Song Joong-ki Transforms into 'Well-Made Romance Master' with 'My Youth': 'Trust in Sincere Performances'

JTBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'My Youth' concluded with a gentle, happy ending, illuminated by the delicate on-screen chemistry between Song Joong-ki and Chun Woo-hee.

Song Joong-ki, who had previously portrayed characters driven by anxiety, anger, and revenge, deeply touched viewers by embodying 'Seon Woo-hae,' a man who blossoms in love with an altruistic heart in this series. His face, often holding a subtle smile that masked underlying sadness, significantly enhanced the drama's immersion.

With a firm voice, humanistic kindness, and even moments of subtle humor, Song Joong-ki showcased a multifaceted charm through the character of Seon Woo-hae. His consideration for others, even amidst life-threatening challenges, delivered a profound resonance.

The tender love story between Seon Woo-hae and 'Seong Je-yeon,' portrayed by Chun Woo-hee, stirred the hearts of viewers. The love they built through mutual concession and care, combined with Seon Woo-hae's courage in the face of a rare disease, led to a beautiful reunion. The outstanding performances by Song Joong-ki and Chun Woo-hee left a lasting impression, particularly in their tender embrace, drawing tears from the audience.

Despite being recognized as a 'well-made' drama, 'My Youth' garnered ratings in the 2% range. This is attributed to factors such as its experimental Friday-Saturday slot on JTBC and the lack of large-scale promotion typically associated with major OTT platforms. Nevertheless, the stable narrative, high-quality direction, and the actors' sincere performances left a significant impact.

Notably, Song Joong-ki, once known as the 'icon of youth,' has showcased a deepened acting spectrum through 'My Youth,' raising expectations for his future roles. His nuanced and sensitive portrayal of emotions provided viewers with a strong sense of trust. Fans are keenly anticipating his next project.

Following the broadcast, online communities and social media were flooded with positive reactions such as 'Song Joong-ki's acting is insane,' 'Great chemistry with Chun Woo-hee,' 'A sad yet healing drama,' and 'A perfect ending.' Praises for Song Joong-ki's evolved acting spectrum were particularly prevalent, heightening anticipation for his next work.