Kicks and Quirks: A Drama that Lands the Right Punch
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo is another refreshing addition to the scarce list of Korean BLs this year, a category that has increasingly leaned toward coming-of-age narratives with romantic undertones. Much like its contemporaries (The Trainee and The On1y One), the story remains impactful even when the romantic elements are secondary, proving that a well-crafted journey can stand on its own.The drama’s simplicity makes it easy to consume, yet it never sacrifices depth. Starting with familial conflicts and transitioning to themes of personal, societal, and romantic growth, it delivers a balanced narrative arc. It does not overwhelm but rather harmonizes these elements beautifully, leading to an emotional and satisfying conclusion.
After Do Hoi left, the plot seemed to focus on Ju Yeong’s personal growth, but as the story unfolded, it shifted toward Do Hoi’s personal baggage and the complexities of their relationship, including the involvement of Hyeon Ho. While handled lightly, these arcs still packed a solid emotional punch.
The scriptwriting particularly stood out, with lines that resonated deeply. For example, Do Hoi’s emotionally charged exchanges with Ju Yeong — including the unforgettable “We’ve found love that others take a lifetime to find. That’s a big deal” — showcased the strength of the writing, evoking genuine responses from viewers.
The directing, helmed by the genius behind To My Star, Blueming, and Where Your Eyes Linger, elevated the material to artful levels. Combined with Korea’s trademark for excellent cinematography in BL dramas, the visual presentation was nothing short of breathtaking.
However, there were some shortcomings. Certain scenes lacked emotional weight, undercutting their potential impact. The editing was uneven at times, with abrupt cuts and poorly-timed transitions disrupting the narrative flow. Familiar tropes, such as the stereotypical “abusive father” and the overused “I bullied you because I like you” antagonist, felt predictable and underwhelming. Additionally, the Taekwondo element, while relevant to the characters’ growth, was somewhat scattered in execution.
On the brighter side, the romance was delicately and genuinely portrayed, with intimate moments that felt both authentic and moving. The leads, who communicated profound emotions through their eyes alone, delivered stellar performances. Their chemistry was palpable, particularly in their non-verbal exchanges, exemplified by lines like “Everything that was obscure is now clear to me.” Small Easter eggs, such as the reappearance of To My Star 2’s Ti Aspetto location, added a nostalgic charm.
One criticism raised by some viewers is the seemingly anticlimactic ending. While it might feel understated, not every drama aims for a sequel-worthy cliffhanger. This series chooses to conclude on a sweet and genuine note, encapsulated beautifully when Do Hoi sees Ju Yeong’s search history as they begin opening up to one another. It’s a tender moment that speaks volumes, perfectly summarizing their journey of understanding and connection.
Ultimately, the story’s most resonant theme was the idea of having someone who supports and celebrates your growth as their own. It’s this deeply human connection that elevates the drama beyond a simple BL romance, making it a heartfelt watch. While not overly complex, Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo delivers an emotional payoff that lingers long after the final scene.
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Painful Insights
This drama series is unmistakably written and directed by Hwang da Seul. First of all, I have to say, da Seul is brilliant and she is much smarter than anyone in the room. This drama has a lot in common with To My Star 1 & 2. There is a similar time gap in TMS 2 although not as long as in Curse. It is only 2 years i think, but that is still a significant amount of time. Also the two stories appear to take place in the same Korean village or town. The character of the mayor is the same actor. The time lapses in both are shrouded in mystery and there is real pain involved for the characters. Painful mysteries that are not resolved until the end. As much as I wish she would not put her characters/audience through so much pain, her writing is very insightful.
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Beyond excellent
This story was magnificent! The acting was superb!The two ML's had so much chemistry.
This was not a fluff filled story. It was complex and presented some serious societal issues. Being from an abusive home I emphasized with Dohoe. He did some things that were over the line, but growing up he lived in daily fear. Some of his choices reflected his turmoil and lack of acceptance and esteem growing up. The second ML was delightful. He loved without reservation. The entire production has relationship building moments. This is a classic. I will watch it as well as "I Feel You Linger in the Air" numerous times.
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Overcoming Intergenerational Traum
what a heartbreaking, bittersweet, human story of the long reach childhood abuse and neglect can have. Like Love in the Big City, I don’t feel this romance is center stage- the human pain and drama will sear into your memory.The acting is stellar. Tje awkwardness of first physical love is handled with honesty and dignity, all while forcing the viewer to remember their own unsure first steps into a romantic relationship.
Tjere is a significant time jump that is jarring, but by the end, I truly understood why the writers made this choice.
Solidly number one in my favorite BLs of the year.
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Heart Fluttering
Oh my goodness!I am already enamored with the first two episodes.
The acting, storyline, execution, and cinematography are all exceptionally well done.
I am particularly drawn to the character of Ju Yeong, who is intelligent, cheerful, and straightforward.
Do Hoe is also commendable in his ability to control his emotions, even when he is happy. He portrays the character's fear very well...
As for Jang Yeon Woo, his character is not as developed yet, but I am optimistic that he will become more prominent in the upcoming episodes..
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First two episodes were great
(This review was written after watching the first two episodes only. I am a little disappointed after watching episodes 3 & 4)One of the best Korean BLs so far.
I feel like I’ve been hit by a train, my emotions are going haywire 😨 I was laughing, crying, or enraged every other scene
Ju Yeong’s bruises were shown and my stomach fell, I just started crying because he was smiling and laughing the whole time enduring the pain, and was planning to say anything. I'm curious and want a deeper exploration of his family life and Taekwondo's role. Is the mistreatment and poor conditions worth it?
How could you beat up a kid like that much more than someone else’s child like that wtf 🤬 And most of the kids in that neighborhood have been beaten by him before and nothing can be done about it?! I had to pause and sit in silence.
I can’t imagine what Do Hoe experienced for years living with him alone after his mom left, as well as the violent bullying from his classmates. Which I peeped the gay panic (14:38)
By the end I was LMAO because of their awkwardness but determination to have a proper kiss I think they’ll stay warm in the cold😂 They are so pure and my heart aches for them 🥺
I think this is just the beginning of injuries Ju Yeong will attain and with Savior Complex he’s gonna accumulate more until they can’t be hidden anymore or become detrimental to his health. His silence, and the lying about his injuries on top of to Do Hoe’s guilt because of his father will take a toll on their newly budding romance.
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Montanha russa de emoções
Fico impressionada como conseguem te envolver tanto a ponto de sentir as emoções junto com os personagens. Você se apaixona pelo primeiro amor deles, a felicidade e inocência. Depois sofre com a separação, chora pela perda do relacionamento lindo deles. No reencontro sente uma confusão, a felicidade de terem se encontrado, mas a confusão pelo tratamento frio do Doehe e das palavras não ditas. Aí vem a reconciliação, eles voltam juntos, mas a sensação de vazio permanece, como se mesmo juntos, um muro entre eles permanece, não são mais os mesmos e o relacionamento também. Finamente chega à parte que o Doehe desenterra o seu passado e se liberta dele. Sinceramente fiquei muito incomodada como ele tratava o outro, mesmo entendo seus motivos. Por orgulho e culpa, tentando se provar para o pai e todos que ele podia ter sucesso, mas mesmo conseguindo isso não era feliz, por viver uma mentira e ser assombrado pelo passado. Achei interessante também o amigo dele, antes im0plicava por gostar dele e não entender seus sentimentos, mas passa os anos o apoiando e ao seu lado. Se não fosse pelo sol do Ju Young a vida dele seria sombria, tanto como no passado como no presente, ele chegou trazendo esperança de um futuro melhor e feliz. Mesmo com raiva do Doehe fiquei feliz quando ele conseguiu lidar com suas questões e mentiras, o final é simplesmente um dos melhores, um final simplesmente deles sendo felizes juntos e sendo família. Vou manter esse bl no coração por muito tempo, cheio de camadas e emoções. E QUE ATUAÇÕES MARAVILHOSASWas this review helpful to you?
gostei mas por diversas vezes achei confuso
Eu não achei ruim mas esperava mais, algo mais emocionante achei a história por diversas vezes confusa e muito escura as cenas sendo difícil de entender o que estava acontecendo, mas óbvio que da para perceber que não é uma história qualquer e está no nível das outras histórias feitas por essa diretora, as atuações achei boas, nada a reclamar em relação a isso, mas de modo geral acho que pecou na sensação de confusão talvez a edição não tenha sido muito boa.Was this review helpful to you?
Briser le cycle de la violence
Ce drama m'a amené beaucoup de questionnement. Même si la romance est au centre de l'intrigue, je trouve que la thématique principal reste la gestion du trauma et le cycle de la violence que cela peut engendrer. Est ce qu'il vaut mieux faire table rase du passé, tout oublier des moments les plus durs de notre vie ? Est ce qu'on est toujours soit même si on renie d'ou l'on vient ? A rajouter à ça un peu de lutte des classes, des acteurs très bon vraiment un des meilleurs drama que j'ai vuWas this review helpful to you?
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Actores supremos, guión mejorable
Acabado este bl que podría haber sido, según mi opinión otra joya de los bl coreanos pero se ha quedado en algo a medio camino. Lo que me ha gustado: la química entre la pareja principal, las actuaciones de todos los actores, la música maravillosa, el final feliz, la sanación y redención de los errores pasados, el tono más realista que otros bl.Lo que no me ha gustado: la narración y la construcción del guión, las conversaciones que se me hacían crípticas (alguien ha entendido la conversación por teléfono del abogado con el protagonista?) , los interrogantes sin resolver (en el fondo no se ha explicado bien porque la pareja se separó, el tema de la llamada a la polícía, la separación, la suplantación como profesor? , lo de la academia está confuso también, todo el tema de suspender el examen de la universidad se explica de forma nefasta, los flashbacks son confusos, el ir y venir del pasado al presente hace que el espectador se pierda , supongo que la complejidad del personaje principal requería más minutos más capítulos . A veces he pensado que era un tema de los subtítulos en castellano pero también he seguido con mis interrogantes al cambiar los subtítulos a inglés, es como si la directora hubiera querido explicarse mal expresamente, pero eso a mi me saca de la historia, a mi me gustan las historias bien explicadas las disfruto más y me ha dado pena que no me gustase porque ellos son una monada y actúan muy bien. No la volvería a ver.
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Boa construção
eu me questionei muito sobre o plot ao passar do meio da história pro final, mas o autor conseguiu administrar bem os conflitos e trazer um final mais que satisfátorio, ainda fico meio duvidoso sobre algumas tomadas de iniciativa e motivações dos personagens, alem de escolhas estranhas para desenvolver alguns conflitos, mas tudo se encaixou, mesmo que fique confuso a narrativa em muitos momentos kkkk Mas é uma boa hiostória, te prende bem e muito original, gostaria de mais ep para desenvolver esse plot, eu vejo facilmente ele como um drama longo que requer mais tempo para conseguir contar o andar, mas ja surpreende com o pouco que teve, muito bom ver como os Bl´s coreanos vem ganhando mais carinho e espaço, um dos melhores do ano.Was this review helpful to you?
chemestry on spot
Cinematografia molto bella, soprattutto quella ambientata nella campagna coreana. Gli attori impeccabili, hanno saputo trasmettere molto accuratamente le emozioni dei personaggi. Con il salto temporale di 12 anni sono arrivati anche i problemi e un'atmosfera in generale più malinconica, ma che si è conclusa con quella iniziale. In conclusione penso che sia un capolavoro e che i coreani stiano sempre migliorando.Was this review helpful to you?
