After a painful breakup, Song Joong Ki and Chun Woo Hee are giving love a second chance in the latest episodes of JTBC‘s drama My Youth. Newly released photos from the show hint at a stronger bond between the characters as they face a serious health crisis together.
The drama, which airs two episodes every Friday at 8:50 p.m. KST, stars Song Joong Ki as Sunwoo Hae, a former child actor now living a quiet life as a florist and novelist, and Chun Woo Hee as Sung Je Yeon, his first love who reenters his life after 15 years.
A Love Tested by Hardship
The story took a difficult turn when Sunwoo Hae decided to end his relationship with Sung Je Yeon. He confessed that he is suffering from an incurable illness, a condition known as amyloidosis, which has left his future uncertain. The previous episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Sunwoo Hae desperately trying to find a missing Sung Je Yeon.
However, the new stills released for episodes 9 and 10 suggest a shift in their relationship. The images show the couple sharing tender moments, including one where Sung Je Yeon leans her head on Sunwoo Hae’s shoulder with a warm smile. Another photo captures them in a quiet, romantic embrace at home, while a final picture shows them happily holding hands during the first snow.
The production team for My Youth shared that these new episodes will focus on the couple’s emotional commitment. “Episodes 9 and 10 will depict the poignant promise between Sunwoo Hae and Sung Je Yeon,” they revealed. “The new choice Sunwoo Hae makes in order to not lose Sung Je Yeon, as well as their promise for a happy future, will make viewers’ hearts ache and flutter.”
Confronting a Difficult Diagnosis
The couple’s path to this point has been filled with challenges. Sunwoo Hae’s struggle with his health has been a central part of the story. After being diagnosed, he initially pushed Sung Je Yeon away, believing it was the right thing to do. He did not want to burden her with his health problems.
In a key scene, after Sunwoo Hae missed a date because he collapsed and was taken to the hospital, a frustrated and drunk Sung Je Yeon confronted him at his flower shop. It was there that he finally revealed the full truth about his sickness. Her response was to ask him directly if he was going to die, to which he pessimistically replied, “Yes, if I’m unlucky, and I’ve been unlucky.”
This honest conversation seemed to mark the end of their relationship, but the new photos indicate that their story is far from over. It appears that after processing the news, Sung Je Yeon has chosen to stand by Sunwoo Hae, leading to the heartfelt promise highlighted in the new episodes.
The Actors on Their Roles
For the lead actors, My Youth marks a significant return to the romance genre. At a recent press conference, Song Joong Ki expressed his excitement about returning to a melodrama after nine years, his last major romance being the globally popular Descendants of the Sun.
“I was excited to return to romance. It’s a genre actors are always drawn to,” Song shared. “I wanted to try a character who could exist in real life rather than a fantasy setting, and this script gave me that chance.”
He also noted that the theme of reconnecting with a first love adds a special layer to the story. “I personally think that the word ‘reunion’ sparks a fluttering feeling,” he said. “I believe viewers will feel that fluttering and sense of comfort when Hae and Je-yeon reunite.”
For her part, Chun Woo Hee is also making a welcome comeback to romance. She last starred in a classic melodrama with JTBC‘s 2019 series Be Melodramatic.
“While working on this project, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t done more melodramas until now,” Chun admitted. “As I focused on acting in melodrama, I realized that although I used to think I was better suited for genre pieces, melodrama actually feels like the one that fits me best.”
She described the appeal of the script, saying, “When I first read the script, I felt it was the kind of story that would allow viewers to look back on their past loves or even their first love. I believe the drama will allow people to take a moment and revisit those meaningful feelings.”
A Deeper Look at the Characters
My Youth explores the lives of two people grappling with the gap between their past dreams and present realities. Sunwoo Hae was once a popular child actor whose career was derailed by the greed of the adults around him. Now, he leads a simple life as a novelist and florist, trying to find peace away from the spotlight.
Sung Je Yeon, on the other hand, grew up in a wealthy family that later fell into ruin. She now works fiercely as a team leader at an entertainment company, driven by a need for success. Her reunion with Sunwoo Hae not only disrupts his peaceful life but also forces her to confront the more innocent person she used to be.
The drama also features a supporting cast including Lee Joo-myung as Mo Tae-rin, a fellow actress, and Seo Ji-hoon as Kim Seok-ju, the heir to an entertainment company. Their lighter storyline provides a contrast to the more intense central romance.
When to Watch
My Youth airs two episodes back-to-back every Friday on JTBC at 8:50 p.m. KST. The drama, which premiered on September 5, 2025, is scheduled to run for a total of 12 episodes, concluding on October 10, 2025. For international viewers, the series is available with subtitles on streaming platforms Viki and Viu.
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