Youth of May (2021)

February 26, 2023

Our Take: A beautiful and haunting tale of the people behind the Gwangju Uprising. 

The Premise

Set in the backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising, Youth of May is a hidden gem that details the love story of Hwang Hee Tae (Lee Do Hyun) and Kim Myung Hee (Go Min Si). Hee Tae is a medical student at Seoul National University College of Medicine, where he entered with top marks. When one of his friends gets critically injured, he begs his father, Hwang Ki Nam (Oh Man Suk), to pay for the medical bills. In return, Hee Tae must go on a blind date with Lee Soo Ryeon (Geum Sae Rok), a well-off college student who lives a double life as a pro-democracy activist and also happens to be Myung Hee's best friend. 

Soo Ryeon detests the idea of dating an anti-communist investigator's son. So, she bribes Myung Hee to go in her place. Myung Hee comes from a poor family and works as a nurse at a local hospital. She has her eyes set on studying abroad in Germany but lacks the funding to do so. So, she accepts Soo Ryeon's offer in exchange for plane tickets. While Myung Hee initially tries to sabotage the date, she falls for Hee Tae, and their love blooms during a period of political and social unrest. 

Background to the Gwangju Uprising

The Gwangju Uprising, also spelled Kwangju, was a mass protest against the South Korean military government in May 1980 led by tens of thousands of students and people from all walks of life. The uprising's roots likely stem from the authoritarianism of previous presidents and the military coup led by General Park Chung Hee. As president/dictator, Park repressed political opposition and personal freedom and closely guarded the press and universities. 

After his assassination in 1979, General Chun Doo Hwan took control of the military through an internal coup and declared martial law. His hostile takeover escalated to nationwide protests and a pro-democracy movement. Although the civil uprising of May 1980 was brutally repressed by the army under General Chun Doo Hwan, it is considered to have been a pivotal moment in South Korea's struggle for democracy. 

Honoring the Victims and Survivors 

Youth of May skillfully balances the nostalgia of the 80's and retro romance with the harsh, unfiltered reality of the Gwangju Uprising. The show doesn't shy away from the fact that this was a violent and brutal time in South Korea's history. The writers honor the victims and survivors through the perspectives of lovers, friends, families, frontline workers, politicians, businessmen, soldiers, activists, and everyone in between. 

We see firsthand the fear, trauma, and guilt people experienced during this time. But they are not reduced to mere victims. We get insights into people's stories, including their dreams, hopes, and loves, and how these courageous souls continued to fight and move forward. Many people were just ordinary folks going through the ebbs and flows of life until their lives were completely turned upside down by pure evil, cruelty, and greed. 

Their experiences and feelings are a homage to the memories of those who died and the survivors who stayed behind. In particular, Hee Tae represents those who continue with their lives but live in pain, the ones who are still searching and grieving for lost loved ones. Youth of May is not just about his story, but also the history behind South Korea's path to democracy and the people who led the way. 

The Meanings of Life and Death

Simply being able to breathe does not mean you are still alive. Death does not always refer solely to the body. If you've given up hope and no longer dream, are you still alive? Or are you dying as each day passes by? 

Many of the people swept into the uprising were innocent people whose entire lives were forever changed by the events that unfolded. Thousands of people died, along with their dreams and hopes. And those who lost loved ones were left alone to cope with the pain and loss. Yet, they had to continue to survive no matter how hard things got and pull themselves together for their loved ones. 

Hee Tae and Myung Hee

Hee Tae and Myung Hee's love story started like most romances in K-dramas. They come from very different backgrounds and social statuses, but somehow fate leads them to each other. What makes their romance memorable is how they genuinely fall in love with each other and develop a healthy relationship while navigating the political conflicts brewing in the backdrop.

While Myung Hee initially comes off as a pushover, once you get to know her better, her strength and independence truly stand out. As the breadwinner for her family, she's highly intelligent, persistent, and compassionate. Even in times of despair, she remains brave, with a strong sense of justice and duty. Myung Hee is always there for her friends and family and doesn't hesitate to protect those she loves. 

Hee Tae's temperament balances out Myung Hee's very well. Despite growing up under harsh circumstances, he is hardworking, brave, and a pacifist at heart. He never displays any traits of toxic masculinity and always puts Myung Hee's feelings first. Even though his family is well-off, he is respectful and down-to-earth. 

Together, Hee Tae and Myung Hee had exceptional communication and always expressed their feelings without hesitation. They stood by each other and supported and loved each other to the very end. 

Final Thoughts

Youth of May is a devastating but beautiful drama that skillfully captures the raw intensity of the Gwangju Uprising and its aftermath. From the captivating cinematography to the brutal events of the uprising to the cast's stellar chemistry, Youth of May leaves a lasting impact on you. The show is an underrated gem that tells a compelling story and tugs at your heartstrings. Just make sure to get some tissues ready for this must-watch drama.