Hello, My Twenties!

Hello, My Twenties!, also known as Age of Youth, is a 2016 South Korean television series that captivated audiences with its realistic portrayal of feminine narratives and exploration of various social issues. The show broke new ground in the South Korean television industry by focusing on the diverse and dynamic stories of five young women sharing a house, much in the vein of the classic 'coming of age' genre.

The series, based in Seoul, is set in the Belle Epoque's shared residence, an ode to the French 'beautiful era'. The house symbolizes a phase in their life filled with romance, dreams, struggles, and friendship. Essentially, it represents a sanctuary where they navigate their early twenties, a time fraught with challenges, exciting discoveries, and experiences that shape their identity.

Each young woman in Hello, My Twenties! has a distinct story; their backgrounds, personalities, and struggles are unique, offering viewers varied perspectives on life, love, and growing up. Yoon Jin-Myung, the oldest among them, is a hardworking college student juggling multiple jobs to support herself financially. On the other hand, the vivacious Jung Ye-Eun is devoted to her boyfriend, making her relationship the center of her world. The quiet and reserved Song Ji-Won, aspiring to be a journalist, has a friendly personality that masks her fear of being alone.

The enigmatic Kang Yi-Na, portrayed as glamorous and bold, leads a complex life. She's shrouded in mystery, often revealing very little about herself. The last housemate, Yoo Eun-Jae, is an introverted first-year with a sheltered background. A significant portion of her storyline delves into her coping with the newfound freedom and experiences away from home. Subsequent seasons introduce a new character, Jo Eun, a soft-hearted, naive country girl who moves into the Belle Epoque.

As they live together and interact with each other, the girls build beautiful bonds, navigating the complexity of their relationships. Love, jealousy, empathy, sadness, happiness, and even resentment at times, encapsulate the human drama unfolding in Belle Epoque. In delving into the psyche of each character and their interpersonal relationships, the show underlines the universality of certain feelings and experiences, despite the diversity of each character's personality and circumstances.

Hello, My Twenties! stands out because of its genuine depiction of the real issues young women face today, like mental health, romantic and platonic relationships, financial struggles, and career objectives. The show tactfully addresses these issues, using them to create compelling character development. Moreover, the series heralds a refreshing deviation from typical South Korean dramas, where the focus is often on love triangles and billionaire male leads.

The narration style of Hello, My Twenties! is another aspect that sets it apart. The series doesn't subscribe to a linear narrative approach; instead, each episode masterfully unravels the girls' past and present, leading to intricate layers of storytelling. The audience is kept intrigued as each facet of the characters is gradually revealed, allowing for a deeper emotional connection with them.

The tones of humor, drama, and mystery intertwined in the series render it a perfect blend of light-heartedness and sentimentality. The humor doesn't feel forced, and the poignant moments are enough to resonate with viewers without turning sappy. A comprehensively solid screenplay, accompanied by commendable performances and a lively sound score, enhances the contents of these narratives, making them more relatable and heartfelt.

In conclusion, Hello, My Twenties! is a poignant narrative of friendship, growth, problems, and dreams of five young women. It provides a touching, genuine, and often humorous look at the dilemmas faced by women in their twenties. It is a unique blend of youth-infused vigor, emotional narrative, and subtle commentary on contemporary social issues. The show embraces its distinctive voice with conviction, making it a rewarding watch for those seeking a meaningful and engaging 'coming of age' drama.