Wow... I really don't know where to start...
First of all, the historical background is just perfect, everything is perfect, the actors are just too good! If u like crying a river this is the show for you, I've never cried so much for a kdrama, this is definitely on top of the kdramas I've watched til now, I mean... the drama is real, it's heartbreaking but still, the romance is beautiful, all the characters are so very well developed, just watch it and cry.
34 Reviews
Underrated masterpiece
mgbnppi6 October 2021
It's a drama based on a historical event. The main leads have amazing storylines and show how they both battle their individual hardships. There's great chemistry between the leads and I loved how they portray the female lead's relationship with her family and especially her younger brother. It's definitely a must watch.
Love Amidst Chaos
fake_moviestar14 June 2021
I love Korean dramas and have seen a ton of them, but this was the first one that I've seen that portrayed the historical event known as the "Gwangju Uprising." I adored the love story, but was equally enthralled and horrified at the historical events that occurred in May of 1980.
This show was very well done, from a stunning soundtrack, to great cinematography, well done costuming (depicting the late 70s/early 80s), and wonderful casting. The chemistry between the two leads was great, and the side characters were all fully developed, with outstanding performances all around. Lee Do-Hyun was clearly the standout star in this, and it's easy to see why he is such an up and coming new actor, as talent is just oozing out of him.
I thought the story was well done and well paced, 12 episodes was a perfect number. My only wish is that they had more fully explained the events that lead up to the Gwangju Uprising, as I was a bit confused as to why the events happened in the first place.
Overall this was very well done and well worth a watch!
This show was very well done, from a stunning soundtrack, to great cinematography, well done costuming (depicting the late 70s/early 80s), and wonderful casting. The chemistry between the two leads was great, and the side characters were all fully developed, with outstanding performances all around. Lee Do-Hyun was clearly the standout star in this, and it's easy to see why he is such an up and coming new actor, as talent is just oozing out of him.
I thought the story was well done and well paced, 12 episodes was a perfect number. My only wish is that they had more fully explained the events that lead up to the Gwangju Uprising, as I was a bit confused as to why the events happened in the first place.
Overall this was very well done and well worth a watch!
A masterpiece!
shilpajoyce12 June 2021
This drama is "the masterpiece" of this year. I happened to stumble upon this drama through an Instagram page that revealed a major spoiler. So, yes I had known the ending but still decided to give it a go and boy, I'm not disappointed at all. Despite of me knowing what exactly was gonna happen, I was moved to tears during plenty of scenes. It has the right amount of episodes and everything was conveyed clearly with no loose ends. The cast did a brilliant job. Kudos to the writers for this excellent script. This is a must watch for all the k-drama lovers out there!
Masterpiece!
tanushree-raha101917 July 2021
Plot: Story based on Gwangju Uprising incident. Which is shown through the eyes of children, soldiers, medical staffs and students.
There are some movies/dramas/books which are so beautiful that you dont want to watch/read it again. You want to live with that same emotions which occured when you watched/read it for the very first time.
Youth of May brings you that same feelings.
You will get drowned in all the emotions and trust me its chaotic. You will need sometime to get over this drama because it is so beautiful that it hurts and its overwhelming.
Now, coming to the acting of this new age actor Lee Do Hyeon, you can tell that he is a hardworking actor who loves acting, he has delivered a masterpiece which dont create by a lazy artist... and as per John Ruskin "when love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece".
This drama is a masterpiece!
Please dont miss it. They dont make such drama often.
My favourite quote of the drama: "Give him the strength and courage to continue to swim through life without sinking when the tears that he shed alone rise to reach the neck."
PS: It is very easy to get absorbed into Go Min Si's deeply expressive eyes. What a fabulous actor she is!
There are some movies/dramas/books which are so beautiful that you dont want to watch/read it again. You want to live with that same emotions which occured when you watched/read it for the very first time.
Youth of May brings you that same feelings.
You will get drowned in all the emotions and trust me its chaotic. You will need sometime to get over this drama because it is so beautiful that it hurts and its overwhelming.
Now, coming to the acting of this new age actor Lee Do Hyeon, you can tell that he is a hardworking actor who loves acting, he has delivered a masterpiece which dont create by a lazy artist... and as per John Ruskin "when love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece".
This drama is a masterpiece!
Please dont miss it. They dont make such drama often.
My favourite quote of the drama: "Give him the strength and courage to continue to swim through life without sinking when the tears that he shed alone rise to reach the neck."
PS: It is very easy to get absorbed into Go Min Si's deeply expressive eyes. What a fabulous actor she is!
Beautiful but heartbreaking
vikachu-7953528 July 2022
THE LAST EPISODE DESTROYED ME. AN HOUR STRAIGHT OF CRYING 😭. Such brilliant acting and visuals, great characters that even got backstory which is unique to kdramas lol. Lt was predictable at moments but the ending made me forget how to breathe (in a sad way).
Brace yourself for some heartache. But worth watching.
rookiewookie13 August 2021
The Plot and the Screenplay are well put-together.
The show is about one hell of a star-crossed love between a medical student and a nurse weaved around a dark-time in south Korean city Gwangju.
Brace yourself for some heartache by the ending.
The low-rating reviews are from let-down expectation of a cute lovey-dovy romantic story with a happy ending.
This definitely goes into my re-watch list later in future.
The show is about one hell of a star-crossed love between a medical student and a nurse weaved around a dark-time in south Korean city Gwangju.
Brace yourself for some heartache by the ending.
The low-rating reviews are from let-down expectation of a cute lovey-dovy romantic story with a happy ending.
This definitely goes into my re-watch list later in future.
Underrated Masterpiece
anthonyvtran13 March 2023
This drama has to be one of the underrated. This is a must watch. All cast members did an out standing job!!
I have to warn you even though this drama has romance in it. It is really sad. There are many parts that will get you very emotional and leave tears in your eyes.
Go Min-si as the leading female role was amazing!! Lee Do-hyun As the lead male was outstanding as well. Their acting skill were top notch. I can feel all their emotions.
This drama is more than just a live story. It's about fighting for what's right, what you believe in and all the struggles you have.
Truly a must watch. You won't be disappointed.
I have to warn you even though this drama has romance in it. It is really sad. There are many parts that will get you very emotional and leave tears in your eyes.
Go Min-si as the leading female role was amazing!! Lee Do-hyun As the lead male was outstanding as well. Their acting skill were top notch. I can feel all their emotions.
This drama is more than just a live story. It's about fighting for what's right, what you believe in and all the struggles you have.
Truly a must watch. You won't be disappointed.
Sad Movie That's Worth A Watch
richdejesusvictoria26 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I kind of guessed from the beginning that the female lead will die in the end. I wrongly guessed that the man on the train station platform is the male lead in the present time. There is a flavor of predictability and unpredictability all throughout the drama. The background setting was based on true events yet with a good mix of fiction (reminds me of Titanic). There is balance of slow, medium, and fast phases where needed. The casting was great especially the male lead who I think was exceptional and executed well the right emotions and nuances and delivery of his lines. Boy, he has promise (reminds me of Kim Soo Hyun in his early acting stints) ! The love story itself, though tragic, did not end tragically (as a consolation) as he remained loyal and kept the love even after her disappearance and death. He more than kept the end of the vow. Good scriptwriting, though quite a lot of open-ends and "why's" here and there. Some more romance added wouldn't hurt either, felt like I was shortchanged on the romantic side. Bummer, the guy was cute.
Biggest plot hole for me, though, was why the soldier-friend of the male lead (the man on the platform of the train station), did not tell his friend (male lead) who has been searching (he was giving out flyers in search of her) and tormented (to the point of suicidal) by this 'disappearance' and assumption of her death. The soldier knew who the girl was definitely (he referred to her as "the nurse" previously) and he even read the note with his friend's name written there, surely he knew who to tell to as to what happened to the girl and where her remains was. Why drag it on to 41 years, come on.
Overall, I'll give it an 8. A good history and fiction, nice backdrops and setting, and good acting and visuals courtesy of the male lead mostly. It was sad but still worthwhile to watch it, for a 12-episode drama.
P. S. And come on, why keep the title of the song unaswered. Can't pronounce, Annie's Song by John Denver?
Biggest plot hole for me, though, was why the soldier-friend of the male lead (the man on the platform of the train station), did not tell his friend (male lead) who has been searching (he was giving out flyers in search of her) and tormented (to the point of suicidal) by this 'disappearance' and assumption of her death. The soldier knew who the girl was definitely (he referred to her as "the nurse" previously) and he even read the note with his friend's name written there, surely he knew who to tell to as to what happened to the girl and where her remains was. Why drag it on to 41 years, come on.
Overall, I'll give it an 8. A good history and fiction, nice backdrops and setting, and good acting and visuals courtesy of the male lead mostly. It was sad but still worthwhile to watch it, for a 12-episode drama.
P. S. And come on, why keep the title of the song unaswered. Can't pronounce, Annie's Song by John Denver?
The world I believed in crumbled
alaningle723 June 2023
In the first scenes of the series a man is at a train station and a tv screen with the news on announces that a body has been found in the Gwanju region and he drops his bag. We then jump back to 1980 in Gwanju where students and academics are protesting martial law and the the series follows a divergent group of people who are there at the time. The ominous start leaves you knowing there will be tragedy at the end but the scriptwriters do an amazing job and you become totally invested in the outcome. The story is a romance between Kim Myung-hee played by Go Min-si who is a nurse and Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun) who is a medical student played against the backdrop of real events in Gwanju from the 18th to the 27th May. It has a heartbreaking end and it is also heartbreaking to think that just 43 years ago the Korean Military were massacring Korean citizens, and how so few were held accountable. Great script, great acting and a story which is sadder for being based on actual events.
Great period setting, somewhat weak storyline
dleetrident10 June 2021
As someone with Korean heritage, it was very interesting to see the period in which my parents' generation grew up in, particularly as this "between" period after the Korean war, but before the economic boom and nostalgia of the 90s isn't something I've seen reperesented on screen before. The production did a great job.
However, the script and storyline fall short. It starts strong, in the present, with the mystery surrounding a news story which we can assume alludes to what happens to one of the main characters.. and creates a sense of huge melodrama.. but as the drama gets to the late stages (starting around ep 9-10) the story becomes rushed with plotpoints being brushed aside immediately after they happen in preparation for the next development, making character and story progression seem unearned and abrupt. By the last couple of episodes major plotpoints are rushed through so quickly and inconsequentially that it just started to lose what sense of believability it had earned during the early stages.
Really my main gripe is the pacing which mainly results from the 12ep 1 hour run time (the shortest I've seen from a kdrama that isn't considered a mini-series), and they should really have chosen either to present this as a 2 hour movie or a properly fleshed out 24 hour drama. The first 8 eps feel like they belong as the opening act of a 24 ep arc, and then within 3 eps the story comes to an abrupt end (the 12th being the present day epilogue).
If you're curious about Korean history and want a short series to watch then this isn't an awful watch, I've still given it a 7 because the beginning was pretty good, but it does flatter to deceive on what it can deliver and the climax falls on its face for me.
However, the script and storyline fall short. It starts strong, in the present, with the mystery surrounding a news story which we can assume alludes to what happens to one of the main characters.. and creates a sense of huge melodrama.. but as the drama gets to the late stages (starting around ep 9-10) the story becomes rushed with plotpoints being brushed aside immediately after they happen in preparation for the next development, making character and story progression seem unearned and abrupt. By the last couple of episodes major plotpoints are rushed through so quickly and inconsequentially that it just started to lose what sense of believability it had earned during the early stages.
Really my main gripe is the pacing which mainly results from the 12ep 1 hour run time (the shortest I've seen from a kdrama that isn't considered a mini-series), and they should really have chosen either to present this as a 2 hour movie or a properly fleshed out 24 hour drama. The first 8 eps feel like they belong as the opening act of a 24 ep arc, and then within 3 eps the story comes to an abrupt end (the 12th being the present day epilogue).
If you're curious about Korean history and want a short series to watch then this isn't an awful watch, I've still given it a 7 because the beginning was pretty good, but it does flatter to deceive on what it can deliver and the climax falls on its face for me.
Interesting topic, good acting but the script crumbles in the end.
jounikeskinen27 June 2021
I chose to watch this because of the interesting historical period it represents. As a European, I didn't know anything about Gwangju uprising although it is quite recent history.
I agree with most other reviewers that the production is great, acting is generally good. Leading couple has a great chemistry and the main villain is even more frightening than in Crash Landing on You. So I would have liked to give this more stars. I just hope they would have had better script.
I agree with most other reviewers that the production is great, acting is generally good. Leading couple has a great chemistry and the main villain is even more frightening than in Crash Landing on You. So I would have liked to give this more stars. I just hope they would have had better script.
There was an attempt, I guess...
Park_Min9 July 2023
It seems the drama excuses itself way too much and too often under the umbrella of "real life events" which denotes for a lazy writing. Moreover, the antagonist in the drama is portrayed as an omnipotent being who possesses an uncanny awareness, insight, and control over everything and everyone. Practically a god! It undermines the believability of the story and weakens the conflict by eliminating any sense of balance or potential for meaningful character growth and development. This kind of characterization is only passable for makjang shenanigans, mindless action or goofy adventure flicks. Instead of crafting a compelling tragedy, it turned into an extensive series of self-inflicted misery, unreasonable maneuvers and forceful entanglements. This is not how to make a tragedy!
The brothers playing the big turning point for the climax were only brought to attention in the last 2-3 episodes. How do you expect the viewers to care? While some of the support characters may receive attention initially (or eventually like the brothers) but they ended up being underdeveloped and lacking depth. Their presence feels inconsequential and fails to contribute meaningfully to the overall story. Either give them a proper investment or don't waste unnecessary scenes. The 12 episodes run already feels too long! Despite dealing with potentially emotional and poignant themes, the drama fails to delve deeply into the emotional lives of its characters. Instead, we got a superficial, quick and dry cuts that were barely sufficient to progress the story.
The brothers playing the big turning point for the climax were only brought to attention in the last 2-3 episodes. How do you expect the viewers to care? While some of the support characters may receive attention initially (or eventually like the brothers) but they ended up being underdeveloped and lacking depth. Their presence feels inconsequential and fails to contribute meaningfully to the overall story. Either give them a proper investment or don't waste unnecessary scenes. The 12 episodes run already feels too long! Despite dealing with potentially emotional and poignant themes, the drama fails to delve deeply into the emotional lives of its characters. Instead, we got a superficial, quick and dry cuts that were barely sufficient to progress the story.
Nice combination between a romantic love story and a historical event
Reginay_40421 July 2021
This drama certainly shows how good K-dramas are today. It combines the historical event of the Gwangju Uprising with a romantic love story that K-dramas are perfectly good at. The sets, the costumes, the music really take us back to last century. I love the scene when the main leading male gets onto the bus and asks the main leading female about when's the next date. The bus seems like a vintage one.
I really like the contrast between the terror brings by Gwangju Uprising and the joy in the love story. It exaggerates both the historical value of the event and the beauty of romantic love. For me, as a foreigner who never learned about this event, this drama helps me understand more about it. I was even stimulated to search for the whole thing online. At least from this perspective, this drama is very meaningful.
However, this drama isn't perfect. For example, the father of the main leading male is portrayed as a perfect bad guy. I know that having such a character can make the love story sounds more touching and more romantic. Yes, love under the threats of a crazy villain is 100 times cooler than the rest, but I still think this should be viewed as a failure of the screenwriter crafting characters. I don't think there's that kind of people that can be so perfectly bad and evil, without any sympathy and empathy. I just watched a drama called The Greed of Man. There's an extremely villain called Ting Hai in this drama. Although he's so terrible, he can still persuade himself. I don't think a man like the father of the main leading male can persuade himself.
I really like the contrast between the terror brings by Gwangju Uprising and the joy in the love story. It exaggerates both the historical value of the event and the beauty of romantic love. For me, as a foreigner who never learned about this event, this drama helps me understand more about it. I was even stimulated to search for the whole thing online. At least from this perspective, this drama is very meaningful.
However, this drama isn't perfect. For example, the father of the main leading male is portrayed as a perfect bad guy. I know that having such a character can make the love story sounds more touching and more romantic. Yes, love under the threats of a crazy villain is 100 times cooler than the rest, but I still think this should be viewed as a failure of the screenwriter crafting characters. I don't think there's that kind of people that can be so perfectly bad and evil, without any sympathy and empathy. I just watched a drama called The Greed of Man. There's an extremely villain called Ting Hai in this drama. Although he's so terrible, he can still persuade himself. I don't think a man like the father of the main leading male can persuade himself.
My first review ever
Ameemzz20 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Its my first time writing a view on a drama although i have watched so many kdramas, but by this you can see that this drama was so good that I couldn't stop myself from writing a review its because i dont want people to miss out on such a masterpiece, although it might have a sad ending but so what missing out on this masterpiece just bcz of the ending, this drama is just more than that it deserves so much. The actors portrayed their characters so well they deserve so much more. I hope no one misses out on this.
Very Affecting Drama
wheatley-2023027 April 2023
This is a very affecting drama, all the more so because it is easy to believe that some of the people caught up in these terrible events in May 1980 experienced similar emotions and heartache.
That ability to project the emotions on screen on to real people is a fitting accolade to the cast, who gave us characters we cared about.
There were occasions when the dialogue failed to match the drama on screen, which is probably because I was watching with English subtitles. At such times, perhaps it is the translation which is at fault.
Without that quibble I would have awarded an even higher score.
That ability to project the emotions on screen on to real people is a fitting accolade to the cast, who gave us characters we cared about.
There were occasions when the dialogue failed to match the drama on screen, which is probably because I was watching with English subtitles. At such times, perhaps it is the translation which is at fault.
Without that quibble I would have awarded an even higher score.
Beautiful but sad
rachelle-fabre9 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
That's the saddest and very much beautiful kdrama I've seen so far, and I'm new on the kdrama world, I've been watching theses since squid game and Parasite.. My heart ache sometimes watching this, the ending was so sad because overall we are so use to happy ending. All the characters where really good and the actors played them good. And yes in the beginning it was kind of strange seeing the two main characters as lovers since there are brothers and sisters in Sweet home. Even though they where not a happy ending I don't regret watching it. Now I'm looking for my next kdrama fix, something less romantic and sad.
A bittersweet masterpiece.
Mr_Avenger19 May 2022
One of the best korean series of 2021. The storyline is really nice as also the cinematography , costumes, soundtrack , everything. All the cast have wonderful performances and I really like the fact that all the characters are gradually developed as the episodes go by. The chemistry between the main leads are also great. A bittersweet masterpiece based on the historical events of 1980s spring.
Hiiii
thutrangthinguyen23 June 2021
Thing i hope the movie will make more clearly is what happened in the past among characters. Cause i'm kinda confused after watching this film. But it doesn't affect on your experience with the movie.
In conclusion you must watch it Sorry if my english isn't good.
In conclusion you must watch it Sorry if my english isn't good.
Amazing portrayal of love and patriotism
pranayjalvi27 December 2021
Youth Of May does a fantastic job of bringing its story to life via our characters, their experiences, and their relationships.
A rollercoaster of emotions that's not easy by any means, but that's completely worthwhile. The leads were amazing and so were the supporting characters. I loved how they showcased different points of view; from the soldiers, police, college students as the protestors, nurses and doctors, and the commoners.
Youth Of May is both sweet and bright, and at times reminds of the traumatizing past in a subtle way. It probably might be the best underrated drama of 2021.
My Rating : 8/10.
A rollercoaster of emotions that's not easy by any means, but that's completely worthwhile. The leads were amazing and so were the supporting characters. I loved how they showcased different points of view; from the soldiers, police, college students as the protestors, nurses and doctors, and the commoners.
Youth Of May is both sweet and bright, and at times reminds of the traumatizing past in a subtle way. It probably might be the best underrated drama of 2021.
My Rating : 8/10.
Good but too sad
ritikroshan-9914623 September 2021
The series is good, story is also ok, acting overall is very good. But i am not a big fan of sad endings, i enjoyed all the episodes but not the last one, i mean there is no point of getting such a sad conclusion. The way story was build up, lead characters deserved a good ending but thats not what happened here but at the same time i think the show tried to portray how that historical event destroyed so many innocent lives so this somewhat justifies the ending. If you are ok with your heart aching then watch it otherwise must avoid this.
Don't miss out on this
ioanamc15 March 2023
Like other people wrote here in their reviews, this is truly a once in a long time kind of drama. It will move you to tears many times and not just because of the main leads' love story, as you might expect.
It may make you think about how such tragic events leave so many victims behind, so many lives affected.
The moment I learned it was about Gwangju and saw the beginning, I had already felt the first pang of sadness. I could tell it would be a sad drama, but still enjoyed every single sweet moment, and treasured them maybe even more because of this.
That being said, I did read Han Kang's "Human Acts" prior to seeing this, so I was immediately immersed in the storyline and became attached easily.
It may make you think about how such tragic events leave so many victims behind, so many lives affected.
The moment I learned it was about Gwangju and saw the beginning, I had already felt the first pang of sadness. I could tell it would be a sad drama, but still enjoyed every single sweet moment, and treasured them maybe even more because of this.
That being said, I did read Han Kang's "Human Acts" prior to seeing this, so I was immediately immersed in the storyline and became attached easily.
To much
vircosglm21 May 2023
We live in a world where we can say there is peace. ... with small exceptions in less civilized countries. It is a precarious peace that is supported by the fear of nuclear weapons. A nuclear war would destroy the earth completely and there would be no winners. In our souls we hope that there is someone there (an entity, a super hero, or whatever) to protect us. Hence our hope that good will prevail.
This film, which is inspired by real events, delighted our souls (according to the reviews, you can see this), until the end. None of us wanted the ending like this. Even iof the love story was perhaps also inspired by the reality of those times, I think they ruined the film when they let her die alone, forgotten and buried in the ground for 41 years. How great was his love if he was able to move on after seeing her "dead"? He was a coward, and his love wasn't that great, after all. Why is he looking for her as a missing person, when he saw her lying on the ground? Although the actors acted well, for me the movie was a total failure. Let's say that the story is also inspired by reality. However, it is a drama and not a documentary. Another thing I don't like about making these dramas is the so-called fighting that sometimes occurs. It is extremely clear that they hold back their kicks long before they hit the body. Nowadays, films can be rigged so that even the greatest critic and film connoisseur would not notice it.
This film, which is inspired by real events, delighted our souls (according to the reviews, you can see this), until the end. None of us wanted the ending like this. Even iof the love story was perhaps also inspired by the reality of those times, I think they ruined the film when they let her die alone, forgotten and buried in the ground for 41 years. How great was his love if he was able to move on after seeing her "dead"? He was a coward, and his love wasn't that great, after all. Why is he looking for her as a missing person, when he saw her lying on the ground? Although the actors acted well, for me the movie was a total failure. Let's say that the story is also inspired by reality. However, it is a drama and not a documentary. Another thing I don't like about making these dramas is the so-called fighting that sometimes occurs. It is extremely clear that they hold back their kicks long before they hit the body. Nowadays, films can be rigged so that even the greatest critic and film connoisseur would not notice it.
Ending ruined it all
wuizzywuizzywuizzy9 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Overall it was a very good kdrama. I liked their relationship and shipped them so much. But the ending literally ruined it all. Why did she have to die??? Also we don't know what happened to the other characters like what happened to hee tae's father?? Or his brother and what happened to Myung hee's family after her father died what did her grandma do??
Also we need to know what happened to all the soldiers. In my opinion they should make it a 16 episodes drama with a happy end where we see what happens in the rest of May and how the Gwangju uprising ends. They also should add that some soldiers shot at their supervisors during the uprising to make it more historical. Maybe the soldier who helped Myung su kills the one who wants to shoot at Myung su instead of helping him so Myung hee won't die and she will also get jailed where she meets Hee tae!! 😁 Please renew the kdrama my depressions returned cuz of the ending.
Also we need to know what happened to all the soldiers. In my opinion they should make it a 16 episodes drama with a happy end where we see what happens in the rest of May and how the Gwangju uprising ends. They also should add that some soldiers shot at their supervisors during the uprising to make it more historical. Maybe the soldier who helped Myung su kills the one who wants to shoot at Myung su instead of helping him so Myung hee won't die and she will also get jailed where she meets Hee tae!! 😁 Please renew the kdrama my depressions returned cuz of the ending.
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