Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Si's KBS Drama Youth of May: A Moving Melodrama Set in 1980 Gwangju

The KBS 2TV mini-series 'Youth of May,' starring Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Si, is gaining renewed attention for its high quality and profound emotional impact, despite its low viewership ratings during its initial broadcast. Set in Gwangju in May 1980, the drama delicately portrays the tragic love story of two young individuals amidst the historical pain of the era, earning it a reputation as a 'life drama' among many viewers.

'Youth of May' aired from May 3 to June 8, 2021, consisting of 12 episodes. It depicts the fated love between Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do Hyun), a medical student, and Kim Myung-hee (Go Min Si), a nurse, which blossoms amidst the historical tragedy of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Their accidental encounter leads to a deep connection, but as a massive upheaval engulfs Gwangju, their love faces a tragic end. The drama avoids sensational political narratives, instead conveying the era's suffering through the perspective of ordinary youth and meticulously recreating the retro aesthetics of the 1980s.

Bloggers widely praise 'Youth of May' as a masterpiece that transcends simple melodrama, warmly illuminating the lives of countless young people who endured a tumultuous era. Many commend Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Si's intense emotional performances and poignant gazes for adding depth to their characters' narratives. Viewers are advised to prepare tissues, especially for the emotionally charged latter half of the series. All episodes are currently available for VOD streaming on Wavve, making it accessible for re-watching.