1 Satisfying And 4 Heartbreaking Moments From Episode 4 Of "Spring Of Youth"
We are only four episodes in with “Spring of Youth,” and the used tissues are already piling up. From family conflicts and personal guilt to new romances and unexpected betrayals, this episode offers plenty to unpack. The stakes feel higher than ever as secrets unravel and relationships are tested. Here are five unforgettable moments that made this episode both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Warning: spoilers for episode 4 ahead!
Heartbreaking: Tae Yang’s father’s abuse continues
Tae Yang’s (Lee Seung Hyub) father Seo Min Cheol (Kim Jong Tae) continues to shock viewers with how far he is willing to go to control his son. In previous episodes of “Spring of Youth,” his insistence on Tae Yang pursuing medicine, despite Tae Yang’s clear fear of blood and passion for music, was already alarming. But episode 4 takes things to a whole new level. The so-called celebrity doctor has his own son forcibly taken from the TWO SAGYE band performance and admitted into his hospital under a fabricated diagnosis of delusions of grandeur. It is not just controlling, it is criminal.
What makes the situation even more heartbreaking is Tae Yang’s quiet response. Rather than fight back for himself, he pleads with his father not to harm the band, once again showing his selflessness.
Satisfying: outdone by his own ego
In many romance dramas, there is a line that goes something like, “You’re my biggest strength and my biggest weakness.” That sentiment surprisingly fits Seo Min Cheol, Tae Yang’s father, whose greatest strength is his public image. In the past, he has managed to dodge consequences, including a hit-and-run case, thanks to his polished reputation and powerful connections. But this time, Sa Gye (Ha Yoo Joon) and the band turn that same image against him, and the result is both clever and satisfying.
After the director imprisons Tae Yang under a false diagnosis, the teens convince a desperate patient that the director personally offered him Tae Yang’s room. With hospital staff watching and the patient clinging to hope, the director has no choice but to play along. He cannot risk looking bad. The entire situation is best described in two words: chef’s kiss.
Heartbreaking: Kim Bom carrying guilt that is not hers
Kim Bom’s (Park Ji Hu) story continues to be one of the most quietly devastating arcs in “Spring of Youth.” While we already knew her mother died in the hit-and-run accident caused by The Crown’s CEO Cho Sang Hun (Jo Han Chul) and Tae Yang’s father, episode 4 reveals another layer of emotional weight that Bom has been carrying alone.
Six years ago, when her mother was in a coma, a young Kim Bom was asked by doctors if she would consider organ donation. Told that her mother would not wake up, she agreed. But now, years later, she is haunted by the possibility that she made the wrong decision. What if her mother could have recovered? What if she had just waited a little longer?
She is not just grieving a loss, she is grappling with the belief that she may have caused it. It is a cruel weight for anyone to bear, let alone a teenager who made an impossible choice.
Surprisingly, in this scene, we also learn that Sa Gye received a cornea transplant from Kim Bom’s mother. This explains why he had been dreaming of Kim Bom’s first song and why he saw flashbacks of the accident despite not being present at the scene that day.
Heartbreaking: a home no longer safe
What first plays out as a comedic scene in “Spring of Youth” quickly turns unsettling when viewed through a realistic lens.
Sa Gye’s ex-fans show up at his house, encouraged by Kim Bom’s aunt, who confirms his address just to sell his personal items. While the moment leans into absurd humor, it reflects a harsh reality many idols face: leaked addresses, flight plans, and personal information sold by those around them.
The irony? One fan protests the aunt’s attempt to sell Sa Gye’s items, calling it a violation of privacy, only to later break into his home and ransack the place. The boundary talk ends where the fan obsession begins.
Heartbreaking: love begins, but not without pain
Sa Gye and Kim Bom’s relationship takes a sweet turn in this episode as they finally start dating and share a tender kiss under the moonlight. Their growing closeness brings warmth to the story, but the moment is bittersweet.
Watching them together from afar, Tae Yang’s quiet heartbreak is palpable and sure to trigger second-lead syndrome among viewers. To make matters worse, Kim Bom later cries in Tae Yang’s arms, confessing she is afraid of losing Sa Gye. Girl, yes, you are in love, but please do not do this to precious Tae Yang.
If Sa Gye sees the memories of Kim Bom’s mother because he received her cornea, it opens up a fascinating possibility. Could the other patients who received her organ donations also be experiencing similar dreams or feelings? We’ll have to wait until the next episode to find out!
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Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
Currently watching: “Spring of Youth,” “Second Shot at Love,” and “Our Unwritten Seoul.”
Looking forward to: “Squid Game Season 3” and “Good Boy”