Colorful Throwback: 18 Again

To view the English subtitles from the trailer, simply click on the small gear icon “CC” in the right corner of the video. 

 “The husband [I love and hate] has become 18 years old!” 

(First teaser poster source: Soompi)

Kim Ha Neul as Jung Da Jung

Here is what Kim Ha Neul, herself said about her character: “She’s a working mom. She gave up on her dreams to be a wife and mother, but now she’s decided to leave her husband and pursue what she wants from life. I could relate to her being a working mom. Before I got married, I would have all the time to myself to focus on scripts, but as a mother, it’s a lot harder. My child is still young and Da Jung’s children are in high school, so it’s a little different, but there are a lot of similarities.”  (Source: Soompi)

The true side of Jun Da Jung is reflected through these words, as they describe her perfectly:

“I want someone with a beautiful smile. I want someone so brave and cheerful that just watching her uplifts my mood. She can be clumsy at times, but she rocks at work. I want someone who can surprise me, and I want a warmhearted and mature woman.” 

Kim Ha Neul was also asked if she wanted to return back to high school and she replied: “One of the times in my life that I enjoyed the most was high school. I have so many good memories with my friends in high school. I loved wearing a uniform and going to school every day. But in reality, I have a baby now.”  (Source: Soompi)

And the little things in life that makes one reflect on his / her actions:

“There are things you want to give even if it’s impossible. In hindsight, they weren’t that grand. 

They were so small and insignificant, you considered them to be unimportant.

 But these small things make you smile. I finally realized that.“

“On the days I miss him, he becomes part of my memories. Our warmth blocked the cold night wind.

 Having someone in my corner comforted me on a difficult day.”

 “I would have thanked him and been able to comfort him.” 

“I hope the other half is doing okay… even if I can’t see it, I hope it’s doing well.” 

“Whenever something good or something bad happens to me, you were always the first person to come to mind.”

“I missed you, too.”  

“At night when the stars light up my room
I sit by myself talking to the moon
In hopes you’re on the other side… talking to me too.“

(GIF image and the last quote source: dohyunsoo on Tumblr)

Yoon Sang Hyun as Hong Dae Young [37 years old]

As a 37 year old adult Dae Young, is a broken man in more ways than one: financially, morally, and spiritually. Being a son who distanced himself even further away from a relationship with his own father, he eventually ended up becoming just like him unknowingly, as he started drinking away his sorrow and troubles, while having an even colder relationship with his children and wife, because of the harsh reality he faced every day/

Here is what Yoon Sang Hyun, himself said about his character: “I was curious about who was going to play Go Woo Young. After I heard it was Lee Do Hyun, the director approached me to ask if I could share some tips on how Lee Do Hyun could match my tone at the script reading. There wasn’t a lot to match. He’s young but has a lot of acting experience, so he picked it up right away. We practiced a lot with the director while reading through the script.” (Source: Soompi)

Yoon Sang Hyun was also asked if he wanted to return back to high school and he replied: “But I have children.” He added, “My wife actually mentioned this while I was working on the drama. She asked if I’d be able to go back and leave the kids.” He continued, “If I did go back, I’d want to go back to the second half of my twenties after I was discharged from the army. Because of work, I’ve never been able to just go out and have fun.” (Source: Soompi)

Some wise words that describe the older Hong Dae Yong in a flash:

“The boy we loved back then was a memory to someone. To someone, he was her present. And to someone, he was a dream. Years later, the boy from the past became an ajusshi with two kids. But he was still the same boy.“

This drama also embodies some valuable lessons about choices and regrets that once are formed, there no turning back,  unless you are determined to prove the opposite though your own actions:

“There are things that you can’t turn back. From the moment you confess your love until the moment you break up. Words that hurt each other, and the regret that follows. I don’t understand why we are separating.”

“When I said I regretted meeting Da-jung, I wasn’t being honest. 

But it’s true that I blamed her. If I look back, it was all my fault. “

“It’s impossible to share my sincere feelings, as it’s too late.  But I’ll be okay as long as it makes you smile.”

“I said that I was busy all the time so that I could come home late, and was always drunk at home, with the excuse that I’m tired. I missed it all, the times my family really needed me. I’m trying to be good now. I stopped drinking, too. But if she finds out that I’m Hong Dae-young, Da-jung will feel uncomfortable.”

Lee Do Hyun as Hong Dae Young [18 years old] / Go Woo Young

“I know today was rough, but it’s okay. You did well today.” 

What if one day, you were to suddenly discover a magic pill that could take you on a journey to mend your own mistakes and you could relive the past once again as you learn that the world around you can be far more different than you imagined at first? Well, Go Woo Young became the actual embodiment of that one in a million chance, returning in his prime time, at 18. But the choices and trials he has to face will prove to him, that he was terribly wrong about many things, including the relationship with his own father!  

How this marvelous young actor prepared for this role is a whole different story. Here is what Lee Do Hyun, himself said:  “I closely observed and studied Yoon Sang Hyun.” How he walked, even the shape of his hands when he held his cell phone… I tried hard not to miss these kinds of small details.” (More information and to find out what his streetlight is as an actor, read further at Soompi)  

Lee Do Hyun was also asked if he wanted to return back to high school and he replied: “I’d live more passionately,” he said. “I was too caught up in my studies and only went to private lessons. [If I went back], I’d go outside and run around and play with my friends more.” Kim Ha Neul and Yoon Sang Hyun said, “But it hasn’t even been that long for you. You can still count how many years it’s been since you graduated high school. We can’t do that anymore.” (Source: Soompi)

Here is an emotional letter that the younger Hong Dae Young  gets to read in the courtroom for his loved one:

“Da-jung-ah, I don’t think I can tell you in person. I’ll do as you say when it comes to custody and child support. I finally realized why you wanted to get a divorce. I regret what happened at our high school reunion, but I won’t make excuses. Da-jung-ah, you’re an amazing person, and you’re more than I deserve. I don’t want you to be discouraged. I want you to be bright wherever you are. Don’t get hurt. Don’t overwork yourself. To be honest, I don’t want to let you go. Of all the decisions I have to make in life, I will regret this the most. But I hope you can leave without regrets. I’ll be the one to regret it. I’m sorry. Thank you. Be happy, Da-jung-ah.”

Most of us remember him as handsome and emotional,

 Go Chung Myung, the Yeongju captain of the guards, right?  

 (GIF image source: belsmultifandommess on Tumblr) 

(Video source with English subtitles n the first GIF:  tvN D ENT on YouTube)  

He sure was shining brilliantly like a jewel, in this heartbreaking 

purple cherry blossom moment from Hotel Del Luna!

This drama is filled with touching moments that will make you tear up, 

so make sure you have some tissues beside you:

“It’s okay. Whatever it is, it’s okay. It’s okay, you did well today… it’s okay, you did well today…” 

“Turning your back on someone, even someone you hate, can bring more pain than you think. “

“Hyacinths flowers and their true actual meaning is a plea for forgiveness:  Dad, you said you were the happiest when you watch me play. I wanted to show you again. I’m sorry that it took me so long. I’m sorry, Dad.”

 “I had forgotten that if I treat her like a gem, she can shine so brightly, like now. I wanted her to be loved all her life, but I used my busy life as an excuse and made her into my wife and the mother of my children.”

“When the world turned it’s back on you, I believed in you. 

We were covered in wounds, but we were each other’s brightest stars.”

 “I was next to you.”

“You should always live your day, to the fullest. And never forget your loved ones around you.”

“No matter how old you get, there is always something new to learn. 

If you think of it as a regret, then that’s the end of it. 

But when you think of it as a lesson learned, it brings a new beginning.” 

Other cast members with supporting or guest roles are included here:  Cast

Here are some of my most favorite moments of this story, along with a wonderful list of heartfelt quotes:

“There was a girl who shone radiantly. She had a brightening voice
and…a dazzling dream. In times of hardship, I reminded myself with her favorite quote.

No matter how hard life gets, Never regret anything that made you smile.” 

(GIF image credit goes to hwanginyeop on Tumblr)  

To view the English subtitles from the trailer, 

simply click on the small gear icon “CC” in the right corner of the video. 

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“Here is what Audrey Hepburn once said: Forgive quickly. 

Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably.”

“You may not know, but I’m closer to the kids than you can ever imagine.” 

This drama is also a cherry blossom sweet delight with rain!

(GIF images credit goes out to hwanginyeop on Tumblr and here) | (Photo source: Hancinema)

“On rainy days, people can measure how big their love is. Even when they share umbrellas, as everyone holds them at different angles, it’s clearly visible how big their love is. So love and rain come hand in hand.”

“The person my kids need right now isn’t Hong Dae-Young the father, but their school friend, Go Woo-Young.”

Meet Hwang In Yeop as Goo Ja Sung [Basketball team leader]

(GIF image credit goes out to hwanginyeop on Tumblr)

Even the notorious high school bully seems to soften up in the presence of a certain someone…

“Violence isn’t the right way. But there are times you shouldn’t put up with bullying… 

when you need to protect something dear to your heart.”

An eerie meeting in the rain…

Tender and heartfelt stories about different first loves and life, 

with a gorgeous touch.

(GiF images source: moonlightsdream on Tumblr)

Give me the chance to guard your dreams…

The soundtracks in this production are also lovely:

Song: Hello by Sohyang OST Part 2

(Official music video source: 1theK 원더케이 on YouTube)

“Hello Hello Hello Hello
Hello Hello Hello Hello

One day, like a red flower blossomed my dream
You made my heart flutter
Even after a long day
You stayed by my side

I know that these times that feel like they’ll last forever
Will come to an end some day but

Hello, I’m telling you
With a trembling smile, that I love you
Hello, that in these dazzling and beautiful times
It’s you I will remember forever…”

Lyrics found at: Popgasa.

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Song: One Person by Solji OST Part 4

(Official music video source: 1theK 원더케이 on YouTube)

“It was so hard to let you go
So why is my heart holding onto you again?

I try to run far away till I run out of breath
But my heart is in the same place

The one person I know, the one person I know
I think of you then I erase you and I repeat this

But a person that’s not you, a love that’s not you
Can’t fill me up, that’s just the kind of person you are
Please remember how it had to be you for me

This isn’t how I really feel
But why are my lips saying goodbye?

I tried deceiving my heart to let you go
But all day, I’m crying and crying…”

Lyrics found at: Popgasa.

The final touches are four self-selected tunes, that blend so well with this youthful theme: 1). Song: Every second by Baekhyun (EXO)  

Reshuffled OST from Record of Youth (2020)

(Official video source:  MUSIC&NEW 뮤직앤뉴 on YouTube) | (Photo source: Hancinema)

“Each step you take
I’m matching my feet with you
We’re walking together, side by side
Every day

When I hold out my arm
And wrap it around your shoulder
It feels like it’s only us in the world

Whatever You want
Whatever You say
I’ll always make it with you

Whatever You want
Whatever You say
So you can always smile

You see me, I won’t change
No matter what it is
I’ll remain with you
Just as I am…”

Lyrics found at: Popgasa.

2). A nostalgic self-selected tune awaits you, to listen to bellow:

Song: 18 Years by Daughtry

 “My husband, who seemed like my nemesis, has become 18!” 

(Official audio source: Daughtry on YouTube) | (Second official poster source: Soompi)

“All day all night
Keep pressing rewind
All day all night
I remember
All day all night
Keep pressing rewind
All day all night
I remember

We were young, we were wild
We were halfway free
We were kids on the run
On a dead-end street
Looking back in the rear view mirror
You know the view used to be much clearer
But we’ll laugh and we’ll cry
Till there’s no more tears
And tonight can we just hold on to those 18 years
18 years

Some ran down the highway
To chase away their ghosts
Some are frozen in the same place
This time inside their bones
Remember throwing TVs off the overpass onto the tracks, yeah
But the trains roll on through the small town and never looked back, yeah…”

(Lyrics: AZLyrics)

The third self-selected tune is inserted in this gorgeous photo. 

I’m sure my lovely friend Brownie, will recognize it right away: 

MYSM & Wade Graves – Always 

(Official audio source: MYSM on YouTube)  

“I fell for your eyes 

On the day that they met mine 

And what I’d do to make you smile is not confined to where you are 

I saw you’re doing fine 

On the newsfeed storyline 

But I know how to fake it too I ain’t mad at you

When you say you’re fine 

But if I read minds you’d say 

That I need you always 

And I’m holding on 

I still hear that song we played 

And I need you always 

‘Cuz girl I ain’t mad at you 

I hope you don’t hate me too 

We had a lot to loose 

We had even more to prove…”

 Lyrics found at:  musixmatch.com 

[Loosely inspired by my own previous article and this one].

Recommendation corner: 

1). A fresh and sweet Chinese romantic comedy that ended airing on 1st October: 

First Romance (2020).

(Fan-made poster source: here)  | )2nd poster source: here)

Now available with English subtitles at: 

Viki and YoYo English Channel on YouTube.

Some more lovable official stills from behind the scenes:

(Photos official source: Youku on Weibo)

2). Another sweet romance and light-hearted Chinese story about archery await you in: 

The Best of You in My Mind (2020)