Seasons of Blossom tells the story of several teenagers and young adults experiencing the tumultuous age of youth, dealing with matters such as youthful romance, friendship, the cost of raising a tiger (strict parenting by parents), bullying, and mental health. The plot of this manhwa is divided into four parts, each representing one of the four seasons of the year.
Part I. Bomi Flower (Spring):
Set in the spring during the school period at Cheongseom High School, this first part focuses on 18-year-old Yoon Bomi, who experiences a conflict between her infatuation with Lee Jae-min and her friendship with Kang Sunhee. Upon learning that Sun-hee has feelings for Jaemin, Bomi decides to preserve her friendship with Sunhee and forces herself into a fake relationship with her distant classmate Choi Jinyoung. But she doesn’t expect the romance that will soon blossom between her and him.
Part II. Hamin Flower (Summer):
This part is divided into two timelines: six years ago, and the present, both set during the summer season. Right after the events of Part I, Lee Jaemin meets painter Han Somang, 24, who is an acquaintance of Jaemin’s late older brother, Lee Hamin, six years ago at Cheongseom High School. Jaemin agrees to be Somang's model for her artwork in exchange for telling her everything he can remember about Hamin. Slowly breaking into his interior, he struggles to accept the bitter truth of Hamin’s premature death.
Part III. Gaeul Flower (Autumn):
Mostly set at Cheongna University during the following autumn. This part focuses on university student Jin Gaeul, 24, who seemingly confesses her feelings to Kang Soobin. But she has a hidden motive: she actually despises him for being involved with her as a victim of bullying in high school. Realizing that Soobin doesn’t recognize or remember what happened to her, Gaeul plans to take revenge on him by making him fall in love with her.
Part IV. Dongchae Flower (Winter):
Returning to Cheongseom High School and set during the following winter, this final part focuses on the constant suffering of 18-year-old Park Dongchae, who is being severely bullied by Cha Woojae and his gang. As Dongchae’s bullies gradually push him to the limit, his younger sister, 16-year-old Park Eunchae, secretly resolves to save him and asks for help from her crush, Lee Jaemin. Initially hesitant, Jaemin remembers the death of his late older brother Hamin and joins Eunchae to stop the bullying before it’s too late.
Characters of Seasons of Blossom
Main Characters:
Choi Jinyeong
Yun Bomi
Jin Gaeul
Lee Jaemin
Kim Jaehyeon
Han Somang
Kang Subin
Secondary Characters:
Lee Hamin
Kim Uri
Kang Seonhui
Opinion about Seasons of Blossom
As mentioned previously, Seasons of Blossom tells the story of several teenagers and young adults experiencing the tumultuous age of youth, facing very strong events for them all. This manhwa deals with very delicate topics such as mental health, death, and bullying. However, it also has a contrast amidst so much darkness to harbor romance.
Without a doubt, this is a manhwa that is highly recommended if you are prepared to face the emotional ups and downs that this story provides. Likewise, if interested, you could see it in its drama format through the Viki streaming platform.
