At Eighteen

As a story centered on teenagers and school life, I was expecting this show to be mostly romance and fluff, with more of the usual subject matter: love triangles & rivals, bullying, parental pressure to excel, maybe some unfair treatment by school staff...that sort of thing.

What I got instead was a poignant story of teenage struggles, covering heavy topics such as domestic abuse, social prejudice (in multiple forms), and parents' impact on their children's worldviews. The plot wasn't complex, but the subject matter and emotional weight definitely was. Thankfully, it was well written and executed, with a great cast.

If you are a fan of teenage K-Drama, have a strong sense of justice, and enjoy the dynamics of complex (if mostly non-romantic) relationships, this is worth your time.

LGBTQ INCLUSIVE: Yes

ROMANCE RATING: * * * 7/10. To be honest, I can barely consider this show a real "romance." For one thing, the story covered so many "big" topics, the romantic developments kind of seemed more like a foil to explore those heavier subjects. Secondly, true to the age group in question, any romance that appeared was kept very pure. OSW and KHG did have great chemistry together overall, but there were only 2-3, G-rated kiss scenes. If you require a great lip lock to leave satisfied, then keep that in mind. Recommended!

This was truly a delightfully entertaining coming-of-age drama! Wonderful performance by the entire cast. I initially tuned into the series because of Kang Ki Young (teacher). I knew with him in a supporting role, he would add some light, loving humor to the script, and he did! A couple episodes later, I was enjoyably drawn in by the talents of Ong Seong Woo and Kim Hyang Gi and their characters' innocent attraction they developed...so naively cute! The narrative was so heartwarming: the journey through all the emotional snags and friendships was touching. Brilliant! Loved it!

This show is so heartwarming! The main character is so kind and loving with mental fortitude beyond his years. Great job, Seong-wu Ong!

Many of the supporting characters are also kind and strong. Especially their teacher, played by Kang Ki-young; I think this was a perfect role for him. He gives a monologue in episode 13 that our world needs to hear.

Kim Do-wan played a fun role to balance some of the real world pains found in any good drama.

Most of the teen girls' roles are complimentary.

This serial will give you hope.

It's a precious gem!

Another reminder that we can learn a lot about humanity from South Korea. 💗

This study of community centers on two characters who are not who they seem to be. It is a moving examination of the boy who has clear hold of the title "good" and the newcomer who is quickly able to be labeled "bad." The richness of the story evolves as the bully slowly but surely appears and finally at the end of the story lets go of bullying as a life style. The tale is told with a decisive gentleness that takes a while to warm up to but really is the genius of the telling. Like heaven's garden we end up starting with an apparently modern, distracted and destructive community that is slowly and surely delivered into something better. All of the players did an amazing job in their respective roles but I must especially commend Shin Seung-ho. For his moving commitment to the broken pride and suffering intrensic to his roll as he endures abuse at home while navigating the inhuman expectations of social ordering that has gone astray. There is more than one broken person in the story, and more than one character that is healing to watch. I ended up very impressed by this story.

This drama is very beautiful & well acted. If you have ever been bullied, ever been misunderstood, & discriminate against because of social status or race. You will get it & it's for you. It's a very realistic show that touches across races & borders. Beautiful & excellent...yes this drama took me back yes I was in high school in 🇭🇹 Haiti. (college canado-haitien). I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The main character was a young man of integrity 👏 & great character he had to make a difficult decision towards the end of the show but he did it with grace & love. Being poor doesn't mean poor character & greatness is from within.