Twinkling Watermelon is a South Korean drama released in 2023 that beautifully combines romance, youth, fantasy, and emotional family storytelling. The series aired from September 25 to November 14, 2023, with a total of 16 episodes, each running around 1 hour and 10 minutes. It was broadcast on Mondays and Tuesdays and carries a 15+ rating, suitable for teen and adult viewers.
What makes this drama stand out is its warm time-travel concept, strong focus on music, and a deeply touching story about family, love, and healing across generations.
Story Overview
The story begins in 2023 with Ha Eun Gyeol, a high school student who is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). By day, he lives the life of a perfect student. By night, he secretly follows his true passion — music, playing guitar and dreaming of a different future.
Eun Gyeol’s life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a mysterious music store. Without warning, he is transported back to 1995, where he comes face to face with his father, Ha I Chan, as a lively and rebellious high school student.
The shock deepens when Eun Gyeol realizes something is wrong. His young father is in love with Choi Se Gyeong, a talented cellist, instead of Yun Cheong A, the woman who is supposed to become Eun Gyeol’s mother in the future.
Determined to protect his own existence and fix the timeline, Eun Gyeol joins a band led by his father. Through music, friendship, and shared dreams, he slowly tries to bring his future parents together — all while hiding his true identity and searching for a way back to the present.
Main Characters
- Ha Eun Gyeol (Ryeo Un)
A gentle, talented teenager torn between responsibility and passion, carrying the emotional weight of his family. - Ha I Chan (Choi Hyun Wook)
Eun Gyeol’s father in his youth, full of energy, dreams, and love for music. - Choi Se Gyeong / On Eun Yu (Seol In Ah)
A graceful cellist whose presence creates a major shift in the timeline. - Yun Cheong A (Shin Eun Soo)
A quiet, warm-hearted girl whose story of growth and love lies at the heart of the drama.
The chemistry between the young cast plays a huge role in making the story feel real, emotional, and nostalgic.
Themes and Emotional Depth
Twinkling Watermelon explores several powerful themes:
- Family bonds across generations
- Youthful dreams and sacrifices
- Music as a form of healing
- Fate versus choice
- Love that transcends time
The drama balances lighthearted youth moments with deep emotional scenes, especially those involving parent-child relationships and unspoken regrets.
Music and Atmosphere
Music is not just a background element but a core part of the story. Band performances, songwriting, and rehearsals add energy and emotion, making the drama feel alive and nostalgic. The 1990s setting further enhances the warmth, bringing a sense of innocence and longing.
What Makes It Special
- A refreshing father-son time travel story
- Strong emotional payoff without heavy melodrama
- Excellent performances from young actors
- A comforting, healing tone throughout the series
Final Thoughts
Twinkling Watermelon is a heartfelt drama that goes beyond romance and fantasy. It tells a touching story about understanding your parents, chasing dreams, and learning that love can echo across time. With its gentle storytelling, memorable music, and emotional depth, it is a must-watch for viewers who enjoy warm, nostalgic dramas that leave a lasting impact.
