Why R U? Korean Remake (2023)

Good, Not Great

There's so much that I could say about this series, but to sum up the majority of my feelings, this wasn't that bad. But it wasn't remarkable either. The romances were kind of all wacky, with rushed endings with barely any of their conflict resolved or developed. But again, it was cute, it was entertaining enough, and Lee Ye Hwan, including Park Chang Hoon were a sight for sore eyes, so that's always a plus.

Let's Dive In.

Okay, so I honestly wouldn't call this a remake cause it doesn't feel like one at all. I would say it's loosely inspired by the original Thai version with the same name, but if comparing it to the original, then a lot of things were taken out, added in, and just completely forgotten about. There were more than a few times that I was confused about who was interpreting Safiah/Zon and Fighter/Tutor. Finally got it by like episode 3/4, but that's why I say this isn't necessarily a remake because they changed up quite a few things that made the original couples who they were. For example, Fighter and Tutor were the ones with the script reading make-out session, except in this one, the pairing impersonating Safiah/Zon's storyline were the ones who had that similar scene. So I was confused for a while. Now if you haven't watched the original, then it's fine, because this shows its own story without the need to watch anything beforehand, however, for me, it's hard trying not to compare what's the same and what's different.

Leewon and Ji-Oh's relationship was probably my favorite. I liked the way everything was playing out until the end when we got conflict for the sake of conflict for it then to have no resolution and the characters are just okay again. And like in the original, Leewon's sister writing a bl novel for her brother is so weird, I just can't comprehend why a sister would want to write about her brother in that way.

Sunwoo and Yookyeom's relationship was really cute, but again, really all over the place with its conflict. Like them having a fight at the bus stop and then Sunwoo showing up at his house unannounced and kissing him. Huh? Okay. But that's alright because but leads are handsome, with Changhoon catching my attention almost immediately.

Ratings:

Story: 7/10 - Good, but not great. A bit rushed and some plot points don't make a whole lot of sense.

Acting: 8.5/10 - great! If not better than that! I think they all played their roles neatly and with little problems.

Music: 6/10 - Didn't pay attention to it which means it's not distracting.

Recommendation value: 7/10 - Eh, it's okay. But it's cute and didn't take that long to watch so go for it. Also, they have so very more-than-decent kissing scenes, which is always a plus.

Leia Mais

rushed with some cute parts, loose adaptation of Why R U (Thailand, 2020)

Overall: This is a remake of the 2020 Thai BL Why R U (which in turn is based on a book) but I will review it on its own merits. 8 episodes about 25 minutes each. Note: there is an extra scene after the next week's preview in some episodes. Aired on iQIYI & Viki (depending on your country). Idol Romance also produced: Roommates of Poongduck 304, The Tasty Florida and Kissable Lips.

Content Warnings: manhandling, non con touching, non con kiss?, slap (part of acting)

What I Liked
- I did laugh a few times (swearing at each other with their fingers)
- cute moments
- Max & Nat cameo
- the original Why R U series playing in the background in a scene
- the perspective change in ep 2
- Sun Woo & Yoo Kyeom (up until the end of ep 4 when that reaction made zero sense to me)
- good kissing

Room For Improvement
- the intro felt like a trailer/exposition dump, it didn't hook me
- another bad "plan" that belongs in middle school (from Ji Oh), however Ji Oh had a personality change around episode 5 and I liked his character more/the dynamic
- confusing, did not clearly differentiate the flashback from present (the widescreen is flashback, full screen is present), several fast cuts
- was too choppy/rushed, should have cut out the sister/book thing entirely
- interjecting women/love triangles, (she had such a stupid plan, why wouldn't she tell her friend?)
- why didn't Yoo Kyeom tell Sun Woo about the girlfriend situation, he knew that they are friends
- cliche overhearing something and not telling the person what is wrong, and then a few days later he says he believes in being clear and finally tells him
- long recaps

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I don't know what's going on but I liked it

Korea decided to remake, of all possible Thai BLs, Why RU? And that is exactly what we got: a short form, clean & pretty, uneven chemistry, slightly confusing, all the same tropes KBL that kind of cliff-noted the original but with none of the heat or complex relationship dynamics. I just … what world is this? Because it is BOTH bizarro land, and EXACTLY what I expected.

SaifahZon (no matter what country) are probably the softest enemies to lovers ever put on screen. Yes they are very cute, and I like them better than the original. However, no one can out do ZeeSaint for the count down kiss on the rooftop.

All in all, I liked this remake/parody/annotate/whatever a lot but I’d love to know what somebody thought who hadn’t seen the original.

How do I rate something like that? In the end I have to go back to simple questions: did I like it, would I rewatch it, and would I recommend it? Yes. Probably. And probably not. What the actual hell? 8/10 

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It's OK

I'll get right to the point. It's not the Thai version and for me it never obtains any of the magic and awe that is in the Thai version. For me there was a flow issue and a clarity of intent issue with the actual scripting. I never really connected to any of the characters. I have a bit of a crush going on for Lee Jung Min, he was the most likeable character too. The females were all good, that's a plus, but the guys were difficult to get with for me. Otherwise quality was good, cinematography good, set scences etc. The music was ok. Watchable for sure. Rewatch not so much.

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Finally a decent BL

I couldn't believe it when Korea decided to do a version of the Thai BL "Why R U ", not only were they doing a version of a very bad Thai BL, but then 2 of the worst Thai actors were also going to be in it ( Luckily they were not in it for long ).
The first 2 episodes were a little slow, but then after that it just got better and better.
The only problem was, the more I enjoyed it the more anxious I got watching it. I kept waiting for it all to go wrong, in some way my anxiety spoilt it for me, but now it's finished I can appreciate it without the worry.
The main couple were great, they were both likeable and even though they had their ups and downs it was all resolved quickly. The other couple I liked, but their story was stilted and problematic for no real reason other than to add drama to the show.
Overall the drama was a sweet and fun watch with likeable characters and an easy storyline that managed to improve on the original Thai version.

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An Unneeded Adaptation

Had this not been marketed as an adaptation of Why R U? I would have been less disappointed in this series. They made it into another cookie cutter KBL. It's a shame because the acting, and the chemistry were better than most KBL, and the intimate scenes were at least not dead fish kissing. The storytelling was weak. I recommend this for people who do not like Thai BL, and those who hated the original. I am usually a generous rater, but I had to lower the values because they had good source material, and made it a mediocre story. I understand localization, but going with only 8 short episodes, and spending so much screen time on drinking parties damaged the story. The only thing that I liked better than the original is, the brother -sister relationship, and I felt the sister in the Korean version was much more likable.

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I really liked it

I did watch the Thai version a while back but can’t say I remember that much about it. it didn’t really stick with me. Just that Zee and Saint made an odd pairing.

The Korean version was super cute and not cringy at all. I loved the personalities of all the actors. The funniest thing to me was the fact that the whole school already knew they were a couple before they did. No one blinked an eye. The breakup scene was the best.

The second couple was my favorite though. There was a lot more depth and emotion in their story. Plus those two guys are both super cuties. I could watch them all day long.

This was a very fast watch and it just made me happy!

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Why R U hesitating to watch this?

To sum up this series:
K-BL + enemies turned lover + Lot of good kisses

I love when Korean BL have some real kisses instead of pretend to kiss or dead fish kiss in them.

This series has lot of such good kisses which I appreciate but then I remember the last episode kiss which seemed forced to me and hence I didn't enjoy them frankly (of both leads).

The plot and acting are quite good though there was lot of things they could have done with such amazing story line.

I would point out that the editing seems bad coz some scenes are as if the beginning of them were cut down while some seem too rushed.
The direction could have been better given the good star cast.
It was as if some amateur was taking up his first project and failed here & there while trying to complete his assignment.

There are lot of things to complain like the unnecessary dragging of second lead's storyline when all they had to do was to sit and talk it out or how one of the main lead is always running away from another but ends up kissing him passionately the next moment which breaks the link of his character.

But still you will enjoy watching this one and won't regret it. So I recommend you this which will satisfy your BL cravings in a good way.

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don’t waste your time…

first! it is 0,5 because there is no 0 optio! it is terribly boring, actors are rookies, the story is a mass!!! slow, dumb, boring, predictable! Dropped!! if you want to be confirmed about who is who and who’s in love in who than give it a try.
secondly: it has nothing to do with the original Thai story. this is not an adaptation! not even close!

Korea have a lot of good Bl actors, why r u is a great story and has a history already! making this version is basically a crime! bad acting, bad story!

also! if there is an option for rating 0,5, why cannot? why should be between 1-10??? this one doesn’t even worst 1

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WHY?

I think overall, this one faulters in comparison to the Thai version. This one had the potential, but it tripped over itself in the process. The source material was 13 eps that were 50ish minutes each. This one is 8 eps of 25ish minutes. That's a huge cut and not that it's impossible to deliver, but it makes it that much harder. There's less time to tell this reimagined story and I think that's the biggest issue. So we stumbled from episode to episode, unnecessary scenes are dragged out, necessary scenes are missing completely, etc. And then we find ourselves at the last 2 eps and it felt sloppily put together.

There were funny moments and the actors did their jobs well. I think if you watch this without comparing, you might enjoy it vastly more. But with the comparison, it does fall short and is the reason for my low score.

Also, just an added note.... the 'previous episode' time in the beginning of every episode was so long and it was annoying? You have a 26 minute final episode and 5 minutes of it is the previous episode rundown? Tbh, we needed those 5 minutes to tell a better story.

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OK drama

As a fervent enthusiast of the BL genre, I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in both renditions of this particular series. It is not surprising that certain individuals who have experienced the original version may harbour a sense of discontentment towards this alteration, the modifications implemented in this adaptation are far from inconspicuous, leaving no room for ambiguity in their impact.
The diverse range of preferences among BL fans regarding the desired level of sexual content is clearly apparent. The product provides a diverse range of options to suit various preferences, including both explicit and PG-rated choices. This ensures a comprehensive and satisfying experience for all users.
The Thai adaptation of the show brilliantly highlights the characters Tutor and Fighter, making them the heart and soul of the story. Upon careful comparison, it becomes clear that the Korean adaptation skillfully highlights Woo Sun Woo and Ko Yoo Kyeom as the central figures, even though they were initially portrayed as supporting characters. The Korean adaptation of this show does a great job of focusing on the character development of Jung Lee Won and Kim Ji Oh. These two characters are quite similar to Zon and Saifah from the Thai version, and they play important roles as secondary leads.
I still don't understand what kind of story is that as it mixed, I try to over look the mixing story line from the leads and the second leads as it is very noticeable, but it hard to ignore specifically if you are expecting similarity from the Thai version minus the explicit scene
I found both versions to be enjoyable, but ultimately my preference remains with the Original version.

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Pour les fossettes de Lee Sang Min (et quelques autres trucs aussi)

Je ne vais pas comparer avec la version thaïlandaise simplement parce que les deux histoires sont diamétralement opposées. La version thaï était torride et brute contrairement à la version coréenne qui se révèle fraîche et douce.

Je sais que pour certains 4.5/10 c'est bas, mais c'est plutôt représentatif de l'ensemble. Que ce soit les intrigues, le jeu d'acteur, la musique ou encore la possibilité que je puisse le revoir.

L'histoire est courte au point de ne pas trouver de fil rouge - ce qui me fait dire qu'il s'agit plus d'un tranche de vie. On suit l'évolution de certains personnages sur un temps défini, c'est tout. Petite mention aux baisers qui sont bons. Mais une question me hante toujours : qui peut bien écrire une fanfic sur son frère ? Brrr.

En réalité, ma motivation est apparue lorsque j'ai vu Lee Sang Min (Woo Seon Woo) sourire. Ses fossettes sont la raison pour laquelle je suis restée puis pour Park Chang Hoon (Go Yoo Gyeom) aussi. Ils ont volé la vedette à mes yeux. Je ne sais pas si on peut parler de couple secondaire parce qu'ils ont autant de présence que Lee Jung Min (Jeong Lee Won) et Lee Ye Hwan (Kim Ji Oh), donc ! Jeong Lee Won et Kim Ji Oh semblaient un peu capricieux dans l'ensemble. Tandis que l'autre couple plus mature, bien que jouant un peu de la girouette.

Les acteurs sont tous sympathiques. Parfois c'est un peu plat, mais au-dessus de certains KBL (je tente encore de me remettre de l'horrible et embarrassante scène de larmes de Jeon Chang Ha dans First Love Again (et ça fait plus d'un an)).

En revanche, la technique n'est pas à la hauteur.
L'audio est mauvais. Pendant un moment, j'ai eu un doute sur le doublage, mais plus on avance plus c'est flagrant. Parfois, ça donne l'impression d'être doublé et le plan suivant, les grillons font leur retour en premier plan. Voir ne rien entendre du tout (la fin de l'épisode 5 avec Do Yeon). L'ajout des grillons comblent un dialogue enregistré en studio, mais c'est sans âme.
Le son devait être mauvais dès le départ. Par conséquent, peu importe les efforts, c'était un ratage assuré sur ce point.
Il y a souvent un fond sonore quand il n'y en a pas besoin. A contrario, plus d'une fois, il manque une ambiance pour certaines scènes. Les musiques ne sont pas mémorables, mais sympa.
Côté image, les filtres sont (encore une fois) trop forts ce qui la rend peu agréable. Cela se répercute aussi sur les visages beaucoup trop lisses (c'est mon obsession du moment).
Bref, la technique n'est pas folle, mais j'imagine qu'elle est assez représentative du budget alloué.

Malgré les défauts, ça reste un webdrama mignon si on ne le compare pas à la version thaï qui est très différente. Je pense même que les deux n'ont rien en commun, pas même l'apparition (inutile) de Nat et Max.

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