Twinkling Watermelon !exclusive! May 2026

( Korean title: 반짝이는 워터멜론 ) is a 2023 South Korean coming-of-age fantasy romance drama that took the television world by storm. Airing on tvN from September 25 to November 14, 2023, this 16-episode series quickly became a sleeper hit, amassing a dedicated global fanbase and critical acclaim for its unique blend of heartfelt storytelling, nostalgic aesthetics, and a powerful soundtrack[citation:6][citation:9].

Thrust into a vibrant and unfamiliar era, Eun-gyeol is shocked to meet an 18-year-old version of his father, , who is not only loud, passionate, and full of life but can also hear perfectly. Yi-chan is a charismatic and mischievous high school student with a dream of starting a rock band[citation:1][citation:6]. Twinkling Watermelon

While the title might evoke images of a lighthearted fruit salad, the series is actually a deeply emotional exploration of family, disability, dreams, and the unbreakable bonds between parents and children. It masterfully uses the tropes of time travel and band culture to tell a story that is as refreshing and sweet as its namesake, yet complex and layered enough to leave a lasting impact. ( Korean title: 반짝이는 워터멜론 ) is a

However, the 1995 timeline is more complicated than Eun-gyeol anticipated. He also meets his mother, (played by Shin Eun-soo), who is a young, aloof, and artistically gifted teenager living as a deaf person in a world that does not accommodate her. She is drawn to the music she cannot hear, often painting to the vibrations of the band’s performances. In a twist of fate, Eun-gyeol also encounters Choi Se-kyung (played by Seol In-ah), the "Cello Goddess" of the arts high school, who is the first love of his 18-year-old father[citation:1]. Yi-chan is a charismatic and mischievous high school

What Eun-gyeol doesn’t know initially is that he isn’t the only time traveler. Se-kyung is secretly , Se-kyung’s unhappy daughter from the future, who has traveled back in time to prevent her mother from meeting her father—a mission that would ironically erase Eun-gyeol’s own existence[citation:6][citation:7].

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Twinkling Watermelon , covering its plot, characters, thematic depth, and why it became a must-watch phenomenon. The story centers on Ha Eun-gyeol , a high school student living in 2023. On the surface, Eun-gyeol is a model student—polite, studious, and obedient. However, he harbors a secret passion: he is a remarkably talented guitarist who plays in a band. This double life is complicated by his family situation. Eun-gyeol is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) . His entire family—his father, mother, and older brother—are deaf, making him the sole bridge between their silent world and the hearing world[citation:1][citation:2].

Eun-gyeol’s father, Ha Yi-chan, is a man who lost his hearing due to a tragic accident in his youth. He dreams of his son becoming a doctor, a stable and respectable profession, and strongly disapproves of his musical ambitions. After a heated argument with his father, an emotionally devastated Eun-gyeol wanders into a mysterious, old-fashioned music store called "Viva Music." There, he is magically transported back in time to the year 1995[citation:3][citation:4].