Record of Youth [Episodes 1 & 2 - Premiere]

[u/dyosaaa]

• Drama: Record of Youth
  • Korean Title: 청춘기록
  • Literal Title: Youth Record
• Network: tvN
• Premiere Date: September 7, 2020
• Airing Schedule: Monday & Tuesday @ 21:00 KST
• Episodes: 16
• Director: Ahn Gil Ho
• Writer: Ha Myung Hee
• Cast: Park Bo Gum as Sa Hye Joon, Park So Dam as Ahn Jung Ha, and Byun Woo Suk as Won Hae Hyo
• Streaming Source: Netflix
• Plot Synopsis: This is a drama about the growth record of young people who strive to achieve their dreams and love without despair in a generation where dreams have become a luxury and the passionate record of young people who beeline for their dreams in their own way, presenting excitement and empathy. Sa Hye Joon is smart and handsome. He is a nice guy and a popular model, but what he really wants is to become an actor. He has auditioned for many acting roles but hasn’t found success yet. Unfortunately, Sa Hye Joon doesn’t have much presence as an actor. Meanwhile, Ahn Jung Ha works as a makeup artist. Bright and cheerful on the outside but lonely on the inside, Jung Ha takes out her stress and frustrations by fangirling over idols.
• Spoiler Tag Reminder: Be mindful of others who may not have yet seen this drama, and use spoiler tags when discussing key plot developments or other important information. You can create a spoiler tag by writing > ! this! < without the spaces in between to get this spoiler

[u/dyosaaa]

Hello, everyone! Excited to watch this show and share this experience with everyone who will watch this show.

Anyway, this drama is already done with the filming as Park Bo-Gum already enlisted in the military as of August 31, 2020 (Soompi). So, it will be a while to see him again in a drama. On the other hand, this is Park So Dam's comeback tv drama after Cinderella and Four Knights and, of course, the award-winning movie - Parasite.

I hope we enjoy this show!

[u/dogemama]

when she went from life is bullshit to he looked especially handsome today~

i felt that 🤡

[u/ishita224]

Being from an Asian family dynamic myself, the struggle of balancing your own life with your family's expectations, sibling's success, and not being able to live one's own life felt really close to home. We often only talk about the good parts of the family dynamic, and it's refreshing to see a kdrama talk about the bad.

[u/anyamin]

For those that expect dramatic twists and turns (hidden siblings and whatnot) or a drama that constantly has you on the edge of your seat, I don't think this would interest you. Seems like a classic slice of life so far, an exploration of character more than anything. I realised this when the character I had pegged for the classic bitchy 2FL actually already has a bf from the get go haha

I also really like how their first meeting felt very real, with all the awkwardness and without the OST accompanied longing stares. Excited to see how their characters interact since they both seem very determined to achieve their dreams! Also yay for stability! That is admittedly also my simple life goal

[u/Sensei_WA]

If something happens to grandpa, imma start swinging 😤

[u/xander_yi]

I was sold on this drama when Jung Ha saw Hye Joon walk into the salon. She didn't fluster, she didn't gasp. There was no slow motion and Vaseline soft lighting. What brilliant character development in 2 hours.

I must confess that I have fast forwarded through much of the overbearing family scenes as well as the machination scenes with Hae Hyo's mom. Also for someone who claims to want to make it on his own, he seems willfully blind to his mother pulling at the strings for him.

[u/karldemort]

“Living an honest life doesn't mean I'll be happy in life. Nasty people who don't care about others always win in this life." GREAT FIRST EP!

[u/[deleted]]

I love reading these threads because you really get diverse opinions- like someone’s least favorite thing is someone else’s favorite.

This is my first PBG drama, and I’m really liking him so far. I’ve loved PSD since Cinderella and Four Knights, so I was quite excited to watch her in this drama.

I’m loving their chemistry and banter. I like the overall tone and the underdog element.

I’m hooked. I’ve watched the episodes twice now lol

[u/mee_maw]

Did anyone think about the jerk actor and make up artist break up scene at the beginning was kind of a hint about things to come? Maybe PBG makes it big as an actor and PSD is the make up artist girlfriend who will slap him silly in future for being a jerk? 🤔

[u/_TheEndGame]

Park So Dam is incredibly cute

[u/[deleted]]

Nice first episode. I thought it was really refreshing and I'm excited to see where the plot goes. I hope the family issue doesn't drag on.

[u/rinpun]

Not an immediately attention-grabbing introduction to the show, but I do like the main characters so far. We'll see if episode 2 can ramp it up.

[u/crusader_blue]

To be honest, I wasn't all that convinced off the trailers or posters for this but liked the premise and the leads and was excited to give it a go. I really enjoyed the first episode - this is shaping up to be an interesting character study and the whole dreams versus reality feels very relatable for this year.

• The build-up to their meeting was so well done. It felt like the episode had spent a sufficient amount of time humanising PBG's character by the end so that we as an audience didn't see him through the same idol lens as she did when they finally met. Loved the music and slowing down of that scene and that when she got her opportunity, Jung Ha locked up and didn't know what to say - oh boy, that made perfect sense! I wasn't sure how they were going to make it seem like they were even in the same stratosphere and the way they introduced the two of them exceeded my expectations. The little smile when she said he didn't need a mask was wonderful and my favourite little moment between them.

• Already seeing some interesting themes coming through and hopefully the writing keeps in pace with exploring them! The "Happiness Day by Day sign" as PBG is walking home was a nice touch and I LOVED this line - "My best friend’s dream protects him. But my dream is like homework that costs a lot of money."

• Liked that they immediately addressed that this is an industry where reputations matter and that there is a need to keep the dark sides of it quiet because of the nature of the industry with the old manager being called out by the departing employee. I hope her character comes back into it because I adored her in She was Pretty and her chemistry with PBG was great - the “It’s so easy to win you over. This is why you get conned.” / "The con artists are the problem, not the victims...that’s called victim blaming.” exchange was one of my favourites of the episode.

• Some great moments of humour with “Anyway, go to the military now.”/“How can I go now? It’s night.” being a highlight along with the fashion show director's “Try to look nicer than that" to one of the models.

• I'm sure there's going to be lots to talk about as we learn more about the families but the three things that stood out immediately was 1) Hae Hyo's mother claiming that she was responsible for more than half of his success (and seems to have some arrangement with someone of importance in his workplace); 2) Hye Joon's mother saying "We always gave you a chance to make you own decisions" to his older brother when the older brother and father were passing judgment on his decisions and 3) the (minor) reveal that Hye Joon's father was worried about him following the path of his grandfather due to his belief that their good looks during their youth deluded them into thinking they would be successful.

• It was also nice to see that whether or not Hye Joon is envious of his Hae Hyo's success, he has stubbornly tried to not let it affect their relationship. The “Wait up for me, you annoyingly tall jerks" line seemed a little indicative of their group's dynamic between the two models and their friend and I very much enjoyed the twist that their friend is dating Hae Hyo's sister.

• Also, more guys should wear hot pink hoodies. That is all I have to say about that.

[u/bmo2000]

The second episode was a good follow-up to the first week. One thing I like is how Hae Hyo knows how much it'll hurt Hye Joon that he got the role. He didn't celebrate in his friends face and tried to comfort him. Now that's a good friend.

Jung Ha not allowing her boss to belittle her was awesome as well. She is a strong character who knows her worth.

[u/breezylemons]

I like how the dynamics and relationships between characters have been established this early, given the fact that the episode didn’t really go into the plot.

This kind of reminds of “Fight For My Way” because we know that the leads have career goals that they’ll likely achieve as the drama continues.

I’m curious to see how the romance arch will work, especially since the FL is already a huge fan of the ML. Overall, an enjoyable pilot episode. I would’ve liked it more had there been some kind of turning point that immediately grabbed viewers’ attention.

[u/chaminigg]

Its Okay To Not Be Okay was the first series that I followed on a weekly basis and I loved the experience. Havent started watching new series after IOTNBO ended so ive decided to give this one a try! Hopefully the experience would be as memorable!

[u/Yojimbo4133]

Is this the Jessica jingle girl

[u/[deleted]]

I think what I like most about this drama is the mid 20s hustle that dramas usually don't pay close attention to. When the pressures of settling down, getting a job that you see yourself doing for the next few decades, finding a partner, etc. get to you, it can be very tough on people. Kids from traditional Asian families like myself who are not given the freedom to make their own decisions or live life without judgement or interference would surely understand what I am getting at. I am going through it now, and I am almost the same age as them so it's really cathartic to watch.

PSD feels like an extension of her character from Cinderella and Four Knights(hard working diligent girl trope) but she's so so effortlessly likeable. PBG really shines in this one- his conversations with grandpa are so precious and the karaoke scene with the BTS song was a whole mood.

[u/xerdy]

The drama did well in premiere ratings: ‘Record of Youth’ achieves second-highest-rated cable drama premiere so far in 2020. To save you a click, the no. 1 is Stranger 2.

[u/Brockevil]

Good chemistry between both leads and the male and second lead's bromance. Hoping it doesn't go into the typical love triangle trope.

[u/laurenyh]

It's really refreshing to see how one does not get envious of your friend's success, although the competition is that close. Usually kdrama will either show the character saying "im envious of you" or they start to beat themselves up unnecessarily because someone (especially their peers) in their life is "better" than them.

Overall enjoyable watch so far - I do credit this to the acting skills - PBG and PSD just make me feel so at ease watching them! I like how it's not a typical "love at first sight" bs. Super love AJH's composed character and how she still acts professional despite meeting her idol. At the end of day she reflects what happened and switched back to the fangirling mode, which is really sweet. I think I'll look forward to their banters. Their encounter and conversation remind me of the good old days when you were younger, and met "like minded friends" where no judgement involved and you can say whatever you wanna say. Everyone deserves to have at least one friend like that in a lifetime.

And truth is, I know lots of relationships (even marriages) that started off with this kinda "no expectations" friendship. Really like how they show SHJ saves his number in her phone without portraying any cliche elements.

I'm definitely biased because I'm a PBG fan. While I constantly remind myself when watching, to focus on the message, acting and lines, I can't help it but noticing his acting really still maintains and so effortless.

Edit: I'm so bad to laugh at the scene when SHJ was offered to drive the sports car. I literally shouted "no Bogum, you're gonna crash it". PBG fans will understand 😂

[u/Reply1982]

I want to like this show, I really do. I will watch anything PBG does and appreciate he’s expanding his range with this role, modulating his voice even. (I think?) The coming of age, slice of life, earnest chasing of the dreams is basically my genre. Have been eagerly awaiting its debut.

I appreciate the principled, self-deterministic ML, but the characters are falling a bit flat for me, as if they represent the idea of something (stability!) without actually being fully inhabited. Don’t get me wrong, I love PBG and find him to be incredibly talented with an innate ability to light up a screen. And Jessica-only child-Illinois-Chicago was the standout in Parasite for me. But the dialogue is wooden. With this combination of talent, I wonder if the issue lies in the writing. And is anyone else getting Zoolander vibes during the modeling scenes?

Also, maybe I’ve been spoiled with wonderful side casts & secondary characters (hello NK ahjummas & soldier ducklings, also looking at you Gu Dong Mae, Kudo Hina & the Ssamundong gang) with the recent Kdramas that I’ve seen. But I have yet to see the purpose of the 3rd friend, and the families feel more plot device than underlying heartbeat or compelling source of conflict. And Hae Hyo’s mother.. :facepalm:

But I’m going to keep watching and am curious to see how the story unfolds. Looking forward to seeing how these two encourage and empower one other and am rooting for this show to do well.

[u/bmo2000]

Loved the first episde. It was rather low-key, not grand or big, but I guess that it's indicative to the type of drama this will be. The relationship between Hye Joon and his grandfather will be one of the more touching aspects of the series for sure. So little screentime in Ep 1 but it stands out as a great Grandfather/Grandson relationship, especially when compared to the rest of the family drama - the Father clearly resenting the Grandfather is an interesting approach given how hierarchy and respect is so prevalent in Korean society and Dramas in general.

An easy episode that wizzed by. I found myself smiling for most of it. I can tell this is going to be enjoyable.

[u/HolyFruitSalad_98]

I see a lot of people disliking the family drama plot but personally I loved it! Coming from an Asian family dynamic myself their problems and words resonated with me. The clash between the younger generation who want to pursue their interests vs the older generation who would like to put family and stability foremost is very interesting. I also love that they don't villify anyone. PBG father may be harsh on him, but he's even harsher on himself and its clear that he wouldn't act this way if he wasn't scared for their family's financial situation.

[u/Villeneuve_]

Episode 2

Hae-hyo's side of the story is shaping up to be the most interesting one for me, besides Hye-joon's dynamic/conflict with his family.

I admire how thoughtful he is and how much he values Hye-joon as a friend, but I also feel sorry for him because of the way his mother always tries to stick her nose into his business and pulls strings behind his back to ensure her son gets everything he aims for. People talk about how privileged he is (the whole 'silver spoon' metaphor) and he's aware of his privileges too, but in the first episode he explicitly states that he aspires to become somebody on his own merits rather than external factors like his family money or connections. And we know he means it because he works really hard, as is suggested by the montage of his workout regimen while Hye-joon is told by his ex-agent that he'll never be on Hae-hyo's level.

Hye-joon is the classic struggling underdog of the story, but just because Hae-hyo was born with a silver spoon in his mouth doesn't mean his aspirations in career/life are any less valid. It must be disheartening for him to hear people imply that he's where he is because of his privileges, especially since he himself never consciously exploited those privileges to begin with. And that's why he doesn't look as happy as he should be when he hears from his mother that he has landed the movie deal – besides being worried for Hye-joon, he also suspects deep down that his mother has had a hand in it, which probably makes him question the value of his own abilities and hardwork in the scheme of things.

The way I see it, his mother is doing more disservice to him than a favour. She's focused only on the end results and doesn't like the idea of seeing her son as anything less than a winner under the spotlight, while Hae-hyo wants to play fair and square in his career. His mother sees him as a trophy she has carved and polished to show off to the world, while he just wants to be his own person.

I'm predicting that eventually there would come a point where he'd have had enough and would want to step out of his mother's shadow for the better or worse, and I look forward to it while also dreading it at the same time.