When you like something so much you do it three times

The creators of this series really like the trope of 2 people falling in love and breaking up and reconciling so much that they showed it three times. Its like you are watching the episodes on repeat.

The story is about Prakan, a doctor who is able to see a grim repaper who he names Tuaphee. What starts as a fight between the doctor who wants to save lives and a grim reaper who wants to collect souls slowly grow in to something more. There is a bit of a mystery and hospital politics sprinkled in between. To me this sounds like an interesting premise as we could find a lot of elements of humour and tragedy with such polar opposite characters and their job roles. But the series fails to capitalise on this opportunity. Instead, what we get is Prakan being whiny and Tuaphee being all caring and understanding and this is where the series loses all charm and interest.

The series seems to be stuck in a loop where Prakan tries to save a patient but fails and sees Tuaphee there to collect the soul. He acts as if Tuaphee was responsible for the patient’s death and loses his mind. He starts yelling at him and says some unsavoury things. Tuaphee meanwhile either doesn’t say a word or tries to explain himself to no avail. Here, their budding relationship comes to an end. After sometime Prakan realises his mistake and apologises to Tuaphee and they get back together again only for Prakan to lose another patient and blame Tuaphee and rinse and repeat. Looking at this you feel the series is stuck in a loop and you just want to slap some sense in to both of them.

Also, for some reason the characters on this series have shown to never believe that someone is in love with them although they have been secretly pursuing them for some time. And this holds true mainly for the secondary couples. Metha likes Nuch but always believes that she is in love with Prakan even after Prakan telling him that they are just friends. Nuch tries to care for Metha but he pushes her away by being obnoxious because he feels she can never be good to him without an ulterior motive that would benefit Prakan. Then we have Nathee and Keetha. Nathee likes Keetha and even confesses his love while drunk. Later he confesses again while being intoxicated and this time Keetha accepts him. But he refuses to believe that Keetha has feelings for him. I mean, Keetha confessed as well and kissed you. What more do you want for god’s sake!

In conclusion, this series is lacklustre and suffers from a mediocre plot wherein the writers lost all imagination and kept going for the same breakup storyline. The actors seem to have tried their best with what they were handed. The series could have been so much interesting if they could have just given it a bit more thought. You can give it a watch as it isn’t a dumpster fire but you will certainly feel that some storylines are rushed and some plotlines just don’t go anywhere and are placed to increase the runtime.

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The Eclipse outshines a lot of other BL series out there

There was a big hullabaloo when this series first released and finally, I got time to binge watch it and this was entertaining to say the least. From a good storyline to outstanding performances, this show certainly deserves a lot of praise.

On the onset the show is about a school shrouded in mystery where the students are taught to follow the strict rules and have prefects who are tasked to ensure that there are no issues. But like in every authoritarian system, there are some students who are ready to throw a wrench in to the works. The disturbances are greatly multiplied with the admission of a new student who enters the school to find the reason for his uncle’s suicide. This brings him on a direct conflict with the head prefect. The series is all about discovering the true nature of the school’s rigid policies and the reason for the suicide.

Although the series deals broadly with the issues of authoritarianism that would go to lengths to keep the status quo even to the extent to silencing dissent through harsh punishments, it also tries to tackle the issue of homophobia, discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community face in society, stress of school life and self-acceptance. The 2 main leads are put in to situations where these issues come to the forefront and they are forced to face them head-on. That being said, the show does shy away from raising awareness of the true challenges faced by the members of the LGBTQ+ community instead remains stereotypical or overly simplistic. For e.g., we see the initial protest by 3 gay students on the right to not wear uniform to school when clearly the bigger issue is about rampant homophobia supported by the school. Also many episodes just drag on without much happening whereas the same time could have been used in developing some supporting characters.

First and Khaotung were great at their respective roles and they really brought the characters to life. The story of Neo and Luis needed more time to develop as their love story just feels rushed turning them in to one dimensional characters.

In conclusion, the series boasts of a great star-cast and a thought-provoking storyline with a message about diversity and acceptance with a simple mystery to push the story ahead. It’s a must watch for anyone who enjoys BL series and does not mind few short-comings regarding the portrayal of gay characters.

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My wish is for more series starring these actors

I kept on putting this series off because I enjoyed watching Earth and Mix in A Tale of Thousand Stars, one of the best BL series out there and didn’t want to ruin the pleasure I had experiencing their chemistry and the amazing story-line. But then I allowed myself to binge watch this and well this ain’t ATOTS. I am not saying its bad but it doesn’t compare to ATOTS.

Body swap genre is nothing new. I, myself have seen 3 other series on this before but only 1 of them was strictly BL. The story is Korn and Win are best of friends from childhood but due to the death of Win’s father leaving a quarter of his dairy farm to Korn, it causes Win to suspect that Korn tried to dupe his father to get his wealth. He cuts all his ties with Korn and even forbids his family to contact Korn. However, one day when he finds his sister Lin doing business with Korn, he rushes to Korn dragging Lin along and meets with an accident. After waking up Win realises that he is trapped in Lin’s body and to save himself and his sister he has to gather holy water from 4 temples within 7 days. Thus starts the adventurous road trip of Win and Korn.

As usual Earth and Mix have done a great job in this series. Their chemistry is exceptionally good and they played their part well. Unlike his previous role in ATOTS, Mix had to be loud and obnoxious as well as caring and understanding. At first I thought, he wouldn’t be able to pull this off but was I happy to be wrong. Mix for me stole the show. Seeing him in ATOTS and Fish Upon the Sky, I am glad to say that he has improved his acting skills. Earth has not disappointed me so far in all the series that I have seen him in. The road trip although fun and has a lot of comedic moments, at the back of our mind we all know that time is limited and there is a high stake here. In addition, the story introduces 2 antagonists and I feel they have not been used well in the series. They could have impacted the story way more but they were designated as minor characters who take significant action almost at the end of the series with no consequences.

Body swap genre comes with its own set of difficulties. You usually need actors that can play the part of the other character in order to convince the audience that the souls have indeed switched. One of the series that does this well is “Kamisama no Ekohiiki” another BL series. In this one however, they made a smart choice of showing Mix most of the time in order to remind the audience that its Win in Lin’s body and Korn is always interacting with Win and also now they don’t have to worry about a female character acting all manly.

In conclusion, the series is worth giving a try because of its actors Earth and Mix and some good cinematography. You too are taken on a journey across Thailand and you see the caves and beaches and hills and food. Lots and Lots of food. Now I am waiting to see these actors grace my screen again with Moonlight Chicken

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A genuine struggle to keep the relationship going

This series ventures to explain a relationship between 2 unequal people all from mostly the perspective of Hira who is the most self-deprecating person I have ever seen. What do you do when you fall in love with a person who puts you on a pedestal and almost worships the ground you walk on. Could you even continue being with the person or leave out of sheer frustration.

In every episode you see Hira acting like his old self again where he idolises Kiyoi and considers himself unworthy of his affection thereby putting a strain on their relationship. He fears that this handsome man will leave him someday and he will lose all purpose in life. This fear has such a grip on him that he fails to understand Kiyoi’s feelings and you can’t help but feel bad for him. He wants Hira to have some confidence in himself and be with him as his equal.

The four episode mini series is all about this relationship between the two people who struggle to keep their relationship going against every effort of Hira to stay emotionally distant and Kiyoi to keep pursuing him. All this while Kiyoi is realising his dream of becoming a famous actor loved and adored by people.

Hagiwara Riku does a great job playing Hira, a character who is broken to the point of being pitiful. He has such low confidence that he uses derogatory terms towards himself. He knows he loves Kiyoi but doesn’t expect that feeling to be reciprocated and even fails to accept it when Kiyoi does tell him that he likes him. Kudos to Yagi Yusei playing Kiyoi, a struggling actor who is trying to find a footing in the industry and being in love with a guy so oblivious that it irks him many a times. He is still hopeful that one day Hira will acknowledge his feelings and accept him as his equal.

You need to watch this series for the great portrayal of a hopeless relationship between a beautiful actor and awkward photographer.

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Japan delivers again one of the most wholesome BL series

This is just one of those series that makes you draw a smile every minute that you are watching it and when it ends you just want more. Story-wise you will find it's about two childhood friends whose paths cross again when they are adults, one who wants to be a successful idol and the other who wants to be a successful doujinshi artist. Their dreams are somehow tied to their past selves and is unravelled as the series moves along.

Unlike many other series, you see that both the characters are flawed and go through an arc to discover themselves and strive to achieve their dreams. We have the pop idol Issei who always has a smile on his face irrespective of the situation or hardship. We find that he has been traumatized by his parents’ behaviours but decides to pursue being an idol because of Mamoru's passing comment. Mamoru is a closeted gay guy who suffers from low self-esteem and wants validation from people in the form of book sales and being at the "Wall".

This series is not heavy with romance and certainly isn't preachy but instead humorous. The interactions between the main and supporting characters is where the comedy lies and I simply enjoyed every moment of it. There is a bit of emotion in the last few episodes and I was eagerly waiting for it as you know that it will just propel these character's journeys even further.

All in all, a pleasant experience watching this series with great characters void of any angst and unreasonable breakups.

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A true example of Chekhov's gun

The series is about a disfunctional family made up of a father who cares little about his 3 sons born to different mothers. The eldest one is born to a Korean mother and wants back what belongs to his mother. The second son wants nothing to do with the family or the inheritence and the youngest son cares only about his share of the inheritence clearly influenced by his mother. Here we are introduced to another guy who might be the alleged 4th son of the tycoon born to his ex-girlfriend who he truly loved. The story now takes a different turn and is about the budding relationship of each of the brothers with their friends except the eldest one who falls for the new guy i.e. the alleged 4th son.

Starting with the positives, the series hits the ground runing wherein it wastes no time in introducing all the characters and their relationships with each other. The story is well paced for a mini-series with enough time spent on each of the main characters. Although the relationships in certain cases develop rather quickly due to lack of time, it does not feel superficial. The actors did a great job at playing their roles including the annoying nagging sister of one of friends.

Lets begin with the negatives. The series starts with showcasing a conflict between the eldest son and his uncle around business inheritence . He even tries to kidnap the eldest son but fails. This happens in the first 5 min of the first episode and then this plot is completely abandoned. The uncle is nowhere to be seen and there is no conversation around the failed kidnapping. In fact the eldest son wants nothing to do with inheriting his father's business instead he wants ownership back of his mother's hot springs business in S. Korea. But in the following episodes the eldest son forgets about this mission. Its like he suffers from short term amnesia. Doesn't remember the kidnapping and now doesn't care about the hot spring business. His only goal now is to be with his love interest.

The father plays a strong character and we feel that he will play a major role in their lives now that all the brothers are together at the same place and each of them having boyfriends but we dont get to see him at all post a few initial episodes.

During one of the moments between the second brother and his love interest, he says his family owns the guy. That exposition comes out of nowhere and we dont get any hint of what that means. I understand this is a mini-series and they cant possibly show everything but I feel they could have removed that specific dialogue and excused themselves from that explanation.

Regarding the 3rd brother, a very limited time is spent in providing any information about him or his love interest. All we know is that he dislikes his eldest brother because he disconnected a ransom call from his kidnappers and might be a hinderance to getting his share of the father's wealth.

In conclusion there were certain plots that required more explanation but waere abondoned without any explanation which leaves you wondering what happened with that plot or character. But if you ignore that, this one is a great watch and I would recommend it.

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Another BL done right

Its feels like a breath of fresh air when you see a BL story around working men and their life in office. The series does a fine job at introducing the characters. We have the 1st ML who seems to be going through life with an averseness to change. Through dialogues between the 2 MLs we come to know that he used to be accept challenges but no longer.
I really appreciated that multiple episodes were spent in building the relationship between the 2 ML where one in trying to help the other get out of his so called "mid-life crisis" and rediscover himself. Hence when ultimately the 1st ML falls in love with the other it appears justified and not something out of the blue. The fact about the age-gap is hammered constantly in to the viewers but it does not take away from the narrative and the dialogues sound more natural.
The 1st MLs character of being afraid of change is brought back again in the later episides when the 2nd ML confesses his love. But as usual love triumphs and they get together at the end which comes as no surprise. The series ends at a great moment and I would love to watch season 2 that explores their relationship further.

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A Playful Finale to a Captivating Journey

"Naughty Babe" provides a captivating conclusion to Khondiao and Yi's journey, which began in the "Cutie Pie" series. With only 8 episodes, the series feels a bit too short, especially considering how relatable the characters are and how much viewers might want to see more of them. There was a clear opportunity to delve into Khondiao's family affairs, particularly their plan to take down the Chen family.

The series primarily revolves around the evolving relationship between Khondiao and Yi. Khondiao believes that Yi has lost interest in him and is seeking pleasure elsewhere. Heartbroken, he decides to leave for Switzerland, but a twist of fate occurs when Yi has an accident and loses his memory.

The plot takes a sharp turn from a romantic comedy to a mystery. Viewers are offered a glimpse into Khondiao and Yi's childhoods, their past traumas, and the reasons behind Khondiao's memory loss. Furthermore, a larger, more intricate plot involving Khondiao's family emerges, revolving around their pursuit of money and property from the Chen family. Fed up with being used by his family to manipulate and harm the Chen family, Khondiao and his friends hatch a plan to resolve the issue for good. What ensues is a comical cat-and-mouse game between Khondiao and Yi.

Credit is due to the series' creators for managing to keep the tone as light-hearted as possible, even in the midst of darker themes such as attempted murder and blackmail. The actors Max and Not deliver exceptional performances, and their on-screen chemistry is unquestionably a highlight.

However, there are several plotlines left unfinished. Notably, Khondiao's uncle's ultimate plan remains undisclosed, and the character of Chen, who could have served as one of the antagonists, disappears without a resolution. Perhaps a full 12-episode series would have allowed for a more comprehensive exploration of all the introduced plot points.

In conclusion, "Naughty Babe" is an enjoyable watch and a fitting conclusion to Khondiao and Yi's storyline. The series excels as a light-hearted comedy, offering numerous swoon-worthy moments for all.

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A Powerful Exploration of Growth and Healing

"The Only One" is a standout BL series of 2024 that transcends its "enemy to lovers" trope to deliver an emotional exploration of personal growth, trauma, and the transformative power of love. Through the forced bond of stepbrothers, Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, offering a compelling narrative that echoes long after the credits roll.

The series excels in its portrayal of character development. Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian's complex relationship is anchored by Liu Dong Qin and Benjamin Tsang's exceptional performances. Their nuanced acting brings to life the characters' inner turmoil, making their journey of healing all the more relatable. The series skillfully explores the impact of past trauma on present-day relationships, showcasing how even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome with love and support.

Beyond its strong characters and performances, "The Only One" boasts impressive cinematography and direction that enhance the storytelling. The series' visual aesthetic complements the emotional depth of the narrative, creating a truly immersive viewing experience.

In conclusion, "The Only One" is a must-watch for fans of BL dramas seeking a series that goes beyond surface-level romance. Its exploration of personal growth, trauma, and the power of love is both thought-provoking and heartwarming. With exceptional performances, a compelling narrative, and stunning visuals, "The Only One" is a standout series that deserves recognition as one of the best BL dramas of 2024.

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Finding light in unexpected places

It would be wrong to assume that "Last Twilight" is just a typical BL series. It weaves an intricate tapestry of love, emotions, disability, dependency, tragedy and acceptance. It is not a story of the two main characters but a journey that mutliple characters undertake in this 12 episodes.

The main plot revolves around Day, an athlete who is slowly losing his vision. Frustrated by his disability and fear of being pitied by people around him, he loses all motivation to leave his room. Mhok is a mechanic who is down on his luck. Incarceration and loss of his sister teaches him to turn over a new leaf and he decides to be Day's guide.

The brilliance of the series lies in its nuanced portrayal of Day's journey. We witness his initial denial and frustration, the fear of becoming a burden, and the struggle to redefine his identity in the face of his disability. Sea's performance is nothing short of masterful, capturing Day's vulnerability and strength with raw emotion. Every trembling touch, hesitant step, and averted gaze speaks volumes about his struggles. Mhok is the perfect counterpoint to Day's emotional turmoil. Jimmy brings an endearing roughness to the character, hiding a heart of gold beneath a tough exterior. His initial reluctance to care for Day gradually melts away, revealing a man yearning for connection and redemption. Their interactions are a slow burn, fueled by unspoken anxieties and a dependence on each other.

As I said, this is not a typical BL series. It also explores the relationship between Day and his brother Night, a stark contrast in personality yet unwavering in support. The wise guidance of Day's coach offer moments of warmth and hope. Day's mother is overbearing but understanding at the same time.

The series doesn't shy away from addressing the harsh realities of living with a disability. Day's growing dependence on Mhok is never romanticized. The frustration of everyday tasks, the fear of isolation, and the constant uncertainty about the future are portrayed well. It is in these moments that the show shines brightest, highlighting Day's unwavering spirit and his determination to carve a path despite his limitations. The use of touch, from Mhok's gentle hand guiding Day to Day's exploration of the world around him, becomes a sweet connection between them.

In conclusion, this is a beautifully crafted narrative with stunning cinematography, and unforgettable characters offering a refreshingly honest and nuanced portrayal of love, loss, and finding light in the face of difficulties. This is indeed a journey worth taking

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A Heartfelt Journey Through Love and Self-Discovery

A light-hearted look at love and relationships interspersed with humor and dark elements like parental neglect, childhood trauma, pessimism and mockery are what makes this 3-episode special so compelling and captivating.

The story revolves around Aoyanagi Hajime, a childhood star who suffers from self-confidence issues who gets an opportunity to work alongside an upcoming actor Akafuji Yuichiro on a live adaptation of a famous BL manga. In order to improve the chemistry between the actors, they decide to live under the same roof. Akafuji being in love with Hajime, falls short of making his true feelings known all the while hiding behind his persona from the BL manga. The characters try to navigate through these misunderstandings and hidden feelings to make the series a success.

The story is a series of misunderstandings between the two leads while they hide the respect that they have for each other as actors. This makes for some interesting and humours conversations between the 2 leads. However, as the story progresses you realise this isn’t just a series of comedic misunderstandings but shines light on some real-life issues through the point of view of actors. Through Hajime’s characters we are introduced to the expectation of manga fans from actors playing their beloved characters. This can easily build or break the series and he is acutely aware of this fact. Second, is the issue of self-confidence triggered through the comments from fans and general public about the actors. The cause of this issue is the childhood trauma caused by parental mistreatment. Through Yuichiro, we learn how people are quick to judge on the basis of you likes and hobbies. In all this, we also find that everyone needs a support system in life to help you push through your inhibitions and build yourself up.

Although the series does dwell in to some really dark elements, not much time is spent on explaining or expanding this due to limited episodes. Also, there is limited character development in the series and the secondary characters are relegated in to the background just to push the main plot points forward. The series also adheres to a common trend in Japanese BL by skirting explicit kissing scenes, a choice that, while not detracting from the narrative, may leave some longing for more authenticity in portraying romantic relationships. There are examples of some great BL series like “Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!” and “Kieta Hatsukoi” succeeding with no kissing scenes.

In conclusion, this series stands out as a compelling addition to the BL genre, skilfully blending romance with authentic portrayals of the challenges faced by its characters. While some aspects tread familiar ground and secondary character depth is desired, the series succeeds in delivering a charming and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

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A Thrilling Live-Action Adventure Recapturing the Spirit of the Beloved Anime

As a cherished part of my childhood, the animated "Yu Yu Hakusho" held a special place in my heart and the announcement of a live action version had me excited and scared. However, all that fear was unfounded when I saw the trailer and it got me all excited for the release. This 5-episode limited series has all the best part of the animated series and I could not have been happier.

The series revolves around Yusuke, a delinquent with a heart of gold. He meets an early end while trying to save a child but is brought back to life and recruited by the spirit world to take care of yokais that wreak havoc in the human world. In this endeavour he is assisted by Kurama, Hiei and his self-proclaimed rival, Kuwabara. Thus begins an adventurous journey marked by battles, growth, and the forging of unbreakable bonds.

There are 3 aspects of this series that makes it truly entertaining. First, is the massive number of talented actors that make up the star cast. Actors like Machida Keita and Takito Kenichi have never disappointed me before and it was a delight to see Kitamura Takumi and Hongo Kanata aptly bringing their characters to life. Secondly, the CGI was exceptionally good. For a series that is based on supernatural characters with super-powers, it pays to have a believable CGI so as to not take away from the viewing experience. Thirdly, the fight choreography was outstanding. Yu Yu Hakusho is full of action and its combination with CGI made it a worthwhile watch.

Due to the limited episodes, we didn’t have enough time to go through the back stories of a lot of these characters especially the antagonists. We understood the motivations of Toguro, but not the rest of the characters following him. Fans of the animated series and/or the manga can fill in the blanks but the rest of the audience would not be able to connect with the characters. Additionally, although the fight choreography is praiseworthy, the editing was sometimes choppy and we couldn’t see every movement.

In conclusion, watching this series was a nostalgic journey down memory lane. The exceptional performances of the actors and the evident hard work invested in the production deserve applause. While some narrative gaps exist, the creators have successfully brought this beloved anime to a new audience, leaving room for future adaptations to delve deeper into the rich lore.

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Beneath the shock-value, there lies a narrative about life

Japan has always showcased some unique and interesting BL stories. It has given have very romantic and sugar-coated stories like Kieta Hatsukoi and Cherry Magic as well as some hard hitting and mature stories like Life: Senjou no Bokura and His (the movie). But sometimes, we are introduced to something wild and different. This is one of those storylines. Beyond the shocking and explicit scenes lies a profound message about the value of life, obscured by a barrage of perplexing moments that will leave you questioning your own understanding.

The movie hits the ground running where we find Katsuragi is bound and naked at an unknown place by a mysterious person, who sexually assaults him while taunting him about the feeling of being alive. Through Katsuragi’s recurring dreams, we find out how he landed up in this mess. As his daily sexual torture ensues, we find him struggling to stay alive.

The movie although graphic deals with trauma, loss and self-guilt. As the story progresses, we find that both our characters, Katsuragi and Ryoji are dealing with psychological issues. The tremendous personal loss that they have suffered makes them suffer from guilt and depression and ultimately to suicide. This is where the story takes a darker turn and uses the tool of bondage and sex albeit non-consensual to drive home the point that life is important and you need to live it daily. You are responsible for your own actions but certain things are beyond your control and you can’t be blamed for the outcomes.

This dark and twisted movie works due to the truly excellent performance by the main cast. The conviction through which they have played their roles speaks volumes about their talent and professionalism. There were multiple scenes that were awkward with lots of nudity and graphic presentation of sex and the actors have put up a convincing performance.

In conclusion, if we are able to overlook the extensive amount of nudity, bondage, sexual assault and the twisted means to looking at life, the movie holds some important lessons on dealing with trauma and guilt. For any one suffering from such psychological afflictions needs to visit a doctor but this is certainly not the kind of help you would be looking for.

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A Familiar Yet Enjoyable Mystery Special

Having previously watched a few Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo series and finding them to be mildly intriguing mystery shows, I decided to give this special a chance, and it certainly didn't disappoint. As is often the case with Kindaichi mysteries, the plot is not overly complex, making it possible for viewers to deduce the identity of the real killer along the way. However, even with this predictability, the special manages to be an engaging watch, thanks to the steady stream of clues and developments.

The story centers around Hajime Kindaichi, the grandson of a renowned detective, who possesses a talent for solving mysteries. While attending school, he enrolls in a program aimed at improving his grades, which requires him to take classes in a remote location. Joining him on this journey are his love interest Seiko and his friend Saki, along with a diverse cast of other characters. As the classes commence, students start falling victim to a mysterious killer, and Kindaichi finds himself tasked with unraveling the murders and putting an end to the deadly spree.

Every good mystery series includes subtle hints that engage viewers in solving the crime alongside the detective while also introducing red herrings to keep them on their toes. This special follows this classic formula. Although the mystery may be solvable for most viewers, the performances of the cast keep you invested in the storyline. Yamada Ryosuke's portrayal of a youthful and frightened student with a talent for solving mysteries is commendable. The supporting cast members also deliver exceptional performances. The special could have benefited from more impactful visuals and background music to intensify the sense of dread and urgency.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of the Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo series or simply enjoy murder mysteries, "Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo: Gokumon Juku Satsujin Jiken" is worth a watch. You can step into the role of a detective alongside the main character and try your hand at solving the mystery. It's a familiar yet enjoyable addition to the Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo collection.

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A Missed Opportunity in Character Development

I approached this series with a lowered expectation, only to find that it did little to change my initial outlook. At its core, this BL series revolves around a character so unlikable that you'll find yourself hoping the other main character seeks love elsewhere.

The storyline introduces us to Lee Jun, a failed idol who lands an internship in a company where the general manager, Choi Jun, turns out to be his childhood friend. Their reunion sparks feelings from their shared past. However, for a series to succeed, it needs likable characters that viewers can root for. Unfortunately, Lee Jun falls short of fulfilling this role. His character lacks depth and charisma, yet three men are inexplicably smitten with him.

First, we have Choi Jun, Lee Jun's childhood friend who secretly harbors feelings for him since their youth. Their past connection isn't sufficiently explored, leaving viewers questioning the basis of Choi Jun's enduring affection. Moreover, Choi Jun's two-year silence after returning to South Korea post his studies in US hardly aligns with someone deeply in love. He does not even attempt to contact Lee Jun until coincidentally he is hired as an intern in his office.
Second, there's Song Hyun Jae, Lee Jun's former idol manager who recommends him for an internship at Choi Jun's company. While Song Hyun Jae genuinely cares for Lee Jun, the latter’s character mainly involves whining and emotional turmoil.
Lastly, Simeon, a famous model who also admires Lee Jun, adds another layer to the complex web of feelings. His flirtations with Lee Jun go unnoticed, and intriguingly, a more palpable chemistry emerges between Simeon and Song Hyun Jae.

The series missed an opportunity to create a more engaging character in Lee Jun. Instead of a self-deprecating and whiny persona, Lee Jun could have been portrayed as a newcomer navigating office life, garnering attention and affection from past and present colleagues. His timidness could have been balanced with decisiveness, enriching his character beyond mere vulnerability.

In conclusion, the series falls short of its potential due to the underdeveloped character of Lee Jun. While the concept of office-based romance holds promise, there are better BL series in this genre worth exploring. This one, unfortunately, can be safely skipped in favor of more engaging alternatives.

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