What do you do when one of the kbesties is stuck in a town four hours away from you due to a super long layover? You drive down for a slumber party and drama time! Join MiataMama and Clkytta as we discuss our first impression of the first two episodes of Moment of Eighteen.

Synopsis:

(AsianWiki) 18-year-old Choi Joon-Woo (Ong Seong-Wu) has gotten used to being lonely. He is not good at expressing his emotions, but he has a cute side. He transfers to a new school where he meets Yoo Soo-Bin (Kim Hyang-Gi). She is a top student, but her life is controlled by her mother. Yoo Soo-Bin dreams of becoming independent. After meeting Choi Joon-Woo, she experiences small changes in her life. Meanwhile, Ma Whi-Young (Shin Seung-Ho) is a student who seems perfect and gentle, but he suffers from a complex. He acts like a strong person, but he is really a timid 18-year-old boy. After Choi Joon-Woo transfers to his school, his life begins to change.

Plot:

There is a lot of story building in the first two episodes. The basic plot is that Choi Joon Woo is a transfer student who has been kicked out of other schools for bad behavior. He is transferred to a new school and it seems like his past (true or not) follows him everywhere. Can he rise above his reputation?

Clkytta: The plot seems basic, but it’s not, there are actually a lot of layers to these students’ lives. I’m intrigued by how they are already making me feel conflicted about some of the characters. It’s a tug of war between the average students who are living their lives and the ones who will do anything to get into the best college.

MiataMama: I really had no expectations going into this high school drama, so I was surprised and impressed by the many layers!  And by episode two we were already beginning to peel them back, bit by bit.  I’m very curious and want to delve deeper into the lives of our lead trio – excited to see their transformation as they grow and mature during the story’s progression.  

Characters:

Choi Joon Woo

Clkytta: Joon Woo is a poor kid who is really just trying to live his life under the radar, but no one will leave him alone. His reputation as a “bad kid” makes the other students see him as an easy scapegoat. He’s quiet and reflective, and he’s got a great mom who believes in him. I am already rooting for him.

MiataMama: He is so sweet! Hiding behind Joon Woo’s stoic exterior, is a heart of gold. I find it hard to believe that he’s the true culprit of his past ‘crimes’. I hope he can move forward confidently and totally crush the pessimistic expectations everyone has for him!

Yoo Soo Bin

Clkytta: Soo Bin is not your average smart kid. Her mom really wants her to go to Seoul University, but that is not what Soo Bin wants. She’s happy just being at her level. It’s actually really refreshing to see someone who is confident in their capabilities and just wants to be who they are.

MiataMama: I was very impressed with her atypical character. It’s rare to see a student stand up to their parent’s railroading tactics. But she’s standing firm! Soo Bin’s also supportive of her fellow classmates and not swayed by the typical peer pressure. Absolutely cheering her on!

Ma Hwi Young:

Clkytta: I can’t tell if he’s our protagonist or not. This poor guy seems more like a victim than a villain. He’s so uncomfortable and full of stress that he has a rash on his arm. His family puts so much pressure on him and it seems like he just can’t measure up. Y’all know I love a character that makes me feel conflicted though, and Ma Hwi Young is doing just that.

MiataMama: I’m also confused about Ma Hwi Young. Maybe because he’s confused about himself? He wants to be a good guy. . . I think. But pressures from home, on top of some emerging jealousy over the new kid, are bringing out the worst in him. I’m hopeful he can just learn to be himself and be happy in that.  

Will We Keep Watching?

Clkytta: I will. It’s not your usual idol school drama. Ong Seong Wu is doing a great job of making me feel for him. I am curious to find out more about Joon Woo’s backstory and to see how the characters grow. I love a good slice of life story, so hopefully this plot will hold up and stay interesting.

MiataMama: Yes! The story telling is very natural in this drama – I’m loving it. The characters feel real and I’m impressed with Ong Seong Wu and Kim Hyang Gi’s portrayals thus far. I was also super excited to see one of my favorite supporting actors, Kang Ki Young, show up as their homeroom teacher – yeay!  And though it’s not something I would normally make note of, the soundtrack for this drama is fun and eclectic and keeping the more serious moments from getting too dark. I will definitely be keeping Moment at Eighteen in my weekly watching rotation!

Do you plan on watching Moment of Eighteen? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Until the next time,

MiataMama and Clkytta

Dramas With a Side of Kimchi