Twinkling Watermelon
Promotional poster
Hangul
반짝이는 워터멜론
Literal meaningSparkling Watermelon
Revised RomanizationBanjjag-ineun Woteomellon
McCune–ReischauerPantchaginŭn Wŏt'ŏmellon
Genre
Developed byStudio Dragon (planning)[3]
Written byJin Soo-wan[4]
Directed by
  • Son Jeong-hyeon[3]
  • Yoo Beom-sang[3]
Starring
Music byFara Effect[5]
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producerLee Hye-young (CP)[6]
Producers
  • Yoo Beom-sang[6]
  • Park Hae-min[6]
Running time70 minutes[1]
Production companyPan Entertainment[7]
Budget₩15.6 billion[8]
Original release
NetworktvN
ReleaseSeptember 25 (2023-09-25) 
November 14, 2023 (2023-11-14)

Twinkling Watermelon (Korean: 반짝이는 워터멜론) is a 2023 South Korean television series directed by Son Jong-hyun, and starring Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah and Shin Eun-soo. It aired on tvN from September 25 to November 14, 2023, every Monday and Tuesday at 20:50 (KST) time slot for 16 episodes.[9] It is also available for streaming on Viu and Viki in selected regions.[10][11]

Synopsis

Twinkling Watermelon tells the story of a CODA boy with a natural talent for music, who travels back in time to 1995. He joins a band with his childhood father and forms a band called Watermelon Sugar with the suspicious youths he meets there, and communicates with them through music.[4]

Cast

Main

The only hearing person (CODA) in a family of deaf people. Eun-gyeol is a model student by day, but at night he leads a double life as a guitarist in a band. After having an argument with his father, where his father learned of his musical interest, he time slips to 1995 and meets his parents when they were younger. He strives to know more about his parents' youths and make his parents' lives shine brighter.
A hot-blooded man who seems to have jumped out of a cheerful cartoon. He lives with his grandmother who owned an accommodation house named Snail House. In the present, he is Eun-gyeol and Eun-ho's father, who can no longer speak nor hear. He is proud of Eun-gyeol's achievements as a model student at school who he hopes will become a doctor.
  1. Choi Se-kyung: The cello goddess of Seowon Arts High School. Se-kyung was a person considered to be everyone's muse with her innocent beauty and elegant aura reminiscent of a scene in a movie. She was idolized by many boys either from her school and neighboring schools. She is the daughter of the owner of Viva Music, a store that existed during Eun-gyeol's childhood. In the present, she has inherited the Viva Music store which has been redeveloped into a luxurious home. She keeps her father's handmade guitar, which she gives to Eun-gyeol as her father had wished.
  2. On Eun-yoo: Se-kyung's daughter who looks exactly like her during her youth. Her mother dolls her up and forces to become a cellist to follow in her footsteps. She lives in a disharmonious family until she is 18 years old, when her parents divorce. Upset with her mother's controlling behavior and her drinking habit, and after finding out that her father has remarried, she time slips to 1995 so that she can find her mother's first love, and cease her existence.
As a young person, a cold and isolated person, who is born deaf. She dreams of a sparkling life like the great Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. She is highly aloof toward others except to Choi Se-kyung, who is much friendlier toward her. In the present, she is the mother of Eun-gyeol and Eun-ho and owns a chicken restaurant. Unlike her teenage personality, she has overcome her disability to become a bright and loving wife and mother.

Supporting

Watermelon Sugar Band Members

A band manager and Yi Chan's childhood friend. He is highly knowledgeable and resourceful. In 2023, he owns MJ Entertainment who manages a famous rockstar Yoon Dong-jin.
A genius bassist. He was a former member of gangster and bullies called Jindo Dog. After meeting Choi Hyeon owner of Baekya Music Store, he changed his life and started focusing on music.
A drummer from the church band. He is very short tempered especially toward Yi-chan's antics.
A talented keyboardist who majored in classical piano and studied abroad early.

Eun-gyeol's family

Eun-gyeol's older brother who is born deaf. He dreams of becoming a national Paralympics taekwondo athlete. Due to his handsome appearance, he is highly popular on SNS, to which he has been addicted since childhood.

Snail Boarding House

Yi-chan's grandmother and the owner of boarding house.
  • Lee Seok-hyung as Jung Bal-san[22]
A college student at a boarding house run by Yi-chan's grandmother.

Eun-gyeol and Eunyu's group

Owner of musical instrument store Baekya Music, later renamed as Viva Music. He was a famous rock star whose career declined after his girlfriend became pregnant. His girlfriend is actually Choi Se-gyeong's real mother. He is supportive of aspiring musicians who seek his advice about music even later in life, when he tutors Eun-gyeol on the guitar.
Master of the mysterious musical instrument store La Vida Music. Through the store, Eun-gyeol and Eun-yoo time travel to 1995. He keeps in touch with both time travelers through their dreams by calling them on phones, even broken ones.
  • Woo Je-yeon as On Ji-hwan[23]
A second-year student at Myeongsae University Medical School, vocalist and guitarist for the band 'Golden Mess'. He is Choi Se-gyeong's boyfriend and later her husband, and also Eun-yoo's father. However their marriage falls apart because of their different approaches to parenting.

People around Cheong-ah

Cheong-ah's father who is the chairman of Jinseong Musical Instruments. As a businessman, he frequently travels so he has no idea how abusive Cheong-ah's step mother is.
Cheong-ah's live in tutor and later stepmother who is the chairman of the Seowon Arts High School Foundation. She uses harsh methods to prepare Cheong-ah to be the next chairwoman of Jinseong Group.
  • Kwon Do-hyung as Yoon Joo-yeop[24]
Lim Ji-mi's biological son and Cheong-ah's stepbrother.
Lim Ji-mi's biological daughter and Cheong-ah's stepsister, who is an art student at Seowon Arts High School. She looks down on poor boys no matter how handsome they are.

Others

Main vocalist of Spine 9. He sees and hears Eun-gyeol's musical talent and attempts to recruit him into his band.
  • Yeon Oh as Jeong Ji-oh[27]
Spine 9 bassist.
  • Han Min as Bae Soo-tak[26]
Spine 9 drummer.
Chuncheon National University legendary guitarist.
  • Kim Mi Hwa as the Landlady

Special appearance

  • Kim Hae-jun as Choi Jun, the DJ of a tteokbokki restaurant.[29]
  • Heo Jung Min as staff in a cafe

Production

On September 5, 2023, production company Pan Entertainment announced that it has signed a production and supply contract with Studio Dragon for Twinkling Watermelon worth 15.6 billion won.[8]

Viewership

Twinkling Watermelon was ranked number one in viewership in twelve regions including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and more in the week the drama's finale episode was released. Furthermore, it also charted in the top five in 64 countries.[30]

Twinkling Watermelon: South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910111213141516
16446647381040808801803694860788744833823850771972802
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[31]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[31]
Nationwide Seoul
1 September 25, 2023 3.144% (2nd) 3.503% (2nd)
2 September 26, 2023 3.311% (1st) 3.387% (2nd)
3 October 2, 2023 3.441% (1st) 3.726% (1st)
4 October 3, 2023 4.688% (1st) 4.805% (1st)
5 October 9, 2023 3.689% (1st) 4.393% (1st)
6 October 10, 2023 3.580% (1st) 4.106% (1st)
7 October 16, 2023 3.551% (1st) 4.042% (1st)
8 October 17, 2023 3.089% (1st) 2.922% (2nd)
9 October 23, 2023 3.718% (1st) 4.380% (1st)
10 October 24, 2023 3.512% (1st) 3.738% (1st)
11 October 30, 2023 3.264% (1st) 3 569% (1st)
12 October 31, 2023 3.790% (1st) 4.236% (1st)
13 November 6, 2023 3.689% (1st) 4.179% (1st)
14 November 7, 2023 3.593% (1st) 4.050% (1st)
15 November 13, 2023 3.494% (1st) 3.802% (1st)
16 November 14, 2023 4.460% (1st) 4.458% (1st)
Average 3.626% 3.957%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • This series airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Twinkling Watermelon (2023)". CJ ENM. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Lee Gyu-lee (September 5, 2023). "Blockbuster action shows to comedies set to hit small screen this month". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Shin Young-eun (August 18, 2023). '반짝이는 워터멜론' 려운·최현욱·설인아·신은수, 대본리딩 현장 공개 ['Glittering Watermelon' Ryeowoon, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah, Shin Eun-soo, script reading scene revealed] (in Korean). Star Today. Archived from the original on August 18, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023 via Naver.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Kwon Su-bin (April 5, 2023). 려운·최현욱·설인아·신은수 '반짝이는 워터멜론'서 레트로 감성 저격. News Culture (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  5. @fara_effect (April 2, 2023). "OST 녹음완료". Retrieved July 13, 2023 via Instagram.
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  7. Jang Jin-ri (December 14, 2022). 팬엔터테인먼트, 부진했던 편성이 내년에 몰린다. Infostock Daily. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  8. 1 2 기자, 신항섭. "팬엔터테인먼트, 드라마 '반짝이는 워터멜론' 제작계약" [Pan Entertainment, Drama 'Twinkling Watermelon' production contract] (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023 via Naver.
  9. Hyun Hye-sun (August 22, 2023). '반짝이는 워터멜론' 려운, 1995년으로 타임슬립...아빠 최현욱과 첫 만남 ['Sparkling Watermelon' Ryeowoon, time slip to 1995... First meeting with father Choi Hyun-wook] (in Korean). Seoul Economic Daily. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023 via Naver.
  10. "Twinkling Watermelon: fantasy romance K-drama borrows Coda's cue sheet". South China Morning Post. September 27, 2023. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  11. Choi Na-young (July 25, 2023). '남남'·'브로 앤 마블'→'워터멜론'·'낮뜨달'...라쿠텐 비키, 하반기 K-라인업 ['Namnam', 'Bro & Marvel' → 'Watermelon', 'Daylight Moon'... Rakuten Viki, second half K-lineup] (in Korean). OSEN. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023 via Naver.
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  13. Jang Jin-ri (February 21, 2023). 단독]설인아, '반짝이는 워터멜론' 여주인공...진수완 손잡고 '안방 꽃길' [[Exclusive] Seol In-ah, female lead in 'Sparkling Watermelon'... Joins hands with Jin Soo-wan, 'Anbang Flower Road']. SpoTV News (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023 via Nate.
  14. Yoo Jeong-min (September 4, 2023). 이소연, '반짝이는 워터멜론' 출연 확정...만인의 첫사랑 어른 '세경役' [Lee So-yeon confirmed to appear in 'Sparkling Watermelon'... Everyone's first love, the adult 'Se-kyung'] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023 via Naver.
  15. Jang Jin-ri (February 21, 2023). 단독]신은수, '진수완 픽' 됐다...'반짝이는 워터멜론' 캐스팅 [[Exclusive] Shin Eun-soo, 'Jin Su-wan Pick'... Casting for 'Sparkling Watermelon']. SpoTV News (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "인물소개 (5)" [Character Introduction (5)]. tvN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  17. 1 2 Choi, Hee-jae (November 16, 2023). "워터멜론' 신은수 "결말? 다들 우느라 바빠…아기쀼 듣고 충격" [인터뷰]②" [Watermelon' Shin Eun-soo "Ending? Everyone is busy crying...Shocked to hear the baby bump" [Interview]②]. E-Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023 via Naver.
  18. Ha, Kyung-heon (November 15, 2023). "류수영 '반짝이는 워터멜론' 마지막회 특별출연 존재감" [Ryu Sooyoung makes a special appearance in the final episode of 'Sparkling Watermelon]. Spots Kyunghyang (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023 via Naver.
  19. [단독] 최원영, 진수완 작가 '반짝이는 워터멜론' 합류 [[Exclusive] Choi Won-young and Jin Soo-wan join writer 'Sparkling Watermelon']. JTBC News (in Korean). March 7, 2023. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 Hwang Hye-jin (August 18, 2023). 최현욱→신은수 '반짝이는 워터멜론' 대본리딩 포착, 찬란한 청춘들 [Choi Hyun-wook→Shin Eun-soo captured the script reading of 'Glittering Watermelon', brilliant youth] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on August 18, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023 via Naver.
  21. 인물 소개 – 달팽이 하숙집 [Character Introduction – Snail Boarding House]. tvN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  22. Cha Hye-young (August 23, 2023). 이석형, '반짝이는 워터멜론' 출연 확정...하숙집 대학생 '정발산' 役 [Lee Seok-hyung confirmed to appear in 'Sparkling Watermelon'... Boarding house college student 'Jeong Bal-san'] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023 via Naver.
  23. 1 2 인물 소개 – 은결의 인연들 [Character introduction – Eun-gyeol's relationships]. tvN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  24. 1 2 3 Character Introduction – People of Jinseong Musical Instruments. tvN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  25. Lee Chang-gyu (August 30, 2023). 김주령, '반짝이는 워터멜론' 합류...신은수 母 등극 [Kim Joo-ryeong joins 'Sparkling Watermelon'... Shin Eun-soo becomes mother] (in Korean). Xports News. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023 via Naver.
  26. 1 2 3 인물 소개 – 그 외 인물들 [Character introduction – other characters]. tvN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  27. Ryu Ye-ji. [공식] 연오, '반짝이는 워터멜론' 출연 확정 [[Official] Yeonoh confirmed to appear in 'Sparkling Watermelon'] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023 via Naver.
  28. Hwang Ye-jin (September 7, 2023). 윤도현, 3년간 암투병 끝 완치→배우 복귀 확정(반짝이는 워터멜론) [Yoon Do-hyun, fully recovered after 3 years of fighting cancer → confirmed to return to acting (Sparkling Watermelon)] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023 via Naver.
  29. 기자, 신영은 스타투데이. "'최준' 김해준, '반짝이는 워터멜론' 깜짝 출연". entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  30. Noh I-seul (November 22, 2023). '반짝이는 워터멜론', 미국·영국부터 사우디까지 64개국 톱5..."코다 드라마, 새로운 경험" ['Sparkling Watermelon', Top 5 in 64 countries from the US and UK to Saudi Arabia... "Coda drama, a new experience"]. Sports W (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  31. 1 2 Nielsen Korea ratings:
    • "Ep. 1" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. September 25, 2023. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
    • "Ep. 2" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. September 26, 2023. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
    • "Ep. 3" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 2, 2023. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
    • "Ep. 4" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 3, 2023. Archived from the original on October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
    • "Ep. 5" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
    • "Ep. 6" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
    • "Ep. 7" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 16, 2023. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
    • "Ep. 8" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 17, 2023. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
    • "Ep. 9" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 23, 2023. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
    • "Ep. 10" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 24, 2023. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
    • "Ep. 11" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 30, 2023. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
    • "Ep. 12" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. October 31, 2023. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
    • "Ep. 13" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. November 6, 2023. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
    • "Ep. 14" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. November 7, 2023. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
    • "Ep. 15" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. November 13, 2023. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
    • "Ep. 16" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. November 14, 2023. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
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