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The turbulent political landscape, marked by martial law and coups, is a recurring theme in South Korean films, often resulting in emotionally charged stories. Against this backdrop of political instability and widespread protests, "Youth of May" presents a vibrant and realistic portrayal of South Korean society in the 1980s, a period of great upheaval.
The tragic love story between Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee, two young people lost amidst the harsh realities of life, has touched the hearts of millions of viewers. Through the characters' glances, smiles, and tears, viewers relive the moving moments, hopes, and despair of a generation. The film is not just a love story of Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee, but also an epic about youth, the yearning for freedom, and noble sacrifices.
A period of upheaval
The film "Youth of May" realistically and vividly recreates the tense and unstable atmosphere of Gwangju in 1980. Through images of protests and clashes between civilians and the military, we are transported back to those painful historical days.
In fact, the Gwangju pro-democracy movement has been a "scar" for South Korea for four decades. Beginning on May 18, 1980, protesters took to the streets to protest President Chun Doo-hwan's declaration of martial law, and the confrontation between civilians and the military and security forces lasted for 10 days.
On May 18, 1980, crowds of students and citizens in the southwestern South Korean city of Gwangju took to the streets to protest the military government of President Chun Doo-hwan.
There are no precise figures on casualties at the "May 18th Incident" in Gwangju, but many theories suggest that the military government had secret mass graves both on land and at sea. After suppressing the movement, the South Korean military continued its presence in Gwangju for another eight years. The South Korean government at the time announced that 160 people had died – including some soldiers and police officers – and more than 70 were missing. However, the families of the victims claim the true number was three times higher.
The students who fell in the protests were the pioneers who laid the foundation, transforming the military dictatorship into the democratic and powerful nation it is today.
But the quest for justice has gone through many twists and turns, and the "May 18th Uprising" remains a deep-seated wound, like smoldering embers burning through South Korean politics to this day. At the time the Gwangju uprising broke out, the military government described it as a rebellion led by supporters of then-opposition leader Kim Dae-jung (later the 8th President of South Korea) and backed by the North Korean regime.
The movement also demonstrates the strength and responsibility of students, who, more than anyone else, possess both youthful energy and knowledge, as well as an abundance of enthusiasm to change the destiny of the nation.
A love song written in blood.
"The Youth of May" recreates the love story of a young couple with nostalgic echoes of the past, evoking feelings of nostalgia and longing in viewers with its classic, sweet portrayal of 1980s love, yet also tinged with sadness over societal prejudices and the unfulfilled dreams and aspirations of youth. Caught in the whirlwind of history, they collide as if by preordained destiny; they are consumed by love and passion, yet their story lacks a happy ending.
"Youth of May" is one of the best Korean dramas about coups and martial law.
The film opens with flashbacks from a mysterious man in the present, a time when the rebellion has ended but leaves behind painful remnants, thus taking the audience back to the past to explore the events of this story.
"Youth of May" meticulously brought to the small screen an entire old Korean society thanks to its careful setting, cinematography, and music. This work brought viewers the youthful spirit of 1980s college life through its sweet yet classic film style, interwoven with the melancholic tones of youthful anxieties.
This heartwarming film, a reflection on the bygone youth during the turbulent years in South Korea, has brought tears to the eyes of countless viewers.
The story is told from the perspective of Hwang Hee Tae (Lee Do Hyun), a college student who is the pride of Gwangju Province thanks to his top-scoring medical degree. Carrying the lingering pain of youthful recklessness, Hwang Hee Tae returns to his hometown and is arranged to meet Lee Soo Ryun (Geum Sae Rok), a wealthy heiress. Ironically, Soo Ryun has no ambition for marriage and asks her friend Kim Myung Hee (Go Min Si) to attend the meeting in her place in exchange for a coveted scholarship to study in Germany. Following her friend's plan, Myung Hee tries to make a bad impression on Hee Tae to break the engagement, but he already knows her true identity and has fallen in love with the poor nurse, even knowing that his wealthy father would never approve. The meeting between Myung Hee and Hee Tae was a twist of fate, the sweet May before the storm.
At that time, South Korea had to pay a heavy price in blood and tears, mainly from patriotic students and young people in the 1980s, so the film respects history with simplicity and authenticity in its portrayal.
Unlike modern dramas, the film's pace is gentle, like a "detox" medicine. If Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee had been born into different circumstances, in a different social context, perhaps their love story would have had a happy ending. However, they are people living in a turbulent era, a time when the Gwangju democratization movement was taking place to oppose the dictatorial regime of President Chun Doo Hwan. Any uprising brings losses and suffering, and the love between Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee, unfortunately, is one of them.
It doesn't necessarily have to be a happy ending, but an ending set in that era, with all the emotions transcending time, is the most beautiful testament to the love in Youth of May.
Despite its political commentary, "Youth of May" is far from dry; it is vibrant and emotional, portraying the lives and perspectives of young people of that era. They are youthful, full of energy, and yearn to pursue their dreams and eternal love, even as they overcome countless difficulties and cruel fate.
The film ends tragically with the female protagonist's death and the male protagonist's grief. This ending didn't satisfy the audience; however, considering the context of the time, their separation is considered appropriate.
