Record of Youth: A Korean Drama That Paints the Beauty and Pain of Dreaming
Record of Youth: A Korean Drama That Paints the Beauty and Pain of Dreaming
Introduction
Record of Youth: A Korean Drama That Paints the Beauty and Pain of Dreaming
In a world that worships success and image, what does it mean to stay true to yourself?
Record of Youth
is a Korean drama that beautifully explores ambition, love, and identity against the glamorous yet harsh backdrop of the entertainment and fashion industries. With subtle storytelling and relatable characters, the series asks: can youthful passion survive in the face of reality?
Overview
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Title:
Record of Youth
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Korean Title:
청춘기록
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Year Released:
2020
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Genre:
Drama, Romance, Coming-of-Age
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Main Cast:
Park Bo-gum, Park So-dam, Byeon Woo-seok, Shin Ae-ra
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Episodes:
16
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Episode Duration:
70–75 minutes
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Available On:
Netflix (Global)
Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)
At the heart of
Record of Youth
is Sa Hye-jun (played by Park Bo-gum), a humble and thoughtful model with big dreams of becoming an actor. Despite his talent and diligence, he’s often overlooked due to his working-class background and lack of powerful connections. Hye-jun navigates an industry where nepotism and image often trump merit, and his journey is both inspiring and deeply human — a reflection of the quiet resilience that defines youth.
Alongside him is Ahn Jung-ha (Park So-dam), an aspiring makeup artist who left behind a stable job to pursue a career she truly loves. She is emotionally reserved but fiercely independent, having learned to protect her peace in a world that constantly judges her worth. When she meets Hye-jun at a photoshoot, their bond grows gradually — not from dramatic declarations, but from mutual respect, shared silence, and small gestures of understanding.
Hye-jun’s best friend and rival, Won Hae-hyo (Byeon Woo-seok), comes from a privileged background and enjoys early success thanks to his mother's influence in the industry. Yet, he too struggles with identity and insecurity, torn between earning recognition for his own efforts versus riding on his family’s connections. Their evolving friendship forms one of the drama’s most nuanced emotional arcs.
Rather than focus on grand plot twists, the drama gently unfolds the personal battles that come with ambition: family expectations, the loneliness of pursuing a dream, and the quiet sacrifices we often make to stay true to ourselves. Each character's path diverges and intersects in ways that feel heartbreakingly real, making
Record of Youth
a story of growth, distance, and the bittersweet nature of change.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
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Episode 1:
Hye-jun juggles part-time gigs and auditions — the harsh reality of a hopeful actor.
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Episode 3:
Jung-ha opens up about why she gave up stability to pursue freelance artistry.
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Episode 5:
A late-night conversation reveals how deeply they understand each other’s fears.
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Episode 10:
Hye-jun finally gains fame — but it comes with unexpected emotional costs.
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Episode 13:
A conflict between love and career brings painful yet honest decisions.
Memorable Lines
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Ep. 2
– "Even if I fall behind, I still want to run."
A statement that captures the resilience of youth.
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Ep. 4
– "I’m afraid of being happy. Because it feels temporary."
Jung-ha shares a raw moment of emotional vulnerability.
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Ep. 7
– "I want to succeed on my own. Not because someone opened a door for me."
Hye-jun voices his pride and his need for self-worth.
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Ep. 15
– "Some relationships are meant to grow apart — not because they failed, but because they were real."
A bittersweet line reflecting emotional maturity.
Why It’s Special
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Authentic Storytelling:
It doesn’t glamorize youth — it reveals its fragile, persistent strength.
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Emotional Realism:
Relationships evolve naturally, and the characters face real consequences.
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Park Bo-gum’s Performance:
His nuanced portrayal of Hye-jun brought depth, restraint, and heart.
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Visual Elegance:
Soft lighting, naturalistic colors, and fashion-forward sets create a quiet beauty.
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Soundtrack:
Melodic, pensive OST that amplifies the emotional undercurrents.
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Strong Female Lead:
Park So-dam’s character is never reduced to a love interest — she has her own story, agency, and growth.
Popularity & Reception
Record of Youth
received high ratings in Korea and was warmly received by international audiences, especially for its fresh take on coming-of-age in adulthood. Viewers appreciated its slower pace and realistic tone, calling it "therapeutic" and "deeply human."
The series marked Park Bo-gum’s final project before his military enlistment, adding an emotional layer for fans. It also sparked discussions about nepotism in the entertainment world, burnout, and the cost of visibility in the digital age.
Cast & Fun Facts
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Park Bo-gum (Sa Hye-jun):
Widely beloved for his warmth and sincerity, Park Bo-gum's performance in this drama was praised for its subtle emotional depth. It was also his final role before enlisting in the military, adding sentimental value for fans. Many viewers noted that his portrayal of Hye-jun mirrored his real-life public image: humble, hardworking, and deeply thoughtful.
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Park So-dam (Ahn Jung-ha):
After her breakout role in the Oscar-winning film
Parasite
, Park So-dam returned to TV with a grounded and empowering role. Jung-ha’s character was applauded for portraying a modern woman who defines her own success — an inspiring representation of female independence in K-dramas.
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Byeon Woo-seok (Won Hae-hyo):
A rising star at the time, Byeon Woo-seok brought unexpected complexity to what could have been a typical rival character. His chemistry with both Bo-gum and So-dam enriched the narrative with emotional tension and empathy. He has since gained more prominent roles and continues to grow as an actor.
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Ha Hee-ra & Shin Ae-ra:
Real-life couple and respected veteran actors, both appear as parental figures in the drama, lending warmth and generational wisdom. Their scenes added texture to the theme of family and generational conflict.
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Behind-the-scenes:
Many of Jung-ha’s makeup tutorials featured in the show became popular online, with fans recreating her looks and discussing product placements. The styling and fashion also earned praise, reinforcing the drama’s setting in the beauty and entertainment world.
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Writer Ha Myung-hee:
Known for crafting emotionally intelligent characters, she also penned
Doctors
and
Temperature of Love
. Her writing in
Record of Youth
emphasizes realism over spectacle, which resonated strongly with viewers seeking relatable stories.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
Record of Youth
doesn’t promise a fantasy — it offers a mirror. It reminds us that it’s okay to feel lost, to start over, and to want more without shame. If you’ve ever felt like you were running out of time or falling behind, this drama will speak to your heart. Watch it when you need comfort, courage, and a gentle reminder that your story is still being written.
Hashtags
#RecordOfYouth #청춘기록 #KoreanDrama #NetflixKDrama #ParkBoGum #ParkSoDam #ComingOfAgeDrama #KDramaHealing #DreamsAndReality #EmotionalKDrama
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