Business as Usual

Story focuses on one of my pet peeves

Disclaimer

What I am writing here are my views and thoughts about this movie. Some of you may not like it. That does not give you the right to try to come at me with your opinions on why this series should get a better score and why it is better than I think it is. You have your own opinions, and I have mine. Kindly respect that.

This story can solely be said to come about due to a misunderstanding between the two men – Kim Min Jun and Jin Hwan. And I can say that I get the misunderstanding from when they were younger (22 years), but to have it still EIGHT YEARS LATER – yeah, that is going to annoy me. And before people ask – no, I did not check the tags out to know that misunderstanding was there.

This misunderstanding theme was predominant throughout the six episodes, as I guess it helped to prolong the storyline of the MC. I understand the need for it, but there were times I wanted to kick, if not one of them, both of them due to this little misunderstanding. While it is a quick watch, there were times I had to watch over certain parts, as I did lose interest in between episodes. But I will say this: after rewatching those parts, at the end of the six episodes, we the viewers were able to see that love and common sense were able to prevail, and that is truly all that we wanted.

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worse ending I’ve anticipated

To be brutally honest, I think that I’ve seen better Bl’s with its storytelling and the way the story goes so smoothly. While watching this has given such tiresome and anxiously provocation . I understood what happened in the past but what in the hell is the problem for Min Jun present wise. yes I understand that many couples has gone through with overthinking thoughts and being paranoid or pessimistic, about one’s relationship towards another. He really has out done himself with disappointing me outta me the whole time. He made chae ji hwan tired as well. Like no one can love back such a monotonous character tbh. The second last episode, how and when in the hell did Min Jun came to the airport? Chae Ji just abrutly accepted and decided not to leave abroad??? That’s really demented where does the practicality go?. Min Hun just does whatever he wants in this series like being so demanding and possessive, he’s just one of those people who proves them right how inexperienced people that no idea what he is really doing in relationships. He is like a despairing soul, who has absolutely no idea how to handle himself.. overall it’s an ehh series.

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A "Friends to Lover's" Trope Romance with a Twist!

Adapted from Moscareto’s web novel Eul’s Love, Business As Usual is a six-episode Korean BL that tells the story of Kim Min Jun (played by Chae Jong Hyeok) and his ex-boyfriend, Jin Hwan (Seong Seung Ha), who suddenly reappears in his life after an eight-year silence. It’s a reentry that’s anything but subtle. The same Jin Hwan who once lit up Min Jun’s world is now walking the same office halls, wearing the same company ID, still as sharp and put-together as ever. For Min Jun, who’s spent years treading water in a job that feels more like a placeholder than a career, Jin Hwan’s return is like throwing a stone into a still pond, ripples of old feelings, unresolved hurt, and a longing he can’t quite swallow all rise to the surface.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2025/05/14/business-as-usual-series-review-ep-3-to-6/

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Slightly Above Average

Overall, this was an ok series with a just above average script. I liked how it gave each lead’s perspective on what happened in the past and how it related to their present-day actions. I also liked the epilogue at the end of each episode because it gave much needed information about the past. The script was good in that it made me care about the characters which is the only reason I kept watching. Well, the fact that it was only 6-episodes helped too. The main problem is this took the misunderstanding story element to a somewhat ridiculous level. There was also a lot of wasted screen time. For example, they give us a long flashback within the first episode for no reason. I thought the cast did a wonderful job considering what they had to work with.

Random Notes:

This is one of those series you can wait to watch until you have some time to kill and have nothing better on your must watch list.

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Not bad but acceptable

Personal Review – Confusing but Thought-Provoking Drama

The story isn’t bad, but it’s definitely strange. It raises a lot of questions while watching, mostly because the sequence of events feels disconnected. This might be due to how each episode reveals parts of the characters’ pasts, but not in a clear or structured way. As a result, the viewer is often left confused—unsure of when something happened or in what context.

What makes it even more confusing is that many important details are simply not explained, possibly due to the limited number of episodes. I’m not criticizing it because I disliked it, but because I found myself lost, unsure how to connect the dots or understand the nature of the characters’ relationship.

I feel like the director had a stronger concept in mind, but it wasn’t fully realized. As for the actors—they weren’t bad. In fact, I appreciated how they conveyed deep emotions. I could feel their confusion, fear, and the pain of losing something they loved. They also did a good job portraying the misunderstanding and emotional tension between them.

However, what truly bothered me was how the relationship between the two main characters was left vague. Maybe I misunderstood, but I felt there was some level of emotional manipulation. I don’t enjoy watching a drama that fails to clearly define the bond between characters.

One moment, in particular, stood out: the friend chose to express his feelings with a kiss while they were drunk, which led them to sleep together—and then the relationship just ended. It made me wonder: is the director suggesting that you shouldn’t follow certain rules in relationships? If so, I think the execution didn’t match the idea.

Also, even though the story is set in 2025, it didn’t feel modern. It reminded me of dramas from 2020, both in storytelling and concept. I’m still left confused, with many unanswered questions. The ending seemed happy, but I would call it an “open ending” because nothing was clearly explained.

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When it's no longer fun being alone

There is good. There is bad. Then there is this. It just is. The only name that this wears is called life. It's the conversations too difficult to have but must be done to move forward. To feel as close to whole as you think you can be. The thing is, both Min Jun and Jin Hwan couldn't have those conversations in university. They were both inexperienced at it. Rather than find the truth in what was between them, the both took the hard way out. Misconceptions abound, they retreated and disappeared into their safe worlds.

Min Jun is stuck in a holding pattern as life moves on around him. He has changed with the passing of years but he hasn't lived either. Jin Hwan assertiveness has grown and in this he resolves to make Min Jun his. Unfortunately there are three obstacles to face. Min Jun's truth. Jin Hwan's truth. Which one is the truth. In the past, each in their safe cocoon, they deconstructed the events that separated them and their views were sadly very different.

Min Jun assumed that Jin Hwan was playing a game with him and held onto the hurt. Jin Hwan believing Min Jun to be an indecisive coward, never made the situation clear. Now working together, their daily interactions unavoidable, they have the difficult conversations. Ultimately one thing between them is true, they still have great love for the other.

This is life. No one is right or wrong. They're just two people dealing with their emotions, expectations and pain. They have to decide if it's worth it. They do.

As much as I loved the lessons taught it was not as engaging as it could have been. There were moments of good writing but the majority were just words to keep the vehicle mooving. Min Jun's depressive state from university to present weighed too heavy at times. Jin Hwan attitude seems a bit too bright in his fight to get through to him. A homophobic father and depressive ex lover, he had to be. The biggest drawback was the monotone through out. A flat line running straight through with no real spark of emotion to make the drama between them life effecting. Each episode a repeat of the other.

What's to like: It's a realistic take on two people with contrasting personalities, vowing to stick together. It's shows what can happen when lack of communication is left to it's own device. Lost years. It's two people ensuring that the past will not repeat itself. What's not to like: It can be sleep inducing. Don't raise you expectations too high and you won't be disappointed.
At other times a nice surprise.

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The Usual

Lately, I want to cry every time I watch a South Korean BL. Why? Because I am always feeling as if I am intruding where I do not belong. Everything feels so inconvenient, dark, depressing, angsty, and most of all invasive. And no one, and I mean no one, is ever happy, smiling, or appears to be human. I KNOW that is a sweeping generalization, but I feel it deep down to my core. They are seem so repressed and unwilling, or more aptly, unable to truly be themselves. Everyone and subsequently everything feels suppressed and gets repressed. A certain righteous order and decorum must be maintained at all costs. I am not judging, honestly; merely observing. From an outsider looking in. I am frankly not sure how they define happiness or even if they could (especially sexual fulfillment). This is your traditional tropey love story. I wish I could be more creative describing it, but I simply cannot. It all wallows in the same tired old tropey trite theme of no communication and/or miscommunication. Isn't this getting old?

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This series has a great plot

Well six episodes of a series is what most BL fans want especially when the series is short.
I have watched this series in one sitting and l literally loved it.
The first 5 episodes literally build the story, they tell the problems of the couple and how their love has manoeuvred through time.
But my dear the last episode ruined everything for me. The reason that Kim Min Joon gives for refusing to date Jin Hwan is just stupid and naive. How can you let go of a love so beautiful, of a man so perfect.
I really hated the last episode sincerely speaking because they had built up my excitement only to throw it in the mud.
Anyway it was a great series just that I feel the last episode should have been better 🤔🤔🤔

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Communication is important when youre in a relationship

At the 1st episode I honestly shocked in the scene and I already felt something bad will be happen as the series started in intense scene. I misunderstood Ji wan as well but if I were Min jun I will ask him directly I will ask him what's bothering me because I love him, I will not let him go without getting an answer. The result was insane, Min jun was prisoned in his past for 8 years he didnt get the peace of mind because he didnt communicate well. What I dislike about Min jun is even Ji wan explained or clear all the misunderstanding he still treated Ji wan so badly he was so selfish introvert I started crying when he said a lot of hurtful things to Ji wan without realizing Ji wan's intention is clear and shows how he really love Min jun. This series is a short but compact I couldn't ask for more but I want to see them in another series together their chemistry is incomparable and theyre suit to each other. I learned a lot from this series that i could apply in my relationship in my real life. Communication is really important to run the relationship smoothly, and if you both truly love each other no matter how long it will take, you will find each other.

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Business as Usual but Not Much Else

Business as Usual is exactly what the title suggests: predictable, safe, and serviceable. It doesn’t try to be revolutionary, and frankly, it doesn’t come close. But it’s not a total flop either. It gives you just enough to sit through it, but not enough to leave a lasting impression.

It started off with promise. The setup was intriguing enough to catch attention, but as the episodes progressed, it became clear the drama was stretching out a storyline that could’ve been resolved in a single conversation. What could’ve been a more emotionally rich and tightly written series ended up being padded with avoidable miscommunication and narrative stalling.

Chemistry-wise, the leads had something, but just barely. You won’t swoon, but you’ll acknowledge it's there. With more training and time, I can see both actors evolving into roles that ask for deeper emotional work. Jin Hwan’s character carried a quiet emotional burden that resonated, while Minjun’s arc lacked growth, he stayed in the same emotional place for most of the drama. Even by episode 7, he was still whining. There was potential for a redemptive arc, but it never came.

One of the more disappointing aspects was the present-day storyline. While the past/present structure made sense conceptually, the execution was clunky. The present scenes felt shallow and rushed, making it hard to connect. It’s like they had all the right ingredients but cooked the dish on low heat and served it half-baked.

Romantic scenes? Decent. Korea continues to improve in portraying BL intimacy, though still somewhat restrained.

Speaking of clichés, the airport scene made me groan. That trope has been played out enough. Unless you're giving us a Call Me by Your Name level of heartbreak or Your Name Engraved Herein depth, maybe it’s time to leave that in 2024.

The ending? Rushed, disconnected, but at least not tragic. There's some satisfaction in the closure, though it felt more like a sigh than a moment of impact. The familial storyline felt like an afterthought tossed in for some emotional seasoning.

While Thai and Taiwanese BLs continue to push the envelope in plot, performance, and emotional weight, Korean BLs seem to be stuck in a cycle of safety and hesitation. Yes, restrictions may still exist, but if a story can’t be told with full commitment, perhaps it’s better left on the drawing board. Especially with rising actors, a BL role can either build a career or bury it.

The standout elements? Cinematography and OST, both top-tier, as expected of Korean production teams.

And as a side note, I couldn’t help but notice the office setup looked awfully familiar. Turns out, it's the same one from The New Employee. I guess I’ve officially watched too many BLs.

Overall, watchable, but ultimately forgettable.

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Rather Unusual, Nasty Business

This is a little gem of a series in the sense that it has a little bit of everything. Love to hate to love, a time skip, an office setting and visual from both leads. In quintessential BL fashion, we have our usual, I have a problem with you but I expect you to have telepathic skills trope and sadly, this lasted 8 years. That's long enough to be born, lose teeth, grow new ones and start school! Like?!?

But my take away from the series, is that people with insecurities are truly difficult to love. Living with the stress of having to explain yourself at every turn would be tiring for anyone.

I grew tired just watching Min Joon go inward when confronted with a challenge regarding his feelings; like dude aren't you sick of yourself? This is why the last minute confession didn't reach me. Instead, I was just uber annoyed that he went there, huffed and puffed and blew the airport down. Of course, Jin Hwan doesn't mind the BS because he loves this miserable man. Don't get me wrong, he was just as bad at communicating, he would rather immigrate multiple times than fight through what he truly believes to be wrong.

How does that fare for them in the long run? Anyone's guess.

I do recommend the series, because unlike what we've seen in Korea, this series has legit chemistry and they go to town showing us the depth of their passion for one another. This, of course is a plus and makes up for the frustrations along the way.

A good watch when you are looking for a slow, but sweet and cute love story between two good looking boys :)

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much ado about nothing

Listen we all love our miscommunication dramas... I mean hell we eat it up every single time (if the story is well written). But even I have my limits . The conflict between the central characters seem so childish, trivial and pointless. While as a viewer you breath a sigh of relief whenever the characters sort out through their issue/issues , you are the mercy of another miscommunication.
Nevertheless the drama was made bearable (barely) with the two MLs, who unfortunatley were saddled with a wafer thin plot . The story doesnt give much space for the actors showcase their acting abilities. It's not that they’re bad actors—far from it—but the material simply doesn’t give them much to work with. So we end up bouncing between Jin Hwa’s "yearning look" and Kim Min Jun’s "deadpan stare.
There isnt much to talk about the drama , its forgetful and okayish.
But credit where credit's due. hats off to the lead actors for the chemistry and intimacy scenes. Hope to see both of them in better dramas soon.

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