This review may contain spoilers
Dark, Quirky, and Surprisingly Heartfelt
This was an excellent drama!–What I liked:
–The plot itself completely captivated me. I saw many criticisms about the darker elements, but for me they were perfectly done. It follows the same line as It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (light horror mixed with comedy) and Holo, My Love (childhood trauma).
–Unlike many people, I really loved the way the psychological theme was handled. I admit I felt a bit apprehensive as the episodes progressed about how they would connect the hallucinations to the story, and I was afraid it might not make sense in the end. However, everything unfolded in a very thoughtful and well-constructed way.
–I absolutely love Do Ra Mi as the protagonist’s alter ego. Her personality is just wow! I honestly hope they release a doll of her—I would buy it without hesitation. I agree with some comments saying that Netflix should further explore this character or even create a similar series. She gives me strong Wednesday vibes, which I love.
–The soundtrack is beautiful. That little zombie dance also has a lot of potential!
–What I didn’t like as much:
–The male lead carries an unnecessary emotional burden in the first half, and his personality made me dislike him. In the end, everything gets resolved.
–Some scenes felt disconnected, confusing, or unnecessary.
–I don’t like it when the leads break up at the end and then get back together; it feels unnecessary to me.
–I feel that a few fun scenes after the credits were missing.
I truly hope that people with good judgment evaluate this series fairly and help raise its rating to what it truly deserves.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A hidden gem!
I honestly don’t know how to deal with the amount of negative criticism this K-drama has received. Because of those reviews, I almost missed out on what is truly a hidden gem.For me, Spring of Youth is the very definition of what a traditional K-drama should be. It has just the right balance of romantic comedy, music, and romance without becoming overly sweet, a subtle touch of fantasy, and even a bit of crime-related drama that, while predictable, never feels boring.
What I loved about this K-drama:
-The cornea transplant storyline touched me on a very personal level. My father received a transplant when he was very young, and I had never truly reflected on the person who had to die so that he could see again—someone who once had a life, dreams, and desires.
This theme was handled with great sensitivity, delivering just enough emotional weight to bring tears without becoming overwhelming. I loved the magical, almost fantastical aura surrounding this storyline. The way it was woven into the plot was beautiful; no heavy explanations were needed.
-Another deeply emotional theme for me is the mother–daughter relationship, and it usually breaks my heart. Here, however, it was handled with so much care and beauty. The way both themes connect in such a subtle, almost magical way feels like pure art.
-I’m not a fan of overly sugary or clingy romance, and this drama found the perfect balance. The romance was neither too much nor too little—just right.
-Friendship is one of the things I enjoy most in K-dramas, and the bond between the band members was very well developed. In many ways, it reminded me of Twinkling Watermelon.
-The soundtrack is lovely. The necklace song slowly grew on me, and by the end, I truly loved it.
-Contrary to many comments I had read, I felt that every character’s actions were completely justified. The story felt well-rounded and cohesive, with almost no loose ends.
-The length of the drama was perfect—long enough to fully develop the story, yet short enough to never feel boring.
What I didn’t love as much:
-There’s no clear explanation of what exactly happened to Seo Tae-Yang’s mother. I would have liked to know how she died.
-Seo Tae-Yang’s ending made me sad. I would have preferred to see him rejoin the band.
-The final scenes left me wanting a proper band reunion, as well as more development of Jin-gu’s story and his relationship with Bae Gyu-ri.
This is my first K-drama of 2026, and the year truly couldn’t have started in a better way.
Was this review helpful to you?
Soft, Sweet, and Underrated
I cannot believe the amount of hate this series is receiving, because honestly? It's one of the most heartwarming dramas I've seen in a long time.What I loved:
This show is simply beautiful — soft pastel colors, warmth in every frame, and tenderness overflowing from beginning to end. At its heart, it's a genuinely touching story about learning to become a parent, and it delivers that with so much heart. The baby is absolutely adorable, and I think the show gave him just the right amount of screen time — which, let's be real, must be quite a challenge when working with such a young child on set. The ending was exactly what I hoped for: a sweet birthday celebration that felt like the perfect, earned conclusion. This is the kind of series that just makes you feel good.
What didn't quite work:
My only real hesitation was that the second male lead's storyline dragged on a bit too long and slowed the main plot down during the middle stretch — though by the end, it stopped bothering me. And on a lighter note: the female lead's outfits were... not it. At all. But that's a minor styling complaint in an otherwise lovely show.
Final thoughts:
A beautiful series in every sense of the word — cozy, comforting, and easy to love. Don't let the discourse put you off.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Cozy Rom-Com That Feels Like a Magical Dating Game
Positive Points- Classic romantic comedy formula that works very well. The series feels light, sweet, and entertaining.
- Very funny. Almost every date made me laugh genuinely, which is rare for me since my sense of humor is usually quite limited.
- Soft and cozy aesthetic. The pastel color palette and overall atmosphere make the show feel warm and comforting.
- The virtual reality concept works well. At first it feels strange, but the progression—from curiosity, to addiction, to hesitation about paying for the subscription—feels very realistic. I could easily imagine myself reacting the same way.
- The “dating videogame” upgrade after paying the subscription was adorable. The world becomes much cuter and more immersive, which adds to the charm of the series.
- The series stays very focused on the virtual reality aspect. Compared to other dramas with similar elements, it feels more coherent and consistent in how it uses that concept.
- Very strong feminine energy. The wardrobe scenes reminded me of a nostalgic videogame I used to play as a child where you dressed Barbie for different situations. Sometimes Mi-rae even uses the device just to try on outfits, which made the world feel playful and girly.
- Relatable emotional theme. Mi-rae’s dream of finding the perfect man is something many girls have experienced at some point, but the drama also gently reminds us that perfection doesn’t really exist.
- Well-written male lead. He is decisive, attentive, respectful, and romantic in a balanced way. Very cute without being exaggerated.
- Good acting overall.
- Unique romantic tone. I’m usually not a fan of overly cheesy romantic dramas, but this one feels different.
- It gives me strong Yumi’s Cells vibes. Not because the stories are the same, but because both explore dating in a deeper and more emotional way.
- The atmosphere is cozy and comforting. Mi-rae’s house is also very cute and aesthetically pleasing.
- The ending exceeded my expectations. The final scenes were beautiful and satisfying.
- For me, it is the best K-drama of 2026 so far.
Negative Points
- One small plot hole. The male lead’s face appearing in Mi-rae’s virtual date didn’t make much sense. Unless he had previously sold his image to the company as a model, the explanation feels unclear.
Was this review helpful to you?
