Unintentional Love Story (2023)

Romance at its core

This is truly a romantic drama about love. Love that gives you that heart fluttering feeling, love that's sometimes innocent and pure, love that can be stubborn and flawed while being sincere.

The drama is so befitting of the title. The love b/w TaeJoon and WonYoung was so unintentional. They weren't even each others' type but ended up slowly falling in love with each other. When they first met, I was expecting the camera to really zoom in on their facial expressions for a few seconds as they stare into each others' eyes while showing us the instant attraction they have for each other, but nope— they just bowed to each other, said hello, and continued the scene. And that really set the tone for me, because it felt like the drama was telling me "Don't worry, there's no rush, we've got time". And that we did! In 10 episodes at ~35 mins each, we got a fully fleshed out story of the unintentional love between TJ and WY; a story with depth and a realistic plot progression.

Other comments:
I love how there was no hesitancy on Taejoon's part whenever he was talking to his friends about his relationship with WY. It sounds like such a small thing but the fact that whenever TJ talked to his friends (specifically, the cafe owner and the kiln sunbae) about WY, it already appeared that, 'behind the scenes', TJ had already been talking to them about the fact that he was dating WY and getting advice from them on his relationship. Also, there was never this "Wait, what? You're dating WY? But he's a man!" type of reaction or vibe from his friends. So although it's honestly not something that we should be surprised about, it was such a noticeable thing to me because of how much of a big deal I've seen other shows make this kind of situation. I just really appreciated that TJ and WY could feel comfortable in their friend group even though they weren't out to the world.

However, in the beginning WY did have moments where he's pretty much denying that TJ and he could like each other because they're men (from the top of my memory- in ep 2 with the chin holding scene and ep 5 where they were pretty much recreating the iconic 'Ghost' scene and WY says TJ would have probably preferred if he was a girl instead. So those moments were a bit dissapointing/cliché but understandable too since WY had, up to that point, only been dating women and he assumed TJ was also the same so didn't know any different. Eventually, his language/mindset becomes more open and he wasn't hesitant to be affectionate with TJ in public so I forgave him :).

Side note - Dong Hee and Hotae. Gosh, they were so fucking cute. DH is a classic tsundere; He's all hiss and scratch but when HT hugs him or does something sweet, he gets all soft ?. I wish we got more of a conclusive ending to these two but I understand there wasn't enough time to dive into their own romance. I just hope we get a S2 or spin-off that's focused on their story line too!

Overall, I really enjoyed this drama. I know some people complained because it doesn't have intense kiss scenes, and while I truly understand those comments (bcos I also love when the actors [whether BL or non BL] go all in on their nc/kiss scenes), I personally don't think those kinds of kisses were necessary here nor did it take away from the story. I strongly feel this way because I was able to feel the love between TJ and WY in other ways. Like through their hugs! They gave each other the warmest freaking softest intense hugs. The way TJ would cradle WY's head/nape and really sink into his shoulder...Come the fuck on, how could you not feel the love? So yeah, I didn't mind the fact we didn't get intense kisses one bit.

In conclusion, it's a wonderful drama with an actual plot line that serves a pure, honest, romance story and deserves way more than the 7.8 stars I see this has rn.

Leia Mais

NEVER STOP

They nailed it till the end. The cast was so good. I can only give good reviews to this drama since it was absolutely perfect!
Great acting skills and productions. The ost and all the other soundtracks were on point with what the characters delivered. Also way to go! Be it the dramatic, romantic or fun parts of the scenes, amazing. As a viewer, I enjoyed the plot and sumerge on the story. I could empathized with them all and created a beautiful connection with the flow of their feelings as they were maturing to an stage of romance.
No regrets. This one is on the top of my fav drama of all time. This one should be a must sense for anyone who can really appreciate what’s good. Waiting for season 2.

Leia Mais

almost perfect

cha seowon stole the show.

not only is he incredibly handsome, but his ability to give life to a serious character and not leave taejoon with a “flat” personality was so amazing. really loved his small details to really immerse into the role. apparently he also took ceramic lessons? really admirable how thorough he was for this role.

the only thing is I wish that the kiss scenes weren’t so bad. won taemin has experience so I kind of hoped at least he would’ve had a good scene in this or could’ve maybe given advice but alas, it isn’t that big of a deal.

the only reason I deducted anything is that the gaps in the story timeline were too noticeable for me. other than that, I think this was very enjoyable and I was surprised by how well gongchan did in a bl, as a longtime bana. I look forward to seeing more from everyone in this! they all did great and had very cute chemistry together!

Leia Mais

Top List KBL 2023

The story is really good, the cinematic got me so amazing, the characters really done so well. I am fascinating for the season 2!! Since it ishe 1st KBL to have 10 episodes. This series got on my Top 5 best KBL series!! My overall score is 10/10 perfect! I really Love the series. But i hope there is also a break for the side couple I feel lack of story for the side couple and I wish there would be a series for them..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
Really enjoy the Unintentional Love!!! Kudos!! Hoping for another master piece of this kind of KOREAN BL SERIES!!

Leia Mais

One of the best BL drama ever!

I've watched many BL drama/movie, and this has just became my most favorite drama! I still can't move on from this masterpiece. It was like watching kdrama with BL couple.

I love the pace, a bit slow at the beginning but it's good. The casts are perfect. Especially Seowon as Taejoon. I'm so glad Taejoon is him. He makes me want to learn pottery. The chemistry of him and Gongchan is good. I only wish they kiss a bit more, but I know if they do more I won't be able to handle it... (I almost went crazy when I saw a bit of their 'more' in ep 10) and also this drama is rated PG so-- yup! a lot of hugs are loved!

The osts are also amazing! All songs are good! Currently obsessed with them!

This drama is No. 2 in K TV-OTT overall list (from No. 14 to No. 2 in 4 weeks).
I'm so proud and amazed with this ranking, it's BL drama with only 30min/ep but it can compete with the other popular kdramas! (Taxi Driver 2, Queenmaker, The Glory 2 Part 2, etc.).

I really recommend you guys to watch this drama, there are also quite a lot of bad reviews out there but with that ranking, I believe at least you should try to check this drama out yourself!

I hope there will be season 2 next year!

Leia Mais

A gentle love encounter

I was totally captured by the 4 actors in this drama.
The two main leads were perfect as the main love interest. Each was given enough backstory issues to create the misunderstanding that almost topples their slow burn romance.
Their attraction is subtle and wonderfully depicted in their body language and facial expressions.
The confession is very touching and I could feel the anxiety in his trembling voice. The hugs are beautiful and almost make up for the dead fish kiss.
(BL actors and directors need to be comfortable displaying love. Acting is acting and if a kiss is called for then use your craft to make us believe it).
The second couple help make the ensemble even more interesting, I want to know more and see more about their burgeoning love relationship.
The production has captured the artistic mood with settings and lighting and suitable wardrobe.
In the story-line the ML Tae Joon is, understandably, feeling hurt and betrayed by Won Young's actions. What makes the difference is Won Young also feels wounded by Tae Joon's stance and pursues him to clear up the misunderstandings.

The director, Eui-Soon Jang, was an assistant director on the wonderful Coffee Prince and also directed the sweetly, sad BL Peach of Time.

Leia Mais

Something that makes your heart flutter

Good execution of a straightforward plot. Just the exact amount of salt that enhances the taste.

They really succeeded in demonstrating how human emotions work....we can make mistakes....we can be devastated after being betrayed...but as long as we understand our feelings and what we want rather than being influenced by past experiences( which will always influence us in present moments.)

Actors have done a fantastic job of capturing their emotions on screen. Their lines are delivered so beautifully that it pleases the eyes and heart.

Leia Mais

THIS KBL IS AMAZING !

I love this drama with all of my heart ! All parts of it is amazing. From casts, scenes, emotions — everything.

I feel butterflies in my stomach everytime I see the main casts in one screen; they just give those kind of feeling to me. One eye to eye then I'll die. Their acting was so good I feel everything they want the audience to feel. The time when Taejoon and Wonyoung broke up, I really bawled my eyes out. I was like crying from episode 7 to 10, they whole time they have broken up. I felt almost all kinds of emotions.

I also love the side couple too ! I remember watching Won Taemin (Go Hotae) in You Make Me Dance. His personality in this series is really different from that one. That just proves that he can act well. And I can't miss out his tattoos ! I really love those. I love their chemistry. I'm hoping that they will have their own series.

To conclude this all, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY WATCH ULS OR ELSE YOU'RE MISSING SOMETHING REALLY GOOD ! I hope I can see them in one series again. ❤️

Leia Mais

Unintentional Favourite

I started watching this series out of my love for B1A4 and Gongchan, so I had no expectations at all. The MDL ratings didn't look promising but I was happy to see my maknae on screen again anyways. However, I am pleasantly surprised at how good this show is. It has been a week since I finished this show and although I usually review shows right after I finish them, it took me a whole week to do this because I have a hard time putting this show's charms into words. This show does not have explosive romance or dramatic confessions, but it captured my heart with its tenderness and that mature romance.

So let's get into the reasons why you should give this a watch (or even a rewatch if the first watch did not do it for you):
- Genuinely loveable main characters. All the characters are just so inherently good that you will root for them. Wonyoung is an absolute sweetheart who has a very strict moral code for himself, that even though circumstances forced him to do something that is in his personal moral grey zone, he still tried to be as genuine as possible. Taejoon is the more guarded and cynical older man (rightfully so) but he is so caring and is a genuinely kind person that it makes sense for Wonyoung to fall head over heels. He also totally abandons his grumpy old man exterior once he got together with Wonyoung and just embraced the loser in love personal which I LOVE.
- Understated chemistry. Yes, Taejoon and Wonyoung doesn't have intense sexual tension, but you can tell that they absolutely loves each other's company and enjoys more subtle showcase of affection. I do think the fact that the actor who plays Taejoon being married in real life affects people's perception of their chemistry, but I do think their chemistry is incredibly understated. This is a couple that I objectively think would last in the real world because their flame is just that comfortable heat that doesn't burn out quickly because they did start out with mutual respect and friendship which is the best foundation for a relationship.
- Realistic pacing. Personally I think the relationship progressed very naturally. They started out with a small one sided skepticism but you can see them gradually becoming more and more interested in each other. The relationship didn't stall at that point because both characters were in tune with their emotion and is mature enough to communicate their feelings. Even the breakup was realistic to me - reaction wasn't over the top, it happened after they have only been dating for a short while, and Wonyoung being the one who wants to reconcile is so realistic considering this is his first love.
- No internalized homophobia. I don't care if it's not realistic, I'm sick of watching series with too much internalized homophobia. It can be a good story telling vessel but for once I am glad that these people just care about their good feelings with one another and not genders. It's so refreshing to watch Wonyoung so easily embrace the fact that he likes a man.
- Side couple would make a really compelling sequel. They don't get as much screentime and relationship development as I would like, but they are interesting and knowing that there is going to be a sequel makes total sense.
- They didn't make the age gap weird. A lot of dramas with age gap is weird to me mostly because of the writing. In this one, you can see that age does affect their worldviews and attitude towards love and life, but it is written masterfully that you can see just how much Wonyoung renews Taejoon's faith in love. Wonyoung is not naive, he is just idealistic and positive which creates such an amazing influence on Taejoon who had spent two years in his "I don't trust anyone and anything" phase.
- The change from "I move away from civilization because someone I loved used me" to "Please use me whenever you need to" was an absolute chef's kiss. The acknowledgement that relationships can have some transactional element imbued but the basis can still be love is such an amazing takeaway message from this. I think it is beautiful to be able to find people in your life that you can do things for but having complete trust that they are not going to take your love and acts of service for granted. It is so lovely that Taejoon has the chance to experience that emotional vulnerability again in a heaps more positive space with Wonyoung.
- Acting is generally quite solid. My Chansik is still a developing actor but he performed really well in this. The other actors were absolutely amazing, especially the one playing Taejoon. His presence on the screen is magnetic and his micro-expressions are top notch.

There is a lot to love about this series. I'd like to be objective and list out the things I don't like but honestly I can't remember anything major that I don't like from this series. Maybe I'll edit my review after a rewatch if I can manage to be objective. One of these days I swear I'll stop wearing looking at this through my pink coloured gongchan lenses and give you guys an actual list of the things this drama can improve on.

Leia Mais