TYPE OF REVIEW 
: FIRST IMPRESSION REVIEW
Very minor first episode spoilers.
In the last few years, I’ve been one to wait until a series has wrapped up so I could watch it on my own pace. Even though in the past, I’d be juggling several shows, especially Korean dramas, week-to-week. But as a fan of WEi with a Junseo bias, I was definitely looking forward to the new series Secret Relationships (비밀 사이). And with its premiere today, I decided to immediately check it out rather than wait four weeks.
After watching the first episode, I’m now conflicted. First, I’m happy to have watched it today because it is a very good start and I enjoyed the episode a lot. But also, I’m kind of sad because it is a very good start and I enjoyed the episode a lot. (lol) Because now I have to wait a day and a week for new episodes!
But Secret Relationships will now be one of the few series I’ll be following week-to-week. And actually, the very first Korean BL series I’ll be watching live as it airs! Based on the first episode, I think I’ll be happy to have it be my first!
Secret Relationships centers around Jung Daon (Kim Junseo), a 20-something assistant manager at a construction company. Growing up without means has not only affected his relationships with other people, but it’s also taught him to be resourceful and independent.
We meet Daon as he is planning on confessing his long-hidden feelings to Sin Jaemin (Kim Hoyoung), his college senior and mentor-figure. Throwing a wrench in his plans is his run in, literally, with Ju Seonghyeon (Cha Sunhyung) who turns out to be his new co-worker and eventual partner on a big project for the company. But then there’s also the return of the mysterious (as of the end of the first episode) Kim Suhyeon (Cha Jungwoo).
The first episode does an efficient and engaging job of introducing us to our leading man Daon and the three men who will be around him during our journey with his story.
The pre-premiere trailer and teasers (and even bit of a preview at the start of this episode) portrayed an interestingly dramatic and tense atmosphere for the series. And that definitely piqued my interest even more.
And this first episode definitely followed through on that interesting dynamic. A very good balance between lighthearted moments and the considerably heavier and more dramatic moments as well.
Daon’s backstory, having to grow up with financial difficulties, offers a solid foundation for his career-focused present. And that goes a long way to adding depth to the eventual romantic aspects of his story moving forward too.
Through Daon, we are able to properly meet Seonghyeon, Jaemin and even the, for now, little-seen Suhyeon. We get a good sense of who these four main characters are and get enough to be able to start putting the pieces together as to what their relationships and connections might be. Both from the past and for the future as well.
Since this is a First Impression Review (which I haven’t done a lot of in recent years since I haven’t watched many series live), this first episode delivered more than enough to get me excited for the next episodes. And there’s only seven left! Eight episodes in total. Even now, I’m already feeling like eight might not be enough. But the solid pace of this premiere bodes well for the series and story moving forward.
The young cast did very well in this first episode. And they, especially Kim Junseo and Cha Sunhyung, successfully endear their characters to us in this little more than half hour episode. That’s of course a big accomplishment that ensures us the viewer comes back for more. And in this case, that more is Episode 2 tomorrow!
It’s wonderful seeing Junseo make his acting debut here. And based on the episode, he is well suited to Daon as a character. Very excited to seeing him in more dramatic moments in the coming episodes.
As for who I think endgame is, like I mentioned in my thoughts on Thai series ThamePo, I do enjoy the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The bickering that turns into romance, when done well, can be an irresistible story to follow. So Daon and Seonghyeon seem like the coupling to beat after this first episode. Especially after this moment:
Of which, I must specifically commend Cha Sunhyung for his nuanced performance in this scene. That awkwardness and surprise for Seonghyeon when he unexpectedly comes face to face with Daon; it was a great moment that held a lot of meaning. Especially with Daon seemingly oblivious to his new co-worker possibly falling for him in that moment! (lol)
Of course, I’m looking forward to learning more about Daon’s relationships with both Jaemin and Suhyeon as well which seem to definitely be on the more dramatic side.
Like I mentioned earlier, it can be torture having to wait for the next new episode. But sometimes when the series is just that good, it can be a very fulfilling experience to follow along every week, no matter how many that might be. I kind of wish it was only one episode a week! (lol)
But nonetheless, Secret Relationships is off to a great start. And it’s definitely a journey I’ll be excited to embark on the next few weeks!
Loved the premiere! Junseo is so gorgeous.
A very handsome cast!