My Youth: Song Joong-ki Returns to Romance After 9 Years, Premiering September 5, 2025
Introduction
After nearly a decade away from romantic dramas, Song Joong-ki—the beloved star of Descendants of the Sun—is finally making his much-awaited comeback with the tvN series My Youth. Paired with the versatile Chun Woo-hee, this heartwarming romance promises to blend nostalgia, emotional depth, and stunning cinematography when it premieres on September 5, 2025.
Fans are already calling it one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2025, marking Song Joong-ki’s return to the genre that first made him a global heart-throb.
Plot Overview – Love, Loss, and the Weight of Time
My Youth centers around Han Jae-min (played by Song Joong-ki), a successful but emotionally distant architect who has buried his dreams of love after a painful past. His world changes when he crosses paths with Yoon Eun-soo (Chun Woo-hee), a documentary filmmaker who captures the beauty of fleeting moments and broken hearts.
The story unfolds as the two navigate their shared memories and the question of whether love deserves a second chance. Through time jumps and poetic storytelling, My Youth explores how people evolve—but emotions stay timeless.
The drama mixes quiet melancholy with bursts of laughter, painting a portrait of two people reconnecting amid Seoul’s changing cityscapes.
“It’s not about falling in love again—it’s about finding yourself through someone else,” said director Kim Ji-won during the production press conference.
The Return of Song Joong-ki – A Long-Awaited Moment
For fans, My Youth isn’t just another K-drama release—it’s the return of Song Joong-ki to romance after nearly nine years. His last major romantic role was the worldwide sensation Descendants of the Sun (2016), opposite Song Hye-kyo.
Since then, Joong-ki has focused on darker, action-driven projects like Vincenzo (2021) and Reborn Rich (2022). While these roles strengthened his acting range, many longtime admirers missed his softer, heartfelt performances.
In My Youth, Song Joong-ki reportedly wanted to “rediscover human warmth and emotion”, showing a side of himself that’s both mature and vulnerable. Early teasers highlight him in quiet, reflective scenes—often sketching, reminiscing, or walking through the rain—evoking strong nostalgia for classic K-drama romance.
Chun Woo-hee Shines as a Bold yet Tender Lead
Chun Woo-hee, known for Be Melodramatic and Unlocked, brings emotional intelligence and charm to her character, Eun-soo. Described as “a woman who turns ordinary days into stories worth telling,” she complements Joong-ki’s restrained performance beautifully.
“The chemistry between Chun Woo-hee and Song Joong-ki felt effortless from day one,” said producer Lee Sung-min. “They bring a mature, grounded energy rarely seen in younger romance dramas.”
Their dynamic hints at mutual healing rather than cliché melodrama—one reason critics are already predicting the series to dominate ratings and social media trends.
Production Quality & Direction
My Youth is helmed by Kim Ji-won, the visionary director behind Our Beloved Summer and Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Known for turning everyday emotions into cinematic experiences, Kim’s approach emphasizes natural lighting, soft color tones, and introspective sound design.
The drama’s OST will feature tracks from Baek Yerin, 10cm, and Paul Kim, ensuring the emotional beats resonate with audiences long after each episode ends.
Filming locations include Seoul, Jeonju, and Gyeongju, chosen to capture the nostalgic essence of youth and memory. Early production stills already have fans comparing it to classics like Something in the Rain and My Mister.
Streaming Details
- Episodes: 16
- Genre: Romance | Slice of Life | Drama
- Director: Kim Ji-won (Our Beloved Summer)
- Writer: Han Eun-young (When the Weather is Fine)
- Main Cast: Song Joong-ki, Chun Woo-hee, Kim Eun-soo, and Oh Jung-se
Netflix has already confirmed simultaneous subtitles in English, Japanese, and several Southeast Asian languages to maximize global accessibility.
Fan Reactions & Early Buzz
Even before its release, My Youth has generated massive buzz on social media, trending under hashtags like #MyYouthKDrama and #SongJoongKiReturns.
Clips from the teaser trailer—particularly a scene where Song Joong-ki quietly whispers, “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”—have sparked emotional responses across Twitter and TikTok.
International fan forums highlight excitement not just for the romance but for the themes of aging, regret, and rediscovery, which resonate deeply with viewers in their late 20s to 40s.
Why My Youth Could Be a Record-Breaker
The combination of a proven lead actor, strong female co-star, and a top-tier production team positions My Youth as one of the flagship K-dramas of 2025.
Its global Netflix release ensures immediate international exposure, while its emotionally rich storytelling taps into the same appeal that made Crash Landing on You and Twenty-Five Twenty-One global hits.
Industry insiders believe the drama could break viewership records for mid-year releases, particularly if early reviews and OST reception remain strong.
Final Thoughts
My Youth is shaping up to be more than just another romantic drama—it’s a reminder of why K-dramas continue to define emotional storytelling for audiences worldwide.
With Song Joong-ki stepping back into the genre that built his legacy, and Chun Woo-hee adding authenticity and depth, the series promises to leave a lasting impression on viewers everywhere.
So mark your calendars for September 5, 2025, when My Youth begins its journey on tvN and Netflix. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Joong-ki or a newcomer to K-drama romance, this series might just be the heartfelt story your screen has been missing.
0 Comments