When the show’s theme song that plays during the opening credits in the first episode’s first minute already delivers an inexplicably warm feeling and good vibes, you know you’re in for something special. And that’s exactly what Jazz For Two (재즈처럼) endss up being. This romantic, coming of age series manages to pack a lot of heart and emotion into its eight episodes. Tackling serious and sometimes difficult topics while telling a humble story of young love and friendship, Jazz For Two is a compelling and thought-provoking watch with a talented and charming cast to boot.
Jun & Jun (준과 준) is a refreshing entry in the Korean BL genre. With an appealing balance between fluffy and mature, the romantic drama draws upon a tried and true formula while touching upon realistic and relatable situations that other series normally will not go near. A strong cast elevates a relatively simple and straightforward story. And while it is another case of a web series deserving much more time to flesh out all the great potential it presents, Jun & Jun is nonetheless a sweet (sometimes sexy!) and enjoyable time.
If you’re looking for a sweet, fluffy and thoroughly enjoyable series, look no further than Love Tractor (트랙터는 사랑을 싣고). This absolutely wholesome series has all the best parts of what makes a fully lighthearted series so fun and enjoyable. Charming and talented leads in Do Won and Yoon Do Jin effortlessly draw you in to the equally charming Korean countryside for one of the most feel-good romantic Korean BL series you might ever see.
The 2022 Korean web series Once Again (다시나를찾아와) is such a refreshing entry into the growing BL genre. A relatively high concept premise allows for a unique approach to familiar stories that ultimately results in what is an emotional and heartfelt experience.
There might be a tendency to judge a Korean BL series within a certain parameter. But Love for Love’s Sake (연애 지상주의 구역) is not just an excellent Korean BL drama. It is an excellent Korean drama period. The series is able to transcend and overcome the limitations and hurdles of the emerging Korean BL genre and online streaming format. This romantic fantasy features a higher concept in style, substance and execution than some might be used to, either in Korean BLs or Korean drama as a whole. And its total package makes it a standout and memorable experience.
My Sweet Dear (마이 스윗 디어) is indeed a sweet treat.. Jang Eui Soo and Lee Chan Hyung’s undeniable chemistry power one of the seemingly few Korean web series that know how to properly use their short time. And this fluffy, feel-good series is able to come up with just the right ingredients to result in a fully satisfying and enjoyable experience
Mr. Heart (미스터 하트) is as bright and fluffy as you can get. A sweet and breezy series that might have a bit of unnecessary and awkwardly shoehorned conflict. But charming leads and an otherwise refreshingly simple story make for an easy and enjoyable watch
Despite having all the necessary pieces, Happy Ending Romance is weighed down by its inability to build a strong narrative foundation to what should be an intriguing and affecting story. A good cast, solid production and great music carries some of the weight. But the series leaves a lot left on the table.
If there was a webseries that best exemplifies the drawbacks of the platform and format, it is Behind Cut (비하인드 컷). This BL series, like many a webseries, has a solid premise. But the limitations of the platform and format keep it from being a more well-put together series. Its story, execution and the performances of its promising cast are held back. And ultimately, while a quick watch, leaves you unsatisfied in the end.
Writers and directors Werner du Plessis and Inu Baek deliver a revelatory narrative and visual experience in the series The Eighth Sense (여덟 번째 감각). Its careful, nuanced and unflinching portrayal of young love, friendships and mental health offer a different, though very welcome change of pace. And not just for the Korean BL genre, but perhaps Korean drama as a whole.