My Youth – Korean Drama Review

This My Youth Korean drama review highlights how the series prioritizes character development over fast-paced drama.

This is a Korean drama review of My Youth, starring Song Joong-ki and Chun Woo-hee. Unlike many recent Korean dramas filled with fantasy or sensational twists, My Youth offers a grounded and realistic story that feels deeply relatable.

The first episode of the Korean drama My Youth aired on September 5, 2025. From the very beginning, the drama chooses sincerity over spectacle, focusing on ordinary lives and emotions that many viewers may recognize from their own experiences. Because of this approach, the story feels especially intimate and genuine.

I have a strong feeling that My Youth is a slow-burn Korean drama, making it a great recommendation for viewers who enjoy taking their time and savoring character-driven storytelling.

Drama Overview and Creative Team

My Youth stars Song Joong-ki, Chun Woo-hee, Lee Joo-myung, and Seo Ji-hoon. The drama tells a heartfelt love story about two people who supported each other during the darkest period of their lives in their early twenties, only to reunite more than ten years later and rekindle their relationship.

The series is jointly created by director Lee Sang-yeob (Yumi’s Cells) and writer Park Shi-hyun (Run On), a pairing that already suggests a focus on emotional depth and realistic relationships.

Tone, Pacing, and Storytelling Style

From the opening episodes, My Youth establishes a tone that is natural, grounded, gentle, and deliberately slow-paced. The first two episodes are primarily devoted to introducing the characters, their relationships, and their backgrounds, with the main story only hinted at toward the end. Because of this structure, it’s not surprising that the drama’s ratings started off modestly.

However, after reading the project notes and character descriptions, it becomes clear that My Youth has much more to offer. Not only the four main characters, but also the supporting cast, carry unexpectedly compelling backstories. This suggests that future episodes may bring emotional depth and surprising developments.

Unlike many Korean dramas that provide clear identity clues the moment a character appears, My Youth deliberately avoids this technique. Instead, viewers are dropped straight into the characters’ daily lives and asked to gradually understand them through observation.

Characters That Unfold Like a Puzzle

Watching My Youth feels like meeting a new friend by chance—slowly learning about their past and present over time, and piecing together their full story like a puzzle. Admittedly, this pacing requires patience. Even by the first half of episode two, it can be challenging to fully grasp the relationships. But once familiarity sets in, curiosity quickly takes over.

Sunwoo Hae (Song Joong-ki) was abandoned by his father and spent his teenage years raising his younger sister while repaying debts. Now, he runs a flower shop and works as a writer. Yet one mystery remains: why does he avoid talking about his past as a child star?

Sung Je-yeon (Chun Woo-hee) once had a bright academic future and dreamed of becoming a prosecutor. After her family’s downfall, however, she became an actor’s manager. She has buried her feelings for Sunwoo Hae for many years, too ashamed to confront them. The two almost became a couple in high school—can they finally resolve their unfinished emotions in the present?

Compelling Supporting Characters

The stories of Mo Tae-rim and Kim Seok-joo add further depth to the drama. Mo Tae-rim (Lee Joo-myung) is a former child star who was once promoted as part of a “nation’s sibling duo” with Sunwoo Hae. Unlike him, she remained in the spotlight and grew into a mainstream actress.

Kim Seok-joo (Seo Ji-hoon), born into a wealthy family, developed a twisted personality due to emotional neglect. After learning that Sunwoo Hae’s father plans to marry his mother, he begins to harass Sunwoo Hae—yet strangely shows concern for his well-being. While many people find Kim Seok-joo difficult to approach, Mo Tae-rim is unfazed by his sharp edges. Whether this unusual pairing can find happiness remains an open question.

Final Thoughts on My Youth Review

A past that cannot be revisited, and a present that requires courage to embrace.

Sunwoo Hae tries desperately to hide his past, while Sung Je-yeon—pressured by her job—must bring him back into the public eye. Who will compromise? What secrets remain buried? And can love truly overcome the weight of unresolved memories?

If you’re tired of intense, fast-paced storylines, My Youth offers a refreshing alternative. This Korean drama delivers warmth, subtlety, and emotional resonance—reminding viewers of the quiet beauty and depth of a classic Korean romance drama.

In conclusion, this My Youth Korean drama review suggests that the series is best suited for viewers who appreciate emotional realism, character-driven storytelling, and slow-burn romance.