Addressing issues in relationships, Growing Season brings in entertainment combined with valuable lessons on talks of intimacy.
In experiencing new things, struggles will definitely arise as we cannot expect to be the best with our first try. Growing Season brings comfort to viewers through its relatable campus content. Along with the entertainment and comfort, its narrative has also infused lessons about intimacy.
- Main Cast: Park Soo Ah | Park Ji Won | Kim Chae Eun | Kim Kang Min | Choi Yoon Je | Kang Yoo Seok | Choi Jae Won
- Streaming Site: YouTube, Vlive, WeTV
- Thrill/Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- Kdramas of Similar Vibe: Hello, My Twenties! | Nevertheless | Search: WWW
Marcie Line watched Growing Season on YouTube
Growing Season Quick Plot Recap
Taking the same class together during the summer semester, Ban Ah In (Park Soo Ah) and Heo Ji Yoo (Park Ji Won) are grouped together with Kang Ha Young (Kim Chae Eun) for a report.
Ban Ah In is a bubbly junior who struggles in approaching her coworker crush. Heo Ji Yoo is a returning student after taking a leave of absence for about two years. She is bold and straightforward in confronting the rumors about her for the last two years.
Distant from Ji Yoo as they come from different friend groups, Kang Ha Young grows closer and begins to rely on her two groupmates as they begin writing their report. She also sees positive results with her plans on becoming an exchange student.
Together, these three grow on each other as they prepare for their report in class. Be it problems about health or relationships, these three assure to bring comfort and support for each other.
Growing Season Series Peak Points
Women Supporting Each Other
In the early episodes, a cold distance between Ji Yoo and Ha Young can be observed. However, as they are grouped together for a report, and also see each other in a clinic, the ice between these two starts to melt. Ji Yoo is open and free from judgment with regard to reproductive health, which brings reassurance that she is a friend that can be trusted.
As Ji Yoo and Ha Young are older than Ah In, they stand up like her elder sisters who guide her with her endeavors in relationships. In times of trouble, they are there for each other, ready to defend, comfort, and lighten up each other’s moods.
Healthy Discussion of Relevant Topics
Heo Ji Yoo is a character that is often misunderstood by many for standing out and speaking up about taboo topics. Her openness to these topics radiates with the series’ goal of openly talking about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), safe sex, and consent. She breaks the stigma, and also brings comfort to Ha Young who is troubled with her situation.
Ha Young’s longtime boyfriend is not supportive and hostile when she talks about her health situation. With those problems arising, she then confides to Ji Yoo who accepts her wholly, and willingly hears her struggles.
Realistic Portrayal of Modern Relationships
Ha Young, Ah In, and Ji Yoo are all characters that realistically portray intimate relationships at present. Not all relationships begin and sail the same way. Ha Young’s longtime boyfriend ends up breaking up with her after learning about her disease. Her relationship with her boyfriend exemplifies how relationships can collapse because of mistrust and unwillingness to talk about various topics.
On the other hand, Ah In represents people who are navigating for the first time in establishing an intimate relationship. Things may have not gone well with her coworker, but her character has made sure to learn an important lesson with her experience. Meanwhile, Ji Yoo breaks gender stereotypes by being assertive and opens the eyes of the viewers to the importance of safe practices on being intimate.
Growing Season Series Musings
Every episode runs for about 20 minutes and may be watched for about four hours straight. The theme of this series may be uncommon for Korean series as it encourages people to talk about reproductive health. Moreover, it also brings in the discussion of relationships and intimacy that is set on campus.
What’s commendable in this series is its narrative. It is set on campus, but it made sure to insert valuable information about reproductive health. Although it may be set as a show that may entertain viewers, the series raises awareness and encourages discussions about topics that are uncommonly talked about in the open.
Moreover, it empowers women through its diverse portrayal of female characters. The characters from this series are enjoyable as they are unique from each other. Ji Yoo is a character that stands out among the three. Her boldness and assertiveness are refreshing as it breaks the common reaction of character that passively accepts injustice.
Fresh faces and talents from the series are able to highlight their acting skills. As the series includes various intimate scenes, the cast surely made a great performance in their kissing scenes. Playlist original dramas are truly a great platform for rising artists to shine. In addition to that, substantial topics are also brought to light with this kind of series.
Growing Season encourages growth as an individual through imparting that in welcoming new experiences, we learn how to do well in life. Be it in academics or relationships, taking the first step shall surely bring us to the beginning of our journey towards our goals.
Binge-watch Growing Season, now available on Youtube, Vlive, and WeTV.
Photos: Playlist Originals
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