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The Review Geek
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Spring of Youth Season 1 Review – A messy K-drama that is all too forgettable
Season 1 Episode Guide Episode 1 -| Review Score – 2.5/5 Episode 2 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 3 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 4 -| Review Score – 2.5/5 Episode 5 -| Review Score – 2.5/5 Episode 6 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 7 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 8 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 9 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 10 -| Review Score – 3/5 Spring of Youth is one of those K-dramas that is nice enough but doesn't really leave an impression. The series follows a K-pop idol named Sa Gye who loses everything after a video of him attacking his manager, Jo Sang-heon goes viral. But things aren't quite that simple. Six years ago, an accident led to Sa Gye getting a cornea transplant. Ever since then, he's been plagued by mysterious dreams and visions, and it was one of these that triggered his attack on Jo Sang-heon. Sang-heon, it seems, has plenty to hide and therefore kicks Sa Gye out of the famous pop band known as The Crown. Sa Gye is then relegated to attending university like regular people his age, which is where he comes across Kim Bom, a young student pursuing music. What's more, her music box necklace sings the same tune that has been running through Sa Gye's mind for the past six years. Coincidence? Unlikely. Over time, the two get to know each other and even start a band along with Bom's other friends — Jin-gu, Gyu-ri, and her childhood friend Tae-yang who is clearly in love with her. As the group continues to make new music, Sa Gye simultaneously looks into Jo Sang-heon and his weird dreams, trying to piece together his old manager's secret. What follows is plenty of college shenanigans, politics, cover-ups, and melodrama. It's a solid setup for a story about bandmates coming together against the backdrop of a larger conspiracy. However, right off the bat, Spring of Youth Season 1 is riddled with flaws. There are issues with the pace, editing, writing, and even the acting. And while the K-drama features pleasant, warm visuals and a melodious soundtrack, it's not quite enough to make up for it. The earlier episodes dive into the story at a fast pace, rollercoastering through various events. The editing is incredibly choppy and distracting, making the story jump from one scene to another with zero thought given to transitions. It's a jerky ride and that reflects in the storytelling as well — Sa Gye and Bom's relationship is rushed and established before you even know it's happening. The performances aren't of special note either. Ha Yoo-joon does a good job of portraying Sa Gye's ever-cheerful, go-get-it attitude, but he doesn't have much range and his performance wavers during more emotional scenes. Park Ji-hu, who's done a captivating job in earlier shows like All Of Us Are Dead and Little Women, doesn't show the same range here. In fact, from the main trio, Lee Seung-hyub shows the most acting prowess. However, this is quite undercut by the fact that he very much looks like a grown man mingling with young 20-year-olds. It doesn't help that the story is fairly predictable. In just a few episodes, you can easily put the dots together and figure out what's going on. By showing their hand too early, Spring of Youth Season 1 is unable to develop a sense of mystery or suspense. It's not bad per se, there's a decent small-fry-versus-big-fish energy throughout the series that works quite well. And if you suspend your disbelief, you might just enjoy the dramatic shenanigans and exaggerated villains. The one thing the drama gets right is the camaraderie between the bandmates. The group of five students share a lighthearted, fun dynamic that is a delight to watch. Their scenes together, particularly during their happier times, have a lot of heart and humour in them. It's an enjoyable slice-of-life vibe akin to K-drama friendships from series like Reply 1988 or Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Unfortunately, it's not quite enough to save Spring of Youth. In the end, the technical flaws and the shoddy writing overshadow most of the K-drama, making it seem like the series was hurriedly put together during post-production. It's a perfectly average K-drama but when there are well-made rom-coms like Lovely Runner and Pump Up the Healthy Love out there, this one is an easy miss.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Star power, low ratings: K-dramas that flopped or split audiences in first half of 2025
In the glitzy world of K-dramas, star-studded casts and big budgets often promise blockbuster success - but 2025 had other plans. Despite high expectations, several dramas stumbled out of the gate, leaving audiences divided and ratings in freefall. Here's a look at the shows that shone on paper but faltered on screen in the first half of the year. Spring of Youth Cast: Ha Yoo-joon, Park Ji-hu, and Lee Seung-hyub Plot: After an accident derails his career, The Crown's lead vocalist Sa Gye is forced to enroll at Hanju University, where he meets Kim Bom - a gifted keyboardist who gave up Ivy League dreams after her mother's death. As they grow closer, Sa Gye rekindles his passion for music and quietly forms a new band. But tensions rise with Seo Tae Yang, a brilliant guitarist and med student, sparking a rivalry in both music and love. Despite its compelling premise, the K-drama struggled in South Korea, with ratings dropping below 1% after just three episodes. However, it did find a strong international following, especially on streaming platforms in North America and Southeast Asia. Dear Hongrang Cast: Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, Jung Ga Ram, Uhm Ji Won, Park Byung Eun & Kim Jae Wook Plot: Set in the late Joseon Dynasty, the drama follows Hong Rang, who returns home after a 10-year disappearance with no memory of his past. His half-sister Jae I, once close to him, is determined to uncover the truth behind his vanishing. Raised in privilege, Hong Rang now searches for his true identity, while Jae I battles a difficult home life with an abusive stepmother and distant father. The drama drew mixed reactions from viewers. While its stunning visuals, strong performances, and evocative soundtrack earned praise, many criticized the rushed storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and problematic romantic arc. The short 11-episode format, along with controversial themes - particularly the implied 'incest' storyline - fueled further debate and divided opinions. Tastefully Yours Cast: Kang Ha Neul, Go Min Si, Kim Shin Rok and Yoo Soo Bin Plot: Han Beom U, the heir to a major food conglomerate, runs Seoul's top fine dining restaurant - but ironically, he has no real appreciation for taste. Meanwhile, Mo Yeon Ju, a chef driven by her obsession with flavour, operates a hidden one-table restaurant in a remote countryside village. When their paths cross, the two opposites come together to open a small restaurant in the city of Miraek, Jeonju. As they navigate the challenges of running it, they grow closer, learn from each other, and slowly fall in love. The series, struggled with low ratings in South Korea but found global success on Netflix, topping charts in several countries. Its popularity abroad highlights a clear divide between domestic and international audience appeal. Our Movie Cast: Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo Been, Lee Seol and Seo Hyeon Woo Plot: Lee Je Ha, once hailed a genius for his debut film, went on a 5-year hiatus, haunted by fears of a sophomore slump. Ready to return, he begins working on a romance about someone with a limited time to live. During research, he meets Lee Da Eum, an aspiring actress battling a rare, incurable disease. Drawn to the script, she helps shape the story and sees it as a turning point in her dream to act. As they collaborate, the two - each grappling with their own struggles - slowly fall in love. The drama failed to generate the same buzz or positive word-of-mouth as other popular K-dramas, falling short of expectations. Overall, it didn't achieve the level of success that was anticipated. Divorce Insurance Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Kwang Soo and Lee Da Hee Plot: No Gi Jun, a product developer at an insurance company, has been divorced three times. He decides to create a divorce insurance policy, viewing divorce as an unexpected life disaster. He forms a special team that includes Kang Han Deul, an underwriter who changed her outlook after her own divorce; An Jeon Man, a cautious risk surveyor stepping out of his comfort zone; and Jeon Na Rae, a financial mathematician who has no regrets about her short-lived marriage. Together, they tackle rising divorce rates with a bold new insurance idea. Despite a strong cast and high expectations, the drama underperformed in Korea. While it did well on Amazon Prime Video, notably in Asia, domestic viewing in South Korea dropped dramatically, with the final episode receiving a relatively low 0.9% rating. Potato Lab Cast: Lee Sun Bin, Kang Tae Oh and Lee Hak Joo Plot: Set in a mountain valley potato research center, the story follows Kim Mi Gyeong, a quirky scientist obsessed with developing a new potato variety named 'Mi Gyeong.' Her routine is disrupted by So Baek Ho, the handsome but aloof new director. Though they start off clashing, an unexpected office romance blooms between these two flawed yet endearing adults. The drama elicited varied responses. While some viewers praised the unusual premise and chemistry between the protagonists, others found the plot unclear and the finale unsatisfying. Some felt that the drama concentrated too heavily on the potato lab, while others thought the main couple's reconciliation was hasty and implausible. Kick Kick Kick Kick Cast: Ji Jin Hee, Lee Kyu Hyung, Baek Ji Won and Lee Min Jae Plot: Ji Jin Hui, a former star actor, teams up with ex-top PD Cho Yeong Sik - despite their rocky past - to start a production company called Kick Kick Kick Kick Company. Together, they run the company with a small team, including therapist Baek Ji Won and ambitious workaholic Lee Min Jae. The drama failed in every manner, with many viewers not even noticing its release. Ratings hovered well at 2%, but by episode 10, had dropped to 0.3%. Many stated it lacked the personality and warmth of classic programs like High Kick, and that it exemplified why a genre should not be recreated. Crushology 101 Cast: Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, Cho Jun Young, Hong Min Ki and Kim Hyun Jin Plot: Bunny, a top sculpture student at Yein University, once believed personality outweighed appearance - until a painful breakup shattered her confidence and left her questioning her worth. Now openly drawn to handsome men but still battling self-esteem issues, her world shifts when two captivating figures enter her life: Hwang Jae Yul, a warm and driven visual design student, and Cha Ji Won, a seemingly perfect chaebol heir. Despite its global success, the drama is usually seen as a flop, especially in South Korea. It debuted with tremendous hopes and even topped global charts, but received extremely low viewership figures in Korea. According to some accounts, the ratings were as low as 0.8% and 0.9%, making it one of MBC's lowest-rated dramas ever. When the Stars Gossip Cast: Lee Min Ho, Gong Hyo Jin, Oh Jung Se and Han Ji Eun Plot: The story follows an astronaut and a tourist who fall in love at a space station. Kong Ryong, an OB-GYN and future son-in-law of Korea's richest conglomerate, visits the station as a space tourist with a hidden agenda. Commander Eve Kim, a strict perfectionist, is on her first mission as commander. Also aboard is Kang Gang Su, a carefree heir-turned-scientist studying fruit flies. Back on Earth is Choi Go Eun, Kong Ryong's brilliant and beautiful fiancée, and the sole heir to the powerful MZ Group. Despite its expensive budget and star-studded cast, this drama received low viewership and scathing reviews. It was criticized for its narrative, notably the space idea, and the chemistry between the two actors, Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin. Motel California Cast: Lee Se Young, Na In Woo, Choi Min Soo, Kim Tae Hyeong and Choi Hee Jin Plot: Ji Gang Hui grew up at Motel California, run by her father in a rural village, and faced gossip due to her mixed heritage and unusual family background. Her first love was childhood friend Cheon Yeon Su, but at 20, she left for Seoul. Now a successful interior designer, she unexpectedly returns home after 12 years and reunites with Yeon Su. Cheon Yeon Su, now a village veterinarian, has only ever loved Gang Hui. Though pursued by locals hoping to match him with their daughters, he avoids confrontation by letting a rumour about marrying a fellow vet linger. Her sudden return reignites old feelings and unresolved emotions. While not deemed a flop, the reviews were varied. While some viewers found it tiresome and monotonous, others praised the performances and character development, and some thought the cinematography was stunning. However, the drama acquired popularity on social media, mainly due to Lee Se-young's performance. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Pink Villa
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Park Ji Hu's Spring of Youth Ending Explained: Was Sa Gye able to seek justice for Kim Bom? Find it all
Teen romance drama Spring of Youth just dropped its final episodes on July 2. Starring Park Ji Hu, Ha Yoo Joon and Lee Seung Hyub in lead roles, the series follows university students with an interlinked past. Read to know what all went down in the last week of the series, including whether the leads were able to move past their respective issues and reunite with each other. How did Seo Tae Yang protect Sa Gye from his father's evil schemes? Seo Tae Yang (Lee Seung Hyub) came to know about his father's involvement in Kim Bom's (Park Ji Hu) mother's death after overbearing his conversation with Cho Sang Hun (Jo Han Chul), the CEO of The Crown's agency. The next day, his boy band's special episode filming was set to feature Hanju band, however, it was replaced by TWO SAGYE. Sensing danger for Sa Gye, Tae Yang checked for potential life-threatening glitches on stage and found one. He pushed him aside, saving his life. However, both fainted and were hospitalized. Did Park Bom receive justice for her mother's unnatural death? After Tae Yang regained consciousness, he attempted to take his life due to guilty regarding his father's behaviour towards Park Bom. Seeing his son on the brink of death, he accepted his wishes and admitted to his crime, and was punished accordingly. Park Bom received justice, but couldn't accept the fact that Sa Gye kept the truth from her. She then left for abroad, citing the need for change of air to recover from the hard time she went through. Did Sa Gye and Kim Bom reunite? Is there a happy ending? Yes, they did. Kim Bom returned to South Korea after two years and made up with Sa Gye with a warm hug and a kiss. The series ended on a happy note with Tae Yang doing away with his jealousy and reuniting with TWO SAGYE band for an on-campus live performance. Bandmate Kong Jin Gu (Kim Sun Min) and Kim Bom's cousin Bae Gyu Ri (Seo Hye Won) also ended up dating. Thus, with all issues getting resolved, there is almost no possibility for Spring of Youth getting renewed for a second season.
International Business Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Spring of Youth Ending, Episode 10 (Finale): Will the Drama Conclude With a Happy Ending?
The ending of Spring of Youth will be packed with surprising plot twists and exciting story developments. Ahead of the finale, the production team has shared new details about episode 10. According to the producers, viewers can tune in to SBS on Wednesday night to see if the drama will conclude with a happy ending that satisfies everyone. The teen romance drama, starring Ha Yoo Joon, Park Ji Hu, and Lee Seung Hyub, will air its last episode on Wednesday (July 2). It will introduce actor Jung Hae In as orthopedic fellow Ahn Se Hyun. The newly released stills show him smiling warmly while talking to someone, wearing the doctor's coat and a stethoscope around his neck. His expression suddenly changed, leaving the viewers wondering about his role in the mini-series. "Jung Hae In is a true professional who eases his nerves through constant rehearsal. Even in a brief appearance, he brought out the best synergy. Be sure to watch his standout performance in the final episode of Spring of Youth, airing on July 2," the production team shared. Spring of Youth Ending ILLIT member Wonhee will make a special appearance in episode 10. The newly released stills capture her positive energy and charm as she stands beside Seo Tae Yang at the airport. The refreshing new character is dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt. She radiates a bright and energetic vibe as she approaches Seo Tae Yang with a gift in hand. "ILLIT member Wonhee, who gladly agreed to appear in the final episode after contributing to the soundtrack, brings added strength to the finale with her memorable performance. Tune in to the main broadcast of Spring of Youth at 10:40 PM on Wednesday (July 2) to see if the series concludes with a happy ending that satisfies everyone," the producers teased. Spring of Youth Episode 10 The teen romance drama will return with its last episode on SBS on Wednesday (July 2) at 10:40 PM KST. This SBS teen romance drama features Ha Yoo Joon, Park Ji Hu, and Lee Seung Hyub. Screenwriter Kim Min Cheol wrote the script, and Kim Sung Yong directed it. The mini-series revolves around the complicated relationship between Sa Gye, Kim Bom, and Seo Tae Yang. The K-drama premiered on SBS TV on Tuesday (May 6). People in Korea can watch the finale on TV or stream it online. K-drama fans from other parts of the world, including the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Mexico, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Greenland, Hong Kong, China, Japan, New Zealand, UAE, Singapore, Turkey, and South Africa, can watch the mini-series with subtitles on online streaming platforms, like Viki. Here are the International Air Timings of Spring Of Youth Episode 10:
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wonhee from ILLIT to make acting debut; joins Lee Seung Hyub in ‘Spring Of Youth' finale - deets inside!
Another idol seems to be making her debut in the acting world! Wonhee, a member of the girl group ILLIT, is all set to make her first-ever on-screen appearance! The idol has been confirmed to star in the final episode of the popular ongoing Korean drama 'Spring of Youth'. ILLIT Wonhee's acting debut confirmed ILLIT's Wonhee is all set to make her acting debut. The idol is going to be making a short appearance in the ongoing drama 'Spring of Youth', as confirmed from reports by Allkpop. While the star has not featured on the screen directly, she has worked on creating OSTs for Korean dramas. Wonhee had previously sung for the OST track 'Your Eyes Speak to Me', lending her melodious voice for the drama. What character will Wonhee play? Wonhee is all set to make a short cameo appearance as the 'airport girl' in the drama. She will be sharing a scene with the lead of the drama, Lee Seung Hyub, where she will call out to him and throw a gift at him, leaving the man stunned. The idol can be seen wearing a simple yet cute outfit for the brief cameo. The idol can be seen wearing a simple yellow plaid pattern button-up with a white T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans, all the while balancing out the outfit with her straight hair and minimal makeup look. The teaser for the cameo was shared directly by the production house of the drama online on social media platforms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo The production team of the drama also issued a statement about Wonhee's appearance on the show. They shared that 'We're grateful to Wonhee for not only singing the OST but also happily agreeing to a cameo appearance in the finale. Her memorable performance adds a special touch to the final episode of Spring of Youth. Will the story end with a satisfying happy ending for everyone? Tune in tonight at 10:40 PM to find out.'
