warmth and purpose.
What truly elevates this drama is its emotional sincerity. The performances are outstanding — Ryeoun’s portrayal of Eun Gyeol is both vulnerable and inspiring, and Choi Hyun Wook captures the youthful passion and pain of Lee Chan perfectly. The chemistry among the cast feels natural and alive.
The cinematography and music are equally impressive. The retro atmosphere, guitar soundtracks, and emotional OST pieces create a nostalgic yet healing experience.
“Twinkling Watermelon” isn’t just about time travel or music — it’s about finding your own voice and learning to listen to others’. It’s warm, funny, touching, and unforgettable. Truly one of 2023’s best K-dramas.
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BAWLING MY EYES OUT
I AM NOT OKAY. I finished episode 16 like 2 hours ago, and I’ve just been lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, emotionally wrecked. My eyes are red from crying, and the OST is haunting me. Like, what was this show?? Why did it hurt this much??Let’s get one thing straight—this drama was special. The emotions, the storytelling, the music, the relationships—everything was crafted so well that even when it wasn’t perfect, it still left the kind of impact that lingers. But GOD, the last few episodes needed more time.
First of all, Eunyu. What happened to her??? How did her time in 1995 change her relationship with her mom? Ofcourse we can deduce that they have a much better relationship now as Eunyu understands her mom but also did her parents stay together, or did they still separate? And Jonathan—was his fate altered?? The show built up so much for her, but in the end, they just let her fade away with zero closure.
Then there’s Yi-chan and Cheong-ah. We went through SO much pain for them, and yeah, we know they end up together and the ending of them becoming so succesful was truly incredible but imagine how much more fulfilling it would’ve been to see them in university, at their wedding, even as Eun-gyeol’s parents in their new life.
And don’t even get me started on the accident. The entire show had been building up to it, making us dread it, making us fear it—and then they just drop it at the end of episode 15 like a side plot?? No time to sit with our emotions, just boom, next thing you know, we’re in clean-up mode..
The last few episodes needed better pacing. The accident deserved more time. The emotional consequences deserved more weight. And instead of just rushing to wrap things up, we could’ve gotten more moments of Yi-chan realizing his feelings for Cheong-ah. Because let’s be real—he was chasing Se-gyeong until episode 11. Which he was probably doing unconsciously tbf, because he even practiced the song for Cheong-ah like if that isnt love idk what is. But yeah more moment before they got together and even after they got together would have been appreciated. It would’ve been so much more satisfying if we actually saw it develop naturally over time.
Despite all this, I GET why this drama hit so hard. Like i dont think i have cried this hard for any show, EVER. It wasn’t just about romance—it was about family, music and fates. It was about Eun-gyeol carrying the weight of his father’s fate and trying to fix something he didn’t even need to fix. It was about Eun-yu growing into her own person, about Yi-chan’s struggles, about Cheong-ah’s loneliness.
And honestly?? Eun-gyeol and Eun-yu supremacy. Why do people not like them?? Their dynamic was so interesting, layered, and emotional. They had one of the most compelling relationships in the whole show. I love them so much it’s insane. I SCREAMED everytime they had a moment like ohmygod they are my parents.
Final Thoughts: Twinkling Watermelon wasn’t perfect. But it was DAMAGING. It hit deep. It made me feel things I wasn’t prepared for. I wish we had just one more episode to wrap things up properly, but even with its flaws, I can’t deny how much it meant to me. I don’t know if I’ll recover from this anytime soon.
Would I rewatch it? Yes.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
Would I sell my soul for a special episode that gives me the closure I need? 1000%.
Anddd now 1 week later, i have a viva la vida pendant and a keychain :)
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Melhor dorama de 2023!
Tentando superar essa obra de arte chamada "Melancia Cintilante" até hoje sem sucesso!Que dorama encantador, fechou 2023 com chave de ouro e entregou tudo: Comédia, romance, drama, amizade, fantasia… Foi realmente muito prazeroso e divertido acompanhar Eun Gyeol, Yi Chan e os demais personagens e a sua juventude mais que brilhante. Fiquei impressionada com o desenvolvimento da trama e dos relacionamentos entre os personagens e com a sensibilidade do dorama ao abordar a deficiência auditiva e a linguagem de sinais, não apenas como uma ferramenta, mas como parte integrante da narrativa.
E os atores me impressionaram muito (principalmente os protagonistas) por precisarem aprender linguagem de sinais, a cantar, tocar instrumentos, tudo enquanto atuavam transmitindo tanta verdade e naturalidade para a tela. Eu saí apaixonada pelos intérpretes do Eun Gyeol e do Yi Chan.
Enfim, definitivamente foi o melhor dorama que eu assisti em 2023, me emocionou, me fez rir e me cativou do início ao fim com uma história e personagens que se permitiram brilhar lindamente.
"Você nunca pode recuperar sua juventude. Você precisa se soltar e se divertir um pouco aqui e ali. Farei tudo o que puder. Vou fazer tudo o que vai fazer a minha vida brilhar".
OBS: Só não dei nota 10 para a história porque eu senti que alguns pontos da narrativa ficaram meio jogados ou foram passados muito rapidamente por cima, sinto que o dorama precisava de mais tempo para trazer algumas resoluções de forma mais satisfatória, mas esse realmente foi o meu único problema.
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El Mejor Dorama de 2023
Personalmente creo que es uno de los mejores doramas de 2023, es un refrescante. La historia en general es graciosa, bella y con un montón de emociones, y además te mantiene enganchado y con ansias de querer mas. Yo no suelo ver doramas en emisión, porque odio tener que esperar una semana para ver un nuevo capitulo, pero con este no pude evitarlo, cada semana estaba esperando nervioso que iba a suceder en el próximo episodio.Lo recomiendo mucho para personas que les gustan los doramas juveniles y de romance, este es muy fácil de ver y además transmite varios mensajes muy bellos e importantes.
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"Viva La Vida"
Não sei nem o que dizer sobre esse drama. Tô com água nos olhos ainda de ter terminado. Eu quero poder de alguma forma transmitir tudo que eu tô sentindo, um do dramas mais lindos que já vi com certeza e já estou com saudades deles.A chance, oportunidade do destino que o Eu gyeol teve de voltar no passado dos pais, ajudar eles e mostrar a parte linda da juventude e também perceber que ele precisava se divertir e aproveitar essa fase da vida, a mesma coisa com Eun yu, de tentar melhorar a vida da mãe dela assim como mudar a dela.
Eu amo dramas que mostram o poder da juventude, é quando a gente tá cheio de gás, de coisas boas pra mover e mudar o mundo de alguma maneira e pra gente aproveitar, quando você passa da idade fica claro quando seus pais dizem que você deverja ter aproveitado mais. Me toca num ponto sensível que é ter terminado meu ensino médio na pandemia mas eu sei que ainda posso fazer da minha juventude algo inesquecível. Acho que foi cheer up que disse "a juventude é agora".
Obrigada por tantos ensinamentos lindos Twinkling watermelon! Vamos viver a vida brilhantemente.
Foi tudo incrível. Tem dramas que eu amo e consigo falar uma página e tem aqueles que eu senti no fundo do meu coração que não sei como expressar. Melancia cintilante é o segundo caso. 🍉
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