Spring of Youth, a new K-pop drama, premiered on May 6, 2025, on SBS TV and Viki, drawing viewers with its mix of romance and music. The series follows Sa Gye, a K-pop idol navigating a scandal, and Kim Bom, a talented musician with a tragic past. Their intriguing connection, tied to a haunting melody, sparks curiosity. Episodes 1 and 2 set the stage for a story of love, rivalry, and self-discovery. Here’s a detailed recap of the first two episodes.
Ha Yoo Joon stars as Sa Gye, the charismatic vocalist of the K-pop group The Crown. After a corneal transplant, he returns to perform at a massive concert. The band hits number one globally, but celebrations turn sour. A scandal erupts when a viral SNS post accuses Sa Gye of pushing CEO Cho Sang Heon, landing the CEO in the hospital. The incident causes a 10-billion-won stock drop for the company.
Meanwhile, Park Ji Hu plays Kim Bom, a music student at Hanju University. She once dreamed of studying at an Ivy League school but shifted to music after her mother’s death six years ago. Kim Bom juggles part-time jobs to manage debt. A mysterious pendant she owns plays a melody that haunts Sa Gye, hinting at a deeper link.
In Episode 1, Sa Gye hears the melody in his mind after getting drunk. He dreams of a girl, waking in a panic. Across town, Kim Bom retrieves her pendant, which plays the same tune. She wears it while heading to university. The scandal breaks, and fans swarm outside the agency. Kim Bom, caught in the chaos, drops her pendant. The melody plays, catching Sa Gye’s attention, but he can’t locate its source.
“I liked the main couple, they have chemistry together, the SaKye listening to the melody and running until he gets to where Kimbom was. And her closing the necklace and the rain stopping at that moment and, in the background, their heartbeats.” — @detailsedts
“Baru eps satu menurut w udah seru bgt, ngakak😭🤣 Sa Gye gemes bgt kepedeannya🤣” — @CharityWld
Sa Gye tracks Kim Bom to her part-time job with a college student’s help. He follows her to Hanju University’s band club, hoping to ask about the melody. Seo Tae Yang, played by Lee Seung Hyub, interrupts, challenging Sa Gye to a guitar duel. Known as “Hanju’s Sa Gye,” Tae Yang is a medical student and skilled guitarist. Sa Gye accepts but declares Tae Yang the winner, showing humility.
The scandal’s fallout grows. Sa Gye’s brother reveals the financial damage, and his agency suspends him. Manager Ji-na suggests he attend Hanju University to lie low. Sa Gye posts an apology on Instagram, recalling the CEO’s past support. Across campus, Kim Bom shields herself from rain, calling Tae Yang for help.
Episode 2 shifts to Kim Bom’s home, where Sa Gye arrives to rent a room. Kim Bom is stunned and vents to her aunt. Her aunt sees a chance to boost their home’s value as a fan site if Sa Gye’s band makes a comeback. Deep in debt, Kim Bom reluctantly agrees when Sa Gye offers 50 million KRW in cash. He moves in, noticing a childhood photo of Kim Bom with a piano.
“the sagye and kimbom meeting again, and the two arguing with each other. And gyuri screaming and fainting as soon as she saw it was sagye.” — @detailsedts
Kim Bom’s cousin, Bae Gyu-ri, a Sa Gye fan, faints upon seeing him. Later, on the rooftop, Sa Gye hears the melody again. He sees Kim Bom, realizing she’s the girl from his dreams. The moment feels fated, as he senses their meeting is no coincidence. Kim Bom, working at a convenience store, learns of Sa Gye’s agency conflict. She encourages him, saying, “The worst thing is losing without even trying.”
Sa Gye decides to form a band at Hanju University. Facing opposition from Director Jo, he needs 300 signatures by 6 p.m. to gain approval. Kim Bom, in a mascot costume, sings to attract members. Tae Yang signs the final petition, securing the band’s formation. He warns protesters, saying he makes music with “real people,” not manipulators. The band, named Two Sa Gye, includes Sa Gye (guitar), Kim Bom (keyboard), Tae Yang (guitar), Kong Jin-gu (drums), and Gyu-ri.
“Sagye: ‘Coming to this house may not have been a coincidence.’ and it really wasn’t sagye you and kimbom are destined to fall in love.” — @detailsedts
The episode ends with a drunken Sa Gye hugging Kim Bom, calling her “our Bom Bom.” Kim Bom, tearfully, asks, “Mom?” A hint of mystery emerges as Secretary Kang and Director Jo’s suspicious behavior suggests Sa Gye’s hidden past. Netizens speculate the transplant may connect to Kim Bom’s mother.
“okay so the ceo unalived bom’s mother in a car accident and sagye got her eyes in the transplant he did 6 years ago, that explains why he had ‘seen’ bom before and why he ‘remembers’ some pieces of the accident” — @percysbethz
Viewers praise the fast-paced, refreshing vibe. Some note the late 10:40 p.m. KST airtime may affect ratings, which dropped from 1.4% to 0.7%. The love triangle and band dynamics keep fans hooked. Episode 3 airs on May 14, 2025, promising more clues about Sa Gye and Kim Bom’s connection.
