Moment 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 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. 💗

Moment at Eighteen is a wonderful, sweet story of first love and the conflicts that arise between young students in an elite school full of the children of ambitious parents. The characters are all very well developed, and multiple story lines are skillfully woven into a single overarching plot that feels fully fleshed out and explored. The cast is full of young and talented actors, each of them unique and each one gave an impressive performance. The story has enough drama to keep the audience interested, but it also feels genuine and down to earth, without any crazy sudden dramatic turns. The soundtrack in particular stood out to me and was both beautiful and memorable.

Overall, the underlying story of a first love at the age of 18 was sweet and executed perfectly. The awkwardness, the tenderness, the ups and downs; all were done extremely well.

The only complaint I had was it was a little slow at times, and the show overall could have probably been wrapped up in 12 episodes instead of 16. The ending was also a bit too open ended for my taste.

That being said, for a school drama/slice of life it is a wonderful show that is well worth a watch.

This korean drama have a lot of best things * best casting * best storytelling * best sound watch it you would like it.

I don't think I had a dry eye for at least 1/2 the K-Drama. It is very touching - tragic in parts, and the male lead Seong-wu Ong did a great job I playing an 18 year old who fell in love for the first time while enduring all kinds of judgements from others because of his forced transfer to a new school due to a false accusation that he was a thief and did assault as well. Of course, the top king of the school gets jealous of him, since he is handsome, nice, girls like him, including his girlfriend, and sets him up with a fake theft to get the drama started. Didn't know how this was going to end, and was crying though the ending - it wasn't a disappointing ending at all, just something that will make you cry. I am beginning to like the ML - saw him in Seoul Vibe and now this Moment of Eighteen Drama and he did a great job in both.