Forever Young 2
Forever Young 2 is the heartfelt sequel to the beloved Korean–Vietnamese drama that captured viewers with its cross-cultural romance and emotional storytelling. Picking up after the bittersweet ending of Season 1, the series follows Linh, played by Nha Phuong, as she returns to Vietnam carrying the emotional weight of her past with Lee Jun Su, portrayed once again by Kang Tae Oh. Though their love once bloomed across borders, life has taken them in different directions. In Vietnam, Linh focuses on her career, surrounded by new challenges and familiar faces, including Khanh (played by Le Hong Dang), who remains steadfast by her side. However, fate has other plans when Jun Su unexpectedly comes back into her life. Their reunion is anything but simple—old feelings resurface, past wounds reopen, and choices must be made between loyalty, love, and personal growth. As the story unfolds, Forever Young 2 explores deeper themes of identity, long-distance relationships, and the struggle to balance dreams with reality. The emotional tension between Linh and Jun Su is heightened by cultural expectations and unresolved misunderstandings. With appearances by Shin Hye Sun as Han Mi So and a new character arc for Lee Jun Hee (played by Noh Haeng Ha), the series offers both continuity and fresh dynamics. More than just a romance, Forever Young 2 is a powerful coming-of-age drama that bridges Korea and Vietnam through shared experiences of youth, love, and sacrifice. It beautifully portrays how people evolve through time, how relationships change, and how love—despite distance or difference—can remain unforgettable. This season is a must-watch for fans of emotional multicultural dramas, Korean-Vietnamese collaborations, and timeless love stories.
Details
🙂 Native Title: Tuổi Thanh Xuân 2
🌎 Also Known As: Forever Young Season 2, Tuoi Thanh Xuan Season 2
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Youth, Slice of Life
🏷 Tags: Reunion, Long-Distance Relationship, Cross-Cultural Romance, Coming of Age, Korean-Vietnamese Collaboration
✍ Screenwriters: Danh Dung
🎬 Directors: Nguyen Khai Anh, Bui Tien Huy
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea, Vietnam
🎬 Episodes: 38
🗓️ Aired: November 7, 2016 – March 14, 2017
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: VTV3
⏰ Duration: 45 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 13+ – Teens 13 or older
Best Scenes
-
Jun Su and Linh’s unexpected reunion at the art gallery—a silent yet emotionally charged moment that rekindles unresolved feelings.
-
Linh breaking down in the rain after seeing Jun Su with another woman, visually capturing heartbreak and emotional tension.
-
Khanh’s quiet confession to Linh, bringing subtlety and depth to the love triangle dynamic.
-
Jun Su standing up to his family, showing his personal growth and determination to follow his heart.
-
Linh’s decision to pursue her career abroad, symbolizing self-growth, independence, and emotional closure.
Filming Locations
-
Seoul’s artistic neighborhoods such as Insadong and Hongdae provided the backdrop for many cultural and emotional scenes.
-
Da Nang and Hanoi in Vietnam were used to portray Linh’s roots and family life, grounding her cultural identity.
-
Han River bridges returned as symbolic locations for reflection, mirroring Season 1’s visual language.
-
University campuses in both countries reflected the continuity of student life and professional development.
-
Modern apartments and office spaces visually represented the characters’ transition into adulthood and career life.
Visual Design and Costumes
-
Linh’s wardrobe blends Vietnamese elegance with Korean modernity, showcasing her dual identity.
-
Jun Su’s style matures, featuring more tailored suits to represent his growth from student to professional.
-
Warm lighting in Vietnam vs. cooler tones in Korea helps distinguish emotional and geographical settings.
-
Subtle color symbolism, like Linh’s white outfits during emotionally vulnerable scenes, adds poetic nuance.
-
Contemporary and minimalist interior design in many settings reinforces themes of maturity and life transition.
Themes and Messages
-
Can love survive time and distance? The drama deeply explores the endurance of love through separation and cultural contrast.
-
Coming of age in two cultures, showing how identity is shaped by both homeland and experience abroad.
-
Friendship and loyalty are tested and affirmed through mature interactions and emotional honesty.
-
Pursuing personal dreams vs. romantic destiny, a central tension in Linh and Jun Su’s journey.
-
Emotional resilience and self-worth—Linh’s evolution highlights inner strength and the power of choice.
Interesting Facts
-
Forever Young 2 was co-produced by VTV and CJ E&M, continuing the success of the Korea–Vietnam media partnership.
-
Nha Phuong and Kang Tae Oh reunited due to overwhelming fan demand and positive international response.
-
The drama’s soundtrack features Korean and Vietnamese artists, reinforcing its cross-cultural appeal.
-
Filming spanned both countries, involving bilingual crews and extensive travel coordination.
-
Forever Young 2 inspired educational exchange interest, with its realistic portrayal of life abroad for Vietnamese students in Korea.
Awards
🏆 Awards and Nominations for Forever Young 2
-
Impressive Actress Award – Nhã Phương
Recognized for her portrayal of Linh at the 2017 VTV Awards. -
Impressive Actor Award Nomination – Kang Tae-oh
Nominated for his role as Lee Jun Su at the 2017 VTV Awards. -
Impressive TV Serial Nomination – Forever Young 2
Nominated for the Impressive TV Serial category at the 2017 VTV Awards.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no confirmed real-life romance between the lead actors of Forever Young 2. While Kang Tae Oh (Lee Jun Su) and Nha Phuong (Linh) displayed remarkable on-screen chemistry that deeply resonated with fans across Korea and Vietnam, their relationship has remained professional.
Their close friendship and emotional performances sparked rumors of a real-life romance, especially after their continued collaboration from Forever Young Season 1 into Season 2. The speculation grew stronger due to their comfort and rapport during interviews and public appearances. However, neither actor confirmed any romantic involvement off-screen.
Adding to the clarity, Nha Phuong publicly married Vietnamese comedian and actor Trường Giang in 2018, making it clear that her relationship with Kang Tae Oh was not romantic in nature.
In summary, while Forever Young 2 captivated audiences with its moving love story, the romance between the lead actors was purely fictional and part of their compelling performances.
