Second 20s

Second 20s, also known as “Twenty Again,” is a South Korean romantic-comedy-drama television series that aired in 2015 on the cable TV network tvN. The 16-episode series, written by So Hyun-kyung and directed by Kim Hyung-sik, twists the usual K-drama scenario by centering its narrative on an older woman, rather than the conventional youthful heroine, as she takes another shot at life during her 40s just as if she’s in her 20s once again.

The compelling story revolves around the protagonist, No Ra (played by Choi Ji-woo), a woman who married young, shelved her dreams of higher education, and entirely devoted herself to her family. She is leading a life of a homemaker, sacrificing her individual identity to meet the demands of her successful but egotistic husband Kim Woo-chul (Choi Won-young), and their teenage son Kim Min-soo (Kim Min-jae). As the plot unravels, No Ra discovers that her conceited husband is planning to divorce her now that she doesn't fit into his prestigious image. Her life takes another unsettling jolt when she is misdiagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, leading her to believe she has only six months to live.

This double whammy of personal despair forces No Ra to reevaluate her life. The mistaken medical diagnosis causes her to take a leap of faith and reinvent her life's trajectory completely. Determined not to waste any more time, she decides to fulfill her long-lost dream of a college education and enrolls herself in a university. She thus bravely steps into the unfamiliar realm of twenty-something college students, an environment foreign and intimidating to her.

Second 20s is not just a story about a woman's second assessment of life but an inspiring journey of self-discovery, emancipation, and empowerment as No Ra navigates through campus life, facing her fear, learning to stand up for herself, and gradually rediscovering the youthful fervor she once had. The narrative underscores this middle-aged woman’s struggle against society’s preconceived notions about age and her fight for her dignity and dreams. It compellingly shows that the zeal to learn, aspire, and dream is not circumscribed by age.

The series is beautifully layered with a mix of humorous, emotional, and inspiring moments that weave a poignant narrative while conveying thought-provoking reflections on life and relationships. The plot does not overlook the romantic storyline, but weaves it with subtlety and finesse where No Ra's college journey brings her closer to her University professor Cha Hyun-suk (Lee Sang-yoon), who ironically used to be her high school friend who harbored feelings for her. The story further unfolds as the interaction leads to a refreshing blend of bittersweet memories and sparks of new romantic interests.

In terms of performances, Choi Ji-woo shines in her role, expressing a wide range of emotions with aplomb and sincerity that allows audiences to empathize with No Ra's journey convincingly. Lee Sang-yoon compliments her with his charismatic screen presence, and their chemistry is a delight to watch. The supporting cast, including Choi Won-young as the self-conceited husband, Kim Min-jae as the rebellious son, and Ha Seung-ri as No Ra’s classmate Oh Hye-mi, add depth to the storyline with their impressive performances.

Second 20s succeeds not only in its narrative depth but also with its top-notch production values. From the cinematography that captures the vibrancy of the campus beautifully, to the nuanced screenplay, and the aptly chosen music that sets the mood for various scenes, all aspects come together harmoniously to highlight the series' overall theme of rediscovery and renewal.

In conclusion, Second 20s is a sensitively portrayed, inspiring, and enjoyable journey of a woman’s self-awakening and empowerment while shredding societal stereotypes. The well-blended mixture of humor, heartfelt moments, life lessons, and romance makes it a must-watch for fans who appreciate meaningful, well-crafted Korean dramas. Tune in to this show if you're looking for a narrative replete with emotionally rich moments that resonate on a deeper level, centered around a strong female protagonist, who despite having lost her youth to family duties, never gives up on her dreams. As No Ra says, "It's never too late to start living your life". Wrong diagnoses, mid-life crisis, and pending divorce aside, Second 20s is a wonderful reminder that new beginnings are always possible, no matter the age.