SBS’s ‘Spring of Youth’ Premieres with an Explosive Youthful Vibe
The premiere of SBS’s newest youth drama Spring of Youth exploded onto screens on April 6, delivering an emotional and fast-paced storytelling experience that blends K-pop, campus life, and romance. This bold opening episode has declared itself a refreshing force in the youth romance genre.
In the first episode, Sa Gye—a world-renowned K-pop band leader played by Ha Yu Jun—learns during a concert that his band, The Crown, has hit No.1 on the World Music Chart. However, a celebratory afterparty turns awry when a drunken altercation with his CEO (Jo Han Chul) is filmed and spreads like wildfire online. The aftermath forces Sa Gye into temporary retirement and a surprising plunge into campus life at Hanjoo University for the first time since enrolling.
His first day on campus proves serendipitous when he meets Kim Bom (played by Park Ji Hu), who claims to know a melody he thought was uniquely his. An emotional, almost tearful connection abruptly halts when Seo Tae Yang (Lee Seung Hyub) intervenes. Unable to contain his curiosity about Kim Bom, Sa Gye tracks her down to her part-time job but loses her once again in a scuffle with Seo Tae Yang.
Determined, Sa Gye joins the campus band club where Kim Bom is active, sparking a musical face-off with Seo Tae Yang. Though Kim Bom admires Sa Gye’s guitar prowess, he ultimately loses the battle due to a broken string. Instead of accepting defeat, he decides to form a new band and recruits Kim Bom, leading to heart-fluttering chemistry between the duo.
Meanwhile, memories from the party return to haunt Sa Gye—specifically, a cryptic statement suggesting a dark secret beneath his animosity toward the CEO. Demanding explanations, the CEO gives Sa Gye an ultimatum: the military or studying abroad. When Sa Gye refuses both, he falls into deeper conflict.
His life spirals further when a rigged altercation at campus is misinterpreted as violence, forcing him to resign from The Crown and lose everything. Homeless and defeated, he stumbles upon a strangely familiar house and becomes its tenant, only to discover his landlord is none other than Kim Bom. His heartfelt confession—“The moment I saw Kim Bom, I realized I came here to meet her”—sets the tone for their evolving relationship.
Visually, the drama is a masterpiece under director Kim Sung Yong. Emotional scenes are elevated by poetic cinematography—from spotlight contrasts to soft slow-motion exchanges and dreamy piano interludes paired with fluttering flower petals. The episode’s pacing shifts between euphoric highs and shocking lows, keeping viewers emotionally invested.
The performances are equally captivating. Ha Yu Jun brings nuance to a layered role with charm and sincerity. Park Ji Hu charms as the lively yet grounded Kim Bom. Lee Seung Hyub adds depth with his portrayal of a charismatic yet stoic rival, Seo Tae Yang.
Spring of Youth sets a new tone in Korean youth drama, merging music, mystery, and romance with unpredictable narrative turns. Tune in every Wednesday at 10:40 PM KST for the ongoing saga of love, ambition, and self-discovery.
