Blueming (2022)

slow-paced, thoughtful, and sweet

Honestly, I have a hard time watching Korean BLs all the way. Almost all of them (especially recently) are poorly produced, clumsily edited, overly cheesy, and rushed with questionable storylines and extremely stilted acting. So I was pleasantly impressed when I began watching Blueming. It's not surprising to me that the same director helmed Where Your Eyes Linger, To My Star, and Blueming (they are, at least in my opinion, the best of the wave of Korean BLs these past two or three years), but I would still say Blueming is her best work by far. I would even say it's on par with some of my favorite full-length kdramas, something I can't say for practically all of the Korean BLs out there.

The thing I appreciate most about this short series is that it doesn't seem like a BL churned out to take advantage of the growing number of BL fans. It doesn't try to pack in a million tropes or BL character stereotypes. It doesn't engage in an absurd amount of fan service. It actually tries to put in as much depth as it can in such a short time frame. Although the premise (and the major conflict at the end, which was a little merghuughgh) might bring out the skeptic in some of you (especially the mother being so obsessed with how her children look), I don't think it can be written off as completely unrealistic. And out of this premise comes a real message about insecurity in society and the power others' opinions hold in shaping who we are. Cha Si Won and Hyeong Da Un aren't cardboard cutout characters either; they have complex personalities and backgrounds, from Si Won's irrational fear that Da Un threatened his own hard-fought popularity to Da Un's reluctance to talk about himself. And shockingly enough, there's actually character development. I loved Si Won's transformation from an insecure, shallow-seeming person to a more bold character that gives pretty great advice. It's really nice to see BLs maturing, not only in terms of romantic scenes, but really in terms of its themes.

Blueming also takes advantage of its short length to achieve a slice-of-life genre without dragging. It can almost be compared to the likes of Run On and Our Beloved Summer – slow-paced and down-to-earth, but not overly calming or meditative. And I know a lot of people complain that slice-of-life shows like these drag on for too long or aren't interesting, but the eleven short ~15 minute episodes really make it impossible to get bored. Blueming ends up with the best of both worlds – it solves the rushing issue many mini series have by slowing the pace down, a characteristic that works surprisingly well when you don't have much time. With this slice-of-life atmosphere comes really beautiful cinematography and compositions. I am by no means in expert (at all) in this stuff, but I appreciate the thought that went into camera angles and film techniques that give the show a very elegant, composed air.

And I can't believe I waited this long to talk about this, but Cha Si Won and Hyeong Da Un are so adorable together – like the cutest, most wholesome couple ever. Beyond the great cinematography and the complexity and the pacing, I really really have to say that I stuck around because they are so sweet and I almost died uwuing. The actors are by no means Oscar-winning or shockingly great, but they are natural and convey their emotions well and have pretty amazing chemistry with each other. I have to shout out Jo Hyuk Joon (playing Hyeong Da Un) for bringing out a very charismatic personality and subtle nuances in emotion, even when he's technically not the main main character (off topic but his smile deserves an award). He made me forget too many times to count that this was acting and not reality. Si Won and Da Un together are human, genuine, healing, and also flawed. I feel like I could watch hours of them just smiling at each other and not get bored.

But inevitably, I have to complain about the length. I know I said that the slice-of-life genre works for Blueming because it's short, but I honestly still feel like it's a little too short. I mentioned earlier that I loved Si Won's transformation, but I was disappointed that we weren't able to see the more gradual process of his development – there just wasn't enough time. Da Un's arc, given that the focus is mainly on Si Won, is also not explored in depth or completed really, and there's a lot to unpack there. Overall, I think one to three hours more of screen time could've deepened the themes more, fleshed out the relationships better, and brought the watchers closer to the characters. I'm not sure if there will be a second part or not (although I think 'not' is more likely), since a few side characters were introduced, but their stories were never really explored or wrapped up.

Whether you are a fan of BLs or not, I think this mini series offers something for any kind of watcher (in the contemporary fan realm – unfortunately there is no fantasy/horror/psychological thriller/historical stuff in this one, sorry). I hope Blueming gets more attention (although I know it's getting a good amount) as the new standard for BLs and mini dramas in general.

(Edit: okay so now that I think about it, given that we were gifted with To My Star 2, a sequel to this drama is not out of the question seeing as To My Star wrapped up a lot more fully than Blueming did. But Blueming also has a lot more (unfinished) side character storylines, and it did end with a "we lived happily ever after" line for Si Won and Da Un, so maybe the sequel will focus on the side characters more rather than Si Won and Da Un?)

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Beautiful, emotional, artwork.

More like a piece of art than a BL. The acting.. OST.. and cinematography were ON POINT. Beautiful. Of course it is not just about that, but it definitely made a great impact on me and managed to heavily improve the story.
Apart from this drama being visually stunning.. the story is really great too. A lot of this also kinda felt like a life lesson somehow. There is friendship, there is love, there are struggles, great backstories, and good character development. They managed to make me tear up and I will definitely watch it again. Loved it.
I hope we're getting a 2nd season!

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This is what I'm looking for...

This is what I'm looking for, and what I'm hoping for that they will produce a bl kdrama that has very good storyline and direction. I love it and it was wholesome. I was looking for a bl series/movies that has good direction and storyline, thankfully, I watched this. The cinematography in this drama was excellent and has high potential. In addition, actors did their part very well, I applaud how they expressed their emotions bonus points for Siwon's mother also heheh. I really love the scenes at the beach, what an artsy and aesthetically filmed. They managed the scenes with good bgm also, I like it. I didn't finish yet the webtoon, as far as I remember some scenes were change, but the way they changed it was suitable also. It is good to see where they include family relations in bl kdrama, since it is not common in kbl series. A film/drama that has good direction or well directed can make the story well depicted. Such as for some film that has even light dialogues or slow paced (or even for some not slow and has full/half dialogue like this) where it contains good direction, it makes it poignant and beautiful. Without these aspects, it will be inadequate. I watch several drama and particulary films that has low budget production but made it good because of the direction, where you can observe standard and quality. Recently, korean bl industry produced several webseries but personally and honestly I didn't like most of them and some are messy. It's not just the korea also but Thai. I hope there will be more of this kind of bl drama and productions.

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BLUEMING **That Kind of Comfort Drama We all need**

First and foremost I'd like to congratulate the whole productions and crews for a job well-done.

Production -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* There couldn't be any more great and fitting to how these simple yet effective 'production' draws the amount of right elements to scenes and overall settings that the whole story has been trying to indulge to the viewers. For a short web series their productions are not to be taken lightly. I personally do think they give all what they can offer. Blueming is a living proof of MASTERPIECE❤️❤️❤️

Story- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Let's not forget how the story gradually unfolds in a way that we as viewers find edgy in our seats just to witness how the actors express the right amount of emotions. I like that the story delivers the message it tries to convey. The two leads matches the story itself. It's as if they are the living personification of how the life of Si Won and Da On should be.

Acting-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I wanna commend these actors (supporting actors to be specific) who have been exceptionally putting out their best just to give the level of angst and flavor. It's about how big is the production cost, but it's about how these actors fully internalize and justified their given role regardless of its weight and importance. You need actors that can act and thus I'm so proud and to see that these up and coming actors who wish to be known in the entertainment industry and finally given a chance to showcase what they have in-store in their sleeves. Considering Hyuk Joon and Eun Bin being an amateur in this field but guess what. They did it! They delivered more than what they were asked to give.

OST⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* It's of no doubt as far as OST is concern, Korean Dramas are topnotch. They will bring you somersault kind of feeling just by listening their OST. One Minute you feel happy next minute you feel sad. That's how strong they can pull emotions by simply embroidering their one of a kind OSTs - scenes after scenes. Yet I'm not complaining. In fact I so love every second and bits of it.

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Pretty mid tbh

I finished it yesterday at 2AM, after watching it all in one sitting. And, honestly? I can't remember 70% of what happened.
I do think that they had some cute moments - they have chemistry (nothing out of this world, but there's something there), and their scenes together were entertaining to watch.
I think maybe I was just bothered by the age difference between the actors? It's a pet peeve of mine, especially when one looks young-ish and you can tell that the other is in his thirties. Which is weird, because they're only 5 years apart - either Da Un's actor looks older than his age or Si Won's looks way younger. I honestly couldn't tell you. To me, it looked like a grown man hanging out with a college freshman.
I did like the first couple of episodes, they were funny and okay - but after that I just stopped taking notes.
Also, I didn't really get the hatred that Si Won felt towards Da Un?? Like yeah, I get it, you're poor and he's rich, but he hasn't done anything to appear as unlikable or snobby?? Da Un was always quite polite, even though I was expecting an incredibly smug rich asshole after reading the synopsis. He did annoy me when he asked his mom to choose Si Won's project when it wasn't even that good - I get that he was trying to help, but in what world did he think that was going to go over well?

And finally, I wish they had explored more with the theme of physical appearance, pretending to be someone you're not, being overly worried about how you look or how others perceive you, pretty privilege and the halo effect, etc. I thought that's what the entire series was going to focus on (and it kinda did, but not as much as I was expecting). I would've liked seeing Si Won relax and gradually stop putting on a facade, or seeing a different side to Da Un which wasn't as perfect as he was presented at first.

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Did not care for this, at all

This is not a series I would ever rewatch cos I struggled to even finish this even though it was barely 15mins an episode, this was definitely not my cup of tea. I dislike woe is me characters and goody2shoes characters the most and in this series Cha Si Won is the definition of woe is me. Everybody in the world has stuffs they are going through. You were fat when you were young, news flash so was a lot of other kids. FYI I am not discounting his “tough” childhood but don’t go expecting people to be walking on egg shells around you when everyone is going through their own shit. It’s hilarious (and not in a good/funny way) that Cha Si Won is narrating his childhood trauma to Hyeong Da Un in ep6 of how people were always judging him before getting to know him but insert *eye roll* that’s exactly how Cha Si Won turned around and judged Hyeong Da Un after their first encounter .
I really didn’t care for this at all. I wish I didn’t watch it. I strongly DO NOT recommend.

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So touching, you'll be positively surprised

Do not underestimate this drama even if it is short. It did not even feel that short. I rate 10 for everything. I wouldn't even rewatch because I just so satisfied lol! But if you want it's still worth it.
Ahem most importantly, I was so moved by this drama? I mean I always expect good BL dramas to be moving, but this one did an excellent job. I don't have much to add on previous reviews honestly, apart from how memorable this drama will be for me. It was not touching in the sense of the romance only, although it was mostly that. There was a really good balance in the story for all characters. But if you're here for the romance you won't be disappointed. The romantic scenes were hella cute, fr.

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Depressing

Every Country that makes BL drama's seems to have a formula and the Korean formula is at full force with this drama.
The two ML's are at logger heads at the beginning but they end up falling in love, there will then be a misunderstanding/betrayal causing them to split up. We then get the sad looks and waiting by the phone, they realize it was all a mistake and run to each, ending with some hand holding and longing looks ( Then we wait for season 2 to find out that the writers have decided to destroy it all)
The formula might have been the same but the story was not, I HATED THIS STORY!
There was no fun to this story, a sad boy become a sad adult who then finds some happiness only to become sad again.
We all want drama's to be more realistic but I don't want to watch a drama about sad and pathetic people living a crappy life, it is too close to home.
All the time I was watching this drama I was at angst, waiting for the next terrible situation to happen, I never smiled, I just sat there feeling uneasy and depressed.

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mirrorball by taylor swift says it all

'blueming' pulls you in to the world of two individuals who have shiny exterior but once you break through, you will see their cracks and flaws. this drama talks about people who may look as though they have their life fully worked out when in reality, they are not different from everyone else.

si won and da un are imperfectly perfect for each other. i love how the drama embraced si won's insecurities not to make the story super overdramatic but to genuinely have sense to how his character really is. the emotions of a person with pentup insecurities and disguising it with 'confidence' was decently portrayed by si won's actor.
da un was your textbook ideal, popular student but he wasn't bratty nor snobbish. he was a god tier 'good guy' who has his own set of charms and attracts anyone and everyone. in hindsight, he seems to have everything. well.... da un was a lonely boi. i can't imagine how bleak it is to come home, wanting to have some company but you end up getting welcomed by a dark room.

what's not to love when si won and da un are literally the cutest fluffballs i've ever seen? the chemistry was undeniable and i had to take breaks between episodes to recompose myself back to a human again. i swear these two made me feel so single to the point that i started to summon a character from genshin impact. chemistry on point.

i personally loved the tension between si won and da un as we began to truly understand both of their feelings. the ending wasn't bad but it did feel quite empty. sure, da un realised that he was wrong in his ways to make si won happy. we got a short inner look at da un's busy parents and how despite them being there, he was longing for si won. maybe i was hoping for more. i was hoping to see more of da un's character.

despite the camera being a bit shaky at times, the drama does well enough with its aesthetics. i was skeptical diving in this drama at first but this was a delightful watch.

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Comfortable watch

Completed - 5/10/2022 - 8.25

"Blueming", though I still don't understand what it means, is a short BL campus drama about two lost souls who found each other, accepted their true selves with the support of each other. It's a very light and comfortable watch. The relationship between the two male leads is healthy, and quite mature with honest conversations.

Our two male leads, Jo Hyuk Joon and Kang Eun Bin, are pretty new to the industry. I found the acting a little rough in the first couple episodes, especially for Kang Eun Bin, who played the main role of Cha Si Won. I think he found his groove in the latter episodes and is more comfortable in his character. Jo Hyuk Joon (who I think is the more handsome one ?) seems to be a little more comfortable and his acting is decent in the drama. The supporting cast is fine and luckily, there isn't anyone too annoying. I would say the acting on a whole is average and decent. I've definitely seen worse acting for new actors.

Because the drama is so short, only 11 episodes at about 10-15 minutes each, there are storylines that are not fully explored. But given the budget and time constraints, I am quite satisfied with the drama. If there's more time, I would like to know more about Da Un's story. As Si Won said, Da Un really didn't talk much about himself, and I would like to know more about his backstory and loneliness. I was hoping in the last episode when they had the heart-to-heart, Da Un would have opened up to Si Won a little bit more. "Blueming" focuses more on Si Won's growth - the reason for his perfect persona, his acceptance of who he really is, dealing with his insecurities, and being comfortable enough for Da Un to get to know the real Si Won.

The music and songs are not as memorable as the other Korean BLs. I do think some of the scenes are shot beautifully, given the drama is about film students.

There aren't many kiss scenes, but viewers are rewarded with a couple that are done romantically and passionately. It's nice to see real kisses when both leads did not shy away from the action.

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It's cute, but shallow

I saw some scenes on TikTok and thought it looked nice and the leads were handosme so I said, why not?

Gave the series a try and I like the scenes on TikTok, it was nice. The story is a cute romance, the leads are indeed handsome, and it does give us some interesting points that add layers and colour to the characters, like the family drama from Siwon, his concern over his appearance, etc. Dawon also gets some points of struggle to his back story but they aren't really developed and most of his struggles are inferred from his overall demeanor and way he acts around his parents, which the series fails to address to a point that you would believe that their absence was so major that caused such a rupture in the relationship. I mostly felt that they were busy but caring enough? It doesn't help that his character's personality apart from the drama is being handsome and rich. His awkward acting didn't really help in adding colour to the character so the biggest take of Dawon is his looks.

Siwon like I mentioned do received more layers and his acting is better, we have some interesting moments in the story that are good (like the couple's confrontation at the park, the confrontation with the mom) but the series is so short and the conflicts are introduced so late into the story (literally episode 9 is when the whole drama over the movie happens) that there's not really enough time for them to develop these plot lines.

We also have some plots that are added which are not relevant at all, like the minor plot involving the short haired girl who shows a love interest in Siwon and how she's not realizing the dude with glasses like her, or the whole plot involving these two and them busting the other student who was jealous of Siwon (and in the end he was actually right in saying Siwon would not have won without help). These plotlines among others felt expositional and pointless and likely worked much better if this was a long series where these events could have returned and played a significant part in the story. In the end their existence is moot to the story and aren't interesting on its own either.

Overall it's a nice and cute series, recommended for anyone who wants to watch fluff, but not recommended as a serious romantic story as it dips its feet into lots of themes but don't quite realise any of them.

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