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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