AKAshon
This review may contain spoilers
Yearning Personified...
Been excited to watch this ever since I got into BL's a few weeks ago, especially since it is hailed as the first BL K-drama! Watched the first two episodes on Viki using the free trial. Apparently, the first episode is free for anyone to watch, so watching it will help give the views to let Viki know about the popularity of the series. So far, I am unsure what to make of the show as it if still too early. However, I can say that the story is set up nicely as we are introduced to the characters, their relationship, possible obstacles that they may have to overcome, and some background information on the characters. Since the series is quite short, thrusting us right into the middle of their relationship is smart. The production is surprisingly quite good. The cinematography is sharp and clean. The acting is also top-notch. Newcomer Han Chi gives an effortless performance of being a flirty playboy and Jang Eui plays a composed friend whose veneer begins to crack in terms of his relationship with Tae Joo. The chemistry/tension between the two leads is palpable and I cannot wait to see where the story leads them. As an aside, I do like how the mother of a possible third wheel is so supportive of the blossoming relationship between Tae Joo and Kang Gook though.
On a side note, Kang Gook's hair is kinda weird in the back, right?
On a different side note, I hope that this series does well. If it does, then K-drama companies will be more confident to greenlight big-budget productions with gay leads! We need something like Crash Landing on You, but with gay leads! How awesome would that be?!
After watching episodes 3 & 4, I loved seeing the tension between Tae Joo and Kang Gook ramp up in the presence of a possible girlfriend. Tae Joo is beginning to realize that he has feelings for Kang Gook and is lashing out due to jealousy. Not sure what purpose Tae Joo becoming friends with the people who wanted to beat him up served though. That part was kinda confusing and didn’t make much sense. Anyways, I cannot wait for the next few episodes! I’m so sad that it’s only 8 episodes. Can I just say how impressive Han Chi’s acting is! And for his first series too! He’s a complete natural!
Upon watching episodes 5 & 6, I continue to be impressed. The story is maturing to the point where Tae Joo realizes his feelings for Kang Gook, who deflects his own feelings. Seeing the constant push-and-pull between them is captivating. Jang Eui Soo finally shows some range when Kang Gook lashes out at Tae Joo. Han Chi continues to impress me with his acting chops, showing vulnerability, heartbreak and anger in one scene! The different emotions that he is able to convey with just his voice, eyes and face is very impressive! I still cannot believe that this is his first acting gig. I cannot! I truly hope that he will achieve the success and fame that his talent deserves!
Upon watching episodes 7 & 8, I was a bit disappointed. I felt that these last episodes weren't as strong as the previous episodes in terms of storytelling, emotional impact and character development. Kim's reason for reporting that he saw Tae Joo and Kang Gook kissing was flimsy. I was also confused that the homophobic father's punishment wasn't more severe. Not sure why parents think that sending their children away will make them more well-behaved and not gay. If anything, they will have more freedom, more freedom to be themselves and to do things that they've always wanted to do but couldn't when under the watchful eyes of their parents. Seeing Kang Gook fight to get to Tae Joo was touching though a bit too dramatic. Also, I was confused as to why the father would let Tae Joo go home with Kang Gook before flying to England. I didn't like the time jump which was weird. Kang Gook working at the cafe of the girl that he rejected where he is constantly fawned over for his looks by the girl's mother and by customers. His friendship with Kim was kinda random too. I did like that Kang Gook and Tae Joo were able to get their happy ending though I'm not sure why it took 3 years.
All in all, it was a good BL series and an impressive foray into BL for K-dramas! Hopefully, this series will continue to garner views and support, allowing more Korean BL's to be produced in the near future! The time for change is now! We demand more Korean BL's!
On a side note, Kang Gook's hair is kinda weird in the back, right?
On a different side note, I hope that this series does well. If it does, then K-drama companies will be more confident to greenlight big-budget productions with gay leads! We need something like Crash Landing on You, but with gay leads! How awesome would that be?!
After watching episodes 3 & 4, I loved seeing the tension between Tae Joo and Kang Gook ramp up in the presence of a possible girlfriend. Tae Joo is beginning to realize that he has feelings for Kang Gook and is lashing out due to jealousy. Not sure what purpose Tae Joo becoming friends with the people who wanted to beat him up served though. That part was kinda confusing and didn’t make much sense. Anyways, I cannot wait for the next few episodes! I’m so sad that it’s only 8 episodes. Can I just say how impressive Han Chi’s acting is! And for his first series too! He’s a complete natural!
Upon watching episodes 5 & 6, I continue to be impressed. The story is maturing to the point where Tae Joo realizes his feelings for Kang Gook, who deflects his own feelings. Seeing the constant push-and-pull between them is captivating. Jang Eui Soo finally shows some range when Kang Gook lashes out at Tae Joo. Han Chi continues to impress me with his acting chops, showing vulnerability, heartbreak and anger in one scene! The different emotions that he is able to convey with just his voice, eyes and face is very impressive! I still cannot believe that this is his first acting gig. I cannot! I truly hope that he will achieve the success and fame that his talent deserves!
Upon watching episodes 7 & 8, I was a bit disappointed. I felt that these last episodes weren't as strong as the previous episodes in terms of storytelling, emotional impact and character development. Kim's reason for reporting that he saw Tae Joo and Kang Gook kissing was flimsy. I was also confused that the homophobic father's punishment wasn't more severe. Not sure why parents think that sending their children away will make them more well-behaved and not gay. If anything, they will have more freedom, more freedom to be themselves and to do things that they've always wanted to do but couldn't when under the watchful eyes of their parents. Seeing Kang Gook fight to get to Tae Joo was touching though a bit too dramatic. Also, I was confused as to why the father would let Tae Joo go home with Kang Gook before flying to England. I didn't like the time jump which was weird. Kang Gook working at the cafe of the girl that he rejected where he is constantly fawned over for his looks by the girl's mother and by customers. His friendship with Kim was kinda random too. I did like that Kang Gook and Tae Joo were able to get their happy ending though I'm not sure why it took 3 years.
All in all, it was a good BL series and an impressive foray into BL for K-dramas! Hopefully, this series will continue to garner views and support, allowing more Korean BL's to be produced in the near future! The time for change is now! We demand more Korean BL's!
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