Youth of May (2021)

When fiction meets reality...

As a sociologist and someone from a country that went through two dictatorships, Youth of May, a drama that addresses one of the most tragic moments in South Korean history (which took place during a dictatorial period, it is important to emphasize) caught my attention.

I usually believe that art in general, including dramas, has a social function, which is to remember, even what we most want to forget, because even what causes us sadness is part of the stories we experience and it is of course, the stories that make up a country and its people.

And in Youth of May it is possible to identify this effort to revive the collective memory, mixing fictional aspects and others that go back to the often cruel reality. For, against the background of the Gwangju massacre, Youth of May portrays the multiple deaths that can be experienced in traumatic events.

"Death" does not always refer to the body, but to dreams that are not lived, hopes that are dashed and reputations destroyed. Making you question what it means to live? Is a person who has given up on their dreams alive in some way or is they dying with each passing day?

That's the question I asked myself when I was introduced to the protagonists, especially Myung Hee who, for various reasons, is forced to give up her own future until finally the opportunity to leave for another place arises. But what to do, when meeting Hwang Hee Tae, our male protagonist, she finally decides to live...

Giving up a "fair" path that allowed her to live securely in sacrifice of her own happiness, Myung Hee experiences love, fear, self-pity, while questioning herself and her own values. Feelings that are interesting, as the protagonist starts to question herself and her choices, while she sees the self-control she had slip through her hands, replaced by the possibility of living a love...

Already with Hwang Hee Tae we learn somehow about remorse, about autonomy and responsibility and, in a way, submission, while he is willing to exchange his own future for the possibility of saving someone from the past, aspiration ruined for an "exchange" , who made him meet Myung Hee on a blind date. He who was willing to give up on himself found a reason not to abandon himself...

It is from this exchange that Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee live their love, intensified by the almost instantaneous attraction and historical moment they were experiencing, as well as by the networks of relationships that tied them to a reality that cannot be defined in any way. positive. After all, the use of repression against the innocent will never cease to be regrettable.

The relationship created between the historical event, the novel presented and the other relationships demonstrated allows us to think about abstract concepts such as justice, injustice, insurgency, freedom and the false feeling of being free, as in the case of Soo Ryeon and Soo Chan's family, our secondary characters. Being Soo Chan awakened from his illusion in the final part of the work.

It is noteworthy that this symbiotic relationship (dramatized historical event + romance + family) also allows us to think about how hard reality can be. Because, through the characters, it was possible, at least for me, to somehow establish a connection with the feelings evoked and delve a little deeper into the presented historical fact.

It's as if somehow it was possible to bring, with the plot presented, an understanding even if shallow of the difficulties of those who did not have their stories told. I wonder if I'm traveling, but I got this feeling while wandering.

And finally, with the sum of the novel, with the representations (which still do not represent the full complexity of such violence) accompanied by worthy performances, the doors are opened to seek to know a little more about the true Youth of may.

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Poetry in motion

Youth of May is definitely one of the biggest gems of 2021. It's a sweet old-school romance in the backdrop of harsh Gwangju Uprising. If you're aware of the political and social backdrop, you will probably enjoy it even more. But even without it, Youth of May is a soothing love story. It reminds you what it's like to be innocently in love. It's old-fashioned and sincere and gives you a satisfying sense of nostalgia, even if you weren't alive during that time.

Lee Do Hyun has proved his versatility as an actor this year. While 18 Again is the crowd-pleaser (and for good reason), I don't know why but none of his characters can steal your heart like Hee Tae. It might be bold of me to say this but Lee Do Hyun outshined everyone on this show.

But that doesn't take away from the fact that this was one of the best cast ensembles we have had in a while. An out and out pool of talent. I have laughed and cried and ached and sympathized with all of their stories and I am going to carry them in my heart for a long time (I guess that's what happens with heavy dramas).

The couple's chemistry was amazing. The sfl nailed it. I really liked her character. The sml also held his own and had some awesome moments, The brothers were AWESOME! The kids stole the show. We had an evil father and an amazing father, both of the actors nailed it. The mums were great too. The friends. The soldiers. The friend-soldiers. It was the perfect cast.

I would say, in conclusion, that even if you're wary of the possible sad ending, go for it because this drama is worth it.

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beautiful, sad and emotionally deep

I don't really know where to start. Just finished Youth of May and I'm left breathless. I started it 3 days ago, because I had some free time and wanted to watch something. And here I am, having spent all night watching second half of the series, aka 6 episodes in a row. I really didn't expect to fall in love with this drama so much, but it's going straight to the top of my favorites list. Inspired and deeply touched by this drama I decided to write my first ever review. Sorry, I don't really know what I'm doing, so this is more of my rant and emotions rather than a good review.

Youth of May first started as a typical Kdrama with the popular cliches such as rich man/poor woman, mean parent, female lead striking to overcome all obsticles and star-crossed lovers type of story. I'm all into that, that's the type of drama I like best. Not to mention interesting historical setting which I knew absolutely nothing about until I saw Youth Of May. Also, talented actors, writters and producers. Totally my cup of tea! But then as the story progressed, I really though it will be one of those dramas where lovers get together quite quickly and have to overcome lots of obstacles just to be together in the end. And most of us now know how it turned out for our beautiful couple.

The love story itself isn't something completely unique but what makes it so is the historical setting this story has. Never before did I know about this kind of democratical struggles in South Korea. It deeply touched me. Country's own army going against innocent civils, young students... One of the most memorable moments in ToM for me was when Myung Soo and Jung Tae came back to their camp and said that North Korea has invaded (even though it was South Korean army that they saw)... Another thing that I'm similar age to those in this drama & also a student myself and that helped me relate to the students we saw in the drama, their fights and this time of their life. The stories which show people of my age group struggling, fighting, etc. really affect me the most since I can relate to the characters more.

Another thing what makes this drama unique is the depth of emotions that the actors portrayed so well. Everything felt so genuine, as if the actors were truly those characters that they were portraying. Especially Hee Tae's actor Lee Do Hyun. He's brilliant! When he cried I could feel all of his emotions and usually I'm not very emotional person (so far only 4-5 dramas have made me cry). But this drama's ending and Hee Tae got me bawling my eyes out, I just could stop crying (and I knew the way it'll end because of spoilers I had accidentally seen!). What a beautiful story with such a tragic ending.

Lastly, I want to note how beautiful were some of the relationships in the drama. Not only the main couple, but I really loved the relationship between Myung Hee and cute little bear Myung Soo, Myung Soo and his dad, the development of relationship between Hee Tae and Jung Tae, Jung Tae and Myung Soo. It was so beautiful to watch them interact and care for each other.

Youth of May really will forever live in my heart and make me nostalgic every May.

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"Give us the power and courage to swim safely throughout this life"

It's the way everyone knew since the very first ep that Myunghee would be gone and Heetae would be left alone exactly like it was portrayed, YET we still kept watching till the end... Masochism. I don't know what broke me the most but I know I had been crying since the second half of ep 9.

When older Heetae took off his watch and his scars showed, when he tried to drown himself... Wow. I don't think there are many dramas that portray failed suicide attempts in such a subtle, respectful and realistic way without romanticizing it.

I projected a lot on this show since my country has been in protests similar to Gwangju Uprisings, although ti a lower extent. But still, police and military abuse is shown. So seeing Sooryeon being so eager to help even though she knew that her individual actions wouldn't change much... It's so inspiring. When she said "even though we can't change what's happening, there are things that we can do." Those small actions save lives. Even if they don't change the future or the current situation, there still will be at least one life saved. And that will make it worth it.

When Soochan said he felt ashamed that he was released because of connections, that he felt comfortable in his cozy and warm bed while he didn't even know if the people arrested with him were alive or not and that made him take the decision on his hands and serve and help the wounded... I'm so glad both of them survived.

Towards the end when Heetae sees the posters attributing the protests to North spies... I can't imagine how much things like that hurt the people that suffered through the protests, those who lost loved ones in the hands of their own army.

Also, when Myungsoo's immediate reaction to seeing soldiers hurting their own people was, "the North has invaded us" and wondering, "why would our own army hurt our people?" Such a realistic way of showing how the government turns against all logic and harms their own people they sore to protect.

This was such an incredibly beautiful story, and it had the perfect length to finish it in an amazing way without including unnecessary or filler scenes.

They approached so many sides of the Uprising, so many victims in their own jobs/labors/activities, so many people helping each other to believe in a better future.

"In the face of the storm, the only thing we could do was hold each other's hands so that we won't lose each other."

I really cried my eyes out to this.

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ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND PAINFUL DRAMA EVER

I knew this drama would have a sad ending from the beginning but WOW.

The story is so well written, the acting is SO GOOD and the OSTS are amazing (specially Winter of May). I loved every second of this drama even though I cried my eyes out with the ending.

Go Minsi did a really great job as Myeong Hee, I've never watched a drama with her and she blew my mind! Lee Dohyun also did a really great job as HeeTae and their chemistry was one of the best I've ever seen.

Knowing that Myeong Hee was missing for 30 years and that it took that long to find her body broke my heart. I really hoped that MyeongHee and HeeTae would have their happy ending because they've been through so much to be together.

This show made me you so sad and powerless but at the same time made my heart flutter. I wanted to get inside the screen and protect all of them with all my heart and it hurts so much to know that this was based in a real story and that there are people that are still missing.

I'm really glad I got to watch this drama and I'm really glad I got to know more about the Gwangju Uprising. My condolences to the people of Gwangju that had to get through this event and thanks to "Youth of May" to made us know about it.

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I've never resonated with anything else alike

I had watched Lee Do-Hyun in '18 Again' which drew me to 'Youth of May' and it left a deep impression on me unlike any other drama has done. The relationships between the characters and their families deeply resonated with me and left me feeling bitter sweet and happy throughout. I'm glad I had the chance to experience this story and watch as these actors and actresses poured their hearts out into the development of it. This has become a fan favorite of mine now and I look forward to what the cast will put out in the future. This will always be a production work I'll remember. As a side note I without a single regret purchased all the songs that comprise the soundtrack of 'Youth of May' on iTunes, do give them a listen.

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Retro romance balanced well with harsh history.

I absolutely love when historical tragedies are humanized. That's what you get with "Youth of May". Yes, this is a love story, but more than that this is a look at a horrible moment in Korean history from the perspective of characters we grow to love through the series. Is this frustrating to watch? Yes. Is it heartbreaking? Absolutely. Is it inspiring? Also, yes. This drama does a great job of showing various perspectives, many possibly romanticized, but also relatable. I knew nothing about the Gwangju Uprising before watching and it immediately led me to want to know much more. You don't need to know the history to follow this drama, just prepare to be shocked.

The story revolves around Go Min Si as Kim Myung Hee, and Lee Do Hyun as Hwang Hee Tae. It's their love story, meant only to be a brief fling, that draws you in. Together they are super cute and have great chemistry. Myung Hee is determined to have a future in medicine while Hee Tae takes life less seriously and is more focused on a music contest than academics. Hee Tae also has serious anxiety based on past guilt and trauma, and Myung Hee has daddy issues. These are 2 fully developed characters, and that's what made me care about them so much. Initially, their story is what you would normally expect when people from two different statuses try to date, including obligatory controlling parents, but simmering in the background there is political conflict ready to explode. Both actors were really good at keeping the romance story fresh while still handling the more painful and action-packed scenes. They are a very memorable couple.

The rest of the cast is great as well. Since the point is to get to know this city I think they did a good job of giving us time to get to know everyone before the story shifts. I also liked that many of the characters are imperfect and make mistakes or become unexpected heroes throughout. Even Oh Man Suk, as the worst dad ever, didn't just feel like a caricature of a villain. This is a melodrama so some of the acting and scenes are over the top, yet it was all still completely real. Even the kids were super impressive, and I loved that they had their own part in the story as well.

Would I watch this again? Yes, but next time I would love to watch knowing even more about what happened 5/18/80, what followed, and how public opinion evolved. I also would be better prepared in a rewatch for this to not just be a nostalgic romance but a real tear-jerker. It's also the perfect length for a story like this. Not too long or too short, and easy to binge. It has a satisfying ending without being idealistic or heavy-handed, and knowing what happens doesn't ruin anything because the message at the end is so strong. I'm also sure I missed so many details.

This drama also inspired me to finally watch "A Taxi Driver", another great perspective on the Gwangju Uprising and its victims. This drama has a similar, easily digestible, style.

Overall I would definitely recommend "Youth of May" with the warning to know what you're getting into when watching. Its 80's nostalgia and retro romance balanced well with harsh reality, but it's not all tears. It really does aim to give honor to victims and survivors while not reducing them to only that. This isn't a drama about revolutionaries, it's a haunting look at how the revolution can come to you whether you are ready for it or not and no matter where you stand... even if all you care about is a spring fling. Gather your tissues, and prepare your heart.

"Youth of May" is a historical melodrama done right.

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First and Last May With You

처음과 마지막 5 월 당신과 함께
This is a sweet love story, with no cringe and an unnecessary love triangle. I was waiting for this kind of drama that shows life in 1980. I love the 80's and 90's and I would have liked to live in that period.
The set, clothes, cars and even old buses, every scenery and the camera filter they used gave me the '80s vibe. Even if I am not girly, I am a tomboy like Soo Ryeon, I liked all of Myung Hee's outfits and Soo Ryeon dress at the Engagement Ceremony. Ah and because I am a tomboy I loved Hee Tae and Soo Chan outfit too.
And all 31 instrumental soundtracks and those 10 songs with their touching lyrics fit Perfect the story.
Some of them made you smile when was sweet moments, some made you laugh when were funny moments, some made you feel scared and anxious and not forget about the songs that made you cry.
I LOVE the main characters. And Go Min Si and Lee Do Hyun are my favourite actors, actually i have many favourite actors but they are one of them.
First, let's start with HeeTae and MyungHee. Well, this is what I call An Outstanding Chemistry.
They are the definition of Good Chemistry.
They are just perfect on screen. I love their relationship development, it wasn't rushed and everything had its time.
Little by little they got to know each other and fell in love.
Now let's pay attention to their little brothers.
Myung Soo and Jung Tae their relationship weren't that great at the beginning but eventually, they got closer.
I liked the moment when the other kids were making fun of Myung Soo's father because he was limping and Jung Tae punched that guy. I felt so bad for Myung Soo is not easy to watch other kids making fun of your own parents. I guess that is where they started a friendship. And Jung Tae in the present day because of the unexpected incident in the past he was limping too. They didn't show it but I guess that they remained friends. Cause Jung Tae was the first to find out that Myung Hee was found.
I have another 2 more characters that I love
Soo Ryeon even if she is a bit selfish, I liked that she wasn't bothered that HeeTae and MyungHee loved each other. The only reason she wanted to get married to him is because of her father's company.
Soo Chan - he is the definition of a loyal friend that despite liking MyungHee he gave up and wasn't the villain that we all hate. He understood that MyungHee does not belong to him. Even if he was at first a bit disappointed that she wasn't wearing the shoes that he bought for her. But after seeing her happy with HeeTae he just let his feelings to cool down and remain friends.
To be frank, I thought that he will be a villain, but seeing him next to the hurt people and trying to help them changed my opinion about him to 180° from -100 to +100.
Kyung Soo is HeeTae's friend and the soldier that helped Myung Soo to run away. I loved the moment when he shot in the air and told MyungSoo to run away. Pretending that he shot him.
And also he is the last person that saw MyungHee and he is the old person at the train station.
There is a lot to say about the characters but all character shines when the plot is Strong and Interesting.
I loved the love story with strong and touching words in their dialogues. The dialogues made you smile laugh and cry.
Even if it's not the ending that I wanted, I still love the ending.
Even if this love story is not based on a real one, but I think that MyungHee and HeeTae's love story portrayed the love story of many people that had the same tragic final.
Their first and last May together was May 1980.
One thing that hit me hard is when in the present days HeeTae said
"The 41st May when you finally returned"
That just broke my heart, i burst into tears.
Youth Of May sounds beautiful, romantic, sweet, lovely and very sad.
MyungHee died but HeeTae suffered in their YOUTH OF MAY

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"Lord, please don't let sorrow overwhelm the lives of those that left behind."

Youth of May depicts the Gwangju Uprising in 1980 through multiple perspectives. From lovers, friends, families, parents, and children to politicians, activists, polices, businessmen, healthcare workers, even people who just wanted to escape and save themselves, and ordinary lives who knew nothing but got killed.

Also soldiers, one that usually hasn’t been really looked into. Here, it's shown how miserable they actually feel, some were unknowingly deployed to their hometown, suddenly being forced to shoot even their friends. While others may have moved on albeitly, for soldiers, based on real reports too, they really had it harder than anyone else, experienced trauma, guilt and stayed in the same dark place throughout the years. People often forget they're victims as well.

"The worse pain in life, the life of those who were left behind."
Heetae's character indeed represents the survivors, those who are still searching, grieving for their lost loved ones, which some haven't been found even til now. I love how it emphasizes this. The survivors didn't 'survive' even though they live. Their souls had died during the uprising.

Youth of May really retells the history beautifully. "This wasn't only his story. This was history."

And last, the prayer in the ending narration is really its main message.
"Don't let the sorrow overwhelm the lives of those that left behind."
Youth of May is more than just a drama. It is a prayer.

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BEAUTIFUL !!! WOW WOW WOW WOW !! TOP HONORS!!! This drama deserves Grand Awards!!

Such a beautiful, heart touching pure and true love story between Go Min Si and Lee Do Hyun!!! This drama deserves to be part of the history of great korean dramas!!! 1000% FABULOUS!!

LEE DO HYUN - WOW WOW WOW WOW, He is such a Natural onscreen, born to act, brilliant performance by him!! He pulled us in with his screen presence and character portrayal deeply and his grip on you is solid!!
You are always smiling looking at him, and you cry and laugh and deeply sigh in all his scenes as he mesmerises you with just himself!

AWESOME pairing between Lee do hyun and Go Min si - such great chemistry and naturalness between them, as if they are truly made for each other!!

This drama is a beautiful depiction of pure love caught amidst extremely harsh trying times during the gwanju uprising and KUDOS & STANDING OVATION to the entire Team of Youth Of May, for great casting of especially the leads, great script writing, great direction and just for everyone in the cast especially LEE DO HYUN!!

SHOW USP - LEE DO HYUN!! He is magnificent!!

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Best Melodrama of 2021!

I never thought that I would enjoy this drama as much as I did. I went into this entirely for Lee Do Hyun, but now I am in love with all of the actors/actresses in this drama! Everyone really became their characters and left such a strong and deep impression on me as a viewer. Lee Do Hyun also definitely did not disappoint with this drama! Such a TALENTED ACTOR!! I've watched 3 of his works now and he never fails to further amaze me with his acting skills. I can't wait to see his next work. I am addicted to his precious smile and I am so missing Hee Tae right now T_T Go Min Si also was AMAZING! She conveyed the emotions incredibly as Myung Hee and it was so sad to see what ultimately was her end. I already expected the drama to be sad, but it was sadder than I expected. I can dare say that it is the best melodrama of 2021 so far! Definitely recommend it!!

As for the plot and script, it was written very well throughout the entire 12 episodes. I think I wouldn't have minded if it was a 14 episode drama just to get to see more of Hee Tae and Myung Hee be happier and not suffering. The story was paced extremely well and developed steadily each episode, and it was easy to follow along. It actually felt quite fast-pasted and there were no filler scenes to drag the drama out. The characters were well written and viewers can see their progress and changes clearly. The relationships were also expanded on nicely, making viewers able to get attached to each character and their ultimate end. I particularly liked seeing Jung Tae and Hee Tae clear up their misunderstandings and having Jung Tae run to save Myung Hee. I'm so sad to say goodbye to all of them- Hee Tae, Myung Hee, Jung Tae, Myung Soo, etc. It's such a shame that the ending couldn't have been a happy one for Hee Tae & Myung Hee, but their story was wrapped up nicely at the end with their 2021 selves. It was also ended nicely for the other supporting roles, but I wished that I got to see more of what happened to Jung Tae, Myung Soo, Soo Chan, and Soo Ryun at the end. Although it was a really cool and nice transition of seeing each of them in 2021 and their younger selves transition in the scene. I am also so curious about what happened to the evil Hwang Gi Nam at the end because we are left not knowing exactly how it ended for him after Jung Tae.

NOW THE ROMANCE WAS AMAZING! I absolutely loved Hee Tae and Myung Hee together! They had so much chemistry together and just fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Hee Tae's smile always brightened up my day and ugh, he was just amazing. Hee Tae is such an ideal boyfriend- so sweet, considerate, and caring. I so wished that Myung Hee and he didn't suffer so much and enjoyed happier times. It was absolutely heartbreaking when Myung Hee insisted on waiting at the hospital after Hee Tae was taken by his father because that's where he knew where to look for her. But, there were so many other sad moments like this in the drama that it really just breaks my heart. Their only truly happy moments before the chaos were their 3 dates :(( I'm devasted that they didn't get their happy ending together and it hurt so much to see Hee Tae so broken after Myung Hee disappeared. Such an ill-fated couple. :( I hope to see them as a happier couple in another drama one day.

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One of the best Kdrama

I rarely give any review to a drama but this one is one of the best! I love the push and pull moments where they break up and be back to one another. I love the characters and I am in love with the plot. It was a cliche story but the characters did justice to the plot that is why I really loved the whole drama.

I love tragic ending but I rarely cry to it and youth of my had given me another night to remember. The whole scene of myeong hee lying on the ground while hee tae being pulled by the soldier was so heartbreaking yet a satisfying scene to watch. I cried the whole night thinking about how miserable the ending was but nevertheless it was an amazing journey to watch such a indescribable drama.

From myeong hee sacrificing her life for others to hee tae respecting myeong hee's decision. I bow down to their relationship. I learned so many things watching the youth of may. I will miss every minute of it.

I recommend to everyone to watch this. Its so worth it!!

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