SBS’s youth drama 'Spring of Youth' has seen a sharp drop in viewership after just two episodes. The premiere on May 6 recorded a 1.4% viewership rating, but the second episode, which aired the next day on the 7th, dropped to 0.7%, cutting the ratings in half.

Written by Kim Min Chul and directed by Kim Sung Yong, the series tells the story of ‘Sae Gye’, a star from the top K-pop band, who is kicked out of the group. As he begins college life full of ups and downs, he meets Kim Bom by fate and stages a remarkable comeback. It’s a youth romance drama with a musical twist, depicting young adults' struggles, hopes, and dreams. While the story piqued viewers' interest, the ratings have fallen short of expectations.

In Episode 2, which aired on May 7, Sae Gye (played by Ha Yoo Joon), Kim Bom (played by Park Ji Hu), and Seo Tae Yang (played by Lee Seung Hyub) form a band called ‘ToSaGye’ despite numerous obstacles. The unwavering passion of the youth, even in the face of interference from their school and those around them, stood out.

Kim Bom and Sae Gye, living on different floors of the same house, begin to develop subtle feelings for each other. Sae Gye tells Bom that he heard a melody from her childhood in a dream, suggesting that their meeting might not be a coincidence.

While working part-time at a convenience store, Kim Bom learns about Sae Gye’s conflict with his agency and encourages him by saying, “The worst thing is losing without even trying.” Inspired, Sae Gye begins working toward forming a band at school.

However, establishing the band wasn’t easy. They faced opposition from Director Jo (played by Jo Han Chul) and an unreasonable condition from the school’s president: gather 300 members by 6 PM that day for approval, an almost impossible task.

In a critical moment, Kim Bom donned a mascot costume and belted out high-pitched vocals to draw attention and recruit members. In the final minute, with just one more member needed, Seo Taeyang appears and submits an application, leading to the official formation of ‘ToSaGye’.

Seo Taeyang, who had left home after clashing with his father over his music dreams, ends up moving into Kim Bom’s house. With Kim Bom, Sae Gye, and Seo Taeyang now under one roof, a subtle love triangle begins to take shape. Taeyang declares, “Bom liked me first. Since middle school,” and proposes to Sae Gye that they “play fair.”

Sae Gye installs a cherished white piano in the rooftop room for Kim Bom, the one she thought had been sold. Touched and overwhelmed, Kim Bom tears up, and Sae Gye confesses, “I want to be in a band with you for a long time.”

Toward the end of the episode, a hint of mystery was introduced. Secretary Kang (played by Kim Seo Ha), who had been following Sae Gye, and Director Jo’s suspicious behavior hinted at Sae Gye’s hidden past. Additionally, a drunken Sae Gye hugged Kim Bom, calling her “our Bom Bom,” prompting her to tearfully ask, “Mom?” 

Reactions after the broadcast included comments like, “This is fun,” “It’s been a while since we had a refreshing youth drama,” “Maybe the late airtime is affecting the ratings,” “What was that ending?”, “Love triangle starting for real,” “Refreshing vibes, fast-paced, cute male lead, Seung Hyub looks cool.” Despite low ratings, interest in the storyline remains high.

'Spring of Youth' airs every Wednesday at 10:40 PM on SBS.

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