K-Drama Review: Twinkling Watermelon

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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Which character of Twinkling Watermelon is your favorite? Do let us know.