I wrote my “First Impression” Review after already watching nine episodes of GMMTV’s ThamePo: Heart That Skips a Beat. But the four episodes since essentially reinforced my not-so first impressions from then. A talented young cast, engaging romance, and an unexpectedly deep portrayal of the entertainment industry and fan culture have made ThamePo‘s 13 episodes thoroughly satisfying.
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!
Finally got a chance to check out the WeTV original series Peach of Time (시간의 복숭아). And it is interesting watching what is one of the early Korean BL series after having already watched a couple that have been released since. I think that might have affected how I take the series overall. But in trying to be as fair to the series as I can, Peach of Time has a charming cast that effectively helps to bring to life a legitimately emotional story.
Kissable Lips (깨물고 싶은) is yet another Korean web series held back by the limitations of its format and platform. A solid premise and excellent chemistry by its lead stars Kim Ji Woong and Yoon Seobin do their best to try and make up for the shortcomings of the rest of the series. But it ultimately ends as a quick, but unsatisfying watch.
I had one last opportunity to watch a Korean BL drama last month and I am so glad I chose The Time of Fever to be that one. Stunning in almost every way, this feature film/series features one of the most breathtaking depictions of the tumultuous years of adolescence. Won Tae Min and Do Woo are absolutely captivating in the lead roles as they propel an emotionally affecting screenplay and beautiful direction into what is ultimately a resonant experience.
I wasn’t able to watch as many Korean dramas as I wanted this year, but thanks to the shorter runtimes, I consumed my fair share of Korean BL dramas! Here’s my ranking of all 30 I watched and my top 10!
In my marathon viewing of Korean BL series, one common criticism I have found myself having is how much the length of time and the format of some of the productions holds back potentially great results. Happy Merry Ending (해피메리엔딩) is another example of that. A promising start gives way to underdeveloped characters and plot in a pace that is so fast, you won’t even realize you’ve reached the end. All while introducing legitimately interesting ideas, but never getting the chance to explore them with care and depth. A charming cast is unfortunately not enough to carry its shortcomings. Even if in the end, it is another easy, if slightly unsatisfying watch.
Season twos of series can always be hit or miss. Sometimes, a second season can surpass the first. Most of the time, you can come out of the second season wishing they had just left it with the first. For the second season of To My Star (나의 별에게2 : 우리의 못다 한 이야기), it is the former. Season two unexpectedly adds detail and depth to the already strong first season. Powered by even more captivating performances from its lead actors Son Woo Hyun and Kim Kang Min as well as a bigger supporting cast and an expanded world, To My Star 2 easily makes for another emotional and engaging viewing experience.
The first season of To My Star (나의 별에게) is a wonderful surprise. This romantic comedy-drama (though more on the drama side) about love and self-discovery has some unexpected depth and plenty of charm. Lead actors Kim Kang Min and Son Woo Hyun has strong chemistry that allows a well-written and well-paced narrative to slowly, but surely unfold toward a fulfilling conclusion. For now, of course, as a second season comes after these initial nine episodes.
Star Struck (스타스트럭) is an interesting and multi-faceted Korean BL drama that is, of course, held back by its format. Another story that may be better suited for a film-length feature rather than eight episodes of roughly 20 minutes each. Solid performances and good chemistry from its lead stars can only do so much to help carry the series’ stop and start narrative flow. But a good helping of complex angst still make it a worthy watch.