Cherry Blossoms After Winter is a popular manhwa (Korean comic) written and illustrated by Bamwoo. It tells the story of two high school students, Haebom and Taesung, who fall in love after reconnecting in their senior year. The manhwa explores themes of love, friendship, family, and personal growth.
The Plot
The story begins with Haebom, a talented artist who has been struggling with her grades and her relationship with her mother. She reunites with Taesung, a childhood friend who moved away years ago. Taesung has become a popular and successful student, but he harbors a secret: he has been in love with Haebom since they were kids.
The two gradually reconnect and start to fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by their family and school problems. Haebom's mother disapproves of her pursuing art, while Taesung's father pressures him to become a doctor. Meanwhile, their classmates and friends have their own dramas and secrets.
Despite the challenges, Haebom and Taesung support each other and learn to face their fears and dreams. They also have to navigate their own insecurities and doubts, as well as the possibility of separation and heartbreak.
The Themes
Cherry Blossoms After Winter is a coming-of-age story that explores various themes and issues that resonate with many readers:
- Love and romance: The manhwa depicts a sweet and realistic romance between two teenagers who have to overcome obstacles and misunderstandings. It shows how love can be a source of joy and pain, as well as a catalyst for personal growth and maturity.
- Art and creativity: Haebom's passion for art is a major aspect of her character and her struggles. The manhwa portrays the beauty and power of art, as well as the challenges and doubts that artists face. It also shows how art can connect people and express emotions and ideas.
- Family and identity: The manhwa depicts various family dynamics and conflicts, from Haebom's strained relationship with her mother to Taesung's pressure to fulfill his father's expectations. It also shows how family can both support and hinder personal growth and self-discovery.
- Friendship and loyalty: The manhwa features a diverse cast of characters who have their own stories and struggles. It shows how friendship can be a source of comfort and strength, as well as a challenge and responsibility. It also shows how loyalty can be tested and proven in difficult situations.
The Art
Bamwoo's art style is one of the highlights of Cherry Blossoms After Winter. It is detailed, expressive, and evocative, capturing both the beauty and the melancholy of the story. The characters are well-designed and memorable, each with their own quirks and traits. The backgrounds and scenery are also rendered with care and skill, creating a sense of atmosphere and mood.
The coloring is another strong point of the art, using a soft and warm palette that suits the romantic and nostalgic tone of the manhwa. The use of cherry blossoms and other natural elements also adds a touch of symbolism and poetry to the visuals.
The Reception
Cherry Blossoms After Winter has been well-received by readers and critics alike. It has been praised for its emotional depth, relatable characters, and beautiful art. It has also won several awards in Korea and abroad, including the Grand Prize at the Bucheon International Comics Festival in 2019.
The manhwa has also inspired adaptations and spin-offs, such as a web drama and a sequel manhwa called Cherry Blossoms After Winter: Outside the Window.
The Conclusion
Cherry Blossoms After Winter is a heartwarming and poignant love story that touches on various themes and issues that many people can relate to. It is a well-crafted and emotional work of art that showcases the talents of its creator and resonates with its audience. Whether you are a fan of romance, art, or coming-of-age stories, this manhwa is worth reading and cherishing.
