Song Joong-ki returns to the small screen and to the romance genre through JTBC’s new drama My Youth. Helmed by Lee Sang-yeob (Yumi’s Cells) and penned by Park Si-hyeon, the series premiered on September 5, 2025.
After his charismatic roles in Reborn Rich and Vincenzo, Song shifts gears to play SUNWOO HAE, a former child star, in My Youth. Opposite him, Chun Woo-hee portrays SUNG JE-YEON, a talent manager intent on advancing her career and that of actress MO TAE-RIN (Lee Joo-myoung). Completing the main characters is KIM SEOK-JOO (Seo Ji-hoon), an accountant who has unclear ties to the three.
You Might Also Like: 7 Im Siwan Dramas and Movies to Watch if You Liked Him in “Squid Game”
My Youth Episode 1 Recap: A Budding Reunion
In a bustling flower market, Hae collects fresh blooms. A brief flashback shows him as a young actor receiving bouquets for his success before returning to his current life—quiet, restrained, and worlds away from fame. He avoids calls from staff who still want to reach the “former child star.”
Meanwhile, Je-yeon heads out, bag stuffed with work essentials and random items, such as a mini fire extinguisher. While waiting for her order, she scrolls through a florist’s Instagram page. The photos never show his face, but the familiar bracelets on his wrist give him away: it’s Hae.
Elsewhere, a minor incident unfolds when Hae, using Seok-joo’s car, goes to pick up LEE GEON-NO (Yoon Byung-hee). A drunk driver nearly causes an accident that prompts Hae to chase him and confront him until he apologizes to Geon-no.
At work, Je-yeon hustles to secure appearances for Tae-rin, a then-fellow child actor of Hae. However, a PD says they also want to cast Sunwoo Hae for a documentary project featuring the former “nation siblings.” With some nudging from Tae-rin, Je-yeon reluctantly makes her way to his flower shop. Closed doors nearly send her away, but then Hae appears.
Their reunion is understated—no swelling music or dramatic fanfare. She claims to buy a plant, but the awkward tension between them betrays their history. Both hesitate until Hae bluntly asks if he should still pretend not to know her, echoing a memory from their high school days.
Je-yeon eventually reveals her true purpose: persuading him to join a show alongside his former on-screen sister, Tae-rin. He refuses, stung by the intrusion, though he still hands her a free cactus.
Branched Into Writing
In the office, CEO KIM PIL-DO (Jin Kyung) notices Je-yeon reading a book by a novelist named JIN MU-YEONG. Pil-do advises her to reach out to a PD who, like her, is an SNU alumnus. Another staff also points out that that said PD is interested in the aforementioned novelist, which Je-yeon remembers was actually Sunwoo Hae.
Speaking of books, Seok-joo takes part in a radio show, where he reads an excerpt. Je-yeon brings Tae-rin to the radio station, and the younger actress is moved to tears by his voice. A flashback hints that Tae-rin once admired a fellow student who did school radio announcements. Going back to the present, Seok-joo caught her teary-eyed.
Leaving Tae-rin at the radio station, Je-yeon heads downstairs to pick up flowers, only to run into Hae again. He almost takes her photo, but Seok-joo arrives and gets included. The two men share a casual chat which suggests a long history.
When Hae asks if Je-yeon also studied abroad, Seok-joo reveals that her family went bankrupt. Hae runs after Je-yeon on the elevator and playfully sketches on her palm, showing her how much water the cactus he gave her.
Later, Je-yeon spots the PD Pil-do mentioned and takes the opportunity to introduce herself. She offers him a coffee and explains that she’s an SNU business graduate now working as a manager. The PD finds her career shift unusual and stays distant—until Je-yeon casually mentions Jin Mu-yeong. Intrigued, he immediately asks her to arrange a meeting with the writer.
The determined Je-yeon heads to Hae’s shop, only to find it closed once more. She calls him and learns he’s at a flower farm. They meet there, and she successfully persuades him to join a lunch with a supposed fan of the writer Jin Mu-yeong.
Flowers, Fans and Fondness
Before the meeting, Hae prepares a small bouquet for Je-yeon. His stepsister EUN NO-RI (Choi Jeong-woon) comes downstairs, and when he mentions his upcoming lunch meeting with a fan, she teases him about the novels he once wrote for her. She also points out that his bracelet will break once his wish is granted.
Arriving at the restaurant, Hae gives the flowers to Je-yeon. However, he finds out that the “fan” is actually the daughter of the PD Je-yeon wanted to impress. Feeling manipulated, he storms out, but Je-yeon follows and argues with him until the father and daughter arrive.
Hae introduces himself as the novelist Jin Mu-yeong. Forced back inside, Hae and Je-yeon pretend nothing is amiss and act like old friends.
The daughter asks Hae for writing advice and wonders what he was like back in school. Je-yeon reminisces about the unique aura Hae had during high school, but the PD casually remarks that Jin Mu-yeong resembles the former child actor Sunwoo Hae. His daughter, annoyed by his nosiness, snaps at him to stop. By the end of the meeting, the PD asks Je-yeon for a separate meeting—likely concerning Tae-rin’s potential casting in his show.
A Fulfilled Wish
As the episode draws to a close, Hae slips into Je-yeon’s office late at night. When her CEO suddenly appears, she hastily pulls him into hiding, tearing his sleeve in the process. Hae finally asks if it’s okay for them to meet again.
He embraces her and admits how happy he is to see her again. Je-yeon lightens the moment, teasing that if he’s truly that happy, he should treat her to a meal. On the floor, unnoticed, lies Hae’s broken wish bracelet.
Also Read: Seo In Guk Brings Warmth and Sweet Memories to Manila at Heart Cookie Fan Meeting
My Youth Episode 1 Reaction
The premiere episode of My Youth sets itself apart from the typical rom-com pilot. Rather than grand gestures or sparkling meet-cutes, it opens with a restrained, almost muted reunion. Hae avoids attention while Je-yeon pushes forward, determined to succeed yet still drawn to her old friend.
There’s a lot packed in the first episode: a child actor turned novelist turned florist, and a talent manager who once faced heartbreak, practices gumdo, and carries a mini fire extinguisher. It’s eccentric, even overstuffed. However, it’s intriguing how these quirks will eventually tie together.
The playful banter among the main characters also adds charm to the story. Tae-rin and Je-yeon share a bond that goes beyond mere colleagues, while Hae and Seok-joo come across more like frenemies than friends. It’s interesting to know how they’ll relate to each other now as adults, but also how they got connected with each other during their younger years.
On the whole, the calm, reflective tone makes My Youth feel like a healing romance for adults, about the ache of regrets and the unexpected tenderness of second chances.
What do you think of the premiere episode of My Youth?
Also Read: Pop Corner: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Episode 10 Recap: Ji-Yeong Faces Imprisonment and Torture
Source: The Korea Herald, JTBC
