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2This review may contain spoilers
I want to start by saying that My Youth isn’t a bad drama, just an unsuccessful one.. My issue with it is that it feels more like a collection of parts than a cohesive whole.. The pieces seem disjointed, out of rhythm with one another, never quite coming together into a story that feels complete or purposeful.. To me, it lacked those small connective moments that turn a sequence of scenes into something that truly moves as a narrative..I was honestly reluctant to watch it because of the low ratings.. I am not someone who avoids Song Joong Ki’s dramas, not because I am a fan but because I appreciate his work.. The ratings did influence me, but I decided to ignore them and give it a try and I would say I did the right thing.. Is it a stunning piece of drama?? No, its not.. Is its storytelling style for everyone?? Probably not.. I can understand why some viewers might struggle to connect with the tone and pacing, especially in the early episodes.. Even I agree it’s slow, but that alone isn’t enough reason to justify such low ratings..
Personally, I didn’t like the first few episodes except for the parts with their younger versions.. The characters felt a bit weak, they didn’t have much impact.. It’s a narrative driven story, so I should have felt ' I don’t fully know where this is going yet, but these characters feel real. ' But it took a while for that to happen.. I agree with the most common concern, the pacing is indeed the real issue here.. 12 episodes felt like 20.. It’s too slow and the story itself isn’t anything new.. We just see that old, overused trope told from a different perspective with a new set of actors.. The acting was definitely the highlight of the drama..
Now, my biggest issue with this drama is how they underplayed the illness part of the story.. I mean it’s a melodrama, that’s supposed to be your main weapon.. But it didn’t make me feel anything, not the way lets say a drama like Our Movie did.. There's an illness that could kill the ML, but that’s it, it’s just there.. He is struggling, things happen around it and then it’s over.. It never reaches that emotional intensity you would expect from a story built around something so serious..
The romance, well I liked their chemistry, but I think the writer let down the actors in that aspect.. Their interactions were good but the writing felt weak.. It never really gave Song Joong Ki and Chun Woo Hee the space to show what they are truly capable of.. I sort of understand why people liked the second couple’s romance.. It was simpler and less complicated.. But to me, their story felt incomplete.. For a drama that felt too lengthy, we didnt' get enough of their story and that was a disappointment..
For me, the last 3 episodes were the best, well written, well executed part of the show.. The realization of what's happening and what's about to happen and what the first 9 episodes had been setting up for.. The emotions of each characters, even the supporting characters.. That final part, was just pure performative excellence.. But they did really dropped the ball on that ending.. It felt abrupt.. It should have been about everyone.. It almost felt like the others didn't matter.. For me a final scene bringing the whole family and friends together would have been the perfect closure..
I wanted to mention a few other things..
Saw a lot of people saying they rated the drama less because they weren’t satisfied with the romance.. But this is a melodrama, not a rom com.. The genre defines the story.. You knew what you were getting into.. If you can’t handle that, then no offense but maybe this just isn’t the kind of drama for you..
Song Joong Ki’s costumes were an absolute mess.. They could have gone with a simpler, more casual look but instead they ended up choosing some of the worst outfits for him..
Every time I read comments like, Ji Hoon is a much better actor than his peers, I can’t quite agree, at least not in the context of this drama.. His character simply wasn’t the kind of role that allows an actor to truly stand out.. His role could have been performed by many of his peers and achieved the same level of recognition.. I am not saying he isn’t talented, he is but this just wasn’t a challenging role.. His chemistry with the SFL was the only standout factor in this drama for him, not his acting..
I really hated how easily the parents were forgiven in the drama, especially Nu Ri’s mother.. She abandoned a young girl in the hands of her boyfriend, someone she herself didn’t trust enough to stay with.. And then she had the audacity to come back after all those years as if nothing had happened..
I really hope Song Joong Ki comes back with something like Vincenzo again.. Dramas like My Youth which rely heavily on story and performance are often unfairly overlooked.. He is one of the best actors in the KDrama industry and he doesn’t deserve the kind of hate he is been getting..
Overall, My Youth is definitely not for everyone, some might find the story too slow or bland.. But with a wonderful cast of characters and some strong performances from the leads, I would say My Youth is a good one time watch..
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“Beautiful but slow.”
To put it simply, My Youth is beautifully made but painfully slow.It has a calm, nostalgic vibe — nice cinematography, soft background music, and emotional performances. But after a few episodes, it starts to feel like it’s going in circles. The story of two ex-lovers meeting again has potential, but the drama doesn’t do much with it. Instead of emotional highs and lows, it mostly gives long stares, quiet flashbacks, and slow dialogue that sometimes feel stretched out.
Song Joong-ki is great — he brings quiet emotion and maturity. You can feel his pain and longing, even when he barely talks. Chun Woo-hee also acts well, though her character is written too safely — she rarely surprises you. Their chemistry feels realistic but not very exciting; more “peaceful sadness” than passion.
The biggest weakness is pacing. It moves like a movie that forgot it’s a drama series. Some episodes feel filler-like, and you can guess what will happen next. It’s not bad — just predictable.
Still, My Youth has a gentle charm. If you’re in the mood for something calm, sentimental, and visually soothing, it delivers. But if you expect intense emotions, big twists, or romantic spark, you’ll likely get bored.
Honest opinion:
> My Youth isn’t a bad drama — it’s just not for everyone. It’s emotional but slow, deep but uneven. Worth watching if you love quiet, melancholic romances — otherwise, it might test your patience.
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A Gentle Story of LOVE LOSS HEALING _ CONTEMPORARY DRAMAS ARE BEST
This is SONG JOONG-KI's drama after his last drama in 2023 (Reborn Rich), which was a good hit both globally and domestically, and CHUN WOO-HEE from her last hit drama. These two are paired for a slice-of-life melodrama along with LEE JOO-MYUNG and SEO JI HOON.By announcing the cast, it’s natural that KDrama fans have expectations for the drama. Let’s see how the drama performs with this impressive cast with the contemporary storyline.
STORY and WRITING 8/10
We have seen many dramas with this type of storyline, so MY YOUTH story gives similar vibes, but it also gives warm vibes with a fresh tone of contemporary stories. The main leads fell in love in the college days but went separate ways for some major reasons, but with an unexpected push by fate, they reunited again after becoming adults and searched for the second chance in love. The reason why I gave an 8/10 rating to this story is— 1) Relatable main characters 2) The flow of the main story with limited sub-stories 3) For not designing love triangle stories.
While the story gives warm vibes, some aspects feel lacking at the back end. I can’t say this story is well crafted in both slice-of-life and melodrama. What is important in these genres is designing emotionally strong characters not only for main leads but also for supporting characters. The main leads got that emotional weight, but the supporting characters felt rawness.
Another important aspect is that most of the watchers have questions on the second leads’ story (TAE RIN &)—their characters didn’t get enough part in the story, like from the love track to the breakup part or the friendship track. I think the writer focused on the main leads' story POV because the core story is driven by SUNWOO & JE YEON. But to me, the writer has given a simple and sweet love track to them that every watcher enjoys.
ACTING 9/10
SUNWOO, JE YEON, TAE RIN These characters are designed with both humor and angst elements. Also, other supporting characters have both elements, but these three characters have more weight with emotional touch. SONG JOONG-KI, CHUN WOO-HEE, and LEE JOO-MYUNG, as well as NAM DAE-REUM and JEON SO-SONG (younger versions), perfectly adopted those elements to their characters and delivered excellent acting performances. Especially SONG JOONG-KI & CHUN WOO-HEE’s characters make you laugh and make you cry in the second half, along with LEE JOO-MYUNG and SEO JI HOON’s characters. In this drama, SONG JOONG-KI's role resembles his role in THE INNOCENT MAN.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS – 9/10
Cinematography is good; the color tone is what made the drama more beautiful. In contemporary dramas the locations and scene settings are major elements for the storytelling, and MY YOUTH had some beautiful locations and great scene settings. I loved DOP and how beautifully and colorfully those scenes are shown in the drama. The costume designs of the actors are also cool and perfectly match the drama vibes. Another great thing is the drama’s OST; the instrumental tracks are melodious.
Final Talk -
Overall, My Youth is a warm, emotional drama carried by heartfelt performances and beautiful visuals. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, it delivers a sincere story about love, regret, and second chances.
This is the kind of kdrama that is watchable for the plot (story) and connects to the vibes of warm and cozy and feels comfortable. But expecting something very different in healing dramas only shows disappointment.
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It's like a warm hug.
I really wasn't expecting this series to be this good, I'm surprised that I'm enjoying it so much. It's simple yet enjoyable.Sunwoo Hae is such an awesome character, He's been through so much hardship at such a young age and yet he's so sweet and caring I truly love this man.
Seong Jeyeon is too cute for words truly Sunwo's perfect match.
Taerin is hilarious! every single scene she's in is a joy to watch, especially the bickering with Sunwoo.
Kim Seokju is the best characters with the best personality and is bot getting enough screen time.
I'm loving this series more and more with each episode and I hope to god that it doesn't go downhill at the end.🤞🏼
I'm not even done with episode 5 yet, but I had come and update. This drama gives me the giggles times a thousand!!! I'm loving it so so much. Please I'm begging 🙏🏼 don't let this one be another "Uncontrollably fond" It's been almost ten years and I'm still not over it.
Also I'm in love with kim Seokju.
I hastily came and updated my review halfway through episode 5 last week maybe in the hopes that maybe if I wrote it down the sad ending leering it's ugly head around the corner wouldn't come, now 8 episodes in there's no denying it.
I see the rating has been rather low throughout these past 8 episodes and I can't disagree even though I wish I could I am enjoying it much but I understand how others wouldn't. The storyline isn't the most original, we can pretty much forsee what's going to happen and although listed as mains Kim Seokju and Mo Taerin are barely in the story, so much so that it wouldn't make much of a difference if they weren't included at all; A total shame because they are absolutely adorable.
I initially compared this drama to a warm hug and I still believe it so, It's that warm comforting hug you never want to end because you know that when it does you can never go back. I as a sucker that would dive in head first into guaranteed heartbreak knowing all to well how badly it hurts, plan on seeing this through.
I will come back once all 12 episodes have aired to adjust my rating accordingly as I'm aware that I have overrated it so far.
Also, I'm even more in love with Kim Seokju.
I'm back after watching the finale, still madly in love with Seokju and upset that he and Mo Taerin didn't get the screen time they deserved.
I've been watching Kdramas for about 15 years now so I'm used to being underwhelmed by the ending, this was no exception and even more due to the fact that the final 2 episodes were split.
I don't want to give spoilers, I'll just say that, the drama was sweet all the way through but with no surprises simple comfort and a so so storyline and extremelyboringlast episode. I would recommend as a one time watch with the warning that it's very predictable and I doubt that I'd rewatch abd if I do it would be just to skip to Kim Seokju and Mo Tarein Scenes.
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Song Joong Ki shines in role!
One of the better dramas I’ve watched this year. The chemistry between the leads and the second leads is fantastic and believable, the story is compelling, and the acting is top notch. Song Joong Ki really shows why he is one of the greats and pulls off an unbelievably raw and authentic performance. Would definitely watch again because it’s just that good. The tropes or themes aren’t very original, but I’m not upset about it. The writers found a way to use them to drive the story forward without it feeling shoehorned in.Was this review helpful to you?
I could've gone without watching this drama.
The storyline was simple but almost too simple. I didn't feel like there was any chemistry between the leads either. I like both of them as actors but maybe it was how the show was directed.Everything was predictable and I was waiting for a little more substance in each episode. I did like the supporting characters (FL's best friend and ML's brother). I didn't really think the whole step-mom story was effective - it wasn't necessary nor was it played out well.
The entire storyline(s) of the show felt like it was just written to fill in something but it wasn't filled in well.
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My pet peeves and adorable leads
This drama has a lot going for it good actors, good chemistry, nice found family trope , bromance, roamans and an overall interesting story.I love the second couple, wish they had a drama of their own and would have wanted to see more of the sisters story.
HOWEVER -
I do not really get the blaming a 12 year old for... well anything and I do not really get the whole dad part... Love the way our male lead pushes the dad away but do not really get the wife/dad/kid situation so the premise of the story does feel slightly off...
It has a few to many of my pet peevs, some parts of the story are confusing and they tried a little too hard to try to get the audience to cry leaving me wuth less tears and more of a oh come on... So while it wan an easy binge that had me hooked those last two to three episodes just didn't give me closure or protocolary interesting development. Insted it just added moments of annoyance and confusion.
taking away quite a bit from the over all score that could have been an 8 or even a 9...
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Best kdrama of 2025
It felt so comfortable to watch. I loved every minute of the series. There was nothing draggy or boring about it, there was something always interesting happening for every scene. The story, actors, plot were really good. Sad to see it only had 12 episodes but everything was entertaining from start to finish.Was this review helpful to you?
Haven't watched a drama like this in a while
It's a cute and healing drama bout first love. The chemistry between the actors is so good, I find that the first two episodes did so well at setting the story up; they showed us where the characters are now and how their story unfolded back in high school. Overall, the first two episodes were so good that they gave me such a warm feeling that I haven't felt in a while.Even now that I watched all 4 episodes, it's still so good and cute. I find the dynamic between all 4 main characters so interesting. I can't wait until we get to know more about the second couple
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Harmless, with a title that doesn’t match
My Youth is one of those shows that starts off with so much promise. It has a strong sense of being based on an actor (Hae) now a florist, who was one of a pair with Mo Tae Rin, is considered the nation’s sweethearts when they were young.The way the protagonists were brought together through Hae’s rediscovery was so well done. The acting at this point a delight.
The back story was overdone ie with too much focus, however, it soon balances itself out. We get to see the full palette of characters, with some, I think, not fully explored.
The father is self centred. Shown as inept but somehow loved by three separate women with two different children. However, somehow I liked the relationship between this delinquent book publishing CEO and Hae. I have never seen Jo Han Chul in a bad role. Jin Kyung, as his first love and now partner, CEO of a drama production company and therefore step mother to Hae, a good role.
Chun Woo Hee as Je Yeon, once again made things look easy. Hae and his relationship with his sister was also a highlight. As were the secondary couple.
So, where did it go wrong for me?
I didn’t have a problem regarding Hae’s illness. However, how it was portrayed and the way it unfolded seemed all over the place. The last four episodes were reflective of this. I felt disengaged. Suddenly, show lost its momentum, becoming unsure of how to treat the lead’s relationship. It was unsure of how the ending should be.
In short, there were many components that somehow no longer seem to fit together.
With such a cast, show should have been great. It started off so strong. Key elements were interesting and inviting. Then they were sidelined. The writers didn’t know how to stick the landing. The filming was superb, as was the acting. In the end, show was harmless.
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Why it doesn't get a good rating?
This was a great drama. I was waiting so long for a drama like this. This one is a great "MASTERPIECE".The story was so good. I love the relationship between the brother and sister. It so good to watch. The friendship between them is too good.
Mainly the OST of this drama was like "Whenever I listen to the music, it makes feel like butterflies all over my body" that's good the music was.
This is a must watch one!!!
The disappointment was why does this drama has this low rating at least it should deserve 8 or above. I very sad about that. Some bad dramas even have 8 or above. Why doesn't this have?
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oh to experience the warmth and those sparkling times of this drama
My youth is for those who feel things so deeply, for those who are simply consumed by nostalgia and yearns it.It is a slow, gentle, and ever so tender drama. To truly understand the drama, you have to savor every scenes because it holds meaning. Not your typical drama to feed you what you’re always looking for. The story flows naturally, every scenes moves at natural pace and that’s what makes this drama so damn real.
Sunwoo Hae, I don’t think no one could embody him as much as Song Joongki does, tho no offense I hesitated to watch the drama at first because of him but I just gotta credit the man. He felt so natural! and his chemistry to our gurl, Chun Woo-Hee, is just top tier! They played the roles so maturely and I love love how they portrayed their characters well. And to our 2nd-leads, ugh just chef’s kiss. The way the drama unfolds their story was just so good. And the side characters! Just oh to be surrounded by them and feel so loved! It was really so warm.
I gotta be biased toward this drama because of cinematography, and with flowers and novels too? Man, it got me big time. And the osts too! They perfected every scenes, just gotta cry upon hearing Judah Earl’s music.
The only lapse, I must say, that this drama bears is that it ends. Haha, joking aside, it was really good for the first half, tho it kinda lean a bit cliche toward the end, but that actually made it more interesting, because life itself is so cliche. I must say this drama will hold my heart for longest time, maybe even longer than I’ll realize. You should give it a try, it is a beautifully shot drama that explores the pain and sweetness of first love. It's not for everyone, but if you're in the mood for something heartfelt and quiet, it might just be the comfort watch you need.
Lastly, I want to end this with my fave line pf the drama, “Some moments still feel or perhaps will forever feel like they’re here now. I was happy to greet the things that I might've forgotten momentarily, but didn't disappear.”
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