8.4 / 10 (based on 1558 reviews)
Set in 1980s during the Gwangju Uprising, Youth of May tells the love story of a medical student Hwang Hee Tae and a nurse Kim Myung Hee.
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Lee Do-Hyun, Go Min-Si, Sang-yi Lee, Sae-Rok Keum
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 65-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Oworui Cheongchun (2021)
Eoneu Nal Uri Jib Hyeongwaeuro Myeolmangyi Deuleowassda (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 4596 reviews)
Tak Dong Kyung lives a fairly ordinary life until she stumbles into an unexpected fate and ends up signing a hundred-day contract with Myul Mang, risking her everything.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Park Bo-Young, Seo In-Guk, Lee Soo-hyuk, Tae-oh Kang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Gan Tteoleojineun Donggeo (2021)
7.7 / 10 (based on 3375 reviews)
The thrilling love story of Shin Woo Yeo, a 999-years-old gumiho who wants to become human, and Lee Dam, who accidentally swallowed his fox bead.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Jang Ki-Yong, Hyeri Lee, Kang Han-na, Kim Do-Wan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Meolriseo Bomyun Pooreun Bom (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 851 reviews)
A coming of age campus story about youth in their 20s whose lives appear to be like the beauty of spring from afar but cold and harsh when viewed up close.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Ji-Hoon Park, Min Ah Kang, Bae In-Hyuk, Woo Da-Vi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Eitin Eogein (2020)
8.2 / 10 (based on 2201 reviews)
A 37-year-old man on the verge of being divorced from his wife suddenly finds himself inside his 18-year-old body. He starts living a new life under a new name to get closer to his children and protect them.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Ha-neul Kim, Yoon Sang-Hyun, Lee Do-Hyun, No Jeong-ee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Geuraeseo Naneun Antipaengwa Gyeolhonhaetda (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1613 reviews)
The romance between top star Hoo Joon and his anti-fan reporter Lee Geun Young who end up living together.
Genre: Comedy, Music, Romance
Main Cast: Choi Tae-Joon, Sooyoung Choi, Hwang Chan-sung, Sun-hyuk Kim
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 62.0-minute runtime
Law School (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 2537 reviews)
When a grim incident occurs at their prestigious school, justice through law is put to a test by a tough law professor and his ambitious students.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Myung-Min Kim, Kim Bum, Hye-young Ryu, Lee Jeong-eun
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Mellangkollia (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 474 reviews)
Set at a private high school, a beautiful story emerges between mathematics teacher and a genius mathematics student.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Lim Soo-jung, Lee Do-Hyun, Jin Kyung, Woo Da-Vi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes
Nabillera (2021)
8.7 / 10 (based on 2566 reviews)
A 70-year-old with a dream and a 23-year-old with a gift lift each other out of harsh realities and rise to the challenge of becoming ballerinos.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: In-hwan Park, Song Kang, Moon-hee Na, Hong Seung-hee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Nevertheless (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 6479 reviews)
The intoxicating charm of a flirtatious art school classmate pulls a reluctant love cynic into a friends-with-benefits relationship.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Han So-hee, Song Kang, Lee Ho-jung, Yang Hye-Ji
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Mobeomtaeksi (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 3559 reviews)
The story of a deluxe taxi driver who gets revenge on behalf of his passengers. It is based on the webtoon Deluxe Taxi by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Lee Jehoon, Esom, Eui-sung Kim, Pyo Ye-Jin
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Imitation (2021)
7.4 / 10 (based on 787 reviews)
Based on the webtoon of the same name, it tells the story of the lives of idols in the entertainment industry, centered around the secret romance between a member of a rookie girl group and a member of the top boy group in the industry.
Genre: Comedy, Music, Romance
Main Cast: Ji-so Jung, Joon-Young Lee, Ji-Yeon Park, Yun-ho Jeong
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Move to Heaven (2021)
8.5 / 10 (based on 7098 reviews)
Working as trauma cleaners, both Gu-ru and Sang-gu uncover various stories of the deceased while experiencing different emotions and sentiments toward life, death and family.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Olivia Castanho, Lee Jehoon, Tang Joon-sang, Sanyee Yuan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
In the world of television, finding a series that captures the essence of youth, with all its turbulence, dreams, and inevitable heartaches, is like stumbling upon a hidden gem. “Oworui Cheongchun,” a South Korean series that aired in 2021, is one such gem. Translated to “Blue Spring From A Distance,” this show offers a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre. Let’s explore what makes it stand out, without any unnecessary embellishments.
The Premise
At its core, “Oworui Cheongchun” is a story about university students navigating the complexities of life, love, and friendship. The narrative focuses on a group of friends, each with their own unique backgrounds and struggles. What sets this series apart is its realistic portrayal of university life, far removed from the often glamorized versions we see on screen. It doesn’t shy away from the challenges faced by today’s youth, including financial struggles, academic pressure, and the daunting task of planning for the future.
Characters and Development
Yeo Joon
The series is anchored by Yeo Joon, portrayed by actor Park Ji-hoon. Yeo Joon is an optimistic first-year student from a wealthy family. However, his cheerful exterior masks a complicated personal life. The character’s journey of self-discovery and his efforts to forge genuine connections add depth to the narrative.
Kim So-bin
Kim So-bin, played by Kang Min-ah, is another central character. A third-year student struggling with job hunting and self-esteem issues, So-bin’s experiences resonate with many. Her character arc, which involves overcoming insecurities and finding her own path, is both inspiring and relatable.
Nam Soo-hyun
Nam Soo-hyun, brought to life by Bae In-hyuk, is a character that many might find themselves empathizing with. As a hardworking student who juggles multiple jobs to support himself, Soo-hyun’s resilience and dedication are commendable. His complex relationship with Yeo Joon adds an intriguing dynamic to the show.
Themes and Messages
“Oworui Cheongchun” delves into themes that are both timeless and timely. It addresses the pressure to succeed, the fear of failure, and the search for identity, all while maintaining a hopeful tone. The series encourages viewers to embrace their flaws and to understand that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.
Friendship
One of the show’s strongest aspects is its portrayal of friendship. The characters support each other through thick and thin, highlighting the importance of having a solid support system. This aspect of the series serves as a reminder that, in the face of adversity, friendships can be a source of strength and comfort.
Love and Relationships
The series also explores love and relationships, but not in the way you might expect. It steers clear of the typical drama and misunderstandings that often plague on-screen romances. Instead, it opts for a more mature approach, focusing on communication and mutual respect. This refreshing take on love adds to the show’s appeal.
Personal Growth
At its heart, “Oworui Cheongchun” is a story about personal growth. Each character, through their trials and tribulations, learns valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them. The show emphasizes that growth is a continuous process, and it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters.
Why It Stands Out
In a landscape filled with high-octane dramas and fantasy epics, “Oworui Cheongchun” stands out for its simplicity and authenticity. It doesn’t rely on extravagant plot twists or sensationalized conflicts. Instead, it finds beauty in the mundane aspects of life, making it both relatable and engaging.
Realistic Portrayal of University Life
The series’ realistic portrayal of university life is one of its strongest selling points. It captures the essence of being a young adult in today’s world, with all its uncertainties and challenges. This authenticity resonates with viewers, especially those who are currently navigating this stage of life.
Relatable Characters
The characters in “Oworui Cheongchun” are its backbone. They are flawed, complex, and incredibly human. Their struggles and aspirations mirror those of real people, making it easy for viewers to see themselves in the characters. This relatability is a key factor in the show’s success.
Positive Messages
Despite the obstacles faced by the characters, the series maintains a hopeful outlook. It sends a powerful message about resilience, friendship, and the importance of chasing your dreams. This positivity is a breath of fresh air, especially in a genre that often focuses on the darker aspects of youth.
Conclusion
“Oworui Cheongchun” is a series that deserves more attention. It’s a beautifully crafted story about the highs and lows of young adulthood, told with sincerity and heart. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or simply someone who appreciates good storytelling, this show has something for everyone. It’s a reminder that, even in our most challenging moments, there’s beauty to be found in the journey. So, if you’re looking for a series that offers a genuine look at life, love, and friendship, give “Oworui Cheongchun” a chance. It might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.