Writer: Mansi Bisht (Delhi, India)
Editor: Arpita Jena (Baripada, Odisha, India)
“Life is filled with all kinds of metaphors. Interpretation is solely up to the receiver. There are no right answers. Viva la vida. Long Live Life!”
This quote from Twinkling Watermelon speaks a lot to me when I think of this drama.
Picture Credit: DRAMAS WITH A SIDE OF KIMCHI
Twinkling watermelon was released on 25 September 2023 and has 16 episodes. The cast had Ryeoun as Ha Eun-gyeol, Choi Hyun-Wook as Ha Yi-chan, Shin Eun-soo as Yoon Cheong-ah and Seol In-ah as Choi Se-kyung. This time travel drama focuses on the bond between a father (Ha Yi-chan) and his son (Eun-gyeol).
The age-old question of whether to follow your own passion or to follow your parents’ decision with regards to career choice is the central theme of this K-drama. The romantic plot line between Ha Yi-chan and Cheong-ah fills the heart with warmth and eyes with occasional tears.
Picture Credit: tvN
The story begins with the audience getting to know that Eun-gyeol is a CODA, which means that his entire family is deaf except for him. Ha Eun-gyeol finds comfort in music when he is being bullied by his classmates and neighbor.
Despite his father’s grand ambition for him, he decides to pursue music as his career. When Ha Yi-chan finds out this, a strained argument takes place between them, and while he is lost and confused, he travels back in time (2003) and meets his father, who is then an 18-year-old high school kid.
Picture Credit: FORBES
At that time, his father was not deaf, and thus begins the journey of the father and son duo, wherein the son wants to protect his father, and his father (an 18-year-old kid in the past) wants to live his twinkling youth to the best.
The romantic plot line between Eun-gyeol and Se-kyung will take you by surprise, and I would not spoil that for you. It becomes very easy for readers to be engrossed in the story to find out what happened in the past that led to Ha Yi-chan’s deafness.
Picture Credit: SOOMPI
At the heart of the show lies the saying, “Viva la Vida” which means “Long Live Life” which has been inspired by the last painting of Frida Kahlo, which was titled ‘Viva la Vida’. Life is celebrated throughout the series, no matter what problems lie ahead on the path.
Yoon Cheong-ah finds solace in painting when she is wounded again and again by life. Ha Yi-chan finds purpose and lives life when he forms a band. Ha Eun-gyeol finds music to escape from all the bullying.
Picture Credit: DRAMABEANS
Similar to CODA being a beautiful ending to an instrumental piece, Ha Eun-gyeol as a CODA is the bridge between his family’s silent world and the world of sound.
The stellar cast made this drama even more likeable. The phenomenal chemistry between them, whether between father and son or couples, you will always find yourself rooting for them.
Picture Credit: LEISUREBYTE
The OST has songs like ‘Higher’ by Ju-ne of iKON and ‘Tears in Heaven’ by Eric Clapton, which serve as the best musical score as we watch the journey of these four characters unfold.
This, for me, would be one of the best K-Dramas I watched in 2023. The core message of the drama remains to live the life the way you want and make sure to shine your brightest on the stage of life. The heartwarming narrative and the sensitivity with which it is presented making it a treat to watch.
Picture Credit: SOOMPI
Watching this drama will take you back to your nostalgic youthful days and remind you to enjoy your life to the fullest, no matter where you are. And look out for your heart which will be enchanted by all the romantic plot lines.
Video Credit: CJ ENM
Which character of Twinkling Watermelon is your favorite? Do let us know.
This drama has a very special place in my heart❤️
Twinkling Watermelon is such a beautiful drama Truly a story that makes your heart smile and ache at the same time 💜.
I haven’t watched the drama but I have heard and watched a lot about this drama. This really seems like a wholesome watch. And the clips I have watched until now, I think my favorite character would be Ha Eun Gyeol. He is such a funny and animated character. The bond between the father and son was so playful when the son went back in time and a lot of misunderstandings happened but it was all so interesting and funny.
Although I haven’t seen the drama, I have heard and seen a lot about it. It looks like a very wholesome film. And based on the snippets I’ve seen so far, I believe Ha Eun Gyeol is my favorite character. He is a very lively and humorous figure. When the son traveled back in time, the father-son relationship was quite lively, and many misunderstandings occurred, but it was all fascinating and humorous.
I really loved this drama! The funniest part was when Eun-gyeol travels to the past and sees his dad liking someone else 😂 and he’s not deaf there. The heartbreaking part was how his mother was treated badly in her childhood, and Eun-gyeol helped them. The ending was superb
Twinkling watermelon the drama which revives your self esteem and passion for doing something big like the Han eun gyuel did following the his passion and escape from bullies and become the only for the family well I just get to know about this drama through this article. I heared about the drama but didn’t get tym to watch it my bucket list going to long now
Reading this review made me realize how much I enjoyed Twinkling Watermelon. The mix of romance, friendship, and self-discovery was beautifully portrayed. The characters’ growth, especially Ha Eun-gyeol’s journey, was inspiring. The ‘Viva la Vida’ theme really resonated with me, reminding me to live life fully.
This drama truly deserves all the love it gets, and the article captured its emotional depth so well. I loved how it showed youth, music, family bonds, and self-discovery in such a heartfelt way. The time-travel element added a unique twist without losing the warmth of relationships. It’s one of those dramas that stays in your heart, especially for people who connect deeply with music and coming-of-age stories.
Twinkling watermelon has my whole heart. I love the theme of the drama. Because it’s a story of every Student who pressurize by their parents to choose career they are not interested in. And quote ‘ viva la vida’ I think everyone should be like this quote. Live your life to the fullest because you never know what might happen cuz later only regrets left . Yes you have a career to make but it doesn’t mean that you should forget what happiness is ? It’s being worth watching
“What truly elevates Twinkling Watermelon is its deeply affecting exploration of family, regret, and unconditional love. The time-slip premise isn’t just a plot device; it’s a vehicle for Ha Eun-gyeol to understand his deaf parents, Yi-chan and Cheong-ah, not as the figures who raised him, but as vibrant, complex teenagers.
“The drama perfectly captures the ‘twinkling’ essence of youth in the 1995 setting, complete with all the vibrant music, pure friendships, and the chaotic energy of chasing a dream. It’s a remarkable blend of nostalgia and feel-good vibes, making viewers miss their own carefree school days. The bond between the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ band members, especially the father-son dynamic between the younger Yi-chan and future Eun-gyeol, is the heartbeat of the show.”
“While the time-travel logistics are secondary, the show’s greatest strength is its expert balance of comedy, poignancy, and heartwarming moments. It tackles heavy subjects, like disability and familial trauma, with incredible sensitivity and respect, yet never loses its bright, energetic pace. Twinkling Watermelon manages to be both a charming youth drama and a meaningful reflection on the small choices that shape our lives—a true gem that deserves all the praise it’s received.”
This piece perfectly highlights the drama’s warm, beautiful message that you should live your life brightly. It makes you want to watch it for the deep lessons alone.
This drama truly deserves all the love it gets, and the article captured its emotional depth so well. I loved how it showed youth, music, family bonds, and self-discovery in such a heartfelt way. The time-travel element added a unique twist without losing the warmth of relationships. It’s one of those dramas that stays in your heart, especially for people who connect deeply with music and coming-of-age stories.
I think everyone should watch this drama atleast once in their lifetime because it is so beautiful. I am glad that now this drama is talked about more. Twinkling Watermelon has everything from romance to comedy to teaching meaningful lessons of life. The story is beautiful where Eun-gyeol goes back to the time through time-slip and finds his dad in high school. He finds out that his dad wasn’t deaf at that time and decides to protect him. The story progresses beautifully as he finds his mom and so on. The drama is full of comedy, twist and turns and a lesson at the end. One of the best Kdramas👏🏻
What a beautifully written reflection on Twinkling Watermelon! I love how you connected the drama’s themes to that powerful “Viva la Vida” message, it truly captures the show’s spirit. The way you highlighted each character’s source of solace felt so heartfelt. Reading this made me relive the warmth, nostalgia, and sparkle of the series all over again. Makes me want to rewatch it and fall in love with these characters again!
Twinkling Watermelon is such a beautiful drama! The way it blends music, family, and time travel feels truly magical. Eun-gyeol’s journey as a CODA and Yi-chan’s youthful passion made me tear up so many times. The message of “Viva la Vida” really stays with you—live brightly, love deeply, and cherish every moment.
OMG this drama had me kicking my feet and squealing every five minutes!! 😭✨ Yi-chan and Cheong-ah’s chemistry was EVERYTHING. Loved your review — it brought back all the feels!
my favorite character in this drama is Ha Eun Gyeol. He is such a funny character amd the bond between the father and son was so playful when the son went back in time and a lot of misunderstandings happened but it was all so interesting and funny at the same time
This drama truly stays with me long after it ends. Ha Eun-gyeol is my favorite character. The way he silently carries responsibility for his family, and his emotional growth throughout the story really touched my heart. He feels real, relatable, and unforgettable.