This review may contain spoilers
Chill and Realistic
I can understand why some people disliked this drama. But still, I don't think this drama deserves the hate it gets. I will admit that I tried starting this drama when it was airing. But I dropped it when everyone hated it, and honestly, I regret dropping it before.This drama is not for everyone. If you're the type of person, who likes cliche, happy endings... not for you. I personally love sad or bittersweet dramas, so this was right in my alley. It's also kind of a mature drama. I guess you could say...? In the emotional aspect. It's like a slice of life drama.
I honestly don't know where to start... The acting and cast were a 10/10. Especially PGBs. This was my first time watching any of his dramas, and might I say, he might just be one of my favorite actors now! His crying scenes were..... AMAZING?! felt the rawness and emotion that was needed.
The character development was bad.... but honestly perfect for the storyline. And that says a lot because I am a sucker for some good character development. Their characters almost go downhill.... but not in a bad way? They've grown and learned, but at the same time, they didn't. Towards the end, they lack communication skills, which is kinda weird since they used to have good communication skills but I can understand how they lost it because hey. He got famous and didn't have time for anything (which was actually so realistic, and I don't know why people thought that was annoying??). Overall, their relationship was super healthy.
True, the storyline was all over the place. It was mainly about PGBs and his family. There was that irrelevant side couple (which I admit I skipped their scenes). The best friend and his family were kinda just there. We didn't learn much about the FL. But I don't know. It kinda just fits together for no reason to me? Everything that everyone hates on in this drama I liked. I can't really explain it.
One big thing everyone hates is that the main couple didn't end up together. I was also disappointed, but I don't think it gave me a reason to hate the drama? I still loved it. And honestly, it made sense. He was a big hit; she wanted to become more than what she was, and they both didn't really have time for each other. No one was really in the wrong, although my heart did hurt more for PBGs character. I really liked that the "love triangle" wasn't really one because the best friend never told anyone about his feelings towards the main girl, and he never tried to get with her, which I also love. I hate when they make lifelong friends break up over a girl they just met... there is just no need for that.
I mean, I can see there were lots of plot holes, but it didn't bother me. As for the main couple, though, obviously, they weren't going to stay together forever, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after. That would be too unrealistic. It's just like the title. Record of Youth. A time of their youth that they will remember forever. A time of their youth that has helped them grow as an individual. Definitely a right person wrong time thing.
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This review may contain spoilers
MY HOPE WAS COMPLETELY CRUSHED
MY HOPE WAS COMPLETELY CRUSHED . Iam really dissappointed by the ending episode.it was fun and interesting to watch upto ep 14.but the 2 ep after that is very disappointing.the story turned to a bad vibe
it laged.
they could make it a good drama .but they completely distroyed and dissapointed the audience
it was so bad
i dont like the ending episodes.it was having bad story at the end.
ALL MY HOPES ON THIS DRAMA JUST FLEW AWAY
VERY DISSAPOINTING
IF THE ENDING EPISODES ARE CHANGED TO A GOOD AND HAPPY CONTENT,THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE GOOD DRAMA ON AIR.
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What Happens When You Become a Famous Actor?
It is interesting to see all the various views and perspective on Records of Youth. Looking at the scores, it does appear one either truly enjoyed it or not at all. No grey areas here. For me, I found it profoundly enjoyable. A really good drama with a well written script.I liked the way the director really took us into the story and characters, not rushed but was able to make me feel invested in each of their experience and journey. I was looking forward to every episode as Hye-Jun (Park Bo Gum) struggles to make it as an actor. The way he was treated before and after he became famous is like DAY and NIGHT, a complete change. The way he himself is unable to control his schedules and surrounding as his popularity gains momentum. The jealousy, the gossips, the competition, the family and friend dynamics, the paparazzi, the choices and even his young love. And when he does put his foot down with decisions, sacrifices have to be made. I liked that his character, though young, had a sense of confidence and maturity about him. These are truly what an actor/actress have to go through and live with. Wow, no wonder they get paid well and most marry late in their lives. Couldn’t help but envisioned what stars like Lee Minho, Kim Soo Hyun, Hyun Bin, Song Kye Ho, Song Joong Ki etc. etc go through. No wonder they try to keep their lives as private as possible.
I also enjoyed the acting of the entire cast. The script was so well written and it was especially good to see that each of them had a good story to tell.
The only difficulty I had was watching the relationship between Hye-Jun and Jeong-Ah (Park So Dam). It was just too polite and somewhat formal?? Almost like two best friends who do really look cute together. Being that it is about the time of youth, I wanted their love to be a little bit more exciting and demonstrative. More memorable?
In conclusion, the overall experience was very enjoyable for me. Loved this drama.
Cheers! K-drama Forever!
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What was this about?
I am surprised I mad it through episode 8. This show has very little going for it. I keep watching and it just goes nowhere, then the next episode starts and I am wondering, "What was the last episode about?" Rinse lather repeat. There Are so many other great South Korean shows that I'm give up on this one.The people that have the reviews with spoilers are good enough for me to read in a few minutes rather than sit through an hour each episode. Good luck everyone that stayed with.
Actors we're good, but the chemistry wasn't there.
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Until the last episode, no CHEMISTRY between the leads, whats so ever
I can safely say that this drama is a Biopic of Sa hye Joon....The template was well established about Sa Hye Joon from the beginning. A struggling Model, who also loves to act but has no contacts in the industry also comes from a middle class background, very adamant about his principles, dreams...basically what a hero's characteristics should look like.Let's talk about other characters surrounding our Main lead. Caring but helpless mom, very strict dad, ideal older brother, lovely grandpa, his 2 other friends and then there is our Female Main Lead. Her Character was super duper strong initially. I was rooting for her. But later on it just fizzled out. The character became too confusing to understand.
What I liked most about this drama was Main Leads we were practical, very relatable. I mean in most of the dramas Female leads just act cute and basically do nothing. Here both of them very practical couple. Very straightforward forward and honest with each other. Like I said in the HEADLINE this might have resulted in lack of chemistry between the leads. Wow!!! From the beginning they both looked more like friends than couple.
Sa Hye Joon and his family's graph was amazing, characters were well developed only Sa family. His friends like Hye Ho, Jin u were Ok. In the end it was really unclear to what happened to Hye Ho's career, did he make it or no.
Jong Ah is the character who hated instability, unpredictability a lot. But she left a secured job to open a studio of her own which contradicted her believes. Later on she blamed it on Hye Joon for her being unstable and broke up with him....Like i said her character got super confusing towards the end.
It is not very bad but the potential was not fully utilized. Beginning few episodes were good but again it fizzed out soon. You can watch it once as it is there on Netflix. Also, Sa Hye Joon's story is worth watchable atleast once.
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It's very shallow and tedious show. Watching this for Park So Dam.
First off, if you are looking for a show that have development of all characters, don't watch this show. Instead, watch Hospital Playlist because it's a better show with proper development of rounded characters.My final judgement: slow pacing of the story line and tedious/disorganized plot with terrible transitioning.
My bias is for Park So Dam, and I'm watching this show for her. However, this show is very, very unappealing as slice of life drama. The transition between PBG's family to PBG himself is very muddle and confusing. This show jumps from explaining PBG's life to PBG's family without proper flow. Somehow, this show expects the audience to be sympathetic with the secondary characters without showing us the reason why. It's form of telling instead of showing.
There is alot going on in PBG's family as well as BWS's family. Neither plot points are very appealing, and the acting is awkward to watch. It makes you wonder, "Am I watching Korean day soap opera?"
The focus of the family takes away the development of the female characters like Park So Dam's character. You have bits and pieces of her character, but it never show you how she comes to be. Why does she want to be a makeup artist? How does she become a fan of PBG's character? Is she successful in makeup busking? Why does she continue to do makeup busking? You ask these questions and you receive zero answer. This drama only shows Park So Dam when it is necessary for her to support PBG's character. You don't see how she works in her daily job for more than 10 minutes. And most of the time, her appearance in her job shows up when PBG needs her.
And I'm not even talking about Byun Woo Seok's character, cause I still don't get why he becomes the way he is today.
It's obvious that this is more of PBG centric show, which is fine. But when you focus so much on PBG, there is no development for any other characters.
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A VERY realistic KDrama
Record of Youth (Netflix, 2020)9/10
**Warning this review contains spoilers**
There have been a lot of mixed reviews about this drama, not about the story, but about the ending. This drama is a VERY realistic look at the sacrifices, and tough choices one has to make when pursuing their dreams. This drama is not for those looking for a cliché, predictable ending. Writing this right now I’m about a week removed from watching the finale, and I still don’t know how I feel about it.
Sa Hye Jun (Park Bo Gum) comes from a lower middle-class family, he works multiple part-time jobs, while he tries to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. He is naïve and his current agency takes advantage of him and withholds his pay, “for the good of the agency”. With his military enlistment looming over him his family pressuring, him to give up, he meets Ahn Jeong- Ha (Park So Dam) an aspiring makeup artist with a dream of having her own studio and own brand. She is also struggling while pursuing her dreams. Being socially exiled from her current makeup studio where she is an apprentice, by her boss who fears her talent. Jeong Ha and Hye jun become fast friends as they find comfort in each other.
Won Hae- Hyo ( Byeon Woo- Seok) is Hye Jun’s best friend from childhood, he is also trying to make it big as an actor, appearing as minor characters, but never making it big. The big difference between these two, is that while Hye Jun is trying to make it on his own effort, Hae Hyo comes from a rich family, and without him knowing, has been supported by his mother, who does whatever she can, pulls what ever strings she has to see her son succeed.
What happens when Hye Jun finally gets his break? Will he be able to keep Jeong ha by his side as he rises to stardom? Will he be able to fight the pressures of the entertainment industry, or will it suffocate him? What will happen when Hae Hyo, finds out his mom has been pulling the strings? What will happen to their friendship as Hae Hyo slowly starts to fall for Jeong Ha? How will these three survive the obstacles before him?
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, I enjoyed the realistic look at the journey to become successful in the entertainment industry. Park Bo Gum is a very captivating actor, this role suited him perfectly. He has the ability to capture such emotions with his eyes. Whenever he cried, I started to cry. The script was so realistic and heartbreaking at times, you couldn’t help to compare it to the ACTUAL industry. I am almost certain this is how the Korean industry operates and these are the pressures those sucked in go through. The price of fame is great and Park Bo gum was an accurate portrayal. I felt like we were watching his story, even though it was fictional.
You felt for every character in this series and their struggles. Rookie actor Byeon Woo-Seok, really left an impression on me. He portrayed the best friend feeling various range of emotions perfectly. I was pleased that through all the obstacles they remained friends, he was jealous with his friend’s success but he was honest with himself, and turned that jealously into something else. He didn’t take the KDrama cliché path and become vengeful or try to bring his best friend down. I really appreciated how the writer developed his character.
As far as the ending. Sigh, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. I feel like I’m going through the 5 Stages of Grief. I couldn’t believe they could end a series that way, I was hoping there was an ending credit sequence, an extra scene, a time jump, something! Why would they do that to them and to the viewers! Sure, it’s a realistic ending, it made sense. Maybe, just maybe I was thinking “Ok, I guess their story will continue off screen and maybe there will be a season 2? It made complete sense very realistic. In life you are faced with difficult choices and not matter how hard you fight your decision will hurt the other person. I still am undecided
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Excellent Drama
I am currently watching Record of Youth and so far I really like it. No cheesy and over the line girl tripping over the guy just because she is a fun. I love the concept, it is different and that Park So Dam is acing her role once again. You can tell she has really grown as an actor and the chemistry is just perfect; they support each other,they both know what they want in their careers and they are willing to make it happen. They are all chasing their dreams and fighting their way through the challenges life throws at them. So far, I can say the cast is amazing...Hopefully it stays that way until episode 16!!Was this review helpful to you?
0% CHEMISTRY BETWEEN PARK BOGUM & PARK SODAM
dont wanna say much.. NO CHEMISTRY AT ALL BETWEEN PARK BOGUM & PARK SODAM.. their relationship felt forced and awkward, idk but i feel very awkward everytime watching them together.. i dont understand at all why they suddenly start dating on the earlier episode and idk.. its not even love at the first sight or what..park sodam's character as A FAN really doesnt show at all.. she failed to bring her character as a fangirl.. she's totally look like a normal girl who fall in love with a handsome guy, THATS ALL
honestly the story line is not that bad BUT bcuz of the main leads awkwardnessssss I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THE WHOLE PLOT AND DROPPED IT ON THE 13TH EPISODE CUZ I CANT STAND IT ANYMORE.. even im one of PBG fans.. i cant finish the drama.. its a torture for me :(
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Even Park Seo Jun could not save this drama!
At first, I had high hopes because well, the actors/actresses line up for this drama was quite solid and strong. I never dropped any movie/drama I am watching no matter how mid/cliche it was but this is the first drama I have ever dropped halfway. I guess at the beginning of ep.1 until ep.5 was still ok ok though there were times where viewers would feel certain element is missing but for me personally I just did not like how Park SoDam the heroine/FL screen time was so minimal regardless the drama was already halfway. That was the first thing that I did not like about this drama. Besides, the FL back story too was not elaborated enough to give viewers a much better understanding about her background. We can see what was happening in her life but that was just it. Barely on the surface. Park Bogum's character was nice and kind but damn, his lousy ass family was too much. I also did not like the repeated scenes of Sa Hye Jun's dad who was always mad at him because his son wanted to be an actor and keep making a big deal of it each f-ing time. I get it. Their relationship was not good and Hye Jun was always the sad boy in his family because his parents esp dad did not understand his passion yada yada but man, it gets crazy every time Hye Jun and his dad were fighting. I can say from ep.1-5 that was all it was about. I am not going to comment on their acting because I think it was okay and nothing bothered me much. I tried to give this drama a chance up until ep.8. But nope. Even towards the second half of the drama the plot still has not changed much and the characters growth were not there. This drama even had PSJ as cameo and still could not save it from the disaster.Was this review helpful to you?
Park Bo Gum, period.
To be honest, I was really excited to watch this drama because this is from Netflix, there is Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam. Both of them are great in their acting, especially Bogum, really genuine and charismatic. Moreover, the 2nd lead guy, Byeon Woo Seok is good looking. So I was waiting to watch this drama so bad.On the first episodes, it feels refreshing and relatable. The story is about pursuing a dream, but we still have to be a nice guy even when the situation gets hard. It feels relatable because all of us have a dream and pursuing it, right?
And also, the story has fangirling moments, which most of us do even probably not at the same level.
On 3 last episodes, in my humble opinion, I feel the love story is so cliche and predictable. Sometimes I feel that how they build the romance scene is unnatural. didn't touch my heart. even all the actors have been acted really well, but the scene is just, like, not good enough. I feel they are too rush in making love story, I just didn't understand, how could 2 boys love the same girl that fast? when the girl did nothing? when there's nothing special moment? didn't make sense for me.
There are a lot of scenes that I think were not important, I feel so bored and sleepy, so I have to push faster button to go to the next scene.
I hope the story of the drama will get better, so I don't have to drop it, because I really want to watch Bogum in a great drama. I still gonna check the next episode. if it's nay, I'll drop it.
update:
it’s not getting better. i’ll find a better one.
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Youth Record
i liked the series a lot.. especially because the story was not too unrealistic.. it had the perfect ups and downs.. the characters.. the plot.. the osts.. everythingwas worth it.. personally i think the drama is underrated.. it is completelyworth watching.. tells us how important youth is.. the family relationships.. the love triangle.. and especially the friendship goals attractedme the must.. i wouldwant many more people to watch it.. for the actors' age and hardwork.. the drama has been a beautifuljourney for me.. especially because I'm a new youth.. so.. i want you all to watch the drama.. even thoughthe drama has too much melo.. i like it.. a lot to that..Was this review helpful to you?
