"Youth of May" is not just some fictional sad romance story, after all. It is reportedly based on true-to-life events that transpired in one of South Korea's most harrowing eras - the time when Gwangju Uprising took place and many young people had to sacrifice their lives.
There's a reason why the upcoming Kdrama "Youth of May" feels different from other shows being released lately. For one, instead of showing something way back in the past (historical dramas that South Korea is very good at portraying), or something completely futuristic where everything seems too incredible to be true, "Youth of May" is set in the 80s.
Apart from "Reply 1988," there exists very few shows of late that focused on this enigmatic era.
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Similar to "Reply 1988," which has earned a good following especially when it was shown on Netflix, "Youth of May" could be based on real events.
According to Sportskeeda, the show may be based on events during the Gwangju Uprising in 1980.
For people who do not know, this event is not a positive one in South Korean history. It can even be described as one of the most painful in this democratic society.
"Youth of May" Plot
While showrunners have not specifically said nor denied that the show is based on the events that transpired in "Gwangju Uprising," the plot of "Youth of May" may be proof enough.
The upcoming drama tells the story of two young people who fell in love in the 80s - medical student Hwang Hee Tae who had to postpone his graduation and hide how hard his life is and a relatively new nurse Kim Myung Hee.
Hwang Hae Tae He carefree to many, even charming, as if he has no problems in life, but in reality, he deals with great pain linked to his experiences with all sorts of discrimination for being raised by a single mother.
On the other hand, Kim Myung Hee, working as a nurse for only three years, is the sole breadwinner of her family, which comes with its own set of challenges.
However, unlike Hwang Hae Tae, she does not find the need to hide herself. She often stands up for herself and others to her superiors in the face of injustice and strives hard to be a good nurse.
Their romance starts out great, but events in this era are bound to make it a tragic love story in the end.
Check out the "Youth of May" teaser below!
Why is "Youth of May" based on Gwangju Uprising?
[Trigger warning: Mentions of Death, Rape, Assault]
There are many indications showing "Youth of May" is based on Gwangju Uprising. This would be obvious for those who are familiar with this particular era and event that happened between May 18 to 27 of 1980.
The uprising was one of the largest ones that took place in South Korea, led by students who rebelled against the authoritarian government under Chun Doo Hwan.
Because of their tenacity, it was reported that over 100 students and citizens died. However, some historical accounts would say at least a thousand shed their lives for this cause.
Protestors were beaten up, raped, and killed, as authorized by the government.
Does this mean "Youth of May" would feature protests and beatings? It appears not. Instead, the show will be focusing on the aftermath of the uprising and how the event transformed the lives of many, especially the youth, who were traumatized and therefore, would find it difficult to love freely and live happily.
The trailer of the show has a narration that is quite telling.
"If it had been any other spring full of sunshine, they would have loved like the faintness of spring. They would have lived ordinary lives with dreams in their hearts. A story of youth," Lee Do Hyun's Hwang Hee-tae's voice can be heard saying.
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Written by Annie Dee.
