Can you watch “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” for free?
The Korean coming-of-age film “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer,” scheduled for release on August 8, is creating a buzz.
Starring Dahyun from the popular idol group TWICE and Jinyoung, who is active as both an actor and singer.
To answer questions like “When will it start streaming?” and “Which subscription service will have it?,” we’ll thoroughly explain services where you might be able to watch for free and ways to watch at a super low price.
The original is the Taiwanese film “You Are the Apple of My Eye.” As the Korean version, it unfolds a new story packed with heart-fluttering moments and bittersweet feelings.
We’ll comprehensively introduce points to know before watching, a streaming start forecast, and even impressions and reviews.
“Should I still see it in theaters, or should I wait for streaming?”
This is a definitive, bookmark-worthy guide that answers your question.
Who’s Sona, bear friend!? Youth sure is sweet and tangy, huh~!
…Speaking of tangy, I ate too many sour plums and burst into tears.
Not from my eyes—my mouth! What a shock, grr~!
- What is “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”?
- Synopsis and film info for “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”
- Highlights and charms to know before watching
- Subscription services likely to stream “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” in the future
- FAQs about watching “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”
- Filmography of the lead cast
- Recommended similar and related works
- Check the buzz and reviews on social media!
What is “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”?
“To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” is a Korean coming-of-age film that will be released in Japan on August 8, 2025.
As a Korean remake of the Taiwanese film “You Are the Apple of My Eye,” released in 2011, it’s drawing attention for preserving the essence of the original while featuring emotionally rich direction and delicate character portrayals unique to Korea.
The leads are Dahyun from the popular girl group TWICE and Jinyoung, a member of the Korean idol group GOT7 who is also active as an actor.
In her first lead film role, Dahyun gives a charming performance as the straightforward, sunny heroine “Sona,” and the youthful memories she shares with Jinyoung’s slightly awkward and sensitive boy are depicted with freshness.
The original title is “그 시절, 우리가 좋아했던 소녀.” A literal translation is “The Girl We Loved Back Then,” making it truly a work brimming with nostalgia and bittersweet feelings that makes you want to go back to that summer.
Differences from the original and key highlights
In the Taiwanese version “You Are the Apple of My Eye,” the down-to-earth high schoolers portrayed by Kai Ko and Michelle Chen were praised worldwide.
In this Korean remake, Korea’s distinctive school culture and views on romance provide the basis for the adaptation, creating new emotional waves.
Also, the theme song in the film, “You Are the Apple of My Eye,” is notably co-written and composed by Dahyun and Jinyoung, making the fusion of film and music an element that deepens the emotion even further.
“To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” is a must-see not only for fans of Korean coming-of-age films but also for fans of the original and K-pop.
Pay attention to how leads Dahyun and Jinyoung color the story not only through acting but also with music.
Synopsis and film info for “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”
“To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” is a coming-of-age film that depicts memories of love, friendship, and growth experienced by teenagers.
Set in early-2000s Korea, the story begins when high schooler Ji-hoon develops feelings for Sona, the top student in his class.
It shows his awkward approaches and missed connections unique to adolescence, and their reunion after graduating high school.
Sona is bright and optimistic, always spreading smiles to those around her.
As Ji-hoon becomes drawn to her, he gradually closes the distance with help from friends.
However, fate, while pulling them together, sometimes tests them, and as time passes, “what we liked” turns into “what we can’t forget,” stirring the audience’s hearts.
Basic information
| Title | To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 그 시절, 우리가 좋아했던 소녀 |
| Release Date | Friday, August 8, 2025 |
| Director | Lee Myung-woo |
| Screenplay | Han Chae-rim |
| Cast | Dahyun (TWICE), Jinyoung (GOT7) |
| Genre | Coming-of-age, Romance, Human Drama |
| Runtime | 113 minutes (planned) |
| Distributor | Showgate |
As a remake of a classic coming-of-age film, the story is highly polished.
It’s a beautiful yet bittersweet love story that will linger in viewers’ memories.
Highlights and charms to know before watching
To enjoy “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” more deeply, here are the key highlights and appealing elements to keep in mind beforehand.
More than just a school romance, this film depicts a “youth that stays with you,” packed with elements that will resonate with movie lovers, K-pop fans, and fans of the original.
1. Dahyun’s presence in her first lead film role
Dahyun, who enjoys tremendous popularity as a member of TWICE, finally takes on her first lead role in a film.
Unlike her idol activities so far, there’s particular attention on her delicate emotional expressions and nuanced facial acting.
2. Jinyoung’s portrayal of a “realistic high school boy”
Jinyoung, who has appeared in numerous dramas as an actor, plays Ji-hoon, a plain but earnest high school boy.
His growth, struggles, and feelings for Sona gently resonate with the audience.
3. A Korea-meets-Taiwan hybrid of emotion
While retaining the nostalgic atmosphere of the Taiwanese original, it fuses expressive emotions unique to Korean culture.
The direction feels like taking the best of Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese coming-of-age films, appealing to both Korean cinema fans and fans of the original.
4. Multi-layered use of the theme song “You Are the Apple of My Eye”
The end-credits theme song, written and composed by Dahyun × Jinyoung, is a must-hear that heightens the film’s afterglow.
The melody and lyrics are perfectly linked with the story, earning very high marks as film music.
5. Not just heart-fluttering—“the aesthetics of poignancy”
It’s not merely a happy ending; the film also explores the ephemeral fragility of youth.
The lingering feelings—like “what we can only realize now” and “what we couldn’t say back then”—make you want to overlay the story with your own memories.
Beyond the charm of the cast, the direction, music, and script are all delicately and meticulously crafted, making this a “memorable coming-of-age film.”
It’s praised as a work that lets you bask not only in sweet emotions but also in beautiful sadness.
Subscription services likely to stream “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” in the future
公開後の配信タイミングは未定ですが</strong、韓国青春映画であり、音楽性も高い本作は、以下の主要サブスクでの配信期待が高まります。予測時期と視聴方法を確認して、**無料もしくは激安で観る方法**を押さえておきましょう。
| Service | Estimated Streaming Start | Price | How to Watch for Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | Around November 2025 | ¥2,189/month (tax included) | First-time 31-day free trial + points for effectively free viewing |
| Netflix | Oct–Dec 2025 | Basic ¥990 / Standard ¥1,490 / Premium ¥1,980 (tax included) | Occasionally offers limited-time free trials |
| Hulu | Mid-October 2025 | ¥1,026/month (tax included) | 14-day free trial + trailer viewing + sign-up may allow viewing |
| d Anime Store | Late October 2025 | ¥440/month (tax included) | First-time 31-day free trial + discount via Anime Times linkage |
| ABEMA | Sep–Oct 2025 | ¥960/month (tax included) | Use the 2-week free trial |
By taking advantage of free trial periods on each service, there’s a strong possibility you can watch within a few months after release at effectively no cost.
FAQs about watching “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”
We’ll explain the common questions many have about watching “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”.
If you’re wondering about streaming timing, subtitles/dubbing, or whether to see it in theaters, use this as a reference.
Q1: When will it start streaming on subscription services?
The official streaming date hasn’t been announced, but it’s generally about 2–4 months after theatrical release.
Therefore, streaming on U-NEXT or Hulu is expected around October–November 2025.
Q2: Will there be subtitles or dubbing?
As a Korean film, Japanese-subtitled versions will likely be the main offering.
However, since some titles on Netflix and U-NEXT have been getting dubbed versions, be sure to check at release.
Q3: Should I watch it in theaters or wait for streaming?
This film features visuals and emotional expressions that shine on the big screen, so for fans of coming-of-age movies, we recommend theaters.
That said, for those who want to immerse themselves in a calm environment or rewatch, streaming is also ideal.
Q4: Do I need to have seen the original (Taiwanese) film?
Although it’s a remake, the settings and direction stand on their own, so you can fully enjoy it without knowing the original.
In fact, watching from a fresh perspective may help you discover charms unique to the Korean version.
Q5: Are there any hacks to watch for free?
Making the most of free trial periods is the key.
With U-NEXT, first-time sign-ups get a 31-day free trial + 600 points, so if you time it with the streaming start, you can effectively watch for free.
Whether to choose theaters or streaming is up to your preference.
If you want to save money, time your free trial period wisely.
Filmography of the lead cast
Dahyun (TWICE) and Jinyoung (GOT7) co-star as dual leads in “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”.
This is their first co-starring film, and both are drawing attention not only for their music activities but also for their screen work.
By checking their past appearances, you can further appreciate their appeal.
Dahyun (TWICE) appearances
- “TWICE: Seize the Light” (2020)
A documentary following TWICE’s world tour - “TIME TO TWICE” (2019–present)
A variety series distributed on YouTube and VLIVE
- This film marks her first lead role in a movie
Jinyoung (GOT7) appearances
- “Because It’s My First Love” (Netflix / 2019)
A coming-of-age drama about young people’s love and friendship
- “Love in the Moonlight” (KBS / 2016)
A representative Korean period drama. A small role, but he made his presence felt
- “Yumi’s Cells” (tvN / 2021–)
A unique love story depicting Yumi’s “cells,” known for strong psychological portrayals
- “Christmas Carol” (Film / 2023)
Dahyun receives high marks despite this being her first film, and Jinyoung is already active in many works as a skilled actor.
Watching their past works will make you even more captivated by their performances.
Recommended similar and related works
For those moved by “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer”, here are recommended films and dramas based on shared themes, atmosphere, and works featuring the cast.
These titles—depicting poignancy, the struggles of youth, and the fleeting nature of first love—are perfect if you want to savor the afterglow.
1. You Are the Apple of My Eye (Taiwan / 2011)
The Taiwanese coming-of-age film on which this work is based.
The first-love story portrayed by Kai Ko and Michelle Chen became a major hit across Asia and sparked a subsequent remake boom.
2. Architecture 101 (Korea / 2012)
A Korean masterpiece contrasting a first love in college with the present self.
Its structure interweaving flashbacks resonates with “Sona.”
3. Twenty (Korea / 2015)
A coming-of-age ensemble film starring Kim Woo-bin, Kang Ha-neul, and Junho (2PM).
It shares realistic and funny moments of youth.
4. Be With You (Korean version / 2018)
A moving work based on a Japanese original, remade in Korea.
While not a youth film but centered on family love, its emotional swells and lingering aftertaste are very close to “Sona.”
5. Yumi’s Cells (2021–)
Features lead actor Jinyoung.
A unique love story told from the perspective of the “cells” inside the heart.
Let “To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” be your gateway to classic Asian coming-of-age films.
Comparing it with the original film, in particular, will lead to new discoveries.
Check the buzz and reviews on social media!
“To Sona, Whom We Loved That Summer” is gradually gaining momentum on social media.
From fans who attended preview screenings and impressions after the Korean release, heart-fluttering moments, cinematography, and music are drawing especially high praise.
| Category | Score (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Heart-flutter factor | 85 |
| Bittersweetness | 78 |
| Acting | 81 |
| Music (incl. theme) | 88 |
| Visual beauty | 82 |
| Total Score | 83 |
Real reactions, hand-picked
“Dahyun’s acting felt surprisingly natural! Perfect vibe for a youth movie.” (from Twitter)
“Jinyoung as a high schooler fits so well—it’s shocking. If you’re a TWICE fan, you’ll definitely cry.” (from Instagram)
“I prefer the Taiwanese version, but the Korean version holds its own thanks to the music.” (from a Filmarks review)
Overall, the awkwardness of first love and the nostalgia linked to summer memories are being received positively, giving the impression that it’s winning over K-pop fans and lovers of coming-of-age films.
On social media, many comments say “Youth is wonderful” and “I want to go back to those days,” earning it high marks as a work with strong emotional immersion.
Back then, Milkuma used to nap in the back of the classroom…
…and nobody ever noticed. Talk about low presence!
This time I’m off to meet Sona, who totally owns the screen!
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