Twinkling Watermelon: Best K-drama Series Review 2024

Twinkling Watermelon: Best K-drama Series Review 2024

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting world of “Twinkling Watermelon”, a charming Korean drama that invites viewers to experience the complexities of love and friendship within a vibrant, seaside setting. From its compelling storyline to the phenomenal performances by the cast, “Twinkling Watermelon” offers a delightful and heartwarming narrative that is sure to captivate audiences. Join me as we embark on a journey through the romantic and emotional depths of this captivating kdrama.

Plot and Characters

At the heart of “Twinkling Watermelon” is a riveting plot that centers around the lives of three childhood friends, who find their relationships tested as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. The drama unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of a seaside town, setting the stage for a narrative brimming with nostalgia and emotional resonance. The characters are intricately woven into the fabric of the storyline, each grappling with their own desires, insecurities, and aspirations. From the earnest and affable protagonist to the enigmatic and charming supporting characters, “Twinkling Watermelon” presents a diverse and multifaceted ensemble that adds depth and nuance to the narrative.

Themes and Messages

Beyond its captivating storyline and endearing characters, “Twinkling Watermelon” resonates with powerful themes that explore the complexities of human relationships. Friendship, loyalty, and the enduring bonds of childhood are artfully interwoven with the intricacies of love, heartache, and personal growth. As the characters navigate the ebbs and flows of their relationships, the drama poignantly captures the universal experiences of love and friendship, offering viewers a relatable and emotionally resonant journey.

Visual Aesthetics and Cinematography

One cannot help but be enamored by the visual splendor of “Twinkling Watermelon”. The captivating cinematography skillfully captures the scenic beauty of the seaside town, immersing viewers in a world of sparkling waters, tranquil sunsets, and idyllic landscapes. The meticulous attention to detail and the evocative use of imagery serves as a visual feast, enhancing the emotional depth and immersive quality of the narrative.

Impact and Reception

“Twinkling Watermelon” has garnered widespread acclaim and adulation from audiences and critics alike, cementing its status as a beloved addition to the realm of Korean drama. Its heartfelt storytelling and resonant themes have struck a chord with viewers, eliciting an emotional response that lingers long after the final credits roll. The performances of the cast have been praised for their nuance and authenticity, as they breathe life into their respective characters with remarkable skill and conviction.

Twinkling Watermelon | Official Trailer | CJ ENM

Watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqceSqn0hiA

[Twinkling Watermelon]
Eun-gyeol, a seemingly ordinary high school student, leads a clandestine double life. By day, he is a model student, but by night, he becomes a guitarist for a band in Hongdae. Unexpectedly, he travels back in time. Together, they form a band called ‘Watermelon Sugar’ and forge a deep bond. Along the way, Eun-gyeol encounters an enigmatic girl and falls in love. This tale intertwines elements of coming-of-age, fairytales, and magic, creating a captivating story of growth and self-discovery.

In Conclusion

“Twinkling Watermelon” stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Korean drama, weaving a compelling tapestry of love, friendship, and personal growth. With its evocative storytelling, memorable characters, and breathtaking visuals, this kdrama effortlessly captures the hearts of its audience, leaving an indelible impression that transcends the screen. If you’re seeking a captivating and emotionally resonant journey, “Twinkling Watermelon” is an enchanting gem that promises to immerse you in a world of love, laughter, and heartfelt moments.

So, dive into the world of “Twinkling Watermelon” and let its charm and beauty wash over you, leaving you utterly mesmerized by its captivating narrative and unforgettable characters.

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A BLAST TO THE PAST ⏰✨

DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree, and I’m not here to argue with anyone.

This drama explores a dilemma many young people face: whether to pursue a life that makes them happy by following their passions or to satisfy their parents’ expectations. Eun Gyeol, the main character and a CODA (Child Of Deaf Adults), grapples with this conflict until he has the chance to change the course of his life by traveling back in time to his parents’ youth. The series also poses the question, “Would our lives be better if we could change the past?”

Likes:

The plot is fantastic, blending romance, humor, mystery, parent-child relationships, friendship, high school life, and adolescence. The drama keeps you entertained and hooked, offering stories that touch your heart. It evokes a warm and nostalgic feeling, making me wish I could experience life in the 70s and 80s as my parents did. This show made me cry so much; I cried maybe six times out of the 16 episodes.

As the drama progresses, it portrays the pleasures, tensions, and uncertainties of adolescence. It explores parental and societal demands, mental health issues, and anxiety among teenagers. Beautiful friendships, misunderstandings, and familial bonds are also depicted. Despite its flaws, such as logical issues with time travel and cliché tropes, the series is enjoyable.

The young actors outshone the older ones. Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Shin Eun Soo, and Seol In Ah were impressive. Shin Eun Soo’s portrayal of Cheong Ah was remarkable; my heart broke every time she was mistreated by the principal. Choi Hyun Wook captured the energy and enthusiasm of youth, making his scenes delightful. I started crying when he recorded the song on the cassette and referred to Eun Gyeol as his son.

Ryeoun brought heart to every scene, and I will definitely watch his future projects. Seol In Ah was fun to watch, though it bothered me that she and her mother were played by the same actor because they looked so similar. She performed well, but she seemed a bit too old to portray a 17-year-old. The chemistry between the actors was great, and both couples showed that there is hope and acceptance out there.

Overall, the actors masterfully brought their characters to life. I loved the use of sign language, which is beautiful to learn. This drama is an inspiring example of stepping outside your comfort zone and improving communication skills. You never know when you might help someone.

Dislikes:

I did not watch this drama from the beginning like everyone else, and I believe that is why I enjoyed it so much more. I was able to binge-watch episodes 1-14 all at once, and I honestly felt that this drama was something extraordinary, as other commenters had stated. Having said that, I became uninterested after waiting a week for the last episodes.

I believe that episodes 15 and 16 could have been fleshed out and developed further. It appeared rushed, as if they were attempting to assemble the final parts of the puzzle and conclude everything on a high note.

Personally, I was curious in what happened to Yi Chan and Cheong Ah and how they eventually reconnected. I wanted to know what life was like for them, especially Yi Chan, who had lost his hearing but still had so many goals. It’s clear that his aspirations came true, but I wish they’d shown me more of his backstory instead of only telling me.

Quotes I Loved:

1. “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.”
2. “If you push the wall, it becomes a bridge. If you fall somewhere, there will be a hidden treasure.”
3. “You don’t have to try so hard to be impressive. Continuing to live is already a great feat.”
4. “I was always lonely. I felt lonely and isolated as if I were stuck on an island by myself and couldn’t join the world where my family was living. But you see, I now have a chance to live in the same world as you do. I want to seize this opportunity.”
5. “I’m done being the girl who is only loved when she is needed or useful. I don’t want to be anyone’s trophy, war booty, or accessory.”
6. “Music isn’t something you listen to just by ear. Music is something you can feel with your eyes, mind, and heart.”
7. “There’s no scale that can measure who’s hurting more, and there’s no one who can judge that. No one has the right to judge others’ pain, and we have no duty to have it acknowledged by others.”
8. “I can’t hear your voice but I see it. I can feel it. You shine the brightest when you’re doing music.”
9. “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.”
10. “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.”
11. “The moment you give up, it’s game over.”
12. “Here’s a thing about life. It may not give you everything you want. But it does hide a small present for you from time to time. I hope you can endure the cruel hardship life throws your way. So you can receive the present life has tucked away.”
13. “Life is filled with all kinds of metaphors. Interpretation is solely up to the receiver. There are no right answers.”
14. “When your life can twinkle again on its own, I hope it twinkles as radiantly as possible.”

Final Thoughts:

Would I recommend this drama? Absolutely. After watching it, I immediately recommended it to my friend, who also got hooked. This drama is comforting and healing, especially during this time of year. I feel that people of all ages can find something to enjoy, whether it’s the nostalgia, the portrayal of friendship, love, family, etc.

My advice is not to let the drama’s title or the ensemble of actors deter you from watching it. You might be surprised by how incredible the experience can be!

The drama’s premise suggests that by identifying our flaws and limits, we can rectify them and grow. Another recurring theme is that we don’t fundamentally change; life seems to have a predetermined path for us, and we’re along for the ride.

This drama reminds me of the quote: “You can be the master of your fate and the captain of your soul, but you must realize that life is coming from you, not at you – and that takes time.”

With all that said, I give this drama an 8.5/10.

VIVA LA VIDA! || LONG LIVE LIFE! ₊˚⊹♡

(Tysm for reading!)

❤️

A YOUTH DRAMA WE DIDN’T KNOW WE NEEDED

So what actually happens?

Ha Eun Gyeol, a guy passionate about music, is the trophy son to his deaf parents and the only person who can communicate with the outside world in his family. He also has a deaf brother, Ha Eun Ho, who practices taekwondo. With so much responsibility, Eun Gyeol is torn between his duties and his love for music. One night, something magical happens, and he finds himself in 1995, where his parents are now his age. He ends up playing cupid for his future parents, as the younger version of his father, Ha Yi Chan, is a lively youngster in a band, chasing a popular girl and uninterested in studies, while his future mother, Cheong Ah, is overlooked.

“Twinkling Watermelon” is a sunshine-filled, wholesome, cute, melodramatic, yet funny and enjoyable youth drama that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre. The show is packed with music, dramatic comedy (often overdramatic with exaggerated expressions, but it will make you smile), two cute couples, and a group of high schoolers who form a band and develop great friendships—typical of youth dramas.

What I loved most about this drama is Yoon Cheong Ah, the “bunny girl” who epitomizes the word “cute.” A deaf girl who hasn’t received much warmth growing up, she isn’t weak and tries to protect herself in any way she can. I love how they cast Shin Eun Soo for this role because her smile is as pretty and heartwarming as Eun Gyeol describes in some scenes.

Choi Hyun Wook, playing the younger Ha Yi Chan, was a bonus because he’s great at portraying a funky, outgoing guy vibe. The chemistry between Ha Yi Chan and Cheong Ah was natural and made me root for them throughout. Ryeoun and Seol In Ah also did a convincing job in their roles. Though I hadn’t seen Ryeoun before, he excelled in scenes where he had to deal with the complications of time travel.

Also, I must mention the adorable father-son duo, whether in 2023 or 1995. Their interactions, whether fighting, bickering, protecting each other, or having emotional conversations, are simply heartwarming.

A noteworthy character is Yi Chan’s grandmother, played by Go Doo Shim. Her positive presence throughout the show adds comfort and charm. This show is a comforting watch and quite entertaining if you grow fond of the characters. Watching it as it aired, I found myself reluctant to see it end, thinking, “Is it really ending tomorrow? I’ll miss them.”

You’ll also get the suspense of whether Ha Eun Gyeol can make things right. The ending might have raised questions, but most major issues were addressed through subtle details. Some mysteries, like the time travel link and the shop Viva Music, are better left unanswered, as they might not have satisfying backstories. Leaving them unexplained adds a certain allure to the story.

“PERSONALLY” One of the Best K-Dramas of 2023

First, let me say that this review could be biased since I personally like the cast so much. But seeing the positive ratings from most people watching this drama, I hope this review resonates with many.

Story: The story is exceptional. Saying it is just good doesn’t do it justice. This drama offers not only entertainment but also meaningful hidden messages that resonate in real life. Initially, I thought it would be similar to “18 Again,” but instead, it took a unique turn. The drama goes back in time, with the son trying to change his father’s fate.

Ha Eun Gyeol (HEG) aims to ensure his father, Ha Yi Chan (HYC), doesn’t change his love interest while also preventing the accident that caused him to lose his hearing. My prediction is that HEG wants to perform in front of his father, knowing he can hear the music. One of the best quotes in the drama comes from Balsan, who shares what HEG has been doing for HYC without him knowing:

“I want him to shine. First, on the stage. Then in life.”
— Ha Eun Gyeol

Casting: The casting is perfect; each actor fits their role flawlessly. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the main roles. Both couples, Ryeorina (Ryeoun and Seorina) and Hyunsoo (CHW and SES), have fantastic chemistry. Though I ship Ryeoun and Eun Soo more, it would’ve been weird if the drama took that turn.

Music: I love the OSTs and the songs used in the drama. Some of my favorites are “A Song For You” by Joonil Joon and “Higher” by JU-NE. The drama also features “Canon Rock,” “Walking to Heaven” by Jang Hyunchul (though Song Jin Wook’s rock version is used), and the band’s original songs like “Shining.”

Rewatch Value: I can’t count how many times I’ve rewatched episodes 1-8 while waiting for the new episodes each week. I rewatch this drama repeatedly, even during mid-term exams.

Rating: 10/10. If I could rate it higher, I would.

UPDATE:
I just finished it and am debating whether to be happy or sad that it’s over. Even though I imagined a different ending, the one we got didn’t disappoint. SPOILER I half-hoped that HYC’s accident in episode 15 wouldn’t result in deafness and that HEG’s band would perform in front of him, making him proud. END OF SPOILER Despite feeling the ending was rushed and left some loose ends (such as OEY’s trip back, HYC’s coping mechanism for his new condition, HYC and YCA’s love story post-accident, and the band’s fate), it remains a well-deserved 10/10 drama. I hope this drama brings home awards for the production crew or the cast.

Looking Forward To: “Sweet Home” S2, “Squid Game” S2, and “All Of Us Are Dead” S2, hoping they don’t disappoint.

Dictionary for the Abbreviations:

1. HEG – Ha Eun Gyeol
2. HYC – Ha Yi Chan
3. YCA – Yoon Chung Ah
4. OEY – Oh Eun Yu
5. CHW – Choi Hyun Wook
6. SES – Shin Eun Soo

Comforting and Fun, but Has Pacing Issues

I enjoyed this drama, but not as much as everyone else seemed to.

The Positives:
The show is heartwarming and inspiring, focusing on following your dreams, connecting with loved ones, and finding what makes you happy. Every character ends up in a better place than where they started, making this drama worth watching for that reason alone. My favorite plot was Cheong-ah and Yi-chan’s story.

It was more than just a romance; it highlighted the importance of communication and how people with hearing disabilities can stay connected. Yi-chan’s journey of facing the world after losing his hearing, supported by loved ones, was particularly moving—or at least it should have been.

The Issues:
A common criticism is that the last episode felt rushed. The story quickly moves from the big accident to present day without showing enough interaction between Yi-chan and Cheong-ah, who should’ve been central to his recovery and understanding.

Pacing Problems:
Eun-gyeol’s main objective to prevent his father’s accident drags on until around episode 15. Meanwhile, Yi-chan’s pursuit of Se-kyung and other repetitive plot points become tiresome. By episode 15, it was clear the accident wouldn’t be prevented, as it would’ve contradicted the show’s message—Yi-chan doesn’t need to hear to have a good life or support his son’s musical dreams. It left little time to explore a new timeline.

I believe the accident should’ve happened earlier, allowing more time to show the aftermath and interactions between Yi-chan, Cheong-ah, and others. Although we can infer Yi-chan’s development and the future changes, I would’ve preferred to see this over a repetitive faux love triangle plot and a delayed perspective shift for Eun-gyeol.

Side Characters:
The side characters were fine but had mixed relevance. Some, like Cheong-ah’s brother, appeared only when convenient. Eun-ho, a side character, could’ve been more prominent, especially in interactions with Eun-gyeol or their parents.

Overall:
None of these issues are deal-breakers, and I still enjoyed the drama. It’s light-hearted and cozy, but it did start losing its plot-driven focus and fizzling out towards the end.

Brain Says “Flaws!” but Heart Says “I Don’t Care!”

When I started this drama, I expected a light and funny story with a time travel twist. The synopsis was intriguing—a boy going back in time and meeting his parents when they were his age. However, as the story unfolded, I realized it wasn’t as light-hearted as I initially thought. This drama made me laugh, brought me to the verge of tears, and even made me think.

The story primarily revolves around Ha Eun Gyeol, a model student passionate about music. As a Child Of Deaf Adults (CODA), Eun Gyeol is the only one in his family who can hear, acting as the bridge between the silent world of his family and the outside world. I was initially confused when Eun Gyeol and his brother Eun Ho communicated in sign language in a coffee shop, wondering if they were just being cool or avoiding being overheard. It became clear only after the narrative explained it.

Eun Gyeol’s father, Ha Yi Chan, disapproves of his son’s musical interests, preferring to see him excel academically. This leads to a conflict where Eun Gyeol, torn between his obligations and passion, decides to abandon music. However, a mysterious shop, Viva La Vida, appears during a magical night with two moons, setting off Eun Gyeol’s adventure.

The first episode hooked me right away, focusing on Eun Gyeol’s backstory and family bond, which I believe is the story’s best part. The drama is less about romance and more about character development and the people they meet along the way.

I loved the interactions between Yi Chan and Eun Gyeol the most. Despite being father and son, their bromance during the time travel was delightful. The romance between Yi Chan and Cheong Ah was also heartwarming. Cheong Ah, who had a crush on Yi Chan before he noticed her, added depth to the story. The supporting characters, particularly Ha Eun Ho and Viva, were also noteworthy.

The cast did an excellent job portraying their characters. Ryeoun, whom I had seen in a minor role in 18 Again, impressed me even more here. Choi Hyun Wook, whom I admired since 25-21 and Weak Hero Class 1, delivered another strong performance, although he tends to play similar roles. Seol In Ah was good, but her character annoyed me, though it might not be her fault. Shin Eun Soo was a pleasant surprise, growing on me as her character developed. The actors playing Eun Gyeol’s parents as adults also did well.

The comedic timing, especially with Choi Hyun Wook’s character blurting out random English words, was spot-on. Overall, this was an excellent drama, earning a solid 9/10 from me. However, it did have several plot holes and unresolved issues. While the ending didn’t feel rushed, a few more minutes or an additional episode would have provided better closure.

SPOILERS AHEAD

I have many questions about the ending. How did Cheong Ah convince her father to let her marry Yi Chan, given he wanted to send her abroad and keep her away? They shouldn’t have shown that scene if they weren’t going to address it. Did Yi Chan recognize Eun Gyeol? While I understand leaving it open for interpretation, an answer would have been nice. The lack of scenes showing Yi Chan and Cheong Ah’s life after the accident and Eun Gyeol’s departure was disappointing. Also, does Eun Gyeol remember his life after time travel, especially his affluent upbringing? Lastly, how and why did Viva become a time traveler? Leaving him as a mysterious helper would have sufficed.

Despite these flaws, this drama made me forget them. If I accounted for all the flaws, my rating would have been lower. I suspected it would have a “fate can’t be changed” ending, as altering everything would risk not keeping Yi Chan and Cheong Ah together.

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