One of the most wholesome K-BLs ever
it's such a heartwarming story and i'm so sad i waited so long to watch this. i binged all 10 eps in one night and it's just so wholesome. the drama is like a warm cup of milk. it's not fast pace but it also isn't too slow. some plot points unbelievable but it's fine this is a bl drama. im obsessed with how sunshine/sunshine protector the main couple is, soooooo 100% my fave trope. some stiff acting at first but it gradually gets better and i love gongchan's portrayal of wonyoung so much (i will protect you in gothic font). i really like how the drama emphasized some of the key traits in this couple (wonyoung's earnest sincerity, brightness and hardworking, taejun's protectiveness, his journey to overcome his past of being betrayed/used by his ex and his slowly falling for gongchan who's completely from his ideal type). all in all i love the drama so much. if you're feeling down on a rainy day (so many rainy scenes with the main cp I LOVE IT), i would 100% recommend this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
A must watch!
This was such a good show, very cute. Yes, the kisses were... not good. They did the lip touch thing or used shadows. I have noticed this, so far, in every BL I've seen that stars a K-Pop idol.The other ML is also engaged with a baby on the way. There could be many reasons why the actors weren't comfortable kissing. Or it could be a creative decision from directors. Who knows, I am just speculating. It could be that nothing is related to why the kisses are flat.
Regardless, the kissing is the only thing that could pull me back to reality and remind me, hey this is just a show because their acting otherwise was AMAZING! I was so engrossed start to finish. I think a lot of the song choices being songs by the actual actors themselves, was a wonderful touch. It's the first time I actually took notice to songs in the background.
I do wish that some of the conflicts were resolved with more justice and more clearly. I also wish we got more of the side couple! Everything was just resolved so quickly it left me wanting more details for closure!
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could this be the best k-bl of 2023 ?
Don't get deterred by the relatively low rating, if you love classic k-drama romance, this will be your thing!Finally, we got a longer running time per episode which is a huge step forwards for the Korean BL shows that are usually simple and short ^^ The Korean BLs did not come to play around this year and I'm so happy for that !!!!! <3 I honestly think that this k-bl is THE BEST k-bl currently out! The cast and crew clearly care about the show so much and promote it really well. If you love classic k-drama plots, romantic cliches and tropes, you'll fall in love with the two couples. If not..well, you might get bored, since the relationships are developing slowly and gradually. The episodes are accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack and a beautiful scenery set in a beach town, and the chemistry between the actors is 10 out 10.
The only downsides are the dead-fish kiss scenes, but oh well, we are used to that by this point, not only in the k-bl industry but in Korean drama overall, so I wasn't surprised and didn't have any hopes for the kisses. Regardless, there are many other scenes that radiate super intense chemistry of the couples so I was satisfied with the series. I cannot express how overjoyed I felt after I found out the show is getting a spin-off/season 2, so do not worry if you liked the second couple more than the main couple ;) they'll get their turn, I'm sure!
My favourite character in this show was Won Young. The actor is extremely cute and his eyes are unusually expressive, so I could not help falling in love with him alongside Tae Joon.
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Short but sweet.
This was sweet in how they did it. It fit the webtoon alot, though it did leave some things out, It's been awhile since I read it so I can't say for sure what, I just know some things were... Now that I Think about it Dong Hee and Ho Tae had more happen in the webtoon, that's all I'm going to say on that, don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't read the webtoon, though if they come out with a 2nd season it may end up in there.... Just have to wait and see.I do have to say what I didn't like is that it was to short, they should have done more episodes, so it wouldn't have seem like it all happened in a blink of an eye. I know they can't put everything in when adapting from a manga to a series, but you can atleast make it so everything doesn't happen all at once then it's over. Drag it out a bit, the webtoon didn't have to go this fast if I remember right.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not meaning to say it was a basd series, it is good enought to recommend someone to watch if they want something short and sweet.... Just as long as you don't want something that is one you will want to watch again. I would say this is not one I would want to re-watch, I would just read the webtoon again more then re-watch this.
All in all if you want something that is fast to watch that is sweet, has good music, good acting, besides kissing :) (Yea they didn't do a good job there, though the last one could have been thier best if they didn't get interrupted lol) and has some nice looking men in it, this is one for you.
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Lack of intimacy, but did not disappoint
This was legendary. It was a cute, romantic, funny and packed with tons of scenes that will leave u feeling more single than u felt before (TT).The cinematography and camerawork were both in high quality, and I loved both the acting and castings.
The scenery and unique settings were very nice. I especially liked Taejoon’s house, which was a very nice touch that helped set the mood in the scenes that were shot in the location.
The script and OSTs were both very good. The characters were all unique and had great dynamics between them.
I wish we could have seen more of the second couple. We never really got to know how their relationship turned out in the end. There was also a disappointing lack of intimacy especially with the main couple. For instance, they hugged a lot in scenes where a kiss would have felt more natural. In addition, all the so-called kisses were simply “pecks” with zero movement. All the hugging also made many of the scenes awkward and stiff.
Nevertheless, it's still one of the best Korean BL's out there. So go give it a watch, because I know I will be watching it again soon.
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Seaside town romance
The development of Wonyoung and Taejoon's romance is pretty well done. Wonyoung being his bright and hardworking genuine self and melting Taejoon's hardened exterior bit by bit and Taejoon's attentive caring nature melting Wonyoung's heart is enjoyable to see. As is Taejoon and Dong Hee's friendship, the way they drag each other by the collars like puppies is so funny, especially when Dong Hee does it to the serious Taejoon.Wonyoung not revealing the truth sooner was a coward move, but his fear at least is not unsubstantiated, and the fall out angst is dealt with in a satisfying way, giving Taejoon a chance to close and heal the festering wounds of the trauma that was inflicted on him from his ex, and with Wonyoung doing his best his way to make up for it. The foundation that was set up was strong enough that I can still root for their relationship.
Some of the kissing are stilted, but I blame the director. It's not an exclusive bl issue, but an issue in asian dramas in general where the actors are told not to move and it makes no sense. There's a kissing scene later that shows the actors can do normal screen kisses just fine and are committed to portraying gay characters in an intimate relationship.
Dong Hee gives me major Thai drama actor in terms of styling and storyline. The flashback that shows Ho Tae's mom showing the abused Dong Hee the warmth, kindness, and acceptance to his sexuality explains so much why treasures her so much and can't reciprocate Ho Tae's romantic intentions. He's getting a spin-off, good for him.
All in all a pleasant watch.
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One of the best korean BLs i've ever seen!
This one was good, like really good and I will for sre be rewatching soon.I'm so glad we finally got korean BL with 30+ minutes long episodes and with more than just 5 of them.
The story was good! Finally something we're not used to see in literally every BL. The chemistry between all characters was also really good so it made everything feel more realistic.
What I'm mad about is the short screen time for the second couple. They were so cute and their story was so beautiful. I really wish at least half of the last episode was dedicated to them and their story. I'm also kinda sad about Taejoong's ex. Like I wanted to see more of their story. I know it's not series about them but it would make us understand Taejoong's feelings more...
And propably the most disappointing thing is the intimacy between the main couple. Like I'm sorry but what was that? I can literally do that with my friend. If you haven't watched it yet (do so!!), you don't know what I'm talking about but you'll know. I don't seek intimacy, kisses and stuff when it comes to any series/couples but please, when it'a there, make it look real and like the characters actually want to do it.
Other than that, I love it! They're also all cute off camera!!
Definitely going on my top bl list!<3
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Original to an extent...extent sufficient to warrant disruption in emotions
Original story. Handsome leads. Quite good acting. But what mattered the most is the chemistry made sense.Thank the Lord (!) that they were attentive to the build up, so their relationship was believable outcome. You can feel in the first couple of episode that nothing was hurried and it paid off.
Utterly enjoyable watch up to the confession episode and then it kind of drags into kind of unnecessary drama.
I was hoping to get healthy response from both leads to tribulations but they went the trope way and did not exhibit much new.
Not many hot scenarios but the tension was so palpable that it could be cut through the air with a knife. Love that. I felt emotions and it is immediate rewatch because of it. Shows both leads did a wonderful job at their characters.
Here the second couple just did not click for me. I can see they were trying to explore the bad boy trope who is also an uneducated man who follows his heart instead all of them educated bunch overthinking everything. However, ring ring, you do not have to be (un)educated to have exclusive access to any of those two mind states. Anyways, I could not feel chemistry from them.
The somewhat of antagonist, the ex, did a great job at his character. Zero cringe from his side. He should have been given more screen time.
The cast was very good and pleasant to watch. I think the key here is that they BOTH acted well, and looked good. It raised the bar and high-brow feel despite the budget. The atmosphere of drama was very expensive, for the lack of better words.
Overall,
Definitely not a skip. Wonderful backbone story that powers more than half of total episodes to be a delight without plot holes. They abandoned the backstory and did not develop its potential fully. Instead they imbued the story with meaningless office drama, in latter eps. However, the build up to them coming together was done brilliantly. Then the last episode seemed pointless. I felt a large decline in meaning of what I am watching in the last two episodes. So you see, up and down. I was surprised at high score output for this drama but I did enjoy how genuine it was. So do not let yourself skip it. It will move you. The attention they paid to the backbone story at the beginning is certainly something refreshing that I hope to see more of in bl.
Enjoy and thanks for reading.
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Kdrama tropes galore, but still liked it
to be honest they pulled all the drama tropes in this drama but I still liked it - minus the kisses lolso we had the angry driving then pulling to the side of the road - one of my favs lol
we had the looking after the sick person and the wipe down ofc
we had the moving in together for some unavoidable reason
one lead is rich the other one is full with debt
we had the evil ex,
oh yeah the toxic office workplace too
I surely missed a few more
I mean it is from a manhwa so the tropes are almost always there, we eat them up tho every time lol I am also totally guilty in that!
I feel like Cha Seo Won really liked the character, the brooding artist but was a bit butthurt about having to do it in a BL, I think that explains the kisses lol
I actually found the 2nd couple's story quite interesting, I am looking forward to their series that was announced! I loved Won Tae Min's acting in You make me dance as well and I feel like he had good chemistry with the actor there and here too!
All in all I was still really entertained
Love me some kpop boys in BLs!
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Good characters, enjoyable story line
I really enjoyed watching this bl. The characters are written to fall in love with them while watching this series. These are also couples that you root you for, really enjoyable. I just wished for a better ending scene (it was just that back hug at the end but donghee never really answered hotaes question, that annoyed me a bit) of hotae and donghee since I rlly loved them as a side couple. The kissing scenes were a bit awkward to watch since they basically and barely really kissed but just pressed each others lips onto another, but we're quite used to that in korean bls. But other than that, it was good watch. I can recommend it to everyone since its also a good story plot.Was this review helpful to you?
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The side couple saved the series for me
First of all, I started watching this BL after having had watched the prequel of the side couple. So it is fair to say that I was mainly interested in their story when I started this series.Still, this doesn't distract from the fact that I was way more engaged in their story than the one of the main couple the whole time. Their dynamic was more interesting and their characters more on the unusual side for a Kdrama. This is only my own sentiment though!
So, about the main couple, there were some things I disliked. While I get that the two main leads were portrayed as completely different personalities, also because of their age gap, in my opinion, the contrast between them seemed too stark. Even though one of them was more or less significantly younger than the other, I think they highlighted his "childishness" and the older guy's maturity in an excessive way. Although I admit that it got more bearable towards the end, I couldn't help but think that it was exaggerated and made their interactions less enjoyable to watch. Additionally, I didn't really feel the chemistry between those two, to be honest.
The plot bothered me at times too, as it was frustrating that the motive of the main lead was kept a secret for such a long time (kind of a cliché thing too). As already said, the side couple saved the series for me. Not gonna lie, but I was waiting for their scenes pretty often while the other couple was shown, I'm sorry. (,:
Now, there were obviously still positive aspect of the series (and it is not my intention to only criticize this series in a negative way). Firstly, I appreciated a lot that unlike many Kdramas, the story wasn't set in Seoul (at least for most part!) but a more rural area. That was very refreshing. I also thought that in general the characters were more complex than basic, which I liked. The acting wasn't bad either. Oh, and the OST is pretty cute too! ((:
In general, it was a cute watch I guess, but there were lacking points and I would have liked it better if the side couple would have gotten more screen time.
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