Some Korean dramas entertain you for a few hours, while others stay in your heart long after the final episode. Youth of May is one of those unforgettable series. Set in the beautiful spring of May 1980, this emotional romance blends a touching love story with one of the most significant moments in South Korean history—the Gwangju Uprising. Instead of focusing only on politics, the drama tells the story of ordinary young people whose dreams, friendships, and first love are forever changed by extraordinary circumstances.
The series captures the innocence of youth, the excitement of falling in love, and the heartbreaking reality that history can alter countless lives in an instant. With stunning cinematography, exceptional performances, and a beautifully written script, Youth of May delivers an emotional journey that balances romance, hope, tragedy, and resilience.
Lee Do-hyun and Go Min-si share remarkable chemistry, making every scene feel authentic and heartfelt. Their performances, combined with a memorable supporting cast and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, helped the drama become one of the most acclaimed historical romance K-dramas of recent years.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of emotional melodramas or looking for a historical series with meaningful storytelling, Youth of May deserves a place on your watchlist.
Quick Drama Facts
- Drama Title: Youth of May (오월의 청춘)
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Melodrama, Youth
- Episodes: 12
- Runtime: 70 minutes per episode
- Original Network: KBS2
- Original Release: May 3, 2021 – June 8, 2021
- Director: Song Min-yeop
- Writer: Lee Kang
- Production Company: Story Hunter Production
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
Plot Summary
Set in Gwangju during the spring of 1980, Youth of May follows the lives of two young people whose unexpected meeting changes everything.
Hwang Hee-tae is the pride of his hometown after entering Seoul National University Medical School with top grades. Although he appears cheerful, witty, and carefree, he carries emotional wounds hidden beneath his smile. His father pressures him into attending a blind date, hoping to arrange a politically beneficial marriage.
Meanwhile, Kim Myung-hee is a hardworking nurse who dreams of studying abroad in Germany. She has spent years sacrificing her own happiness to support her family. To help her wealthy friend avoid an arranged meeting, Myung-hee agrees to attend the blind date in her place.
What begins as a simple favor soon blossoms into genuine love. Hee-tae and Myung-hee find comfort, laughter, and hope in each other despite their different backgrounds. As their relationship grows stronger, they dream about a future together filled with happiness and freedom.
However, outside their peaceful romance, South Korea is entering one of the darkest chapters in its modern history. The Gwangju Uprising brings military violence, political unrest, and unimaginable tragedy to the city. Suddenly, their dreams are overshadowed by fear, sacrifice, and heartbreaking choices.
Rather than simply telling a historical story, Youth of May shows how national events deeply affected ordinary families, students, doctors, nurses, and young lovers whose lives were forever changed.
Cast and Characters
Lee Do-hyun as Hwang Hee-tae
Hwang Hee-tae is an exceptionally talented medical student known for his intelligence, humor, and warm personality. Although he often jokes with others, he quietly struggles with painful family relationships and emotional burdens. Meeting Myung-hee gives him the courage to dream of a peaceful future beyond his father’s expectations.
Go Min-si as Kim Myung-hee
Kim Myung-hee is a compassionate nurse who works tirelessly while supporting her family financially. Strong-willed and independent, she refuses to give up despite life’s hardships. Her kindness, determination, and quiet resilience make her one of the drama’s most beloved characters.
Lee Sang-yi as Lee Soo-chan
Lee Soo-chan comes from a wealthy and influential family. After returning from studying abroad, he finds himself caught between family obligations and his own beliefs. He is thoughtful, caring, and genuinely wishes for those around him to find happiness.
Keum Sae-rok as Lee Soo-ryeon
Soo-ryeon is an outspoken university student passionate about democracy and social justice. Despite growing up in privilege, she chooses to stand beside ordinary citizens and fight for what she believes is right.
Oh Man-seok as Hwang Gi-nam
Hee-tae’s father is an ambitious businessman whose political connections often place his own family under tremendous pressure. His complicated relationship with his son becomes one of the drama’s central conflicts.
Why You Should Watch Youth of May
- A beautifully written romance inspired by real historical events.
- Outstanding performances from Lee Do-hyun and Go Min-si.
- Emotional storytelling filled with unforgettable moments.
- Excellent cinematography that recreates 1980s South Korea.
- Realistic characters with meaningful development.
- A powerful exploration of love, sacrifice, family, and hope.
- One of the most emotional endings in modern Korean drama history.
- A memorable original soundtrack that perfectly complements every scene.
Where to Watch
Youth of May is available on:
Final Thoughts
Youth of May is much more than a historical romance. It is a heartfelt tribute to an entire generation whose hopes and dreams were interrupted by one of South Korea’s most painful historical events. The drama reminds viewers that behind every historical moment are ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Its unforgettable performances, emotionally rich storytelling, and meaningful portrayal of love in difficult times make it one of the finest Korean dramas ever produced. While it may leave you in tears, it also leaves you with a deeper appreciation for courage, compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit.
If you’re searching for a K-drama that combines romance, history, exceptional acting, and an ending you’ll never forget, Youth of May should be at the very top of your watchlist.
