Love Class (2022)

Refreshingly Different Plot

A lot of BL dramas take place college but the twist here is two guys are taking a couples relationship course (thus the name, "Love Class") and there aren't enough girls to pair up the genders equally so our two male leads are forced to pair together. One of the guys immediately tries to get into another class but they're all filled. Presumably this is a required course so he has no choice but to do the assignments with the other guy, as if they were dating. This seems like a stretch but somehow it works. (It did occur to that a more plausible plot would have required all of the men and women to pair up with the same gender for the kick-off class assignment to learn empathy, but I digress). Korean BL dramas are still pretty tame compared to their more racy Thai counterparts and "Love Class" is no exception. We do get a good final scene with our heroes but their chemistry is a bit uneven throughout the drama. I'm guessing the writer isn't aware that stalkers with baseball bats is a horrific gay drama cliche, so it's an unnecessarily ugly and offensive scene in an otherwise G-Rated drama. There were a lot of missed opportunities to beef up the plot but what's here is highly entertaining and worthy of a strong 9.

Leia Mais

Strangely Charming

I am going to start off by saying this is NOT an example of a good BL. However, that being said, I kind of loved it. There was much awkwardness and less than perfect acting, dialogue, directing, cinematography, etc. yet it somehow managed to pull together a charming story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The story was less BL and more mystery to be frank. The BL aspect really only comes about in the last episode. Like most BL's of this length, it felt like it could have been better if it was longer. There was just too much going on. The romance was rushed, the stalker aspect took up too much screen time, there was at least one unnecessary character as well as unnecessary drama. And then there are things like the class itself which makes little sense. Its supposed to be a Marriage and Family Occupational Therapy class, but all it seemed to entail was going out on dates and writing papers about it. Weird, but okay. Then there's the pairing up which I initially thought was going to be an opportunity to touch on the fact that being a heterosexual couple is not the only way to go and, yes, homosexual couples can have kids and a family too, but it was basically just a plot device to put our two leads together. And, of course, the post that gets everyone talking and is, for some reason, a kind of scandal. I never got a sense of why it was such a big deal and so incredibly overblown. It was pretty well established that Ji Woo wasn't really anyone people paid attention to and even Ro Ah isn't portrayed as being someone super popular, so what was all the fuss? All that being said, I was impressed that it actually had a linear storyline albeit one that was a bit overstuffed.

The acting was shaky. There were some really strong moments and there were some really weak ones. I felt like the more relaxed scenes like in the classroom, when Ji Woo and Ro Ah have lunch together, the double date, those were where the acting felt strongest. Especially the double date, it felt very natural and was fun and cute. The heavier, more dramatic scenes is where I felt the acting slip and seem more forced, not horrifically but enough that I didn't feel as much and wasn't as invested in the scene. Han Hyun Jun was definitely the stand out which is impressive considering this was his first drama role. I felt he embodied his character better than Kim Tae Hwan and was much better at using his eyes and facial expressions to convey emotion. Tae Hwan was more stiff and less expressive, almost robotic at times.

The characters were well done considering how short the drama was. While there was no way to give extensive background on any of them, I still felt all the information that was needed about them for the story to progress was present. I do feel like it would have been nice to have a little more background on how Ji Woo and Yu Na came to be friends aside from him drinking a bowl of liquor for her. And I also think that Ro Ah's friend, Nam Jun's role should have been greatly reduced. He didn't add much other than unnecessary drama and angst and I would have preferred to see that screen time used to develop the relationship of the leads.
- Ji Woo was fun to see him come out of his shell and become more secure in himself. He was such a sweetheart and I thought he was absolutely adorable. I don't think his character really brought anything new to the table, I've seen other BL's with very similar characters, but even so he wasn't boring. I feel like his change of feelings from Yu Na to Ro Ah was a bit sudden, but, again, since it's such a short drama, I can't really fault it for that. I do think the gradual change of his feelings was well done, little things that showed he was starting to fall for him. He was overall just a very likable character.
- Ro Ah, Ro Ah, Ro Ah, the man caused drama where there was literally no drama. I liked his character for the most part. He was a generally nice guy who fell for his junior and never expected to have that love reciprocated. But his level of self-sabotage was incredibly high. He spends the entire semester seemingly trying to win over Ji Woo, but the second Ji Woo says he likes him, he's like, nope, its all in your head and just disappears. His whole spiel of "what are the chances of your crush confessing to you" just had me rolling because, sir, pot calling kettle black. You're crush is literally trying to confess to you and you blow him off. And then we have his drama as he leaves with his talking about how he's made Ji Woo suffer and he's in pain. Exactly how did anything you do cause him to suffer? Literally nothing. He's the one who got his arm broken because he was trying to protect Ji Woo. And if Ji Woo was in pain at that point, it was because Ro Ah had just rejected him! There was just absolutely no reason for him to reject Ji Woo and it made no sense other than to up the drama factor and have the drama conclude with the two on the beach. This boy just had me face palming over and over again with his drama and shenanigans. He took falling on his own sword to the max.
- Yu Na was an interesting character and I liked that she actually had a personality. Most BL's fail to use their female characters as anything other than a way to cause drama between the leads, help get them together, be little more than props, or be the gay fangirls. Yu Na was her own person with her own story and I loved that. I also appreciated that she was willing to own up to her faults. She realized that she'd been using Ji Woo and manipulating him to an extent and she apologized for it. Despite using him though, she showed that she did truly care for him and I loved that their friendship remained intact despite his rejecting her.
- Hye Won just made me laugh with her strong/intense personality and also her crush on their professor. I don't know if some of those scenes between them were supposed to be humorous, but they were. That last scene between them was hilariously cringeworthy. Still, like Yu Na, I appreciated that she was her own person and she had her own agenda.

This drama tried to deal with some heavier subjects that aren't generally touched on in BL's and though the short length minimized their impact to an extent, it was still refreshing to have them presented. Stalking/the dangers of social media aren't issues that generally play a main role in BL's, but they are real issues, particularly for women. Social media like Instagram unfortunately serves as a hunting ground for predators where people post intimate details of their lives for anyone and everyone to see. I think it did serve as a good reminder to be careful about what you post and to keep in mind who may be looking. I appreciated that Yu Na learned that lesson and while she didn't hide, she did take precautions to make her new account private. Stalking is another issue that mainly women face. The fear Yu Na felt aware that someone was watching her was well portrayed and again, served as a reminder to be careful of what you put out there.

In terms of quality, it was hit or miss. There were some great shots where I really liked the lighting and other shots where the camera angle was good, but very few where I liked both. The sets were okay, but there were some not so great shots that I'm not sure were due to poor decision making skills or the set design. The music was okay but forgettable, nothing that I'll be adding to my playlist.

Despite the less than positive review, I really did enjoy this drama. It got a much higher rating than I think it actually deserves because I did enjoy it so much. Despite its many failures, it managed to charm me and convince me to see it through to the end. Its short enough that its worth the watch even if your unsure if you'll like it. Just consider it a short, fun, sweet diversion from the monotony of day to day life.

Leia Mais

An Easy? 6 Episodes

LONG REVIEW AHEAD BC I'M DRAMATIC :)
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First of all, y'all are regarding this show too highly... in my opinion.

Was it easy to watch? Eh. Did it have a sweet message? Sure. Did it make any sense at all? Hardly.

Now hear me out. This story was fed to us as two male college students in a marriage&family class who reluctantly become partners for a dating assignment (Gagaoolala). That sounded pretty average to me (in the scope of BL's that I've watched), and it was only going to be 6 episodes, so I picked up the show as soon as it aired. However, it was very clear after the second episode that this storyline was not headed in the direction I had assumed it would. In fact, I think the train this show and its viewers were riding switched its course twice, teleported to another dimension, and then pulled into its final destination upside down.

SPOILERS FOR THE REST OF THIS REVIEW!!!

Why do I feel that way, you may ask? Well, let's start with the stalker.

This show is literally 6 episodes long. SIX. Why did the writers waste 30% of this show on a stalker that is practically forgotten about after the fourth episode when he's caught? It was irrelevant and time consuming--even as a trope to bring our main protagonist (Ji-woo) and his two love interests (Ro-A and Yu-Na) together. This scenario in six episodes would have only worked had the stalker been stalking Ji-woo, not Yu-Na, and if the setting was more thriller-like than soft and romantic. 4/10

Now, let's talk about Ro-A's roommate (Nam-Jun).

Was he hot? Yes. Do I just have a thing for bald men? Maybe. But I digress. What the hell was that? Did y'all see what I saw? I was all for the beginning premise of this show: guy likes guy, but the guy that guy likes, likes girl. I was not prepared for guy likes guy, but the guy that guy likes, likes other guy that likes girl. Now we have a jealous best friend harassing Ji-woo and kicking over tennis balls...... While I don't mind a love triangle, I cannot emphasize enough that this drama is ONLY 6 EPISODES. Thus, Nam-Jun's character felt 2 dimensional and as ridiculously placed as the stalker. 6/10 (higher score bc he's hot).

Finally, let's get into the topic of that one student and her teacher.

Why? 1/10


Now for my ratings! If you're still here...

Story? 7/10.
Honestly, it wasn't bad. But, it wasn't good. The only reason I found myself coming back for each episode was in hopes to see progression between Ji-woo and Ro-A's relationship. Yes, their story ended up progressing. Yes, we even got a kiss. No, I was not satisfied.

In every way, their story feels unfinished. I mean.. it kind of is unfinished.. and not in a way that I'd like to see a season two between these characters (and whichever other characters the writers will drop in). We see nothing build between them, unless you count a drenched Ro-A reciting a poem to Ji-woo through a locked door. And even that didn't do it for me, as the scene that ensues (where they're in the bed) only lasts for a minute or two, and there's nothing romantic about it. And now that we're talking about romance, I will die on any hill as I say that there is no genuine romance in this show. Ro-A kind of just stays by Ji-woo's side until Ji-woo realizes that his feelings for Ro-A are more than he thought. But we don't even get to see that shift. It kind of just happens, and then they're together and happily holding hands after the longest 20 minutes of my life.

Acting/Cast? 8/10.
I don't have much to say, honestly. Ji-woo (Han Hyun Jun) and Nam-Jun (Yoo Hyuk Jae) were my favorite actors/characters. They really encompassed their roles as the men who pine after their unrequited love, and I was able to feel their hurt, anger, confusion, and passion. Everyone else was just okay. Nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible. Honorable mention to the stalker: great performance, but you run weird.

Music? 6/10.
Can't recall a single song in this show, and OST's are my favorite. That should say enough.

Rewatch Value? 7.5/10.
I'll tell you what. I do see myself watching this drama again, but it won't be my first choice when I have nothing else to watch. It's just light, quick, and there's a kiss at the end to seal the deal.

Overall? 7/10.
I really wish Korea would stop releasing less than average BL's, because we all know how well done their hetero drama's are; a low budget does not equate to a poorly written script. I want heart. I want reality. I want ROMANCE. I want to see a relationship between two male characters feel natural, and I want their story to make sense! BUT, we can't all have what we want, so I will settle at a 7 for this rating. Just know that you have been warned of the mediocrity of this drama.

Leia Mais

Awkward but It Works!

This is a complete mish-mash of characters that honestly should not work. They are awkward and seem awkward in their own skins. But weirdly, it all works and turns out to be a charming and engaging series. It grabbed my attention and never let go. There are some hidden meanings in this series and that is captured very well. An awkward happenstance that turns charming and you end up rooting for them. Physically, these two actors seem out-of-place, not compatible with each other, and awkwardly clumsy. Yet, it all worked. There is such good chemistry between them that appears to be genuine, even if it is unorthodox. Just enjoy this charmer.
You can read my full review at BLBliss.com.

Leia Mais

Unfortunately, nothing stood out

I was able to finish the series and I found some parts of it cute, but other than this, I found too many flaws for it to be worth recommending.

- The premise of the show is cute, but is drowned by other plotlines very quickly, and by the end I wondered why did they bother with the couple assignment trope to begin with.
- Speaking of plotlines: there's so many, way too many for a six-episodes drama. There could have been hope if they gave up on one or two of them, or if they had more episodes to better tackle them, but unfortunately this is how it is. As a result, the different plotlines are introduced but never properly explored, so it really felt disappointing overall.
- As I said, some parts were cute. Unfortunately though, the chemistry never seemed to bloom at any time in the story (mostly because the excessive plotlines I mentioned above DIDN'T LET IT), and even the feelings between the two protagonists seem to develop in a weird way. I'm not saying that they should be all about their romance at all times, but I felt like there wasn't enough of them, which is a huge flaw for what is meant to be a romantic drama.

I really can't recommend this drama because it feels like a draft, rather than a finished project. Nothing stood out enough to me to make it memorable, except the fact that it was so messy and unsatisfying.

Leia Mais

Mediocre, but not bad?

The drama is about a love class where 2 classmates are meant to be spending time together to learn more about relationships. In this class, the two main leads, Roa and Jiwoo get together and get close. You can tell that Roa cares about Jiwoo, but the connection falls a little flat. The characters aren't particularly likable, The two girls are okay, and the muscly friend of Roa is a bit of a salty man who does eventually help the two get together. Another reviewer mentioned how this was both too short and too long. I think that if certain arcs were made longer, such as that of Roa and his friend, and if others were shorter, such as the stalker part, it would have been a more enjoyable experience. The whole thing is 2 hours long, and there is a bit too much happening for everything to feel realized. I think with some editing of the script, it would have become a much better piece of film.

I have a hard time recommending this in the current sea of BLs coming out. If this came out 4 years ago, I would have supported it more. However, this BL does not stand out enough from other BLs. Do I wish I hadn't watched it? No, I'm okay with it. Did I love it? Ehhh...

If you are intrigued, you can watch it as it is only 2 hours in full. If you were to watch it, I would recommend putting it lower on your watch list.

Leia Mais

Some good things, but likely to disappoint BL fans

There isn't a really great story here, but I find it okay, and there are some things the series does quite well.

Firstly, the main love story is not perfectly done. The way Ji Woo gradually falls in love with Ro A could have been done a little better. And while Ro A is clearly in love with Ji Woo from the start, we can only guess that he has met Ji Woo before the first lesson of the titular class but we do not see it until quite late in the series (and even then, there's a missed opportunity to show more of what makes Ji Woo attractive to him).

I feel a little conflicted about the portrayal of (Korean) society's homophobia. On the one hand, the series shows quite deftly the pressure that Ji Woo and Ro A will face as a gay couple and this becomes a plausible explanation for Ro A's rejection of Ji Woo when Ji Woo eventually confesses to him: he simply loves Ji Woo too much to subject him to the pressure, and he assumes that since Ji Woo has been in love with a woman before, he can easily lead a "normal" life with a woman as his partner. It is not just Ro A's love that is touching here but also the sympathetic portrayal of the predicament of gay people. However, I also can't help but feel that the portrayal of homophobia is a tad too exaggerated. Someone claims that Ji Woo and Ro A are a gay couple even before they are really one, based on a photo of Ji Woo feeding an injured Ro A, and suddenly their classmates behave as though gay people were monsters and they are shocked to see an actual gay person for the first time in their lives.

The other flaw in the story is the creation of a love triangle--Ro A's friend-cum-roommate has a crush on him. I can see how this helps to create tension in the story, but ultimately, the series would be better off with this roommate being portrayed as a protective and supportive close friend instead. It feels as though the falling out and reconciliation of Ro A and his roommate are forcibly used as a plot device.

As a BL series, Love Class doesn't quite have enough fluff to make one squeal. And while it does take some things seriously and has an at least okayish story, the good parts of the story are not really related to the developments in Ji Woo and Ro A's relationship. This will definitely result in disappointment for BL fans.

Leia Mais

The whole storyline is just a plot of other series.

This series was released in 2022 but every aspect falls below the average. The normalcy of the storyline could've made this a better series if the script and settings are on-point. The inconsistency of emotional dialogues and music is what this series failed to overcome. This is just a two-hour entire series but the whole team behind wasted its potential.

The main leads exude pretty features but their chemistry is literally off. Their acting may not be as epic as the professional actors, but they portrayed their roles well.

Just happened to watch this since this series is short. I can say that this is not a must-watch.

(Suggested overall rating is 6/10 but I will rate this a little bit higher since it stays the lane with my other 6.5/10-rated series)

Leia Mais

HMMMMMMMMM

At first, the story is interesting although the genre is not new. I don't know but the storyline is terrible. They create scenes just to trigger the emotions of the viewers. I just felt that they only focused on creating something that the viewers would love to see, but they failed in that part. They made things excessive just like the picture of the main lead feeding each other, they create chaos in that too much, and for me it's unnatural. Well, I know that in reality, some people are still against LGBT or are not open to it but I just don't like how they portray it in the series. The flow of the story is a bit off. I don't know but suddenly they make things fast... The events happen so fast, the transitions are all unsatisfying.
The chemistry is not that strong but it's also not bad. It's in the mid. The tall male lead can improve his acting skill, don't get me wrong but trough out the series his eyes are not acting its not telling the story or the emotions, it is frozen or stiff. The love triangle theme(best friend situations) did not work well in the series maybe because of the chemistry or the storyline.

Leia Mais

Why do short series...

Why do short series leave you begging for more and then I also suffer through 45 to 50 minutes each week for 12 weeks just to have less of an experience with longer series. That is also my biggest complaint. There are a lot of great aspects to this series. It could have been a longer series without ruining it's charm in my opinion.
First they had a stalker and violence and it was addressed and presented appropriately without making it the focus of the series or over taking the main story line. The story line of the class project was great.
Congrats to Kim Tae Hwan for his portrayal of Lo-A . I felt his love and his aguish of feelings for Ji Woo. Second goes to Yoo Hyuk Jae for his portrayal of Nam Jun. His feeling and anguish was very well played. I did like Hyun Jun and his portrayal of Ji Woo. I think his character could have used more time to show his transition to having feelings for Lo-A. Really a scripting thing. Thank-you for having 2 female characters that we very enjoyable and likeable.
Over-all this is a very strong series. I was engaged and left wanting more. This series is much better than the rating here.

Leia Mais