Where Your Eyes Linger (2020)

The Power of a Lingering Look.

The chemistry of the two actors/characters is palpable. It elevates the story to a height where it conveys everything that needs to be conveyed. It reinforces the script, the plot, the visuals, the framing; everything. It is the foundation and the highlight of the series. It goes to show how effective having great chemistry and deeply emotive acting can be for a series and it’s all achieved through these intense lingering looks. They say, ‘the eyes never lie’ and they speak so much truth between these characters, even when they try to deny the truth themselves. That’s how powerful the lingering looks are. This series does not get enough credit. I still think this is THE most tension filled chemistry of ANY k-bl that has ever existed. It’s so palpable, I could feel it through the screen which is quite impressive for a bl that had very few overt intimate skinship and a kiss scene only at the end. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife it was so thick.

It also has a very solid production. The visuals were crisp and polished and the acting, very strong. Especially the actor who plays the bodyguard.

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A subtle watch, despite the climax

*outline*
This drama was surprisingly so calm. I mean, sure, seeing the poster and title I did expect it to be something of like a spring-type nature. Of course, I got fooled for the 632925274th time. I should really stop assuming what a drama or movie is gonna be like based on the poster, title, and description. Even the trailers fool me. I didn't even read the description before watching it because I decided I wanted to watch the drama with a fresh mind. But I read the description right now and WTH. It's like a summary, they don't even hint at the depth of the amazing-ness of this drama. (not a word, ik)
{LINK TO DRAMA IN THE COMMENTS}


*analysis*
STORY : From the beginning, you'd naturally assume that the drama would take very cliche turns and twists but that really isn't a case. Actually, I didn't even know what I wanted to happen at each step in the story but it all happened. The director made me dream come true and I didn't even KNOW I had those wishes about them. Boomer. The pacing was amazing from the very start and no scene was wasted, it was clearly all building up until the very end. The confession was everything and nothing. I just wish there was a more finite ending. The kiss was worth the wait, especially after being teased so much by the playwright. A Season 2 would feel so good to watch, especially if it has the same quality of production, acting, story, OST and visual fx. It really was simply amazing from the beginning. Color Rush has been my favorite release so far, but this definitely topped it. I was really holding this one off for some reason too, so that just... disappoints me. How could I ever !! Also, despite the teasing, we got nothing even at the end ! Where's the skinship, y'all? This is why they seemed more like friends throughout the whole damn thing. Fudge.

ACTING/CAST : Okay, the one who confessed first was the one I was least expecting. I really expected the other one to confess. And no spoilers. You really gotta watch it yourself. I'm telling you, it's amazing. Both actors- no- all actors did amazing. We all know Jang Eui Soo is an amazing actor anyways. He's only ever played in hits and it shouldn't even be questionable why. Please tell me this drama got at least one award? The 10 rating was well-deserved. Tsk, Han Gi Chan. I want to see more of him already even though he only made his acting debut with this drama. We've all also seen Jeon Jae Yeong. The guy is one of the few kdrama comedians that shape the whole story. If it weren't for him, damn, this drama just- I can't even explain it. Yeah, he ended up making mistakes (he always does in his dramas anyways, except for those that he acts as a CEO-or-something in) but c'mon ! Why is he so good in his roles? Ngl, they're all a little similar... sigh- there's a reason he's stuck to his comedy roles, he just fits so well.

MUSIC : I didn't even have to think twice about rating this a 10. The different tracks in this album were played at the end of each episode, so they didn't even distract us from the plot. And a harsh pat on the back for that, dear editor and director. You did so well.
{LINK TO OSTs IN THE COMMENTS}

REWATCH VALUE : I would definitely rewatch this. I would always miss the characters despite the fact I didn't get much physical bromance, but rather emotional bromance. I don't even know how much the whole story line just distracted me from wanting some BL skinship anyways. I have no doubt this will be remembered and cherished by all.


*recommendations*
'To My Star' for a similar take on a popular and his friend(-ish).


Visit my Custom List "Asian BLs" which includes Korean, Thai, and Taiwanese BLs to see some of my watches. I don't actually give very low ratings because I believe every love has its own story. Check them out if you'd like some recommendations !! ^.^

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Both of the leads are sooo pretty and they had great chemistry. Plus their acting was beautiful and i almost cried at the end, which rarely happens with any kind of series to me.
I think the story was crafted really well and there could be potential for a second season, since the ending suggests future relationship development. Also i have to mention the quality of all the scenes, the camera placement, e.c., which i don't see a lot in BL series. The script was great too, there wasn't any awkwardness or uncomfortable silences and i guess you could say this is one of the best series I have ever seen.

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Short and really sweet!

Just the fact that this bl is Korean should be enough for most people to like it haha. I have watched very few Korean BL's until now but this will definitely stand on the top of my list for a while.

Like everyone else, I've been complaining nonstop at how short this drama is, but again, it adds on to the charm of the show. Maybe it wouldn't have been this good and sweet if it was a regular one hour long, 16 episode drama.

I will definitely rewatch this in the future and if you have doubts about watching it, don't. It will hardly take up two hours of your time, but those two hours will be well-spent.

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I was extremely excited for this show when it was announced. As a BL fan, I was excited that Korea was producing a BL drama and this show did not disappoint. This show is a beautiful love story between these two characters and it was heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch. The skin ship scenes were very well done and showed a lot of chemistry between these two actors. The plot is very simple. Two friends who have been pinning after each other for some time finally start to realize and work though their feeling for one another and I think that for a short show like this a simple plot was a good decision. Simple plots allow for the story to fully told and to focus on the emotions.

I am very happy to see Korea producing more LGBTQ drama and I hope this is a trend that continues cause if they are of this quality they will be spectacular

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STORY: Although it wasn't much difference in telling a story about two teenage boys, who are childhood friends, discovering their sexuality and feelings for each other, it did when it comes to BL's in Korea. This was a huge step in the right direction for Korea hopefully we get more stories like this one soon. Also eventhough it's not really different to many other stories in this genre the story line still felt deep to me. The characters grow & change in those short 10 mins/8 episodes. Both of them become stronger and more confident in themselves. Gook stops being afraid of his feelings when he faces down Tae Joo's father all out of love for TJ. Tae Joo becomes more serious & selfless when he is honest about his feelings to his father and basically gives up both his freedom and Gook in order to keep Gook safe. Seriously WYEL evokes so much from the viewer no matter how short and fast paced it was. I actually liked that because the story never dragged & kept me glued to my computer screen. Oh and that ending????? *squeals!* I didn't expect to get a HEA I'm so glad we did.
I rated this section 9.5 because although yes, I've seen this plot many, many times in BL's before it still evoked so much in me.

ACTING/CAST: I had never seen any of these actors before but they all did an excellent job with their characters. All of them were perfectly cast. Especially the leads, wow were they good. I really felt like I wasn't watching two actors but the real characters. Their emotions felt so real. 10/10 all around!

MUSIC: The music choices really made the scenes come to life. I think I found my new OST. 10/10

REWATCH VALUE: 10/10 I'm already watching it over again lol.

OVERALL: 10/10- Thanks to everyone who decided to make this show not only storywise but acting wise too and what hopefully it will mean for Korea in the future.

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Hopeful future for K-BLs

As some other people have stated, I was also a bit skeptical when I heard that there was a Korean BL, but I knew I had to give it a try and I totally loved it. It was such a cute story that, although full of cliches, managed to deliver nice emotions and a feel-good type of ending.

I really loved the combination of the characters' personalities, their realization of love and how they fought in their own ways to be on each other's side.

Since this was such a short story, the going abroad and forced breakup wasn't really annoying, and instead it actually felt like it was the right way to build the story up. I loved their final encounter and how they were still so into each other.

Really cute story, I just wish we could get at least a season 2 to get more of Han Tae Joo and Kang Gook.

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Something about this BL felt different! Maybe its just this beautiful mix of deep emotions and guilty pleasure, where the actors made the fantasy so believable, or the combination of soft happy with light angst but it just works! The main leads had phenomenal chemistry and the writing was pretty great. I watched both versions, on viki and I watched it again a third time xD and I would HAPPILY watch it again. But I personally felt the version without the VOs just hit harder for some reason. And most of the time I was crying and it wasn't even that sad lol but it was... hard to explain. Anyway i always keep saying if Korea started doing BL they would be epic, because just look at Method, and its finally happened! Lets hope they give us a lot more now. And of course I'd love to see t hese two again!

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I have never been a fan of BL mostly because of the fact that most bls ive seen were thai bls that contain unconsented stuff which turned to love which felt so uncomfortable for me forcing someone to do something will not autimatically make them like you and today more than ever consent should be present and shoulnt be ignored and that is what i liked in this show it wasnt sexual it was just about two guys in love and wanting to be happy and the actors really did a good job not making it seem forced and the chemistery they haddd waaaaaah
my only complaint is that having eight 10 minute eps made it feel too weird imagine if this was a full on show with plot now thats something lets just hope we will see this in the future
and as an ost enthusiast this one just hit the spot the op was too good and fitting

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