To My Star Season 2: Our Untold Stories

Jawdropping, but can be conflicting at times.

‘To My Star 2’ is truly a work of art for the most of it, but there are some plot digressions that mar clarity of communication (in terms of how the drama panned out).

Brace yourselves, for this review will be a long one.

*I don’t usually write reviews for any drama, but this was just too good (or should i say the last two episodes were good enough for me to consider writing this review -_-)

I have sorted out by review in terms of: Plot/Characterisation/Scriptwriting/Chemistry & Acting/Believability/Music & SFX/Editing/Props/Visuals/Dressing (wardrobe)/Mood/Atmosphere/Impact on Audience/Rewatch Value/Overall

Abbreviations:
HJW = Han Ji Woo (Kim Kang Min)
KSJ = Kang Seo Jun (Son Woo Hyeon/Hyun)
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*PLOT:*

Many have said that the plot is rather simple, with endings they can probably predict, but I feel that the plot had some attempts at being complex as well. This BL focused on taking what was hinted at in S1 & brought that idea forward in the following episodes.

For instance, in the first two episodes alone:
1) HJW’s past gets revealed: that he has an ex, who becomes one of the side characters relevant to the series later on. This extends from what we know about HJW in Season 1.

2) When KSJ had to do his job as a celebrity. The emphasis that he is a celebrity makes the plot more impactful, because of how HJW responds to it (it’s overwhelming for him, hence he leaves to not hurt KSJ, and hopes to revert to his old self without being overly dependent on KSJ like he is now). If you have watched the drama in totality, you will know that the two of them do get to wiggle around what is comfortable for them as partners, and they have decided to meet each other where possible. This also gives the two personal space if they need it, which is very well thought out.

I believe every bit of the story was directly contributing to S1 adequately. Scriptwriting was interesting too, with meaningful dialogues between the two. Some significant moments are in KSJ’s response:

1) When KSJ attempts to understand and “interpret” HJW, even knowing at times when HJW is mad, he would turn to organising things, trying to be neat and tidy.

2) This is even brought out in Ep4 when HJW, severely bothered by KSJ, turns to vacuuming the floor.
-> This illustrates a very consistent characterisation that follows throughout, which is great as it does not disrupt the flow of the story itself. From this, it elucidates that the two definitely connect with each other, while also facing a sort of “disconnect” from one another, one where they do not know how to better express themselves (especially for HJW).

My critique on the plot:
- At times, it can be rather underwhelming. Some plot digressions just do not flow. Like what was the motivation? What was the incentive of launching a story about Seo Joon? Or rather, how did it take one year for Seo Joon to find Ji Woo's hometown? Surely a superstar has better capacities than that?
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CHARACTERISATION:
This series touches on a few different ideas:

1) how characters respond to each other, and how they shape the personalities they have

2) how HJW&KSJ suit each other VS how they don’t suit each other (at the start when HJW was struggling to express his feelings)

3) KSJ, being extroverted and HJW being introverted
->does make a difference to the storyline too. The drama explores characterisation through how HJW solves his issues alone by not letting KSJ meddle in any of them, contrasted with above and beyond KSJ never giving up and constantly trying to intervene in HJW’s life problems—all of which are significant as they allow the viewers to grasp what kind of relationship dynamics exist in their relationship, as well as how they are like as characters in the drama.

4) KSJ’s bubbly personality (likely emboldened by his role as a celebrity, so I would assume he’s more comfortable and open) is seen from how he can engage the elderly with ease, all the more giving input to how he is as an extroverted puppy for HJW too. Adorable! The characterisation is consistent once again~ since one would expect a superstar to be charming and alluring.
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*SCRIPTWRITING*:
1. Some portions of the scriptwriting in Ep5 was rather confusing, as HJW reverts to his old ways of being a jerk and being nonchalant to KSJ (even berating KSJ for his cooking abilities!). I did appreciate some aspects of Ep5 though, such as how sassy KSJ and HJW’s ex (Sung Yoon) can be to each other, as if they are still fighting over HJW. It can be seen that they both care for each other since they are in the same plight—being HJW’s ex.

2. KSJ appears to be heavily sacrificing for HJW, who does not reciprocate that act of sacrifice back. It is frustrating as a viewer to interpret which direction the plot aims to go, but I do understand that this only further elaborates on the complexity of relationships: both parties need to put in effort to make sure that it works out well.

3. Ep 7’s script writing was amazing. We finally get insights on why HJW is acting so nonchalantly, and the director has allowed us viewers to evoke pity for HJW to some extent! In Ep7, the writer calls it quit with inducing suspense, finally giving us HJW’s backstory and how they relate to his present self. I will admit some scenes do seem dry, and I do have to bring myself to watch them in case I miss out anything. Can I just say whatever that was mentioned in Ep7&8 directly compliments the title of this drama “Our Untold Stories”? That’s so accurately named!

4. Ep 9&10: A beautiful work of art. Plot progression was extremely nuanced, with many impactful lines such as:

“Human stupidity has it’s limits (implying KSJ will not be stupid to keep chasing HJW)”
“When life gets hard, I’ll come to you (a line repeated from previous episodes)”

5. And, this particular chunk of lines in Ep 10:
HJW: “Then you (KSJ) too. Don’t have frequent calls with others. And don’t laugh. I’m (HJW) the jealous type. I won’t let you do it.”
KSJ: “All this time, you acted like it was nothing”
HJW: “I’ve been holding it in all this time (his jealousy). Had I say it, I was afraid it would affect your job”.
-> These few lines are particularly impactful to me as they show the caring nature of HJW, one where he sacrifices his own feelings to ensure KSJ’s career is not put at risk. Stunning. Amazing. Jawdropping. Everything in the last two episodes were explained so thoroughly.

Overall, good story plot and linkages to the previous episodes!
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*CHEMISTRY & ACTING*
I have never had an issue with their acting at all, in fact what was presented was a very genuine, deep love of how the two cannot survive without one another. The idea of pure, puppy love of KJW contrasted to the hidden caring nature of HJW’s complements their relationship and chemistry, making it a ton more believable. The acting is not exaggerated, what is shown is what is taking place. It feels very comforting to watch them and both of them play their roles with excellence. There were some slips with other characters, but not too unbelievable to mar clarity of plot. The two’s chemistry, on the other hand, is CRAZY GOOD. One can see the complexity of the relationship and how KSJ is dependent on HJW.

Some instances of good chemistry in the relationship:

1. KSJ wrote a whole song to HJW’s ex (telling her to stay away from HJW)and sang it in front of her (and the villagers), that was some power move and dedication.

2. HJW can simply not hide his feelings for KSJ again & takes the initiative by kissing him in EP4, falling in love with KSJ all over again :) cute!

3. When KSJ said “(he’ll) work like a bee… why is he (KSJ) so harsh to me” this line was particularly impactful to me as we see the desperation in KSJ’s words alone.

4. As KSJ helps to pack up boxes in Ep5&6, we see HJW get absolutely lost in his own world (zoning out, staring intently at KSJ). We see in such acting how HJW actually feels towards KSJ. His harsh, brutal words do not speak what his heart wants to say.

5. The name of the restaurant “I’m waiting (for KSJ?)” and HJW keeping his old phone, and KSJ’s shirt and are good pieces of evidence to attest that HJW has (discreetly, secretly) not been able to get over KSJ. The keeping of his belongings sounds like a message HJW wishes to convey to KSJ, about how he probably cannot bring himself to let go just yet—especially when the last he has of KSJ are his belongings. The message is just disseminated in a very indirect fashion.

6. When HJW tries to tell KSJ to “not be too friendly to the villagers” and “that there was no harm in being careful”. His caring nature is shown here again!

7. Ep7&8 acting was INCREDIBLE. The tears that fell off HJW’s face, the micro expressions and the look of melancholy painted on HJW’s face because of his now monotonous & mundane lifestyle without KSJ was extremely explicit! Loved the acting!

8. kissing scenes in the last two episodes amplifying how they depend on each other to survive
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*BELIEVABILITY*:
Generally believable because:
1.Drama explores the actor’s daily life, the chef’s daily life and how they go about their job, even making ample time for each other once their day jobs are done (as shown by how HJW goes to KSJ’s shoot and KSJ wants to “make out” in the dressing/makeup room Ep2).

2. we get to see how jealous KSJ can be in ep3&4 when HJW’s ex arrives, even asking his manager to check it out, it’s a very logical approach to the plot, making it a ton more believable especially for someone so “clingy/needy for love”like him, which is lovely!

3. Notwithstanding, in the later episodes (Ep5&6), the links are not as explicit. For instance, the mention of how HJW’s parents left him and thus he ghosted his ex, and then ghosted KSJ later on in another relationship. This assumes a problem that lies with HJW, and the plot justifies it in that way, which is where I find fault with it. How a person behaves should not be justified because of what past they’ve had. A comparative example: Being part of a serial killer’s family (for instance) is not a reason for their children to be serial killers too. Similarly, just because HJW was not well brought up, does not give him any reason to behave in such a childish manner—one where he does not speak his mind about what went wrong, how KSJ can improve, or bring himself to say anything constructive.

4. Point 3 aside, the writer pushed the believability portion even further in Ep8 where we find out TB CEO’s (Pil Hyun) honey is actually the reporter from S1! (Yoon Seul) I loved that their chemistry went even further haha :)

5. Their believability is off the roof in Ep9&10! The two explored their relationship in a very mature manner, and they are so playful it's adorable.
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Music & SFX: No issues, music was used appropriately. Some songs were soothing and suited the mood at the relevant timings (was quite apt)
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Editing/Props/Visuals & Dressing/Setting/Atmosphere, Mood:
I will have to make a brutal statement that I did not fancy the editing this time. Some transitions to the next scene seemed abrupt, and time stamps were disjointed for sure.

As for props, like the green screen when KSJ is taking professional pictures, the phones when they make phone calls to demonstrate certain plot digressions, THE RING THEY BOTH HAVE ON THEIR RING FINGER, the gifts, were all useful.

The other side characters are also important in showing the intricacies of KSJ’s career—that it is not a one man show (e.g. KSJ being depressed, his agency is affected too). Moreover, use of the appliances and things HJW owns are sufficiently testament in showing his role as a chef. Rather useful props to add effect.

Visuals & Dressing: I loved their use of outfits this time around. Finally a BL that has more budget to accommodate different outfits for HJW, who initially used to only wear the same outfits in the past, is now turning to someone with good fashion sense because of KSJ! We get to see how the two have grown to change when they’re with each other. I also particularly like the scene where HJW is on a bike trying to look for KSJ, it is a very important reminder of what he misses so much--the memories he has had with HJW.

Mood/Atmosphere: Perfect! Nothing was awkward or cringe about the show in my opinion. Everything felt real, serious and pure.
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Impact on audience/Impressions: I think this BL alone through its first two episodes has left a very long-lasting, lingering impression on me. I was able to understand what being a top star like KSJ entails, while at the same time, how someone who is so silent and yearns for love as a cook (HJW) can behave when he is not able to do “couple-like” things with KSJ in public. For instance, in E1/E2, it was mentioned that HJW was pissed because he “could not go out walks with KSJ because he was a celebrity” and this left a huge impact on me all because it made me realise that a celebrity’s reputation is so fragile and fluid, and hence evokes pity for HJW. This BL paints a very realistic picture of what life is probably like for real life celebrities too, and all the more we should respect their privacy. So, insightful ideas portrayed. Furthermore, the line where the drama says “the one with more feelings has to put up with the other; be the one to adapt” holds pretty true in this story, and helps the viewers understand the plot further. KSJ, being the one with more attachment to HJW, ends up being the one trying to find mitigatory ways to be more likeable to HJW; at the expense of his own reputation.
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Rewatch Value: I will most definitely be rewatching some episodes of this drama. This drama has been a whole train ride for me. The plot development was extremely good as we get to see that KSJ’s relationship with his parents are not great, giving more insights to how everything in the drama are related and also a more in-depth understanding of their personalities and the role they play in the drama. Acting was extremely good, you can see how professional the two main characters (especially them) were in playing their role to be true to what it was intended to be. However, in terms of 'rewatch'.. personally I will stick to watching Episodes 1 and 10.
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I have also written detailed reviews for Episodes 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10. You may take a look for a more in-depth review of the episodes (Ep 6 and 10, especially)!

Overall, a fantastic BL drama. Top in my charts for now! Thank you for taking time to read this review, do provide feedback if you can since this is my very first review!

*Side note: realised this review is 2621 words long. Bless you for making it all the way here hahaha, have a good day!

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An Emotional Rollercoaster

The sequel to To My Star delves into the not so pleasant aspects that could come from a relationship. I think it was important that it showed that a relationship is not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. Life doesn't work like that. To My Star explores doubt, miscommunication, pride, guilt, and sorrow in a way that is engaging from start to finish. It may not be the direction that people wanted the second season to go in but I think it is important to show the more realistic aspects of a relationship.

If you think that all relationships can remain perfect at all times, you are terribly mistaken. To My Star shares a story that is more close to real life. But, if you are lucky enough, despite all of the obstacles you may go through with a significant other, you can overcome them and come to understand each other more through the pain you have both endured and come out on the other side stronger than ever together.

One thing that I loved the most about the overall conflict that was presented in this show is that it highlighted that every break up doesn't have to be for some grand reason. A lot of relationships may run their course or go through a rough patch simply due to little things that accumulate over time. Feelings change and people change and that's okay but what isn't okay is to run away without communicating with your partner about how you feel. Ji Woo had a hard time pouring out his feelings which ultimately caused more strife between him and Seo Joon that could have been avoided. But, the thing is, there are a lot of people out in this world like Ji Woo who run away from there problems and have a hard time saying what is on their minds so I don't fault him for that. You live and you learn and I am glad that a character like that is shown on screen. Seo Joon was fighting tooth and nail trying to get Ji Woo back and some say that he was fighting too hard and that he was too desperate and should have let him go sooner. But, all I saw was a person who didn't want to give up on the person that he was in love with. So what if he looked crazy. If you think a person is worth it, I don't see anything wrong with fighting for the person you love within certain measures. He ultimately decided to give up and let Ji Woo come back to him when he was ready which I think was for the best in their situation. I am glad that they ended up back together in the end despite everything.

Ji Woo and Seo Joon are two totally different people with different communication styles yet despite the pain that they both went through, I could still feel the love that they had for one another. It was still palpable. The chemistry was still there and the love for sure was still there. Relationships go through pain sometimes but I think it is ultimately about how you choose to resolve problems and come back from the pain that matters. It may take a little while but if both partners vow to understand each other more and change some of there ways to better the relationship, then they can move forward together again. Sometimes pain can lead to growth is how I viewed Ji Woo and Seo Joon's relationship.

On another note, I will end this by saying that I enjoyed this season very much (probably more than season 1). It had a story line that was very gripping to me and one that had me theorizing and thinking about it long after an episode would go off. The cinematography and locations were beautiful to witness and the characters all served their purpose well. I would definitely recommend all to watch this but just know that it is not the most lighthearted watch ever but it's still worth it!

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Gives you insomnia and breaks your heart but totally worth it!

This season was the definition of pain. It was really heavy, but I respect the realness and how mature it is. This is a story about love not about how to be a perfect human being. You don't choose who you fall in love with. when you love someone you have to accept them the way they are, and handle their trauma, low self-esteem or whatever that makes them do stupid things. Real love is WORK , trying to fix the issues, and helping your partner to be a better person. I don't think the ex story line was necessary, but after all I enjoyed this season a lot. The acting was perfect. Their chemistry is crazy! and I think season 3 is a must at this point. it will make us appreciate this season more. Since we aren't really sure about JW if he will leave again or if the relationship is strong enough to last. Seeing their relationship getting stronger in a third season will make us believe in them more, and we'll know that everything they went through in this season was worth it . There are many good BLs out there but this one will always has a special place in my heart.

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FINALLY a good bl sequel

PROS:

- the cinematography!!! you can definitely tell they got more budget & creative direction for this season because some shots literally fucking stunned me, they were gorgeous!!! they went full film d’auteur for this one & I couldn’t approve more, this is my jam!!!

- the characters, and especially kang seo joon. like I just love this character so much??? everyone in this show fucking WORKS, but kang seo joon is like this cartoon-y character who also feels so real & he’s just really fucking amazing.

- I love the writing & its realism. this sequel made me realize that even the original season had a deeper aspect to it compared to other kbls, a sort of looming feeling of mental health issues & other problems, even with a happy ending. and in that way, the writers perfectly continued that story & gave us more context as to who both characters are as people, and I think the writers did a great job underlining the possible problems in their relationship & playing on their differences. I feel like this sequel worked when all of the others haven’t because the writers stayed true to the characters & story they wanted to tell. obviously season two has a different tone & setting, yet both seasons really work together, whereas it’s usually really not the case.

- the chemistry & acting just work. I don’t think han ji woo’s actor is the best actor & the more emotional scene wasn’t the best imo, but apart from that this pairing just works really well, and overall the acting is very solid. even with all the issues between the characters, the chemistry between the actors makes you care about this pairing a lot more.


CONS:

- v angsty, and I know that this is not what some people are looking for in this sequel, and in that case I would skip this one out. or just binge it all in one go bc I guarantee you, binging the first 8 eps and then having to wait a week for the conclusion like I did was HELL.

- I think han ji woo is a very interesting character that I really like, but since he’s been the driving factor for every drama & break up this couple has had, and he’s very cold & everything, in some moments it was really hard to care for him. there was literally a point in the show where I felt like these two were better off broken up, and I’m not sure that’s exactly what the writers wanted. so I think they went a bit too far with ji woo’s cruelty in certain moments, when it should’ve been slightly more push & pull rather than one hurting the other repeatedly if that makes sense.


WOULD I REWATCH IT: maybe not on its own bc it’s very angsty, but if I rewatched the original show I would definitely follow it with season two.


CONCLUSION: FINALLY a sequel that is not disappointing!!! I despise second seasons, but here I’m so glad I gave this one a chance, despite not even knowing how it was gonna end! This just proves me that you can introduce angst, break ups and challenges in a sequel and still make it good, and I’m just really happy that one of my favorite 2021 shows actually got the sequel it deserves <3

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I loved the first season, it was short and bubbly and there was this remarkable chemistry between the leads… the second season though, blew me away! I thought about this series a lot, it affected me so much that I wanted to know other peoples opinions on it and I started to spend time on twitter and even reddit lol, which is sth I honestly dont do at all. I have read lots of theories even came up with my own. I dont even know…the last time I was affected this much by a series with was game of thrones i guessXD

Anyway i liked how detailed it was, the acting, the cinematography, soundtrack everything was perfect imo. I do agree with some people saying the ending was a bit rushed and the angsty 8 episodes were was a bit unfair and Seo Joon forgave Ji woo way to easy. Yeah, I also think Ji woo should have realized he made a mistake by ep 7 onwards maybe? So that we would have 3-4 eps of him begging Seo joon to take him backXD jokes aside I do think that he should have made his motives for break up and how he felt during that one year of their relationship more clear to Seo joon. But I guess I am ok with how it ended, we had lotsss of fluff! Everyone had their closure. I would love a season 3 but I dont think it will come…

Ugh I kinda feel empty now that is over and I dont think anything will come close for a while:(

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To My Angst

Overall: season 1 was a romance so I was hoping in season 2 to learn more about the backgrounds of the two leads, have some character growth (specifically Ji Woo getting better at communicating), some fluff and some realistic drama (i.e. the public finding out about their romance and fallout from that). Instead we got...angst and character regression instead of growth. If someone wants to avoid 9 episodes of angst, then I'd suggest just watching episode 10. I really dislike when one character is a huge jerk to the other character for a long time because then I'm not happy if they are together at the end due to all the pain that was caused. Once you break a glass, even if you put it back together, it will never be the same. Watched on Viki (also Gagaoolala)

Content Warnings: gaslighting, grief

What I Liked
- the cute scenes
- episode 10 (except for the very last two lines), enjoyed the callbacks to the first season
- acting
- music (wish we had vocals for the intro though)
- the supporting characters from season 1 that returned in season 2 (and wish they had had more screen time/depth for their characters)
- talking about Ho Min's decision was funny (I looked up the actor)

Room For Improvement
- Ji Woo, I am so disappointed that instead of character growth we got character regression. Breaking up via a sticky note and ghosting someone (on their birthday no less) after a year of dating is inexcusable. Then Ji Woo has the gall to name his restaurant "I'm Waiting For You". Ji Woo lies to Seo Joon and is extra cruel by telling Seo Joon that it's Seo Joon's fault their relationship doesn't work before eventually admitting it was Ji Woo's fault/insecurities. No amount of grief or introvertedness excuses his actions (I know people who are extremely introverted and they all manage to communicate with their significant others)
- Seo Joon needs to learn about respecting boundaries - I realize this was supposed to be romantic but it felt like harassment to me
- non logical/realistic plot things/responses - is a celebrity having a fear of loud noises a huge scandal??? I don't understand this at all. Another is, what a terrible detective. It took 1 year to figure out that Ji Woo was in the town where he grew up/where his parents used to live, wouldn't that be the first place to look??? Also what was the motivation for who posted that story about Seo Joon?
- the cliche ex, this added nothing for me
- the kid, if they were shown babysitting a friend/relative's kid and talking about how they wanted their family to be in the future that would have been awesome, but this character seemed tossed in to add additional drama
- the frequent time jumps back and forth made it feel disjointed and confusing, wish they had told this in a linear fashion
- the explanation for Seo Joon's phobia was underwhelming
- I wish they had had a short recap of season 1 at the beginning of episode 1
- the intro with season 1 short scenes and instrumental music wasn't my favorite intro

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Another Unnecessary Sequel

I was hesitant to watch this series because it obviously would involve some type of break-up (We all knew it would when the sequel was announced), but I still gave it a try. It was ok but there really was no point for this sequel. However, I appreciated some of the topics it introduced.

The positive: The cast was great and did a great job considering the material they were given. I also liked the sets and the locations they used throughout the series.

The negative: Although I think the story concept was good, the execution was not the greatest. Episode 1 started off strong but the script goes down hill quickly by Episode 2. I started to see the script’s many weak elements. It also introduced a lot of random unneeded issues for the main characters to deal with. The sequel also made me dislike one of my favorite main characters from the first series.

Random Note: This would have been better if it was a stand-alone series without any ties with To My Star. I probably would have enjoyed the series more.

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Careful what you wish for

Many fans after a good first season wish for the second season of their favorite show, but sometimes same titles are better left alone. "To My Star" is a prime example of it.

The script is so bad I am not sure if even the scriptwriter knew what he wanted to convey.
Because it seasons 2!!!
We already have established characters but what scriptwriters do? Change one main protagonist character so much that I start to wonder if it's split personality disorder or some evil twin plotline? But no luck! Just forget season 1 and let Ji Woo have a new personality starting from season 2!

The main storyline and conflict is so ridiculous boardlining toxic and abusive that I have no words left for it. After Ji Woo ghosted Seo Joon on his birthday ( yes birthday again - Seo Joon really start to hate his own birthday soon) and disappeared for a whole year, Seo Joon looked for him everywhere to get an explanation and closure. But when he finally meets Ji Woo we are meeting Ji Woo season 2 version which is ruthless and can - for his own convenience - hurt people. We have full 8 episodes of that so get ready!

I will not go into the details but in episode 5 or 6 I was really convinced that this two are better off breaking up. This conviction didn't even disappear after watching 2 last - fluffy episodes that should convince the audience to have memory loss and forget the previous 8 episodes and feel that the main couple should be together once again.
They even try to explain it from Ji Woo POV but if you rewatch episode 1 after it and try to feel bad for Ji Woo.... i am really amazed by an audience that can eat this BS. Ji Woo sad past and his own issues - excluded he had a whole year to get his shit together and reflect on himself so when he finally meets Seo Joon again he should have guts to apologize, explain himself or something on this line. But what did he do? Push all the blame on Seo Joon.

Clap Clap Clap

When we as the audience who rewatch know at this point he still supposedly love Seo Joon and waited for him...

I saw reviews of how realistic this relationship is and I need to agree that is really realistic abusive relationship. Ji Woo do only things convenient for him and only takes from Seo Joon because he knew Seo Joon love him. It's always about him, he don't give a crap how he made Seo Joon feel or how hard he made it for him.
In the whole season, i didn't seen any genuine care from Ji Woon toward Seo Joon, or Ji Woo self-reflection on his behavior (only the magical forest scene that supposedly convinced him to get back with Seo Joon - that is a slide show from their happy moments)- Ji Woo is as he is and it Seo Joon that needs to change, not him. Even though the whole mess is all about Ji Woo and caused by him.

Their whole conflict resolution in last episode felt so shallow that I just know that Ji Woo will pull that shit again. There was no lesson learned for him and I don't think he even felt genuinely bad about what shit he put Seo Joon thought. If this was real life Seo Joon would really break down mentally and become a mental institution patient while Ji Woo would be too busy feeling bad about some no-existent hurt Seo Joon put his thought.

To sum it up if it wasn't season 2 of To my star, most people would see it for what it really is. I just hope more and more people realize that nice cinematography and good acting shouldn't cover how bad and toxic the script really is.

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The (rather painful) conclusion of the series

PLOT: Heartbroken, Seo Joon must deal with the unexplained disappearance of Ji Woo. After a year of searching, he finds Ji Woo having opened a restaurant (unsuccessfully) in his hometown. He will do everything he can to help him, understand him, and win him back. He clashes with Ji Woo's ex-girlfriend, who left him five years earlier during a crisis and while traumatized.

+++ I really like Son Woo Hyun as ML; his acting is very natural. Kim Kang Min plays a stoic, unemotional character.
+++ Very good overall cast.
+++ Well-crafted direction.
+++ Good OSTs.

### Painful Story: Ji Woo's behavior doesn't really make sense. Okay, he's haunted by his past, but his instinct to run away and his rejection of Seo Joon don't make sense!
### The cliché of the ex coming back to win him back years later is overused (and above all, unrealistic).

=> Thank goodness for HE, because the viewer suffers during part of the series!
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Suite et fin (assez painfull) de la série

PLOT: Seo Joon doit faire face à la disparition, sans explication, de Ji Woo. Après 1 an de recherches, il retrouve Ji Woo ayant créé 1 restau (sans succès) ds son village natal. Il va mettre tt en œuvre pr l'aider, le comprendre et le reconquérir. Il se heurte à l'ex girlfriend, qui a quitté Ji Woo en pleine crise et avec trauma, 5 ans + tôt.

+++ J'aime bcp Son Woo Hyeon en ML, il a 1 jeu très naturel. Kim Kang Min joue 1 personnage stoïque, peu émotif.
+++ Très bon cast général.
+++ Réalis° bien maitrisée
+++ Bons OSTs

### Story painfull : Le comportement de Ji Woo n'a pas vraiment de logique. OK, il est hanté par son passé, mais son instinct de fuite et ses rejets de Seo Joon ne font pas sens !
### Le cliché de l'ex qui vient reconquérir des années + tard, est usé (et surtout, irréaliste).

=> Heureusement qu'il y a une HE, parce que le viewer souffre pdt 1 partie de la série !

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hwang da seul, you will always be famous.

i've been putting off watching this after season 1 because the streets said they broke up. now that i've had the time & attention to actually watch it, i have to say a few "things" about this second season.

first off, WHEW baby, hwang da seul. that's really mother. she can never do any wrong (except wyel, but that's just my personal bias towards its shooters and jang euisoo's companionship choices). i loved everything, from the parallels of the current time/flashbacks, it flowed so naturally and did not feel out of place. cinematography? stunning as always. how they delivered the angst was good here; made the characters feel more fleshed out other than season 1 where we really did not get to "know" them on a deeper lens.

now onto my personal notes. dawg. i still believe that none of this should have happened if they just fucking talked this shit out from the get-go. but whatever, this is fiction, we take what we can get. everything about this show pissed me all the way off but surprisingly? i liked it. the actors ate downnn, honey. kangmin and woohyun ate these roles up. they always had me at the edge of my seat when they would talk. the dinner scene on episode 5? the getting beer scene at episode 6? the confrontation at the last episode? absolute cinema. this shit was draggy but they made magic with it. was the conflict immature? oh hell it was. y'all are liars if you think this conflict was ever needed in the first place. did it felt draggy? a lot of times. but, the execution was stellar. it did not feel like they were going in circles, since it dived onto deeper aspects of their character.

would i rewatch this show ever again? oh baby, absolutely not. the emotions i felt watching this once do not need to resurface again. is it deserving of a high score despite the conflict being cliché and shallow as hell? well... sorta kinda. the acting of kangmin and woohyun here saved this for me, ngl.

[also minor irk. the OSTs for these were terrible. so many english songs that felt out of place to listen to. they could've just used some simple scores/instruments for impact]

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They really outdid themselves

Trust me, I used to think korean BLs have always been disappointing since I have watched enough of them. Watched To my star season 1 and that time it was one my most liked korean BL but after seeing the season two which aired today (3rd June) and I just watched it, I'm spellbounded.

The best thing about this story was the duration. It was just perfect and the last episode being over 43 mins just made it hella satisfying. The pace was really good but can be a little slow for some. They added alot of new characters which made it confusing at first but then it felt they're a family. Also, almost all Korean bl have a really weird plot (if ukwim) but the plot here was really good and was portrayed really well. Though I was confused as to why the plot at the beginning turned out to be like that. I'm not gonna spoil anything hence even the smallest spoiler will just ruin the fun.

Ik we all want to see the erotic scenes (lol) u might not like it cause they won't kiss in many episodes cause the plot is like that but whenever they'll kiss it will just give you the butterflies. Also this drama has the most crazy kisses I've ever seen in Korean BLs, I wanted to scream whenever they went crazyy :p
It's literally my first time rating a kdrama ITS THAT GOOD.

I'm more into dark and gruesome genre but this has to be an exception. Really want this drama to be a hit and loved by everyone. Hats off to the main leads for leaving me shooked with their emotionsss. Loved the ost and acting. EVERYONE SLAYED. The emotions felt soo realll.
Daebak!

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