tvN has had an amazing year, they have brought dramas that were highly popular among audiences to the small screen, and today we are talking of one of the most recent one ‘Record of Youth’.
Written by Ha yung-hee and directed by Ahn Gil-ho, ‘Record of Youth’ tells the story of Sa Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum) and Ahn Jeong-ha (Park So-dam), a professional model turned actor and a make-up artist who are living life, trying to accomplish their dreams while working in the ruthless entertainment industry.
Relatable Stories
‘Record of Youth’ resonated with the audience for its honest and raw storytelling. Hye-jun works many part-time jobs to make ends meet, and Jeong-ha has to continue working in a salon despite being bullied by her co-workers.
This drama talks about the conflicts that many out there can have while trying to accomplish their dreams. Hye-jun is constantly overshadowed by one of his best friends Won Hae-hyo (Byeon Woo-seok) who is well off and able to get fantastic opportunities in the entertainment industry thanks to his family’s influence.
Jeong-ha on her side tries her best to live a conflict free life, she is Hye-jun’s fan since he was a model and becomes acquaintances with him and his friends after meeting them in a fashion show.
While she works in the salon she also runs her small streaming channel, wanting to help people feel good in their own skin.
The consequences of stardom
Jeong-ha and Hye-jun become close friends and start dating, they both get on extremely well and have an honest and adorable relationship.
Hye-jun, despite his father’s opposition continues on trying to achieve his dream, an opportunity comes along turning his world completely. After this, he faces the consequences of his sudden stardom and rise to fame.
Hye-jun goes on trying to find balance between his personal life and his work, however many things happen, putting everything he has worked for at risk.
Family and Friends
Something I loved about this drama was the different types of relationships. We had Hye-jun with his family, they aren’t always very supportive but they truly want what is best for him, being sometimes quite harsh expressing it but meaning well.
His friends and him try to keep their friendship real and honest, however, these guys are sometimes unable to share personal feelings and I found that aspect extremely relatable.
Jeong-ha tries to do everything on her own without asking anyone for help, she has a difficult relationship with her mother, however, she gets on well with her father.
Episode by episode we get to see her growth as a person and how little by little she opens herself and lets others help her when she needs it.
The delivery of real stories
‘Record of Youth’ falls into a slice-of-life type of drama. The writer brought relatable stories of young people as well as adults trying to figure out life and trying their best without major dramatic events and I found that very interesting and absolutely refreshing to watch.
Park Bo-gum and Park So-dam, interpreted their roles flawlessly, they had a great on screen chemistry and I found the way they portrayed their roles heartwarming and truthful at its core.
On top of all of these, the drama had fantastic cameos including big names like Seo Huyn-jin, Park Seo-joon, Lee Hye-ri, among many other incredible actors in the tv and film industry.
You can watch ‘Record of Youth’ on Netflix. Check the trailer below.
