Azure Spring (2026) 아주르 스프링
Directed by Jung Heon-soo, starring Kang Sang-jun as Yoon Deok-hyun and Yeri as Seo An-na.
Watched 13 - 27 May 2026 — 6 episodes (KOCOWA)
*I love dramas set on Jeju Island or with a coastal setting (like here, set in the county of Haenam-gun), and this one appealed to me because of its short length (only 6 episodes of approx. half an hour each) and the promise of a healing journey for the main characters. I had seen the male lead Kang Sang-jun before in Flex X Cop and liked him. Photos of Azure Spring online with Kang Sang-jun's handsome face made me want to watch this immediately, while it was still airing.
*Sure enough, Kang Sang-jun looks good here, and I also like his character Yoon Deok-hyun who's haunted by his past and consumed by guilt for killing someone. This traumatic incident was not his fault, and we see him supported by the female lead and the village people.
*I like the male lead better than the female lead, Yeri as Seo An-na. She's a bit annoying, has this cheeky smile all the time, but I liked how resourceful she was (e.g. finding things to cook) and how she took no shit from her ex-boyfriend and the swimming pool employee. She grew on me, and I liked her sassiness and resilience.
*The best thing of this show is the coastal setting and the gorgeous cinematography. I also love the outdoor cooking using the large traditional pot over an open fire and how the main couple is bonding over food.
*I don't really like the 2nd leads/couple who never became a couple. The girl is very annoying.
*I like the OST! And the diving scenes. Amazing how Yoon Deok-hyun and Seo An-na can hold their breath under water for so long, practicing the tradition of haenyeo.
*Just as I was starting to accept the main leads as a couple, the series ended. With nothing more than a slight hint at a possible romance. This drama had the potential to get better, and I would have welcomed more episodes so they could explore the main couple's relationship further. As it is now, it's just an enjoyable slice-of-life series, with the stunning visuals as the main draw.
(Collage made by me.)