living in the rain: record of youth review

What is youth? We have been taught that "our youth" is the brightest and most important point in our lives...as we explore career pathways, find love and grow with our friends. Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam's drama is a cinematic illustration of youth in the entertainment and modelling industry. As Ahn Jeong-ha aspires to be an independent make-up artist and Sa Hye-jun hopes to make his mark in the acting world, the young adults cross paths and learn to survive in this stormy and turbulent society. The drama is a slice-of-life drama that explores the troubles of being raised in an Asian household and living with the pressure to find and define success. Although it was shot in the conservative country of South Korea, I believe it is a relatable drama for young adults all around the world. Throughout the drama, viewers are empathizing and rooting for the two protagonists who fight to achieve their dreams and love without despair.

Here are my favourite things about this drama:

(1) Rich/Poor Reality. The drama does not shy away from the showing how one's family and socio-economic background can alter your life. As both Hye-Jun and Hae-Hyo work to become model-turned-actors, viewers see the shows the uphill battle that occurs when you do not have connections to producers/executives and you do not have the money to afford a nice exercise room/car/make-up artist. With side jobs and a bus pass, Hye-Jun reminds us that we should not spend our time coveting, feeling bad and comparing ourselves to others. Instead, we should learn to work relentlessly and honestly because our time will come. From being a nameless model to Best Actor, Hye-Jun's story offers positivity and hope to keep fighting and pursuing our dreams. Don't let your unideal circumstances deter yourself from pursuing your vocation. As you go on your career journey, you will encounter richer or craftier individuals... but you should not be distracted. Instead, you should diligently stay your course.

(2) The rain motif. Rain is a significant visual motif in Record of Youth, as it is used to illustrate
the challenges that Jeong-ha and Hye-jun face as a lonely girl from a broken family and an undervalued, poor young adult respectively. Instead of running away from reality, Jeong-ha and Hye-jun choose to embrace the rain; they choose to hold each other and embrace the challenges of life. I melted when Hye-jun said, "We were in the rain from the beginning. Grown-ups have to go outside even in the rain. When I am with you, even the rain is enjoyable." Walking away from k-drama ideals, the drama is a beautiful reminder that dating/marriage is a commitment to walk with our significant other through unexpected storms and obstacles. A significant other is the a person who you can hug and come home to...after a long and overwhelming day.

(3) The reality of the entertainment industry. Behind the curtain, spotlights and red carpets, the drama reveals that our favourite entertainers may be living difficult lives. The long hours, constant competition and complex politics challenge celebrities' values and integrity. Running on a hamster wheel, these young adults are often afraid of the repercussions that come when they choose to take a break. Their true character is also overshadowed by their physical appearance and fictional persona. As Hye-Jun's rise to stardom is paired with love from his family and the masses, we see that the young man end up living in loneliness and exhaustion. A heart-wrenching quote comes in episode 15 when he tells his driver, "What you see isn't everything. I smile during the day because I cry at night." As a classic k-drama, the show obviously looks at how Hye-Jun and Jeong-ha's relationship is affected by his fame. We learn that this romantic relationship is filled with 'I'm sorry' and short visits as work demands his everything. It begs the questions...has our favourite artists and entertainers given up love for this career?

(4) Beautiful Cinematography. Although this drama may not have a perfect script and plot line, the directors have certainly crafted exquisite scenes. Using colour, they introduced viewers to the beauty of Korea at night. As we watch Hye-Jun and Jeong-Ha roam around parks and streets, their love is paired with beautiful walls and authentic neighbourhood streets.

(5) Right people, right time. Just like many Record of Youth fans out there, I was clenching my fists hoping that Hye-Jun and Jeong-Ha would rekindle their relationship at the end of the drama. Like my favourite 2020 k-drama couples...Moon-Young and Gang-tae (from IOTNBO), Seri and Jeong-Heyok (from CLOY) and Saeroyi and Yi-seo (from Itaewon Class), I desperately wanted to see that complete love story. Although the ending is bittersweet, the slice of life drama offers an important reminder that we will always meet the right person at the right time. In our walks of life, we will cross paths with lovers, mentors, friends who will make significant impressions on your values/identity/way of living.

Some may not stay for a long period of time, but they have the ability to change the way we see the world. Reality is harsh; you do not always end up with your first love. There will always be tearful partings and (also) unexpected reunions. My optimistic self tells me that Hye-Jun and Jeong-Ha do end up together. When she decided to wear that pair of shoes, it was a symbol that she was ready to "step into the relationship" again when fate brings them back together. Both individuals just needed to time to grow on their own so that they could be each other's "better half."

As someone in my 20s, I cannot help but applaud this drama for bringing up the subtle tensions that exist in my life. The feelings of fear, the pressure to succeed and the familial expectations do carry an invisible weight on my back. The search for independence, inner peace and joy is certaintly not an easy journey. Although the drama is not a perfect one, Record of Youth tugs at heart strings that are ultimately buried deep in the hearts of young adults. 

~cho