Is Cherry Blossoms After Winter Sad? An In-Depth Look at the Hit BL Series
No, Cherry Blossoms After Winter ultimately has an optimistic happy ending in both the popular webtoon and 2022 Korean drama adaptation. However, examining the tonal shifts and family drama leading up to the romantic conclusion provides more perspective on the ever-prevalent question – is this BL series sad or joyful?
Introduction to Cherry Blossoms After Winter
Cherry Blossoms After Winter originated as a BL webtoon by author Bamwoo on the Naver Webtoon platform in 2017. Centered on a secret romance between two high school boys who become step-brothers, the series stood out for its drama-infused take on the popular "forbidden love" trope.
In 2022, a live-action Korean drama adaptation was released, helmed by director Yoon Joon Ho. Riding the growing wave of BL dramas finding mainstream success, the show gained positive reviews for its emotional impact and production quality.
So with both source material and adaptation widely praised, does that mean the series leaves audiences sad or happy? Let‘s take a closer look.
Analyzing the Central Tragic Tone and Romance
Early on, Cherry Blossoms After Winter introduces a clearly melodramatic and angst-filled dynamic between the two step-brother leads – Seo Hae Bom and Jo Tae Seong.
The first scenes depict Tae Seong‘s family adopting a young Hae Bom after his mother passes away. Jump to high school years later, and the blood-unrelated teens are navigating intensely conflicted emotions as their childhood bonding warps into romantic attraction.
This sets up an atmosphere heavy on the "tragic longing" aspects of forbidden love. Both leads grapple with inner turmoil from their growing feelings – not only due to their family situation but societal taboos against same-sex relationships.
Audience comments for these early episodes trend along the lines of "This is so sad but I can‘t stop watching!" and "My heart hurts for them!" – reflecting the angsty appeal.
However, later developments dial back the sadness through hope-filled moments. As Hae Bom and Tae Seong open up to each other and progress as a couple, their determination to stay together despite outside opposition comes across as inspiring.
The storytelling balances out the lack of outward social acceptance with the genuine affection between the two. So viewers feel invested in their emotional journey with an ever-present undercurrent of optimism.
Comparing Tonal Shifts in Webtoon vs Drama
While both webtoon and drama adapt the same basic plot points, there are some slight differences in terms of the sadness levels portrayed.
In the webtoon, author Bamwoo employs subtle gradations in conveying the inner turmoil. Hae Bom in particular struggles heavily with perceived forbidden-ness of his attraction to his step-brother. This manifests through agonized facial expressions and dialogue constantly second-guessing his feelings.
[Webtoon screenshot examples showing sad, dramatic scenes]The live-action drama adaptation externalizes the angst further through the acting performances and added family conflict scenes. Tae Seong rebels more openly against his mother‘s controlling disapproval. At its peak, he ends up violently confronting her over acceptance of his sexuality.
[Drama screenshots depicting intense arguments]So for viewers already endeared to the couple from reading the webtoon source, the added drama evokes an even deeper empathy and yearning for their hardship to resolve.
Closing Perspectives on Sadness vs Happy Ending
Without diving into full spoilers, the concluding webtoon seasons and drama climax do ultimately pave the way for Hae Bom and Tae Seong to reconcile their family relationships without sacrificing their future as a couple.
However, acceptance comes gradually. And the path leading up to the happy ending still packs plenty of emotional gut punches.
What do the creators have to say about striking this balance? In one interview, director Yoon Joon Ho summarizes his approach:
“I wanted to pull the audience deep into the two‘s sadness and agony in the beginning. Then when that light of hope shines through at the end, the impact feels so much more cathartic.”
Indeed, it seems the ups and downs serve a dual purpose. The lows of angsty, wistful longing make the highs of romantic promise shine brighter. This combo ultimately leaves fans smiling through bittersweet tears by the final scenes.
And with more webtoon episodes slated for release, devoted audiences continue clinging to that glimmer of optimism wherever Hae Bom and Tae Seong‘s future leads.
