Life lessons we learnt from Korean drama Record Of Youth

Having connections can change things

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1/9

We’re not talking about bribery, but knowing people and coming from a powerful family helps, in the same way that Hae Hyo’s mother paved the way for his career. In real life, knowing someone from a company or industry that’s hard to get into can help you get a foot in. In other words, it's good to keep a network of contacts because you never know when you might need their help or recommendation.

You just cannot escape work politics

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2/9

You know the advice to stay out of work politics and you’ll be safe? Chances are, you won’t. In the same way that Jeong Ha tries to stay out of politics, she still got dragged inadvertently dragged into it and her life at the salon became a living hell. Thankfully, she knew how to handle the politics.

Apologies should not be reserved

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3/9

Make apology a habit when you've done something wrong. Whether you're someone in a senior position, a parent or a friend, knowing when to apologise is important to keep the relationship going. In the same way that no one likes people who sweep problems under the rug, a person who sweeps their wrongdoings under a rug won't be appreciated either. We reckon that could be why Hye Jun didn’t thank his father when he received an award – because his father constantly belittled and even hit him and never once apologised.

You might be a late bloomer

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4/9

Didn't excel in your first job the way your friends did? Don't be too discouraged. You might be a late bloomer like Hye Jun. And in the same vein, don’t get too worried about a career switch or retrenchment. Just look at Hye Jun: he struggled after making the switch from modelling to acting, but eventually found success.

You are never too old to try something new

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5/9

Whether it's a career switch or picking up new skills, never think you're too old for it. Hye Jun’s grandfather is a prime example: he might have failed in other things, but with motivation and encouragement, he eventually found something he enjoyed and found success.

Money can’t buy everything

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6/9

Other than the cliche phrase that money can’t buy happiness, money can’t buy fame too. Hae Hyo’s mother tried to inflate his popularity by buying him followers on Instagram so that he would land roles in shows. However, it didn’t propel him to fame and his acting skills were even questioned.

The best way to overcome a toxic relationship is to leave

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7/9

Some toxic people just won't change their ways, so sometimes the best way to save your mental health is to leave. And that's what Jeong Ah did when faced with an unreasonable supervisor and colleagues. In the same vein, Hye Jun also did so when his first manager turned out to be incompetent and refused to pay him, and ended up finding success under another company.

You’ll only come to appreciate the good things after you fail

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8/9

Hye Jun, who has met so many failures, used that as his motivation to work harder and eventually became the actor he’s always wanted to be. Hae Hyo had things handed to him on a silver platter (sometimes without his knowledge) and took it for granted. It was only when he didn’t bag an award (while Hye Jun did) did he realise that he needed to work harder and prove to his parents that he wasn’t simply riding on their coattails.

Don’t be quick to judge others

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9/9

Remember how Hye Jun’s brother was constantly on his grandfather’s case for getting scammed in the past? He also became a victim eventually, despite being lauded as the smart one. Remember: getting scammed doesn’t mean you’re stupid because scammers nowadays are getting more sophisticated. And one more thing: karma bites.