The much-awaited C-drama “Reborn” is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited. Set in 2007, “Reborn” follows 16-year-old Qiao Qing Yu (Zhang Jing Yi), who relocates with her family from the quiet town of Shunyun to the bustling city of Huanzhou after rumors surrounding her sister Qiao Bei Yu’s (Wo You) mysterious death force them to start over. Determined to uncover the truth and move forward, Qing Yu begins to dig into the past, with unexpected help from her new classmate, the quiet and brooding Ming Sheng (Zhou Yi Ran). As they investigate, long-buried secrets start to unravel, revealing painful truths and injustices that no one wants to confront.
What Qing Yu discovers shakes her to the core. As layers of betrayal and tragedy are peeled back, her search for answers turns into a mission for justice. With its mix of teen angst, mystery, and emotional depth, “Reborn” is a compelling coming-of-age drama that hits close to the heart.
Here are three reasons to watch the C-drama “Reborn.”
Warning: spoilers for episodes 1–2 ahead!
A gripping teen mystery that unfolds layer by layer
“Reborn” wastes no time in setting the tone for its slow-burning mystery. The drama opens with 16-year-old Qiao Qing Yu moving with her family to the city of Huanzhou to start fresh. Her parents open a handmade noodle shop and tell neighbors they only have two children, a daughter and a son. But viewers quickly sense something is off. Subtle hints begin to suggest there was once another daughter in the family, Qing Yu’s older sister.
It’s revealed that the sister, Qiao Bei Yu, has died under suspicious circumstances. What really happened remains unclear, but the family’s unwillingness to even acknowledge Bei Yu’s existence raises red flags. Qing Yu is even instructed by her mother to tell others she never had a sister, and she repeats this lie despite clearly remembering her.
The drama drops unsettling clues about Bei Yu’s past. Qing Yu recalls moments where her sister was seen with an older, gangster-like man and refused to recognize her, possibly to protect her. The town’s gossip points to an AIDS-related death, but Qing Yu’s mother insists it was a ruptured appendix. Meanwhile, in a particularly chilling scene, Qing Yu discovers her mother has blacked out passages in her sex education book, an act that speaks volumes about the silence and shame surrounding her sister’s fate. Whether it was pregnancy, assault, or something darker, it is clear Bei Yu’s death was far from ordinary.
Enter Ming Sheng, Qing Yu’s mysterious new classmate who somehow knows about her sister’s past. He offers information, but on his terms. His cryptic behavior adds even more layers to the unfolding mystery, making us question what he knows and why he’s so invested.
With each episode, “Reborn” pulls viewers deeper into a web of secrets, lies, and painful truths. It’s a teen mystery that doesn’t rely on flashy twists but instead builds a haunting atmosphere through emotional tension and slow, deliberate storytelling.
Refreshing and relatable main leads
What sets “Reborn” apart is its emotionally grounded lead duo. Qiao Qing Yu is far from the typical flawless heroine. At just 16, she is vulnerable, stubborn, and full of questions, but that is what makes her journey so compelling. Her pain is palpable, her determination is raw, and her refusal to let her sister’s story be forgotten gives the drama its emotional weight. Watching her navigate grief, guilt, and the search for truth is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Opposite her is Ming Sheng, who initially appears to be your average rebellious schoolboy. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear he is anything but. Beneath his aloof exterior lies a quiet empathy and surprising depth. He holds pieces of the past Qing Yu is desperate to understand and might be the only one willing to help her find answers. Together, they bring heart, tension, and a slow-burn bond that makes “Reborn” impossible to look away from.
Atmospheric storytelling
“Reborn” masterfully blends moody visuals with emotionally charged storytelling to create a gripping and immersive viewing experience. The drama’s cinematography is polished yet intimate, using soft lighting and shadow to reflect the characters’ inner struggles and the secrets lurking beneath the surface. From bustling school hallways to the quiet unease of Chaoyang Village, every frame feels purposeful, layered with subtle hints and emotional weight.
Blending high school nostalgia with suspense and heart, “Reborn” delivers a story that is as visually compelling as it is emotionally rich. It is a drama that lingers in your mind long after the episode ends.
Start watching “Reborn”:
Hello Soompiers! What do you think happened to Bei Yu? Let us know in the comments below!
Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
Currently watching: “Spring of Youth,” and “Our Unwritten Seoul”
Looking forward to: “Good Boy”
