At a Distance, Spring is Green (2021)

Quick Take: At a Distance, Spring is Green (2021), starring Park Ji-hoon, Kang Min-ah,  and Bae In-hyuk.  9.5/10.  12 episodes of XX min.

Synopsis:  The title At a Distance, Spring is Green, refers to the tendency of age to look back on youth as an easy, lovely time — while for the young people living through it, the reality may be very different. 

The story revolves around three classmates at a university, and their friends.  Rich and handsome Yeo Joon, who has demons that torment him; shy, insecure Kim So-bin; and Nam Soo-hyun, whose every waking moment is consumed by the need to make money to support his family and still stay in school.   Though they have little in common, they eventually arrive at a point where they encourage and support each other.

Review:  This little series is a gem.   The characters are so sympathetic, you want to hug them!

All three of the protagonists struggle with feelings of inadequacy, which they have to face down and deal with.  Obstacles include fear but also pride and stubbornness.

Other students in the story have their challenges as well.   Some end well, some don’t; but everyone learns lessons and confronts their future as adults with more confidence. Even the professors!

Themes include bullying, domestic violence, financial struggles, academic challenges fair and unfair, and coming to terms with what can’t be changed — unrequited love in particular.   There’s narrative potential for a second season, but lackluster ratings in Korea make that unlikely.

Recommended.

Rewatchable - 5, Compelling - 5, Plot/ Story/Writing - 10,  Acting/Casting - 10, Production - 10, Bonus - 5.    Bonus points for charm!

Notes:

Park Ji-hoon

was a child actor, active in musical theater as well as television dramas. He is a member of the popular but short-lived idol group Wanna One (2017-2019), and made his debut as a solo singer in 2019.  His first main role in a TV series was in the historical comedy Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (2019).

Bae In-hyuk

 a relative newcomer, made his acting debut in 2019.  He also appeared in My Roommate is a Gumiho (2021) and Why Her? (2022).