You Are the Apple of My Eye (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“You Are the Apple of My Eye” (2025) is the South Korean remake of the beloved 2011 Taiwanese film of the same name. Directed by Cho Young-Myoung and co-written with Giddens Ko, the original story retains its core themes of youthful nostalgia, first love, and growing up, while seamlessly incorporating elements of Korean culture. Starring Jung Jin-young and Kim Dahyun (TWICE), this adaptation aims to capture the hearts of both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the film’s storyline, performances, cinematography, music, and its emotional impact. We’ll also explore where to watch the movie online and its expected availability on major streaming platforms in the U.S.
Plot Overview
Set in the early 2000s, the story follows Jin-woo (Jung Jin-young), a rebellious high school student, and his group of mischievous yet lovable friends. Their lives take an interesting turn when they all develop a crush on Seon-ah (Kim Dahyun), the class’s top student, known for her beauty and intelligence. Jin-woo initially claims to have no romantic feelings for Seon-ah, but over time, he finds himself drawn to her in unexpected ways.
The film beautifully depicts youthful camaraderie, the thrill of first love, and the bittersweet reality of growing up. As the characters navigate high school life, their friendships are tested, and emotions grow deeper, leading to a heartfelt and nostalgic coming-of-age experience.
Review: A Nostalgic and Heartfelt Adaptation
1. Faithful Yet Fresh Approach
One of the biggest challenges of a remake is balancing originality while respecting the original material. The Korean version succeeds in this by incorporating Korean cultural nuances without straying too far from the heartwarming and bittersweet essence of the 2011 classic.
Unlike Thailand’s My Precious (2023), which took a slightly different approach, the Korean remake faithfully preserves the nostalgic romance and humor that made the original so special. While some fans may miss the infamous “naked dinner” scene, the film makes up for it with additional comedic moments that feel uniquely Korean.
2. Performance and Chemistry
The casting of Jung Jin-young as Jin-woo is spot on. His ability to portray a mischievous yet deeply emotional character is commendable. However, the real surprise is Kim Dahyun, making her big-screen debut as Seon-ah. As an idol-actress transition, Dahyun brings natural charm and elegance to the role, though some viewers felt her expressions lacked emotional depth in critical scenes.
Despite this, the chemistry between Dahyun and Jin-young feels authentic and heartwarming, making their love story compelling.
3. Cinematography and Soundtrack
The film’s visual storytelling is a major highlight. The color grading and cinematography beautifully capture the passage of time, with warm hues symbolizing youth and cooler tones reflecting the harsh realities of adulthood. Korea’s picturesque landscapes add another layer of nostalgia, making every frame visually stunning.
Music plays a significant role in setting the emotional tone. The soundtrack features a mix of classic 2000s Korean ballads and modern songs, though some viewers felt the music choices were too modern compared to the nostalgic setting. Notably, Maudy Ayunda’s “Now Do You” accompanies a pivotal emotional moment, elevating the impact of the final scenes.
4. Emotional Impact and Ending
The film’s first half is lighthearted, comedic, and full of energy, but as the story progresses, it shifts into a more melancholic tone. The graduation and post-school life arc is where opinions start to diverge.
Many fans who expected a straightforward rom-com were caught off guard by the bittersweet ending, which left some frustrated and others deeply moved. The final scene, where Jin-woo watches Seon-ah from a distance at her wedding, is a powerful moment of lost love and acceptance, though it didn’t sit well with all viewers.
Where to Watch “You Are the Apple of My Eye” (2025) Online
As of now, the film is not yet available on any streaming platform. However, based on previous Korean film releases, here are some predictions on where it might become available in the U.S.:
1. Subscription-Based Streaming Services (Expected)
- Netflix (Check availability) – Netflix has been a leading platform for Korean films and dramas, so there’s a high chance it will stream here.
- Amazon Prime Video – Prime often acquires Korean films after theatrical releases.
- Disney+ (Star) – With increasing Korean content acquisitions, there’s a possibility it could appear here.
2. Rental & Purchase Options (Expected)
- Amazon Prime Video Store – Likely to offer the film for rent or purchase before it hits subscription streaming.
- Apple TV / iTunes – Expected availability for digital purchase.
- Google Play Movies & YouTube Movies – Another common platform for digital rentals.
For the latest updates, check JustWatch.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
✅ Pros:
✔ Faithful to the original story while embracing Korean culture.
✔ Beautiful cinematography & nostalgic soundtrack.
✔ Strong comedic moments that keep it entertaining.
✔ Dahyun’s debut is promising, and Jin-young delivers a heartfelt performance.
❌ Cons:
✖ Some character emotions feel underdeveloped compared to the original.
✖ The ending may disappoint audiences expecting a typical rom-com resolution.
✖ Music choices could have leaned more into early 2000s nostalgia.
Final Thoughts
If you love coming-of-age romances with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and emotional depth, “You Are the Apple of My Eye” (2025) is definitely worth your time. While some elements might not surpass the original, it delivers a unique and touching perspective on first love and growing up.
📢 Stay Updated on Streaming Availability
To check where “You Are the Apple of My Eye” (2025) is streaming, visit JustWatch and never miss out on watching this heartfelt remake!
