CAST: Ryeoun, Seol In-ah, Choi Hyun-Wook, Chun Ho-jin and Shin Eun-soo
DIRECTOR: Son Jong Hyun
Twinkling Watermelon features Ryeoun, known for his role in “Adult Trainee,” taking on the lead role. He shares the spotlight with Seol In-ah, acclaimed for her work in “Business Proposal.” Additionally, Choi Hyun-wook, who gained recognition through his standout performance in the K-drama “Weak Hero Class 1,” plays a significant role in the show.
Twinkling Watermelon is a captivating TV series that weaves together family dynamics, music, and a touch of time travel. Set in a family of four, the show explores the unique challenges faced by Ha Eun-Gyeol, the only hearing member in a family of deaf individuals. This premise alone sets the stage for both heartwarming moments and inevitable conflicts.
12 year old Eun-Gyeol, portrayed brilliantly by Jung Hyun-joon in his younger years, takes on a grown-up role from a young age, acting as the bridge between his family and the outside world. His responsibilities include communicating with customers at his parents’ restaurant, managing tricky business transactions, and caring for his older brother. It’s a lot for a 12-year-old, but Eun-Gyeol excels in school, boasts numerous awards, and discovers his knack for playing the guitar.
One striking aspect of the show is its use of sign language. When characters converse in sign language, we’re provided with spoken-word interpretations through voiceovers, enhancing the viewer’s understanding. This clever narrative device also sheds light on the discrimination and challenges the characters face regularly.
The plot takes a significant turn when the family moves to a new apartment, introducing a contentious landlady and her unruly son. This leads to a life-altering moment for Eun-Gyeol when he discovers his passion for music. His journey into the world of music is poignant, particularly his bond with the enigmatic Harabeoji, played by Chun Ho-jin. Eun-Gyeol’s determination to complete an unfinished song becomes a pivotal point in the story.
Tragedy strikes when a fire engulfs their apartment, and Eun-Gyeol faces overwhelming guilt.
This event shapes his character and sets the stage for a six-year time jump, transitioning to Eun-Gyeol’s high school years. The interactions between Eun-Gyeol and his brother Eun-Ho, played by Bong Jae-hyun, add a delightful touch of brotherly love and innocence to the narrative.
Eun-Gyeol’s hidden talent as a guitarist and his desire to perform clash with his father’s expectations of academic excellence and a career in medicine. The tension between pursuing his passion for music and meeting his family’s expectations creates a compelling dilemma.
The storyline takes an unexpected turn when Eun-Gyeol’s secret life as a guitarist is on the verge of exposure, leading to a heartfelt confrontation with his father. This moment is a turning point, leading Eun-Gyeol to reevaluate his path and rediscover his love for music, thanks to a poignant message from Harabeoji.
The final twist in the series introduces a time travel element, with Eun-Gyeol finding himself in 1995 and encountering a young version of his father, Ha Yi-Chan. This cliffhanger adds a fascinating dimension to the story, hinting at connections between the past and present.
As the episodes unfold, it masterfully blends family drama, music, and unexpected twists. The characters’ deep bonds and complex emotions are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling with a touch of mystery. With its unique narrative structure and relatable themes, this series keeps viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode.
The next episode will drop on Monday 2nd October. The series has 16 episodes of around over an hour each.
Streams on Viki
