Sparkling Watermelon

This Korean drama is at turns delightfully light and emotional. The music is superb. The actors are adorable. There are elements of coming-of-age, rom-com, and fantasy time travel. But, foremost, it embodies a celebration of life -- especially of aspects that are sweet and sparkly like the title, Twinkling Watermelon.

The emotional core involves the enduring dilemma faced by young people: whether to live a life that makes their heart beat or follow the lead of their parents. The main character Ha Eun-gyeol, a CODA (child of deaf adult) youth, grapples between following his passions and serving the needs of his family, when he is presented with an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives by slipping back in time when his parents were his age. We're also presented with the question, would life really be better if the past changed to our liking?

As the story transpires, we see some of the joys and sparks of youth, its conflicts and uncertainties. It delves into teenage anxiety and mental health issues and the pressures from parents and society. The show also portrays beautiful friendships and loving, albeit sometimes misunderstood, family relationships. The deaf character portrayed by Shin Eun-soo is a gem. And Choi Hyun-wook is a master at capturing the spirit and zest of youth.

In a way, the show follows some of the winning formulae of other recent successes. As in the movie CODA, it peers into the lives of the deaf who face many challenges but lead meaningful lives. As in Someday or One Day, it makes you dream about rewriting the past, preventing accidents, and letting go of guilt and resentment. As in 2521 and the Reply series, it taps into 90s nostalgia, when times were simpler, when you had to run to a pay phone to answer urgent beeper messages and could drop by your friend's home anytime. So, in a way, it is not groundbreaking but a good story nonetheless.

If splitting hairs, the series is not without imperfections. Time travel presents logic problems. It's apparent from the proficiency of signing that the actors are not deaf themselves. And there is a reliance on common tropes to create obstacles for the characters. But I recommend you watch this for its emotional journey and uplifting message.

The main character's parents are deaf, but they are 'cheerful, healthy, and happy because they could communicate with their eyes, their hearts, and their hands.' We all have problems, but we can also grow, adapt, and have fun. The show promotes embracing music and loved ones: Seize the day, its joys and opportunities! ¡Viva la vida!

I have watched A LOT of dramas and this was very special in many ways.

They have done a fantastic job mixing a lot of genres that I had no idea they could mix this well and seamlessly.

It is very emotional and deep, but then it's silly and super fun and lighthearted. Then it's beautifully romantic and you will love the bond and loyalty of all of their friendships.

And the most special part is of course the value of family and how our male lead is doing everything he can to make his loved ones change their fate to be the happiest they can be.

There's so many complex subjects and subplots as well, but it works so well. Story is well paced and the twists are great and not predictable. The characters are well written and rich in layers and development.

Honestly, the writers of this drama deserve recognition for this work.

The chemistry amongst the cast is fantastic in general but the main pair and their bromance ( or better said father and son) is unbeatable. I had moments where I was honestly crying of laughter.

I have been following Choi Hyun Wook and his impressive acting for a while ( specially in Weak Hero Class), and it's just very unbelievable to me that he is only 21. I can't wait to see more of him.

But I do have to make a special mention of Ryeoun, the display of emotions he shows playing this character is amazing, he made me cry a few times and his eyes were just pure emotion the whole time. What a performance.

Overall was an amazing watch and the only reason am not giving a 10 is because I feel the entire ending was a bit rushed, otherwise it is truly an outstanding drama.

Really good drama that lets its four leads sparkle. Twinkling Watermelon features themes of family and identity at various times in the characters' lives, and while it looks like a fun ride on its nostalgic surface, this series has bigger emotional payoffs simmering just under the surface. Boy, do the final two episodes serve up the full force of the writer's prowess. In the end, each character develops the tools to help them communicate better whether through signing, music, or simply summoning the courage to ask the questions they never could. The male leads are excellent especially in the finale episodes but it's Choi Hyun-Wook, who has shone in everything he's done to date, demonstrating again why he'll be the next big thing in Korean tv.

I love every bit of this show, except for tiny one. Yeah time travel is an incredibly complex plot to cover and yes this show makes it seem like a child's play, therefore you should NOT except consistency in that case whatsoever, you'll understand me if you've watched 12 Monkeys or Dark. But this show isn't actually about time travel anyways. It's about friendship, love, family. It's about forming sincere bonds. It makes your heart melt in some scenes, makes you laugh out loud in some others. Not only do characters bond with each other but you as the viewer also bond with them. It can easily become anyone's comfort show. THAT is the reason I love it so so much.

But... Spoiler comes here, don't read if you haven't finished

I really couldn't bring myself liking their ultimate end. I understand that Cheong-ah comes from a wealthy family and she made up with her father in 1995 and that means her new future could change in a way. But I don't think they needed to become this forefront successful "business" family to be "better". For me their former family was also so sincere, lovely, and just as enough. They didn't have so much money before, but they had everything else. Did they really needed to be ultra rich and famous to be happier? In fact when I saw that they happened to become such big famous people as a family, I kind of dissociated with them. That is my only criticism and hence my rating. I wish we could see their new future condition in a more sincere setting rather then being exposed how they became high society. The writers really must have thought this is the most fulfilling ending: seeing them rich and having power. I couldn't disagree more. I would prefer to see them for example having their breakfast on a Sunday morning, in which I-chan's friends happen to be there, chatting and laughing together. But I don't know, maybe that's just me.

Don't let the title of the drama or the cast of second leads discourage you from watching it!

It took me a while to decide to press play and it was truly a delightful experience!

Without spoiling anything ..the show reignited my love for music...reminded me that my parents were once teenagers with hopes , dreams and inner struggles.. Just like twenty five twenty one drama.. Sparkling Watermellon will make you recall your first love which could either be a heartwarming or a heartbreaking experience. Nonetheless, you'll feel nostalgic for the past and its simple joys!

The show is still ongoing as I write this review, I'm on episode 9 and I still don't get its title?!