Season 1 poster
12 episodes

Youth of May - Season 1

First aired May 3, 2021Season 1

This is a story of people who would have lived and loved like no other if that May had been the same as any other normal and sunny May. An emotional melodrama of passionate youths running toward their fate, unaware of the whirlwind of history that will be sweeping them. A man and a woman are caught in the mayhem of wails, blood, cries, and acrid smokes during May of 1980 in Gwangju, Korea. Losing their loved ones in front of their eyes and having to overcome constant crises of life and death, the two hardly get a chance to exchange their over-flowing love for each other.

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Reviews

Community reviews for Youth of May, shown here with its season details.

P

ParkMin

4.0

It seems the drama excuses itself way too much and too often under the umbrella of "real life events" which denotes for a lazy writing. Moreover, the antagonist in the drama is portrayed as an omnipotent being who possesses an uncanny awareness, insight, and control over everything and everyone. Practically a god! It undermines the believability of the story and weakens the conflict by eliminating any sense of balance or potential for meaningful character growth and development. This kind of characterization is only passable for makjang shenanigans, mindless action or goofy adventure flicks. Instead of crafting a compelling tragedy, it turned into an extensive series of self-inflicted misery, unreasonable maneuvers and forceful entanglements. This is not how to make a tragedy! The brothers playing the big turning point for the climax were only brought to attention in the last 2-3 episodes. How do you expect the viewers to care? While some of the support characters may receive attention initially (or eventually like the brothers) but they ended up being underdeveloped and lacking depth. Their presence feels inconsequential and fails to contribute meaningfully to the overall story. Either give them a proper investment or don't waste unnecessary scenes. The 12 episodes run already feels too long! Despite dealing with potentially emotional and poignant themes, the drama fails to delve deeply into the emotional lives of its characters. Instead, we got a superficial, quick and dry cuts that were barely sufficient to progress the story.

Episodes

Everyone Running Their Own Race still

Episode 1

Everyone Running Their Own Race

9.0
May 3, 202167 min1 votes

Hwang Hui-tae heads to Gwangju to fulfill a patient's last wish. Kim Myeong-hui gets a chance to study abroad, but is short on airfare.

The Shoes That Fit Me still

Episode 2

The Shoes That Fit Me

9.0
May 4, 202168 min1 votes

Myeong-hui attempts to leave a bad impression on Hui-tae, hoping to never see him again. Hui-tae, rather enjoying the act, seeks to prolong the affair.

Your One Month still

Episode 3

Your One Month

8.0
May 10, 202163 min1 votes

Hui-tae and Lee Su-ryeon keep up the charade a little longer, using the situation to their advantage. Hwang Gi-nam keeps track of his son's whereabouts.

Crossing the Line still

Episode 4

Crossing the Line

8.0
May 11, 202164 min1 votes

When Myeong-hui is unable to make time for Hui-tae on her day off, he volunteers to follow her wherever she goes. Su-ryeon gets a mysterious phone call.

A Good Woman still

Episode 5

A Good Woman

8.0
May 17, 202164 min1 votes

Upon Myeong-hui's request, Hui-tae makes a surprising announcement to Su-ryeon's family. Myeong-hui finds help getting her passport processed on time.

A Cough, Love, And... still

Episode 6

A Cough, Love, And...

10.0
May 18, 202164 min1 votes

Myeong-hui's choice to follow her heart is met with strong pushback. Lee Su-chan calls Hui-tae up for drinks, but offers a word of warning instead.

The Unbreakable Tie still

Episode 7

The Unbreakable Tie

NR
May 24, 202159 min

Myeong-hui's dreams drift further out of reach. Hui-tae tries to persuade his father to leave Myeong-hui alone, but it only provokes him to double down.

After the Door Closes still

Episode 8

After the Door Closes

NR
May 25, 202159 min

Myeong-hui stays occupied with extra chores and hours at work. Hui-tae also carries on as if nothing happened, until Su-ryeon breaks her silence.

Warning Signs of a Disaster still

Episode 9

Warning Signs of a Disaster

NR
May 31, 202159 min

Overnight, Gwangju is overcome with violence, and victims pour into the hospital. Hui-tae and Myeong-hui put their plans on hold to help.

Goodness, Hypocrisy, Utmost Effort still

Episode 10

Goodness, Hypocrisy, Utmost Effort

NR
Jun 1, 202159 min

Once patients with gunshot wounds fill the ER, Hui-tae realizes that they'll have to leave now or never, but devastating news holds Myeong-hui back.

Mudeung Stadium still

Episode 11

Mudeung Stadium

NR
Jun 7, 202161 min

Myeong-hui decides to stay put at the hospital, despite her family's plea to get away together. Hwang Jeong-tae witnesses a horrifying sight at home.

The First of May still

Episode 12

The First of May

NR
Jun 8, 202161 min

In a simple ceremony with just the two of them, Hui-tae and Myeong-hui exchange prayers as wedding gifts. The tender moment is cut short by tragic news.