SEOUL, South Korea – Esteemed actor Song Joong-ki is set to captivate audiences once again as he returns to the small screen with JTBC’s upcoming melodrama, “My Youth.” This highly anticipated series marks Song’s return to the romance genre after nearly a decade, a move that has generated significant buzz and excitement among his dedicated fanbase.
A Long-Awaited Genre Shift
Fans have been clamoring for Song Joong-ki’s return to more emotionally resonant roles, and “My Youth” promises to deliver. The actor himself has expressed a deep personal craving for melodrama, stating that the script for “My Youth” was the first to make his heart flutter with excitement in a long time. After a string of roles in action, fantasy, and darker, more complex characters in series like “Vincenzo” and “Reborn Rich,” Song revealed a desire to portray more grounded, everyday characters. “In my previous roles, I’ve been a werewolf, flown through space, and even played a fictional hero. This time, I’m finally grounded, playing a realistic and down-to-earth character,” Song shared during a press conference.
His previous forays into melodrama, particularly “The Innocent Man” (2012), earned him critical acclaim and titles such as “savior of melodrama,” highlighting his natural talent for conveying deep emotions. This history fuels the immense anticipation for “My Youth,” with fans eager to see him explore this beloved genre once more.
Rekindling First Love with Chun Woo-hee
“My Youth” centers on the reunion of Sun Woo-hae (Song Joong-ki), a former child star turned florist and novelist, and Sung Je-yeon (Chun Woo-hee), his first love, who is now an entertainment company team leader. The narrative explores how their paths cross again years later, forcing them to confront past wounds and rediscover forgotten feelings. Song Joong-ki described his co-star Chun Woo-hee as “the best partner,” and both actors have expressed optimism about their on-screen chemistry.
Chun Woo-hee, who has recently garnered attention for her role in “The Atypical Family,” also conveyed her enthusiasm for the project. She admitted to finding a perfect fit in the melodrama genre, stating, “I truly felt that melodrama was my thing. I discovered the flavor of romance. Romance and melodrama really are a perfect fit for me.” She added that she wished she had pursued more romance-themed projects earlier in her career.
A Story of Healing and Second Chances
Directed by Lee Sang-yeop, known for his sensitive storytelling in “Yumi’s Cells” and “Familiar Wife,” and penned by Park Si-hyun, the writer behind “Run On,” “My Youth” boasts a strong creative team. The production companies, SLL and HighZium Studio, are also recognized for their quality productions in the Korean entertainment industry.
The drama’s plot delves into the lives of individuals navigating adulthood, dealing with the consequences of past choices, and seeking healing. Sun Woo-hae, who endured a chaotic youth in the spotlight and struggled through his twenties, now leads a quiet life. His peace is disrupted by the reappearance of Sung Je-yeon, a woman whose family faced a downfall, driving her to seek success. Their reunion is poised to bring both comfort and emotional depth, exploring themes of nostalgia, growth, and the enduring power of first love.
Release and Fan Expectations
“My Youth” is slated for premiere on September 5, 2025, airing two episodes consecutively every Friday at 8:50 PM KST on JTBC. The series will also be available for streaming on Coupang Play in Korea and on global platforms like Viu and Viki in select regions.
With Song Joong-ki embracing a role that aligns with his past acclaimed melodrama performances and his expressed desire for more relatable characters, the K-drama world is abuzz. The synergy with Chun Woo-hee and the promise of a heartwarming, emotional narrative have positioned “My Youth” as one of the most anticipated releases of the year, signaling a potentially significant chapter in Song Joong-ki’s diverse acting career and a welcome return for fans to the genre they have long hoped to see him conquer again.
