At Eighteen

As a story centered on teenagers and school life, I was expecting this show to be mostly romance and fluff, with more of the usual subject matter: love triangles & rivals, bullying, parental pressure to excel, maybe some unfair treatment by school staff...that sort of thing.

What I got instead was a poignant story of teenage struggles, covering heavy topics such as domestic abuse, social prejudice (in multiple forms), and parents' impact on their children's worldviews. The plot wasn't complex, but the subject matter and emotional weight definitely was. Thankfully, it was well written and executed, with a great cast.

If you are a fan of teenage K-Drama, have a strong sense of justice, and enjoy the dynamics of complex (if mostly non-romantic) relationships, this is worth your time.

LGBTQ INCLUSIVE: Yes

ROMANCE RATING: * * * 7/10. To be honest, I can barely consider this show a real "romance." For one thing, the story covered so many "big" topics, the romantic developments kind of seemed more like a foil to explore those heavier subjects. Secondly, true to the age group in question, any romance that appeared was kept very pure. OSW and KHG did have great chemistry together overall, but there were only 2-3, G-rated kiss scenes. If you require a great lip lock to leave satisfied, then keep that in mind. Recommended!

" Moment at eighteen" had a really strong start. The drama was perfect, with the issues such as bullying and gap between the social classes were nicely presented.

However, as soon as the romance started progressing, the drama lost its character and became a weak teenage rom com. The main character's problems, like the death on his one and only friend, were put aside and left for good. Let alone all those side characters whose story was never concluded. The drama got boring and the ending was open and unsatisfying.

Other than that, the performances were good from all the actors and actresses in this drama.

So, overall, six out of ten.

This study of community centers on two characters who are not who they seem to be. It is a moving examination of the boy who has clear hold of the title "good" and the newcomer who is quickly able to be labeled "bad." The richness of the story evolves as the bully slowly but surely appears and finally at the end of the story lets go of bullying as a life style. The tale is told with a decisive gentleness that takes a while to warm up to but really is the genius of the telling. Like heaven's garden we end up starting with an apparently modern, distracted and destructive community that is slowly and surely delivered into something better. All of the players did an amazing job in their respective roles but I must especially commend Shin Seung-ho. For his moving commitment to the broken pride and suffering intrensic to his roll as he endures abuse at home while navigating the inhuman expectations of social ordering that has gone astray. There is more than one broken person in the story, and more than one character that is healing to watch. I ended up very impressed by this story.

I don't think I had a dry eye for at least 1/2 the K-Drama. It is very touching - tragic in parts, and the male lead Seong-wu Ong did a great job I playing an 18 year old who fell in love for the first time while enduring all kinds of judgements from others because of his forced transfer to a new school due to a false accusation that he was a thief and did assault as well. Of course, the top king of the school gets jealous of him, since he is handsome, nice, girls like him, including his girlfriend, and sets him up with a fake theft to get the drama started. Didn't know how this was going to end, and was crying though the ending - it wasn't a disappointing ending at all, just something that will make you cry. I am beginning to like the ML - saw him in Seoul Vibe and now this Moment of Eighteen Drama and he did a great job in both.

This show is so heartwarming! The main character is so kind and loving with mental fortitude beyond his years. Great job, Seong-wu Ong!

Many of the supporting characters are also kind and strong. Especially their teacher, played by Kang Ki-young; I think this was a perfect role for him. He gives a monologue in episode 13 that our world needs to hear.

Kim Do-wan played a fun role to balance some of the real world pains found in any good drama.

Most of the teen girls' roles are complimentary.

This serial will give you hope.

It's a precious gem!

Another reminder that we can learn a lot about humanity from South Korea. 💗