“Twinkling Watermelon” is a heartwarming K-drama that delves into the conflict between following personal passions and fulfilling parental expectations. It centers on Eun Gyeol, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), who navigates these struggles until a time-travel opportunity takes him back to his parents’ youth. This drama combines romance, humor, mystery, and the intricacies of family and adolescent life.
Plot Overview
Eun Gyeol, a talented guitarist and model student, is torn between his love for music and his responsibilities to his deaf family. He is the only hearing person in his family and often serves as the bridge between them and the hearing world. After an argument with his father about his musical aspirations, Eun Gyeol mysteriously travels back to 1995. In the past, he meets his parents as teenagers, Ha Yi-chan and Yoon Cheong-ah, and attempts to influence their futures positively. He takes on the role of matchmaker, trying to ensure that his parents fall in love and make choices that will lead to a better life. Along the way, he faces various challenges, including the limitations of time travel and the complexities of altering one’s destiny. This journey allows him to gain a deeper understanding of his parents and the sacrifices they made, ultimately shaping his own path.
Themes and Execution
“Twinkling Watermelon” brilliantly captures the essence of adolescence, including the joys, tensions, and uncertainties. It explores mental health issues, societal pressures, and the dynamics of friendship and family. The series portrays the demands from parents and society, highlighting how teenagers navigate these pressures while trying to find their own identity. The inclusion of sign language is a beautiful touch, showcasing the challenges and rewards of communication within a deaf family. The drama also emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy in familial relationships. The use of time travel adds a unique twist, allowing characters to reflect on their past choices and consider how different actions could alter their futures. This theme resonates with viewers, prompting them to ponder their own lives and the impact of their decisions.
Performances
Ryeoun as Ha Eun-gyeol
Ryeoun delivers a heartfelt performance as Eun Gyeol, embodying the character’s internal conflicts and growth. His portrayal is both endearing and inspiring, making Eun Gyeol’s journey compelling. He brings depth to the role, capturing the nuances of a young man torn between duty and passion.
Choi Hyun-wook as Ha Yi-chan
Choi Hyun-wook shines as the younger Ha Yi-chan, bringing youthful energy and charm to the role. His chemistry with Shin Eun-soo’s character, Cheong Ah, is particularly noteworthy. His portrayal of a lively, carefree teenager contrasts well with the more serious themes of the drama, adding a layer of complexity to his character.
Shin Eun-soo as Yoon Cheong-ah
Shin Eun-soo’s portrayal of Cheong Ah is remarkable. She captures the character’s resilience and vulnerability, making her story deeply moving. Her interactions with Choi Hyun-wook’s Yi-chan are a highlight of the series, showcasing a delicate balance of strength and tenderness.
Seol In-ah as Choi Se-kyung / On Eun-yoo
Seol In-ah plays dual roles, showcasing her versatility. Her depiction of Choi Se-kyung as a young cellist and On Eun-yoo as her daughter adds depth to the storyline. While her portrayal of a 17-year-old has sparked some debate, her performance brings a unique dynamic to the narrative, bridging past and present.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Emotional Depth: The series excels in evoking a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, often making viewers nostalgic and reflective.
- Character Chemistry: The cast’s chemistry is palpable, enhancing the storytelling and making the relationships believable and engaging.
- Sign Language: The inclusion of sign language adds a unique and beautiful element to the show, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
- Plot Complexity: The intertwining of multiple genres and the exploration of time travel add depth and intrigue to the story.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: The final episodes feel rushed, with some storylines left underdeveloped.
- Cliché Tropes: The drama occasionally relies on familiar tropes, which might detract from its originality.
- Character Development: Some characters, particularly the female lead, exhibit inconsistent behavior that can be frustrating.
Casting
- Ryeoun as Ha Eun-gyeol: The only hearing person in his deaf family, struggling to balance his passion for music with familial responsibilities.
- Choi Hyun-wook as Ha Yi-chan: A lively teenager in the past who becomes Eun Gyeol’s father.
- Choi Won-young as adult Ha Yi-chan: Eun Gyeol’s father in the present, who has lost his hearing and speech.
- Seol In-ah as Choi Se-kyung / On Eun-yoo: Dual roles as a young cellist and her daughter, adding complexity to the narrative.
- Lee So-yeon as adult Choi Se-kyung: The present-day version of Se-kyung, now the owner of Viva Music store.
- Shin Eun-soo as Yoon Cheong-ah: A deaf girl with a dream of a sparkling life, who becomes Eun Gyeol’s mother.
- Seo Young-hee as adult Yoon Cheong-ah: The present-day version of Cheong-ah, who has become a bright and loving wife and mother.
- Ahn Do-gyu as Oh Ma-joo: A band manager and Yi Chan’s childhood friend.
- Kim Hyeong-beom as adult Oh Ma-joo: The present-day version of Ma-joo, now a successful entertainment manager.
- Yoon Jae-chan as Kang Hyun-yul: A genius bassist with a troubled past.
- Song Chang-eui as adult Kang Hyun-yul: The present-day version of Hyun-yul, having turned his life around through music.
- Lee Ha-min as Lee Si-guk: A drummer from the church band with a short temper.
- Ryu Soo-young as adult Lee Si-guk: The present-day version of Si-guk, reflecting on his youthful antics.
- Lee Su-chan as Noh Se-bum: A talented keyboardist with classical training.
- Jin Tae-hyun as adult Noh Se-bum: The present-day version of Se-bum, showing the longevity of his musical talents.
Final Thoughts
“Twinkling Watermelon” is a captivating blend of drama, romance, and time travel, offering a rich narrative that explores complex themes of family, love, and personal growth. Despite minor flaws, its emotional depth and strong performances make it a must-watch for K-drama enthusiasts. The series beautifully portrays the struggle of balancing personal dreams with familial responsibilities, all while taking viewers on a nostalgic journey through time.
