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You Are My Spring
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You Are My Spring
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You Are My Spring
Promotional poster
Hangul
너는 나의 봄
RRNeoneun naui bom
MRNŏnŭn naŭi pom
Genre
Created byKim Je-hyeon (tvN)
Developed byStudio Dragon
Written byLee Mi-na
Directed byJung Ji-hyun
Starring
ComposerLim Ha-Young
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producerKim Seon-tae
Producers
  • Yoon Ha-rim
  • Heo Seok-Won
  • Park Heon-Joo
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time70 minutes
Production companyHwa&Dam Pictures
Original release
NetworkTVN
ReleaseJuly 5 (2021-07-05) –
August 24, 2021 (2021-08-24)

You Are My Spring (Korean: 너는 나의 봄; RR: Neoneun naui bom) is a 2021 South Korean television series directed by Jung Ji-hyun and starring Seo Hyun-jin, Kim Dong-wook, Yoon Park, and Nam Gyu-ri.[1] The series follows the three main characters who come to deal with their interconnected childhood traumas.[2][3] It premiered on TVN on July 5, 2021, and aired every Monday and Tuesday at 21:00 (KST) for 16 episodes.[4] It is available worldwide for streaming on Netflix.[5]

Synopsis

[edit]

The series focuses on three characters dealing with interconnected childhood traumas. Kang Da-jung (Seo Hyun-jin), a hotel concierge manager with a history of bad relationships, moves to the rooftop of a new building for a fresh start. Joo Young-do (Kim Dong-wook) is a psychiatrist who does his best to help people live. Chae-joon (Yoon Park) pursues Da-jung after he finally finds her again. Ahn Ga-young (Nam Gyu-ri) is an actress recovering from depression who does not know how to deal with romantic relationships.

Cast

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Main

[edit]
34 years old, A hotel concierge manager, and a resident on the rooftop floor of the Gugu building.
A psychiatrist who wants to make people live.
The CEO of an investment company, he has a one-sided crush on Kang Da-jeong
An actress who is afraid to love due to a bad experience.

Supporting

[edit]

People around Kang Da-jeong

[edit]
The mother of Kang Da-jeong. She runs a pizza shop.[9]
Kang Da-jung's younger brother, a handsome bartender who attracts female customers with his pleasant shape and a sentimental attitude[10]
  • Park Ye-ni as Heo Yoo-kyung
Kang Da-jeong's fellow hotelier who speaks English fluently as a result of attending an international school. She is a kind woman with an honest, playful and friendly personality[11]
Kang Da-jeong's close friend and a cafe owner.[12]
  • Han Min as Park Chul-do[13]
Kang Da-jeong's close friend and the twin brother of Park Eun-ha.
  • Park Jong-wook as Jung-bin
Hotel concierge manager and Kang Da-jeong's assistant[14]
  • Jang Seong-hoon as Secretary Chu
Handsome secretary for hotel VIP guests[15]

People around Joo Yeong-do

[edit]
She works as a nurse.[16]
The detective team leader of the 3rd strong team of the Pungji Police Station.[9]
The youngest detective in Team 3 at Pungji Police Station.[17]
  • Kim Seo-kyung as Cheon Seung-won
A self-proclaimed genius entertainment producer and the best friend of Joo Young-do.[18]
A veterinarian who runs the animal hospital in Gugu Building, Joo Yeong-do's friend and has a warm and kind appearance.[19]

People around Ahn Ga-young

[edit]
  • Park Sang-nam as Patrick / Ryu Seok-jun
A member of the third biggest boy group in Korea called Cayman who was Ahn Ga-young's fan even before he debuted[20]
A former boxer and fitness trainer who is in charge of Ahn Ga-young's training. She enjoys making people stronger.[21]

Others

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Casting

[edit]

On September 14, 2020, Seo Hyun-jin was confirmed to play the main lead in You Are My Spring as Kang Da-jung, a hotel concierge.[24] On December 31, it was reported that Kim Dong-wook was reviewing the offer to play as male lead in the drama opposite Seo Hyun-jin.[25] In the second week of January 2021, Seo Hyun-jin, Kim Dong-wook, Yoon Park and Nam Gyu-ri were confirmed as main casts of the drama.[26]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began in early February 2021, in Suamgol, Cheongju.[27]

Original soundtrack

[edit]
You Are My Spring
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
Released2021
GenreSoundtrack
Language
Label

Part 1

[edit]
Released on July 6, 2021 (2021-07-06)[28]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."In ruin"Nino LucarelliRaiden, Nino Lucarelli, Nthonius, MeisoboRaiden3:33
2."In ruin" (Inst.)   3:33

Part 2

[edit]
Released on July 13, 2021 (2021-07-13)[29]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Because I'm You" (난 너여서)HamelliJeong Gu-hyunSeol Ho-seung (SURL)3:45
2."Because I'm You" (Inst.)   3:45

Part 3

[edit]
Released on July 19, 2021 (2021-07-19)[30]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Still Wonder"NaivKi-duk (9duck)Ha Hyun-sang2:42
2."Still Wonder" (Inst.) Ki-duk (9duck) 2:42

Part 4

[edit]
Released on July 20, 2021 (2021-07-20)[31]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."A Butterfly Flew Away" (나비가 날았습니다)Park Chung-hakOh Dong-joonKim Min-seok (MeloMance)4:16
2."A Butterfly Flew Away" (Inst.) Oh Dong-joon 4:16

Part 5

[edit]
Released on July 27, 2021 (2021-07-27)[32]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Peacock (落花)" (낙화 (落花))Ki-duk (9duck)Ki-duk (9duck)Yang Da-il3:35
2."Peacock (落花)" (Inst.) Ki-duk (9duck) 3:35

Part 6

[edit]
Released on August 2, 2021 (2021-08-02)[33]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Me So Bad"OV, Ayul, Jeina ChoiOV, Ayul, Jeina ChoiYoari3:33
2."Me So Bad" (Inst.) OV, Ayul, Jeina Choi 3:33

Part 7

[edit]
Released on August 3, 2021 (2021-08-03)[34]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Dear My Spring" (다정한 봄에게)Lee MinaYoon Young-junOnew4:41
2."Dear My Spring" (Inst.)   4:41
3."Dear My Spring" (Piano Ver.)   4:41

Part 8

[edit]
Released on August 10, 2021 (2021-08-10)[35]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Cliche"Oh Dong-junOh Dong-junKwon Soon-kwan4:38
2."Cliche" (Inst.)   4:38

Part 9

[edit]
Released on August 16, 2021 (2021-08-16)[36]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Nakhwa (Dajeongi Ver.)" (낙화 (다정이 Ver.))Ki-duk (9duck)Ki-duk (9duck)Seo Hyun-jin3:48
2."Nakhwa" (Inst.)   3:48

Release

[edit]

On May 31, 2021, the release date of You Are My Spring with a teaser was announced. The series premiered the same year on July 5 on TVN at 21:00 KST. It is available for streaming on Netflix.[4]

Viewership

[edit]
You Are My Spring : South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910111213141516
1707721615642463554497500453490445419415393390520514
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea[37]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[37][38]
Nationwide Seoul
1 July 5, 2021 3.390% (1st) 3.560% (2nd)
2 July 6, 2021 2.958% (1st) 2.961% (2nd)
3 July 12, 2021 2.665% (1st) 2.702% (2nd)
4 July 13, 2021 3.065% (1st) 3.620% (1st)
5 July 19, 2021 2.120% (1st) 2.064% (2nd)
6 July 20, 2021 2.373% (2nd) 2.638% (2nd)
7 July 26, 2021 2.068% (1st) 2.340% (2nd)
8 July 27, 2021 1.989% (3rd) 2.141% 2nd)
9 August 2, 2021 1.941% (1st) 2.162% (1st)
10 August 3, 2021 2.372% (2nd) 2.540% (1st)
11 August 9, 2021 1.940% (1st) 2.084% (1st)
12 August 10, 2021 2.014% (2nd) 2.350% (2nd)
13 August 16, 2021 1.860% (5th) 1.782% (7th)
14 August 17, 2021 1.916% (3rd) 1.863% (6th)
15 August 23, 2021 1.767% (8th) 1.917% (5th)
16 August 24, 2021 2.387% (5th) 2.438% (3rd)
Average 2.301% 2.447%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • This drama 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

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

You Are My Spring

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
You Are My Spring (Korean: 너는 나의 봄) is a 2021 South Korean romantic drama television series that blends elements of mystery, thriller, and . Directed by Jung Ji-hyun and Joo Sang-kyu and written by Lee Mi-na, it stars as ambitious hotel concierge Kang Da-jeong and as reserved psychiatrist Lee Joon-ho, who both carry deep-seated childhood traumas. The story centers on their unexpected romantic connection after moving into the same building, where they become entangled in a suspicious case that forces them to confront their pasts. Supporting roles include as investment firm CEO Chae Jun, who pursues Da-jeong, and as Ahn Ga-yeong, Lee Joon-ho's ex-wife and an actress. The series explores themes of emotional healing, familial dysfunction, and resilience, portraying how unresolved childhood experiences shape adult relationships and decisions. Produced by Hwa&Dam Pictures with Studio Dragon, it aired on the cable network tvN every Monday and Tuesday at 9:00 PM KST from July 5 to August 24, 2021, totaling 16 episodes with an average runtime of 70 minutes each. It was made available for international streaming on Netflix starting July 6, 2021. Upon release, You Are My Spring received mixed critical reception for its tonal shifts between lighthearted romance and darker thriller elements, earning a 40% approval rating from critics on based on limited reviews, while audiences appreciated the strong performances and emotional depth, giving it an average of 7.3 out of 10 on from 1,164 users as of 2025. The drama's narrative structure, which interweaves the protagonists' backstories with the central mystery, highlighted issues like domestic abuse and , contributing to its appeal as a character-driven story in the K-drama landscape.

Overview

Premise

You Are My Spring is a South Korean romantic series that revolves around three adults in their thirties who meet while residing in the same luxury apartment complex in modern , each grappling with unresolved childhood traumas that shape their present lives. The core narrative intertwines their personal journeys with a perplexing case occurring in their building, blending elements of romance, psychological introspection, and suspense. The three leads—Kang Da-jeong (portrayed by ), a competent manager who excels in her role but struggles with unhealthy romantic patterns; Joo Young-do (), a dedicated focused on helping suicidal patients rediscover their will to live despite his own hidden emotional wounds; and Chae Jun (), a sharp CEO of an investment company who forms a deep connection with Da-jeong—navigate these challenges through their evolving relationships. Central themes include from past , confronting issues, seeking redemption, and the convergence of psychiatric insights with , as the characters' professional expertise and personal vulnerabilities intersect. The high-end residential complex, where much of the story unfolds, symbolizes renewal and the potential for fresh starts, echoing the metaphorical significance of spring in the series' title. This ensemble structure emphasizes the interconnectedness of the protagonists' stories, highlighting how their bonds foster mutual support and emotional growth amid the unfolding mystery.

Episode list

You Are My Spring consists of 16 s that aired twice weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:00 KST on the tvN network from July 5 to August 24, 2021. Each has an approximate runtime of 70 minutes. The series was directed by Jung Ji-hyun across all episodes and written by Lee Mi-na. The episodes do not have individual titles beyond their numbering. Below is a table listing each episode with its air date and a brief non-spoiler summary focusing on key introductory and progressive elements.
No.Air dateSummary
1July 5, 2021Ju Young-do, a psychiatrist, analyzes the life of Kang Da-jeong and warns her about her relationship with Chae Jun, setting up initial character dynamics in the Gugu Building.
2July 6, 2021A encounter triggers Young-do's memories of a past event, while Da-jeong discovers a message from Jun, introducing interpersonal tensions among residents.
3July 12, 2021Young-do accompanies Da-jeong to her mother's shop, and Jin Bok examines related to a building incident, highlighting connections.
4July 13, 2021An American resembles Jun surprises Da-jeong and complicates matters for the detectives, advancing relational and investigative setups.
5July 19, 2021 Chase visits a related site and , while Young-do dedicates a to Da-jeong during a broadcast, deepening emotional bonds.
6July 20, 2021Snowfall prompts a nighttime outing for Young-do and Da-jeong, and Dr. Chase assists in a for a , blending personal and professional elements.
7July 26, 2021Dr. Chase reveals a different aspect of his personality, and Da-jeong learns about the past pains involving Ga Yeong and Young-do.
8July 27, 2021Da-jeong shares her personal story on Young-do's , and Dr. Chase discovers the reason behind his involvement with the surgical team.
9August 2, 2021Da-jeong confides in Young-do about her experiences, and Dr. Chase expresses a desire to meet her again, progressing character interactions.
10August 3, 2021Friends disrupt Young-do and Da-jeong's plans, and Dr. Chase manages a disturbance in the lobby, illustrating ongoing building dynamics.
11August 9, 2021Dr. Chase inquires about his with Young-do, and Da-jeong's family receives mixed news, adding layers to familial and past relationships.
12August 10, 2021 obtain footage from Dr. Chase's residence, and Young-do conceals his health issue from Da-jeong, heightening personal stakes.
13August 16, 2021Da-jeong and Young-do navigate the aftermath of their separation, while a USB provides insights into a past event, connecting historical threads.
14August 17, 2021Young-do and Da-jeong spend quality time together, and Chase shares stories from his past with Da-jeong at a church setting.
15August 23, 2021Mun Mi Ran offers an apology to Young-do, and Ian makes a significant personal revelation.
16August 24, 2021Ga Yeong and Patrick experience a temporary parting, and Da-jeong uncovers details about a friend's hidden connection.

Cast and characters

Main cast

The main cast of You Are My Spring features four lead actors portraying characters in their 30s who navigate personal traumas while working in high-stress professions in Seoul. Seo Hyun-jin stars as Kang Da-jeong, a 34-year-old concierge manager at the Grand Hyatt Hotel known for her warm and accommodating personality, though she grapples with deep-seated family trauma stemming from childhood abuse by her father. Kim Dong-wook portrays Joo Young-do, a compassionate psychiatrist in his late 30s who maintains a gentle demeanor but conceals emotional scars from his mother's suicide during his youth. Yoon Park plays Chae Joon, a charismatic CEO of an investment firm in his early 30s, characterized by his outgoing nature yet burdened by a long-held family secret. depicts An Ga-yeong, a straightforward and vibrant in her early 30s and Joo Young-do's ex-wife, who is Da-jeong's close friend and masks her from being exploited by her ex-boyfriend and manager with an outwardly carefree attitude. These roles highlight the actors' prior experiences in emotional dramas: from Black Dog (2019–2020), from (2020), from (2021), and from Just Between Lovers (2017–2018).
ActorCharacterProfessionCore Traits and Backstory Overview
Seo Hyun-jinKang Da-jeongHotel managerCheerful and empathetic; haunted by abusive family upbringing.
Kim Dong-wookJoo Young-doWarm and professional; hides pain from mother's .
Yoon ParkChae JoonInvestment firm CEOBright and sociable; conceals a hidden family secret.
Nam Gyu-riAn Ga-yeongActressDirect and lively; copes with from exploitation in past relationships.
The ensemble was announced on January 7, 2021, marking a reunion for and after their previous collaborations, with the full cast confirmed together by the production team.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of You Are My Spring features approximately 30 actors in recurring roles, emphasizing relational dynamics within the community of the Gugu building, the workplace, and professional circles involving and . Characters surrounding Kang Da-jeong, the hotel , include her protective younger brother Kang Tae-jeong, portrayed by , a supportive member who appears from episode 1 and provides emotional grounding amid her personal struggles. Her mother, Moon Mi-ran, played by , runs a local pizza place and offers maternal care, introduced early to highlight familial bonds. Colleagues at the Grand Hyatt Hotel encompass Heo Yoo-kyeong (Park Ye-ni), a loyal subordinate in concierge services who aids in workplace challenges, and Kim Jeong-bin (Park Jong-wook), another team member contributing to the hotel's operational dynamics. Friends from the Gugu building, such as the twin cafe owners Park Eun-ha (Kim Ye-won), a warm figure, and Park Cheol-do (Han Min), her responsible brother, foster neighborly interactions starting in initial episodes. Around Joo Young-do, the , key figures include his best friend Cheon Seung-won (Kim Seo-kyeong), a TVC producer who offers professional and personal support from early appearances. Seo Ha-neul (Ji Seung-hyun), a compassionate and neighbor, serves as a close confidant in the building's community. His assistant, nurse Oh Mi-kyung (), provides diligent care in clinical settings, underscoring themes of support. Additional psychiatric elements feature Dr. Ju Won (Hong Seung-gyun) and Dr. Chris Bale (Paul Battle), colleagues who appear in hospital scenes to contextualize Young-do's professional environment. For An Ga-yeong, the actress, supporting roles highlight her professional circle, including trainer Han Jin-ho (Hwang Seung-eon), a disciplined former boxer who assists with her physical preparation and personal growth. Patrick (Park Sang-nam), a charismatic boy group member and fan, introduces entertainment industry dynamics in later episodes. Law enforcement characters, central to the murder mystery plot, are led by Ko Jin-bok (), the authoritative chief homicide detective at Poongji Police Station, who drives investigations intersecting with the protagonists' lives from episode 3 onward. His team includes eager youngest detective Park Ho () and dedicated Choi Seong-jun (Kim Ri-woo), both contributing to procedural elements and building tensions. Min Ah-ri (), a youthful part-timer at Gugu Café, adds lighter community interactions as a recurring minor figure. Notable guest appearances include child actors like Choi Yoon-jae as young Joo Young-do in episodes 1-2, enhancing backstory revelations without extending into main arcs.

Production

Development

"You Are My Spring" was conceived as a romance drama, written by Lee Mi-na, known for her work on the series "Bubblegum" and the OST "I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" from "," and directed by Jung Ji-hyun, recognized for "The King: Eternal Monarch" and "Search: WWW."[](https://www.soompi.com/article/1452572wpp/tvn-shares-their-drama-lineup-plans-for-2021) The project was announced in February 2021 as part of tvN's lineup for the second half of the year, produced by in collaboration with and the network. The script drew inspiration from the lingering effects of childhood experiences, particularly those from around age seven, on adult behavior and relationships, sparked by the writer's observation of a television segment depicting unresolved sorrow. Lee Mi-na aimed to explore urban isolation through characters residing in a single building haunted by a past , emphasizing themes of emotional recovery, personal renewal, and challenges faced by adults who carry their younger selves within. The narrative highlights how individuals form bonds amid psychological depth, with the protagonist providing a lens into therapeutic processes and trauma resolution. The title originates from the song "You Are My Spring," evoking seasonal cycles of hardship and rejuvenation to symbolize the characters' journeys toward hope and , without promising a conventional . tvN's involvement focused on positioning the series as a post-"" Monday-Tuesday slot offering, prioritizing intricate character-driven storytelling over high-stakes action to deliver psychological nuance and relational warmth.

Casting

Seo Hyun-jin was the first actor approached for the lead role of Kang Da-jeong, a resilient hotel manager grappling with , entering talks in September 2020 due to her established dramatic range in emotionally layered roles. She ultimately accepted after an initial hesitation, swayed by a 1.5-hour discussion with director Jung Ji-hyun and writer Lee Mi-na, who emphasized the script's focus on healing rather than conventional romance tropes. Negotiations for the male lead, psychiatrist Joo Young-do, began with in November 2020, but he declined the offer in early January 2021, reportedly due to concerns over the character's fit with his image. The production swiftly pivoted to , who joined after reviewing the material and was attracted to the role's exploration of emotional wounds and therapeutic support for others, marking a departure from his prior projects. Yoon Park was cast as the enigmatic investment firm CEO Chae Joon, and as the guarded actress Ahn Ga-young, with all four leads confirmed by January 7, 2021, to ensure chemistry in portraying interconnected lives marked by past scars. The selections prioritized performers adept at nuanced emotional delivery, aligning with the drama's themes of recovery and interpersonal bonds. The overall casting timeline spanned from September 2020 to early 2021, conducted primarily through offers and script readings amid restrictions that complicated in-person meetings and guest star availability. This process highlighted the production's commitment to authentic representation of trauma and resilience, with the leads' first-time pairing under writer Lee Mi-na adding fresh dynamics to the ensemble.

Filming locations

Principal photography took place in various locations across , including and beaches in Gangwon Province. Interiors, including the apartment sets and key building sequences such as the psychiatrist clinic, were constructed on soundstages to allow for controlled environments amid the drama's intimate psychological narratives. Filming occurred in early 2021, adhering to stringent protocols that included daily rapid testing for cast and crew, mandatory mask usage on set, and limited access to closed filming environments to minimize health risks during the ongoing . Logistical challenges arose from unpredictable spring weather, which caused delays in outdoor shoots, particularly those requiring clear skies for establishing shots; crews often rescheduled around to maintain the series' warm, hopeful tone. Filmmakers opted for practical effects in psychological sequences, such as dream-like flashbacks and trauma visualizations, avoiding heavy CGI to emphasize raw emotional realism over digital enhancements. , overseen by director Jung Ji-hyun, employed soft, diffused to foster a sense of , with recurring motifs integrated into outdoor frames to symbolize renewal and the drama's titular theme of spring as a for .

Music

Original soundtrack

The original soundtrack (OST) for You Are My Spring consists of nine parts released weekly by from July 6 to August 16, 2021, during the series' broadcast on tvN, with each part featuring a primary vocal track accompanied by instrumental versions to underscore emotional and suspenseful scenes. The full compilation album, containing 25 tracks including vocal performances, instrumentals, and select background scores, was issued on August 24, 2021. The OST features contributions from established and artists, blending , R&B, and piano-driven tailored to the drama's themes of trauma and renewal. Key releases include Part 1's "In Ruin" by Raiden, an English-language electronic track evoking isolation; Part 5's "Falling Flower" (낙화) by Yang Da-il, a melancholic reflecting loss; and Part 7's "Dear My Spring" (다정한 봄에게) by of , highlighting tender romance. Instrumental variants, such as piano arrangements, were produced to amplify intimate moments without overpowering dialogue.
PartRelease DateMain TrackArtist
1July 6, 2021In RuinRaiden
2July 13, 2021Because It's You (난 너여서)Seol Hoseung (SURL)
3July 19, 2021Still WonderHa Hyun Sang
4July 20, 2021A Butterfly Flew Away (나비가 날았습니다)Kim Min-seok ()
5July 27, 2021Falling Flower (낙화)Yang Da-il
6August 2, 2021Me So BadYOARI
7August 3, 2021Dear My Spring (다정한 봄에게) ()
8August 10, 2021Cliche (클리셰)Kwon Soon-kwan
9August 16, 2021Falling Flower (Dajung Ver.) (낙화 다정이 Ver.)
Several tracks charted on component Gaon Digital Chart rankings, with "In Ruin" reaching No. 83 on the Download Chart. The OST's tracks integrate thematically to mirror the series' exploration of psychological healing and budding connections.

Composition and themes

The score for You Are My Spring was composed by Lim Ha-young, blending orchestral strings to build tension in suspenseful sequences, delicate arrangements for moments of , and pop ballads to underscore romantic developments. This stylistic mix supports the series' hybrid genre of and healing romance, creating an auditory landscape that mirrors the characters' internal conflicts and gradual emotional recovery. Recurring motifs in the score include a "spring" theme characterized by light acoustic guitars, evoking and renewal in scenes of personal growth and budding relationships, while darker synth layers introduce tied to the killer's narrative and traumatic pasts. These elements are particularly evident in the music's integration with the drama's arcs, where dissonant chords accompany trauma flashbacks to heighten psychological unease, and gentler progressions signal therapeutic breakthroughs. The score is distributed to enhance pacing without overwhelming the dialogue-driven . Thematically, the music ties closely to the series' exploration of isolation, resilience, and human connection, amplifying the psychiatric undertones through subtle layering that avoids melodrama. For instance, brief references to OST tracks like "Falling Flowers" complement the score's introspective motifs in evoking loss and healing. Reception highlighted the score's subtlety in psychiatric scenes, with critics and viewers praising its authenticity, which lent emotional depth to the characters' vulnerabilities.

Release

Broadcast

You Are My Spring premiered on the cable network tvN on July 5, 2021, occupying the Monday and Tuesday 9:00 PM KST time slot for 16 episodes, concluding on August 24, 2021. The drama succeeded Doom at Your Service in tvN's 2021 programming lineup, which featured a mix of romance and fantasy genres aimed at prime-time audiences. Each episode followed a standard format for South Korean cable dramas, running approximately 70 minutes and incorporating brief recaps of prior events at the beginning and previews of upcoming developments at the end to maintain viewer engagement. In addition to its television broadcast, the series became accessible for domestic streaming on in shortly after each airing, allowing viewers flexible on-demand viewing options.

International distribution

"You Are My Spring" was distributed internationally by , the parent company of tvN, enabling global licensing deals that made the series available on worldwide starting July 6, 2021. The show reached viewers in over 190 countries through Netflix's platform, with support for multiple languages including English, Spanish for , and others. In , the drama is streamed on Viki, while it became available on in by 2022. As of 2025, no major remakes or adaptations have been produced.

Reception

Viewership ratings

You Are My Spring aired on tvN from July 5 to August 24, 2021, with viewership ratings tracked by Nielsen Korea on a nationwide basis. The series recorded an average rating of 2.302 percent across its 16 episodes, reflecting modest domestic performance for a Monday-Tuesday cable slot. The episode achieved the highest rating of 3.390 percent, marking a solid start but lower than some preceding tvN dramas in the same time slot. Subsequent episodes saw a steady decline, with ratings generally hovering between 1.8 and 3.1 percent, before a slight uptick in the finale at 2.387 percent. This trend was partly attributed to competition from SBS's , a Monday-Tuesday broadcast that maintained stronger viewership, averaging 4.9 percent nationwide.
EpisodeAir dateNationwide rating (%)
12021-07-053.390
22021-07-062.958
32021-07-122.665
42021-07-133.065
52021-07-192.120
62021-07-202.373
72021-07-262.068
82021-07-271.989
92021-08-021.941
102021-08-032.372
112021-08-091.940
122021-08-102.014
132021-08-161.860
142021-08-171.916
152021-08-231.767
162021-08-242.387
Internationally, the series was available for streaming on starting from its premiere, contributing to its global reach, though audience demand metrics indicated below-average interest in select markets, such as 0.3 times the average TV series demand .

Critical response

Upon its release, You Are My Spring received mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences, praised for its sensitive exploration of and trauma but critiqued for uneven pacing and an underresolved thriller subplot. The series holds an average user rating of 8.0 out of 10 on MyDramaList based on 11,343 ratings, reflecting appreciation for its emotional depth amid some narrative frustrations. On , it scores 7.3 out of 10 from 1,164 users, with comments highlighting its blend of romance and psychological elements. Critics commended the drama's portrayal of mental health issues, including , PTSD, and the therapeutic process, presenting as a vital tool for healing rather than stigma. Decider's review described it as a "unique" mix of romance, trauma recovery, and mystery, emphasizing how characters' backstories foster and growth. User reviews echoed this, noting the series' "stellar job" in depicting long-term effects of and the value of help in mending emotional scars. Performances were a standout, particularly Seo Hyun-jin's nuanced depiction of Kang Da-jeong, whose realistic emotional breakdowns and resilience drew acclaim for authenticity and depth. Kim Dong-wook's subtle portrayal of the Lee Joon-ho was also lauded as one of the year's finest, balancing vulnerability with quiet strength. However, the series faced for its mid-season pacing, which some found slow and repetitive, with excessive internal monologues dragging the narrative. The killer subplot, introduced early as a thriller hook, was frequently called underdeveloped and disconnected from the core romance, ultimately feeling like an unnecessary distraction that fizzled out without payoff. Dramabeans open threads captured this divide, with commenters appreciating the but questioning the tonal shifts between light romance and dark mystery. The drama garnered limited formal accolades. Its legacy lies in sparking broader conversations about representation in K-dramas, normalizing and trauma recovery as central themes.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/you_are_my_spring/s01
  2. https://www.netflix.com/title/81473201
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14169816/
  4. https://mydramalist.com/70879-you-are-my-spring
  5. https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-k-drama-you-are-my-spring-season-1-plot-cast-trailer-episode-schedule/
  6. https://asianwiki.com/You_Are_My_Spring
  7. https://mydramalist.com/70879-you-are-my-spring/episode/1
  8. https://mydramalist.com/70879-you-are-my-spring/episode/16
  9. https://news.mydramalist.com/article/you-are-my-spring-reveals-an-interesting-relationship-chart
  10. https://nekosdrama.wordpress.com/2021/10/04/final-review-you-are-my-spring-tvn-2021/
  11. https://mydramalist.com/70879-you-are-my-spring/cast
  12. https://www.soompi.com/article/1447412wpp/seo-hyun-jin-kim-dong-wook-yoon-bak-and-nam-gyu-ri-confirmed-for-new-romance-drama
  13. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2021/01/seo-hyun-jin-kim-dong-wook-cast-as-leads-of-tvn-romance-series-youre-my-spring
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14169816/fullcredits/
  15. https://www.soompi.com/article/1452572wpp/tvn-shares-their-drama-lineup-plans-for-2021
  16. https://www.soompi.com/article/1473832wpp/watch-seo-hyun-jin-kim-dong-wook-and-more-preview-their-most-emotional-lines-from-upcoming-romance-drama-but-with-a-funny-twist
  17. https://www.soompi.com/article/1478025wpp/seo-hyun-jin-and-kim-dong-wook-share-why-they-chose-their-new-drama-thoughts-on-rom-com-queen-title-and-more
  18. https://www.soompi.com/article/1473549wpp/seo-hyun-jin-transforms-into-a-passionate-hotel-concierge-manager-in-new-romance-drama
  19. https://www.soompi.com/article/1425343wpp/seo-hyun-jin-in-talks-for-new-drama-by-co-director-of-the-king-eternal-monarch
  20. https://koalasplayground.com/2021/01/02/yoon-kye-sang-declines-you-are-my-spring-kim-dong-wook-in-talks-to-join-seo-hyun-jin/
  21. https://www.flyhoneystars.com/2021/08/02/filming-location-you-are-my-spring/
  22. https://wiki.d-addicts.com/You_Are_My_Spring_OST
  23. https://open.spotify.com/album/55S9w829YWOLzmDZh1UdoG
  24. https://mydramalist.com/70879-you-are-my-spring/reviews
  25. https://mydramalist.com/profile/thesapionerd/review/160933
  26. https://dramabeans.com/2021/07/premiere-watch-you-are-my-spring/
  27. https://wiki.d-addicts.com/You_Are_My_Spring/Episode_Ratings
  28. https://www.soompi.com/article/1478051wpp/racket-boys-maintains-lead-in-viewership-ratings-you-are-my-spring-premieres-to-modest-start
  29. https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Racket_Boys/Episode_Ratings
  30. https://tv.parrotanalytics.com/US/you-are-my-spring-neoneun-nayi-bom-netflix
  31. https://decider.com/2021/07/06/you-are-my-spring-netflix-review/
  32. https://thekdramaqueens.com/2021/10/04/you-are-my-spring/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14169816/reviews/
  34. https://dramabeans.com/2021/08/you-are-my-spring-episodes-15-16-open-thread-final/
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