Review of K-Drama#1 - When My Love Blooms (화양연화)

HI HELLO ANNYEONG! (if you know you know)

I just finished watching the final episode of this drama today (15/06/2020). Oh gosh, I cried buckets...To be honest, the reason I was interested in this drama was only because I heard Jin Young (GOT7) was acting in it. Without even reading the synopsis of this drama, I just jumped straight into the first episode. Nevertheless, I do not regret that and I am really glad that I finished this drama.

*SPOILER ALERT from this moment onward. Please DO NOT continue reading if you hate spoilers and you have not finished watching this drama. I do not hold any responsibility if you continue*

Rating: 10/10

From the first episode until the last episode, I cried. I am still not sure what made me cry so much watching this drama. It really could be the background music, acting, the videography, story plot or maybe all of the above.

This drama tells a love story of 2 person who fell in love with each other in their 20s, met with SOOOOOOO MANNNYYYYYY challenges that challenged both their love and their own individual lives, separated and reunited in their 40s. It is such a pure and tragic love story.

From the main characters, Han Jae Hyun and Yoon Ji Soo to the 'villian' Jang Seo Kyung and Lee Se Hun, you can see that their growth in life and how they changed for the better and worse. I personally think that both Seo Kyung and Se Hun may have done unforgivable and childish acts just to gain what they want, nevertheless, as the story goes, I slowly start to understand their actions (not saying it is justifiable) and the reasons behind it.

What I learnt from this drama is the fact that kindness really do win in the end. The kindness of Ji Soo ultimately:

• won Jae Hyun's heart in their teens

• pulled Jae Hyun back to a realization on how he has changed for the worse

• pulled Seo Kyung out of the box she trapped herself in

• cleared Se Hun's vision that has been blinded by love and hatred

• and so many more events were unfold because of her kindness...

There is no such thing as a specific kind of love. There is no one idea of how love should be. Love is such a subjective term that it exists in a lot of forms in this drama.

1. Obviously, the classic with is love between 2 individuals (Jae Hyun and Ji Soo).​

2. Then, we have the love of a parent. Although, both Jae Hyun and Se Hun has divorced the wife that holds the right to the child, the love they carry for their child does not decrease or disappear. They still love their son equally, if not more.

3. On the other hand, both Ji Soo and Seo Kyung's father may not be the best role model of a father but nevertheless, it can be understood that the decisions they make ultimately will not sabotage their child (in their perspective). Although, it may not agreeable to everyone, but to them, the last thing they really truly wanted is their child to get hurt.

4. Se Hun's love towards Ji Soo. I can definitely see that he really truly likes her but unfortunately, he was blinded with hate and jealousy which ultimately brought him to where he is now. Until the end, you can see that his heart still longs for Ji Soo but it is too late.

5. Jae Hyun's love towards Seo Kyung. (lol wait what??). He may no longer want to be part of Seo Kyung's life, but his love for her still exists. He still wants the best for her and does not want to see her in pain. Throughout the fights with Seo Kyung's father, he never has intentions to use her as a shield against her father. Until the end, his decision shows that he still loves her and wants her to be happy.

...and well there is still a lot but this post might be too long if I listed all hahahahaha

There are also aspects of life lessons I've received.

1. It is normal to get strayed away from the path in life. However, it is never too late to turn back when you realize.

2. Repent for your wrongdoings if any and fix yourself to get back on the right track. There is no time limit for that and it is only up to you whether you want to do it or not.

3. There is no shortcuts in life. Your hard work WILL pay off in the end.

4. Cheating and dirty tricks never ends up well. It may bring you advantages in the beginning but it will not last long.

5. Surround yourself with people who give you positive energy and belief in you. It is definitely easy to get influence by your surroundings.

Overall, this is a great love story that shows you the power of love (as iconic and cheesy as it sounds). This drama may sound very basic for some people, but to me, the overall presentation of this drama has hit my emotions in all the great spots and I don't think I will forget this drama for a while.

-End of Review-

Sorry if this is quite messy. I'll get better at it (hopefully) as I write more hahahahaha. Leave me a comment if there is any opinions you would like to share, be it about the drama or this post (lmao).

See you soon!

🌙