Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of Record of Youth, a K-drama that had everyone talking. We'll break down the plot, explore the ending, and give you our honest review. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started!

What is Record of Youth?

Record of Youth is a South Korean television series that aired in 2020. It's a coming-of-age drama that revolves around the lives of three young individuals navigating the competitive industries of modeling and acting. The drama explores themes of family, friendship, love, and the struggles of chasing your dreams in a society that often prioritizes success and status. The series aims to portray a realistic view of young people and their struggles in modern society, showing how they strive to achieve their dreams amidst the challenges of their environment. The narrative delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the importance of friendship, and the pursuit of personal happiness. By focusing on these universal themes, Record of Youth resonates with a broad audience, making it a compelling watch for anyone who has ever dared to dream big.

The drama primarily focuses on the stories of Sa Hye-jun, played by Park Bo-gum, and Ahn Jeong-ha, portrayed by Park So-dam. Hye-jun is a talented and handsome model who aspires to become an actor, but faces numerous obstacles and setbacks in his career. Jeong-ha is a makeup artist with a strong sense of self and a passion for her work. She becomes a source of support and inspiration for Hye-jun as they navigate their respective careers and personal lives. Additionally, the series explores the experiences of Won Hae-hyo, played by Byeon Woo-seok, who is also a model and actor, and a close friend of Hye-jun. Hae-hyo comes from a privileged background, which gives him certain advantages, but he also faces his own challenges as he tries to prove himself and step out of his mother's shadow. Record of Youth weaves together these characters' stories, highlighting their individual struggles and triumphs, as well as the complexities of their relationships with each other.

Throughout the series, Record of Youth delves into the pressures and expectations placed on young people in South Korea. The drama explores the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities, as well as the impact of social class and privilege on one's opportunities. The characters often find themselves grappling with difficult decisions as they try to stay true to themselves while also navigating the demands of their careers and relationships. The drama also touches on the themes of mental health and self-care, as the characters learn to cope with stress, anxiety, and the pressures of living in the public eye. Ultimately, Record of Youth is a story about resilience, determination, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.

Synopsis: The Journey of Dreams

Record of Youth primarily revolves around Sa Hye-jun, a model with big acting dreams. Despite his talent and good looks, he faces constant rejection and struggles to break into the acting industry. Coming from a humble background, he lacks the connections and financial support that many of his peers have. His family, particularly his father, doesn't fully support his ambitions, adding to his stress and self-doubt. Hye-jun's determination, however, keeps him going, and he works tirelessly to prove his worth.

Alongside Hye-jun is Ahn Jeong-ha, a talented and independent makeup artist. She's a huge fan of Hye-jun and eventually gets to work with him. Jeong-ha is ambitious and hardworking, building her career from the ground up. She finds solace and strength in her work, using it as an outlet for her creativity and a way to express herself. Jeong-ha's character is a refreshing portrayal of a young woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it.

The third key character is Won Hae-hyo, a model and actor who is also Hye-jun's best friend. Unlike Hye-jun, Hae-hyo comes from a wealthy family, which gives him a significant advantage in the industry. However, he wants to be recognized for his own talent and hard work, not just his privileged background. Hae-hyo's relationship with his mother is complex, as she is very involved in his career and often tries to control his decisions. Despite their differences, Hye-jun and Hae-hyo maintain a close bond, supporting each other through the ups and downs of their careers.

The drama follows these three characters as they navigate the challenges of their respective industries, dealing with competition, rejection, and the pressures of fame. Record of Youth delves into their personal lives, exploring their relationships with family, friends, and romantic interests. The series also touches on the themes of social inequality and the impact of social media on the lives of young people. Ultimately, it's a story about chasing your dreams, staying true to yourself, and finding happiness in a world that often seems unfair.

The Ending Explained: Did They Achieve Their Dreams?

The ending of Record of Youth is bittersweet. Sa Hye-jun finally achieves his dream of becoming a successful actor, but not without facing numerous challenges and sacrifices along the way. He gains recognition for his talent and hard work, proving his doubters wrong. However, the pressures of fame and the constant scrutiny of the public eye take a toll on him. He learns to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry, but also realizes the importance of staying grounded and true to himself.

Ahn Jeong-ha also finds success in her career, establishing herself as a respected makeup artist. She gains recognition for her skills and creativity, building a loyal clientele. Jeong-ha's independent spirit and strong work ethic allow her to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. She remains a source of support and inspiration for Hye-jun, helping him to stay focused and positive amidst the challenges of his career.

Won Hae-hyo, while achieving some success, faces a reckoning with his mother's controlling nature. He decides to take control of his career and make his own decisions, even if it means going against his mother's wishes. Hae-hyo's journey is about self-discovery and finding his own path, rather than simply following the expectations of others. He learns to value his friendships and the importance of staying true to himself.

The final episode shows Hye-jun and Jeong-ha facing a new chapter in their lives. While they faced challenges in their relationship, they managed to work through them with maturity and understanding. The ending emphasizes the importance of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness, even in the face of adversity. Record of Youth doesn't offer a picture-perfect ending, but rather a realistic portrayal of life's ups and downs. It reminds us that success is not just about achieving our dreams, but also about the journey we take and the people we share it with.

Review: Is Record of Youth Worth Watching?

So, is Record of Youth worth watching? Here's my take. The drama is visually appealing, with a stylish aesthetic and a great soundtrack. The performances from the main cast, especially Park Bo-gum and Park So-dam, are excellent. They bring depth and nuance to their characters, making them relatable and engaging. The drama also explores interesting themes, such as the pressures of the entertainment industry, the importance of family and friendship, and the challenges of chasing your dreams.

However, Record of Youth is not without its flaws. Some viewers found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the characters to be a bit cliché. The drama also suffers from some pacing issues, with certain storylines feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some viewers were disappointed with the ending, finding it to be too open-ended or unsatisfying. Record of Youth also delves into the pressures and expectations placed on young people in South Korea. The drama explores the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities, as well as the impact of social class and privilege on one's opportunities. The characters often find themselves grappling with difficult decisions as they try to stay true to themselves while also navigating the demands of their careers and relationships.

Overall, Record of Youth is a decent K-drama that offers a glimpse into the lives of young people trying to make it in the entertainment industry. It's a worthwhile watch if you're a fan of coming-of-age stories, dramas with a focus on character development, or if you simply enjoy the work of the main actors. Just don't expect a groundbreaking or revolutionary drama. Record of Youth offers a reflection on the struggles and triumphs of youth, reminding us that the journey is just as important as the destination. So, if you're looking for a drama that will make you think, feel, and maybe even shed a tear or two, give Record of Youth a try.