Review: Hello, My Twenties! Season 1. What We Expected from the Trailer vs. What We Got

Hey there, fellow K-Drama addicts! Today, we are diving deep into the K-Drama Hello, My Twenties! Season 1. Do not worry, this article will remain spoiler-free for you. Buckle up as we dissect this gem, from the tantalizing trailer to the unfolding drama of its first episodes. Let's see if it lives up to the hype and our own expectations, shall we?

First off, we will set the stage with some key details about this series. Hello, My Twenties!, is the official title of this series which you can find on Netflix, but it stands as an alternative title to Age of Youth. This dual title might cause a minor confusion while seeking to stream this K-Drama masterpiece, so keep it in mind. This show was crafted by the famous Lee Taegon and talented writer Park Yeonsun. With 12 episodes released back in 2016, it promises to be a wild ride through the maze of young adulthood.

Now, let's talk about the trailer and our expectations prior to watching this drama. You know, those sneak peeks that make your heart race and your curiosity piqued? The Hello, My Twenties! trailer had us all buzzing with excitement. 

From the vibrant club scenes to the quirky camaraderie of the characters, it hinted at a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. We were ready for laughs, tears, and everything in between: The trailer starts with a girl dancing in a club, and a quote on the screen saying “I'm such a predator, hunting for love.” Our initial expectation is that we will get an inside of the story of a girl who has a bride dating life perhaps? During the next cut, she tells her friend that she has never been dating and never even been out on a date. Oh—so it is probably a comedy. In the further, we get introduced to five four other women, not only all having a different style, but also having entirely different personalities from what it seems at first.Yet, they all seem to have one thing in common: Their dating life is not the way they expect it to be. Some of them are not dating at all, others are clearly dating the wrong people and are disappointed about it. Several cuts from following scenes reveal that these girls seem to have a bonding, they are either friends or have the same social circle, because they end up spending much time together like gossiping, drinking, getting over hangovers or talking about their previous dates.

After finishing the trailer, our overall expectation about this series is that it will dive into the lives of these five different young women that will show us the various realities that we can somehow relate to. 

What will their twenties be like? What are their opinions on relationships? We are left to assume it will be a drama infused with comedic parts. The most cliché ending would be they all find their perfect second half, despite their circumstances…

So, what's the scoop on the plot? According to AsianWiki, we are introduced to a group of university students—Yoon Jinmyung, Jung Yeeun, Song Jiwon, Kang Yina, and Yoo Eunjae—who share a house while navigating the thrilling roller coasters of young adulthood. Each character brings their own unique flavor to the mix, setting the stage for a drama-packed journey.

Does this description match the trailer ? The trailer has not revealed that all five of them indeed end up living together in a sharehouse, but it sounds like fun and it would explain why they are related! 

We also got confirmed that each of these girls has a unique temper and has therefore most likely a distinct view towards love. We do not get too much introduced into the nature of the characters in the trailer or description yet, but that is fine, meaning we have much more to anticipate and explore through watching. Our expectations are therefore still matching, hopefully this will be kept up until we are through this series.

As we transition from trailer hype to actual viewing, the first episodes of Hello, My Twenties! offer a mixed bag of emotions. In order to avoid any spoilers, our further feedback will remain superficial and we will avoid adding any details about the plot. 

Sure, there were moments that felt a tad clichéd and predictable. But fear not! The series quickly finds its footing, delving deeper into the messy, beautiful chaos of life.

The initial episodes left us cautiously optimistic, with some elements veering towards cliché portrayals. However, the series quickly redeemed itself through nuanced character development and thought-provoking storytelling. It artfully explores societal issues without trivializing the struggles faced by its characters.

A little trigger warning before you start watching the show—although the trailer gives the wrong impression that this K-Drama is a light watch, it is indeed covering various disturbing topics such as a lot of social issues like dating violence, child sexual abuse, parental abuse, mental illness, workplace bullying and harassment.

One thing we loved about Hello, My Twenties! is its willingness to address real-world issues without glorifying any person or situation or quantifying trauma. 

From a technical standpoint, the series is a masterclass in storytelling. Each episode unfolds with precision, weaving together multiple storylines with finesse. The characters, flawed yet lovable, evolve organically over time, drawing us further into their world with each passing scene.

And let's talk about those epilogues! At the end of most episodes are brief glimpses into the characters' inner thoughts that add an extra layer of depth to an already rich narrative. It is like getting a backstage pass to the inner workings of their minds—a treat for any true fan, so make sure not to skip them accidentally.

In conclusion, Hello, My Twenties! is a delightful concoction of drama, romance, and comedy that hits all the right notes. While it may stumble occasionally, it never loses sight of what makes it truly special: its humanity.

As for the ending of season 1, we can tell that there will indeed be a so-called “happy end” for each of the girls, even though a happy ending may be defined individually, leaving room for an adventurous season 2, which we will soon review as well, so stay tuned!

Edited by Cara Musashi