A new chapter has begun in JTBC's Friday drama lineup. "My Youth," starring Song Joong-ki and Chun Woo-hee, has arrived as the follow-up to "The Good Man." To be honest, not many expected the unconventional format of airing two consecutive episodes on a Friday to continue. From a ratings perspective, compelling viewers to sit in front of their TVs for a full two hours during the golden primetime slot is somewhat misaligned with modern viewing patterns. Nevertheless, the primary reason so many eagerly awaited the premiere of "My Youth" can be attributed to one thing: the presence of actor Song Joong-ki.
The content consumption habits of modern audiences have changed significantly. The culture of "binge-watching" (정주행), where viewers watch multiple episodes at their own convenience on OTT platforms, has become the norm rather than tuning in for a live broadcast. In this environment, the Friday evening slot is a veritable battleground where flagship entertainment programs and dramas from terrestrial, cable, and general programming channels compete fiercely for viewership. Capturing and holding an audience's attention for two straight hours is no easy feat, and this is considered one of the biggest challenges "My Youth" must overcome.
Despite the burden of its time slot and the intense competition, the immense anticipation for "My Youth" is fueled by the formidable star power of its lead actor, Song Joong-ki. His previous drama, "Reborn Rich," was a massive success, enjoying almost syndrome-like popularity. Although his film projects have seen more modest box office results, in the world of television dramas, he has solidified his reputation as a "bankable star" whose casting guarantees high ratings. The trust his name inspires is, without a doubt, the most powerful asset "My Youth" possesses.
In this project, Song Joong-ki presents a romance with a distinctly different texture from his previous works. He has chosen a simple, lyrical story, moving away from the intense and dramatic narratives seen in dramas like "Descendants of the Sun" or "Vincenzo." Some speculate that changes in his personal life—becoming a husband and father—may have naturally drawn him to a project with a warm, gentle sensibility rather than provocative content. This shift is clearly reflected in his character, Seonwoo Hae, raising expectations for a deeper, more mature performance from the actor.
The character Seonwoo Hae, played by Song Joong-ki, is a man who has endured a turbulent childhood and youth. He shone brightly in the spotlight, first as a genius child actor and later as a bestselling novelist. However, due to an unforeseen tragedy, he was forced to become the head of his household, solely responsible for raising his younger sibling. Consequently, he abandoned all his dreams and future, choosing a life of seclusion. He now lives quietly, running a small flower shop, turning his back on his glamorous past. His story, of a man living with hidden scars, evokes a sense of deep empathy and a protective instinct from viewers.
Starring opposite him is Sung Je-yeon, portrayed by actress Chun Woo-hee. A high school classmate of Seonwoo Hae, she was a model student with excellent grades. However, the sudden collapse of her family forced her to give up her ultimate dream of attending Seoul National University. Today, she navigates the competitive entertainment industry as a team leader at an agency, also serving as the manager for the top star Mo Tae-rin (played by Lee Joo-myung). Adding another layer to the story is Kim Seok-joo (played by Seo Ji-hoon), a tax accountant who is also the son of the CEO of her entertainment company, sparking curiosity about how their relationships will unfold.
The drama masterfully weaves a narrative that alternates between the present day and their high school years 15 years prior, offering a multi-dimensional look at their connection. The broken thread of their relationship is reconnected when Sung Je-yeon is put in charge of a broadcast project aimed at bringing the reclusive Seonwoo Hae back into the public eye. It appears that in high school, there was a clear mutual attraction. However, Seonwoo Hae, discouraged by his unfortunate circumstances, deliberately pushed her away. They parted ways amidst misunderstandings and regrets, not seeing each other again for 15 years.
In the flashback scenes, the fresh and impressive performance of rookie actress Jeon So-young, who plays the younger Sung Je-yeon, has captivated audiences. Showcasing a deeper emotional range different from her bubbly character in the web drama "Bunny and Her Boys," she lends credibility to Sung Je-yeon's backstory. At their reunion after 15 years, Sung Je-yeon initially tries to pretend she doesn't know him. In contrast, Seonwoo Hae calmly acknowledges her, setting the halted clock of their relationship back in motion.
Surprisingly, sweet and pure romance has been a rare genre in Song Joong-ki's filmography. In "My Youth," however, he defies his age to delicately express the pure and wistful emotions of a first love, showcasing a new side of his charm. On the other hand, while Chun Woo-hee is an actress of "a thousand faces" who excels in every genre, her realistic and lovable performances in romance are particularly captivating and unparalleled. The chemistry and ensemble acting these two will create is one of the biggest reasons to watch this drama.
The premiere recorded a viewership of 2.9%, a somewhat modest start. However, this is likely the result of a combination of factors, including the challenging Friday double-episode schedule and its exclusive streaming rights on the OTT platform Coupang Play. While there are concerns that this limited accessibility might hinder its reach, the trust inspired by the names Song Joong-ki and Chun Woo-hee is more than enough to offset these worries. Their story of a second-chance youth romance, understated yet deeply resonant, provides every reason for viewers to commit to binge-watching the series.
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