SBS Drama 'Spring of Four Seasons' Episode 1: A Fresh Take on Youth Music Romance That Captivated Viewers from the Start

The Explosive Debut That Set Hearts Racing

SBS's latest youth drama 'Spring of Four Seasons' burst onto screens on May 6th, 2025, delivering what critics are calling an 'immersive powerhouse' of storytelling that left viewers breathless from the very first episode. The drama, written by Kim Min Cheol and directed by Kim Sung Yong, represents a bold return to the campus music romance genre that has been dormant in Korean television for years.

The series follows Sagye, portrayed by Ha Yu Jun, the leader of world-class K-pop band 'The Crown' who experiences a dramatic fall from grace. During what should have been a triumphant moment - receiving news of their world music chart number one position during a concert - Sagye's life takes a devastating turn at the after-party. In a drunken state, he throws a punch at company representative Jo Daepyo, played by Jo Han Cheol, and the incident is captured on video, spreading like wildfire across social media.

This opening sequence immediately establishes the drama's commitment to exploring the darker side of fame and success. The contrast between the glittering stage lights and the harsh reality of public scrutiny creates a compelling narrative foundation that resonates with contemporary audiences familiar with celebrity scandals and their consequences.

A Campus Encounter That Changes Everything

Following his suspension from activities, Sagye is forced to attend Hanju University - a campus he had enrolled in but never actually visited during his five-year career. This transition from global superstar to ordinary college student provides the perfect backdrop for character development and self-discovery.

On his first day of school, fate intervenes in the most unexpected way. While walking through campus, Sagye hears a melody that he recognizes from his dreams - a haunting tune that seems to call to his very soul. The source of this melody is Kim Bom, played by Park Ji Hu, a practical music major who claims the song as her own creation. This moment of recognition creates an instant connection between the two characters, though their initial interaction is cut short by the appearance of Seo Taeyang, portrayed by Lee Seung Hyeop.

The chemistry between Ha Yu Jun and Park Ji Hu is immediately apparent, with their first meeting choreographed like a scene from a romantic film. The rain that suddenly stops, the way their eyes meet, and the spring-like energy that seems to emanate from Kim Bom all contribute to creating a moment that feels both magical and authentic. This encounter sets the tone for a romance that promises to be both sweet and meaningful.

The Battle for Musical Supremacy

Unable to shake his curiosity about Kim Bom, Sagye embarks on a quest to learn more about her, even going so far as to track down her part-time job location. However, his efforts are repeatedly thwarted by Seo Taeyang, who seems determined to keep the two apart. This creates an interesting dynamic where Taeyang serves as both protector and potential rival.

The tension between Sagye and Taeyang culminates in a spectacular musical battle when Sagye declares his intention to join the band club. The two engage in a guerrilla performance battle, with the stakes being Sagye's admission to the club and his right to ask Kim Bom questions. This sequence showcases the drama's commitment to high-quality musical performances, with both actors demonstrating impressive instrumental skills.

Seo Taeyang's ability to play multiple instruments contrasts beautifully with Sagye's guitar mastery, where he manages to express the sound of an entire band through a single instrument. The battle is intense and visually stunning, but ultimately ends in Sagye's defeat when his guitar string snaps due to his overzealous playing. This moment of vulnerability humanizes the former superstar and shows his willingness to accept defeat gracefully.

Dark Secrets and Mysterious Connections

As the episode progresses, the drama reveals that there are deeper, more complex relationships at play than initially apparent. The most intriguing revelation comes through Sagye's flashbacks to the incident with Jo Daepyo, where he recalls saying something significant about events from six years ago. This mysterious past connection suggests that the meeting between Sagye and Kim Bom may not be as coincidental as it first appears.

The timeline becomes particularly interesting when we learn that Kim Bom's mother passed away six years ago - the same period that seems to hold significance for Sagye's relationship with Jo Daepyo. Additionally, Jo Daepyo's apparent familiarity with Kim Bom, despite her being just a struggling music student, hints at a deeper backstory that will likely unfold in future episodes.

These mysterious elements add layers of complexity to what could have been a straightforward campus romance, suggesting that the drama will explore themes of fate, redemption, and the interconnectedness of seemingly separate lives. The careful way these hints are woven into the narrative demonstrates sophisticated storytelling that respects the audience's intelligence.

Visual Storytelling and Directorial Excellence

Director Kim Sung Yong's visual approach to 'Spring of Four Seasons' deserves special recognition for its contribution to the drama's emotional impact. The cinematography employs a variety of techniques to enhance different emotional beats throughout the episode. The contrast between Sagye's childhood hospital scenes, shot in darkness with pinpoint lighting to convey despair, and his introduction as The Crown's leader, bathed in spectacular stage lights, creates a powerful visual narrative about his journey.

The romantic moments between Sagye and Kim Bom are handled with particular finesse. When Kim Bom accidentally falls into Sagye's arms, the scene is rendered in slow motion, allowing viewers to fully absorb the significance of their connection. The piano performance scenes incorporate floating flower petals and soft filter effects that create a dreamlike quality, perfectly capturing the spring-like essence that Kim Bom represents in Sagye's life.

The guitar battle sequence demonstrates the director's ability to create excitement and tension through dynamic camera work that focuses on the intricate movements of the instruments. Meanwhile, the mysterious flashback scenes employ darker tones and quick cuts to build suspense and curiosity about the characters' shared past.

Character Development and Performance Analysis

Ha Yu Jun's portrayal of Sagye represents a remarkable debut performance that balances the character's cockiness with underlying vulnerability. His ability to convey the shock of losing everything while maintaining the character's inherent optimism and resilience is particularly noteworthy. The way he embodies Sagye's 'lucky guy' mentality while hinting at deeper emotional wounds creates a complex protagonist that audiences can both admire and empathize with.

Park Ji Hu brings a fresh energy to Kim Bom that perfectly complements Ha Yu Jun's performance. Her character's combination of musical genius and financial desperation is portrayed with authenticity, avoiding the typical 'poor but noble' trope by showing her practical approach to survival. Her chemistry with both male leads creates interesting romantic tension without falling into predictable patterns.

Lee Seung Hyeop's Seo Taeyang emerges as more than just a typical second male lead. His protective instincts toward Kim Bom and his willingness to stand up for Sagye when he's falsely accused demonstrate a character with strong moral principles. This complexity promises interesting developments as the love triangle evolves throughout the series.

Audience Reception and Critical Response

The premiere episode generated significant buzz among Korean drama enthusiasts, with viewers praising the drama's fresh approach to the youth romance genre. Online communities were filled with positive reactions, with many commenting on the show's ability to pack multiple emotional beats into a single episode without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

Viewers particularly appreciated the drama's realistic portrayal of campus life and the music industry's darker aspects. Comments like 'The immersion level is incredible from episode one' and 'I can't keep up with the pace of development' dominated social media discussions. Many praised the natural chemistry between the leads and the high production values evident in both the musical performances and visual presentation.

However, the drama also faced challenges, with ratings starting at 1.4% for the first episode and dropping to 0.7% for the second episode. Despite this initial setback, international audiences, particularly in Indonesia, have shown strong interest in the series, suggesting that the drama may find its audience through streaming platforms rather than traditional broadcast viewership.

Critics have noted that while the ratings may be disappointing, the drama's quality and potential for growth remain strong. The series' availability on Netflix has opened doors to global audiences who may discover and champion the show, potentially leading to the kind of word-of-mouth success that has benefited other Korean dramas in recent years.