Secret Relationships

Secretly Awful Friends for Poor Daon

I have mixed feelings about what I'd personally rate this drama. There were parts about it that I absolutely commend it for, but then there are parts that I felt were too rushed or poorly done. That being said, I still think I liked more about this show than I disliked.

I personally really liked how they showed how there are different ways of being abusive to someone, whether it be physical, financial, verbal, or emotional; Daon when through it all with dealing with his parents and his "so-called" best friends from university. He very much was a victim of the people in his life and I really commend this show for actually giving him his happy ending with Seonghyeon. Unfortunately, a lot of romances (especially BL for whatever reason) love to give their protagonists an ending with the people that treated them poorly compared to someone that treated them well.

And, in comparison to many romance stories with protagonists stuck in an unfortunate situation, Daon doesn't really feel like a blank state. He actually learns respect for himself by the end and it was genuinely satisfying to see considering how much control his abusers thought they had over him. Seeing him not giving in to his parents' demands because he knew it would ultimately be for the worse was extremely satisfying to witness because of how often characters in stories are shown to let avoidable circumstances have power over them. Yes, he was gullible when it came to Jaemin, but that was easily because of the way Jaemin molded him and strung him along to be the way he wanted him to be. With Seohyun, Daon learned not to stretch his hope out thin that he would return or change, and that scene when he returned the ring was really powerful. He decided to be straightforward and honest with Seohyun and that showed just how mature Daon was in comparison to him and Jaemin.

Jaemin and Seohyun are a good example of what to avoid in a partner or friend. The series did well to show how although they have many differences, they are both two different types of abusive. Seohyun was stubborn, extremely ill-tempered, demanding, and impulsive. His anger issues made his attempts to win Daon over fall void and this would cause him to lash out as a result. Daon knew to just distance himself from someone like this whenever he acted this way, which seemed to start back when he pretend dated Jaemin. Jaemin, on the other hand, was far more intimidating as he actually paid off on his threats. He was manipulative, obsessive, selfish, and unhinged. He really was far more selfish than Seohyun to the point that he wanted to keep Daon pining after him forever without ever giving him the satisfaction of confirming his feelings for him. He would put his own self-satisfaction above ever making Daon truly happy because he was only concerned with what he wanted in the long run and naturally assumed Daon would comply with that. Oh boy the way he was on edge when he realized that Daon was learning to respect himself and move on from him after Jaemin was cruel with his rejection. He only had eyes for one thing ("thing" as a word choice because both Seohyun and Jaemin seemed to view Daon as a prize to win), and once he realized he was losing it, he wanted to take it with him into his grave. He had an extremely perverse nature that he hid behind a flawless facade. People like that are truly terrifying and I think the show did a good job of showing that.

Seonghyeon was an actual green flag that was refreshing to see in BL land. You rarely get to see a healthy romance flourish but Secret Relationships was clear about writing him in a way that felt possible yet also idealistic. I enjoyed how much he contrasted with the toxic duo because it showed all the more what traits in a healthy partner should look like. He was caring, playful, earnest, and loyal. He never wanted to usurp control over Daon from the other guys and he was honest about his intentions with Daon. Daon truly deserved to be with someone that actually valued his opinion and respected him as a person like Seonghyeon did. I commend them breaking the tropes that are sadly attached to much of BL media.

That being said, I have a few issues with the show. First, I feel like the runtime was the main issue that spawned the other issues as a result. Much of the characters' backstories felt underdeveloped which left me wanting to know more. If we got to see more of Daon's life growing up then his current actions would be better explained and he would be more sympathetic. As for Jaemin, we never get to see much of anything about him past a few vague memories of Daon seeing him when he was younger. We never get to see what Jaemin was like before Daon nor what all caused his obsession to begin and persist for 11 years. However, I'm inclined to believe it may have been done on purpose to show that Jaemin had always been perverse and selfish deep down; something that a backstory might take away from by making him seem "misunderstood" or "sympathetic." I was still curious to see the extent he went through for 11 years to possess Daon though, so much so that I felt his insanity break at the end felt a little misplaced and spontaneous. Seohyun's backstory was alluded to being demanding because of his family situation, which definitely explains how he got a personality as ill-mannered as he has, but I still feel like there was such a drastic change between when Daon knew him in university versus the present time that I wanted more context of what happened when he was abroad to cause that. Seonghyeon's backstory being included would have also been nice but I understand it wasn't a necessity compared to the other three because his kindness was much more blatantly caused by a kind influence like his grandmother in his life.

Also, why did Daon jump in Seohyun's ride just to avoid Seonghyeon? That seemed too dangerous for him to use just as an out.....and although it was very vague, I think in like episode 6 Daon and Seohyun were alluded to have slept together after Daon dragged him into his house to stop him from fighting Seonghyeon. And if that's true, that was most definitely forced and changes how I'd view Seohyun from being a potential threat to an actual one. It made me really uncomfortable because of how forceful and intimidating Seohyun had been with Daon just moments prior; especially the forced kissing. That scene was the one that made me the most uncomfortable in the entire show-that and when Jaemin forcefully gave Daon a hickey. Daon really did just serve to please these two in their eyes.

My other issue is why the hell did he give a presentation when his love is knocking on death's door???? I don't think I would be mentally well enough to do that considering how his best friend of 11 years he was in love with just attempted to murder-suicide him after chloroforming him, his psycho ex-friend tormenting him recently and coming out of nowhere, and oh of course his lover was just STABBED by his psycho bff of 11 years. What the fuck Daon!?!??! I got to know what was going through the author's head at that point, man.

In conclusion, I really liked the message of this show: have respect for yourself and don't let people treat you terribly, regardless of how long you've known them. Find someone that will treat you with mutual respect and don't let people have control over how you view yourself.

Would I recommend this show? I don't know. I think that the idea was great, but the short runtime took away from the impact it deserved to have. If the Webtoon it is based off of is more complete (and the art style isn't terrible), then I'd recommend reading that instead. Also, the actor who played Jaemin was unsettling as hell and I 100% want to watch anything else he appears in because he did really well (though they all did well).

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I'm genuinely obsessed.

This show was addictive. I had to keep watching it. I literally had NO IDEA that Jae Min was going to be literally psychotic. At first, I was like, "bro, Jae Min is such a sweetheart for always being there for Da On," then all of a sudden we find out that he was planning all this shit against Da On just to make sure he could have him all to himself… LIKE TRYING TO KILL DA ON AND HIMSELF? LIKE WHAT? Su Hyeon was who I thought was the psycho at the beginning. He still kind of was near the end, but he redeemed himself after letting Da On go. And then there was King Seong Hyeon. Bro was a green flag from the very beginning. He was always there for Da On, making sure he was okay and everything; it was so cute. Idk why I was lowkey there for the toxicity of Su Hyeon… but maybe I'm just a freak. But I'm genuinely obsessed with this show. I need more. I want another season, but I know that if they do another one, it won't be anywhere near as good as this masterpiece right here. Overall, I loved the plot, the characters, the actors (they were all hot as fuck, oh my lord), and the cinematography. I need my brain wiped so I can watch this again for the first time. I will 1000% be rewatching this at some point in the future.
If anyone has a show recommendation that is similar or somewhat similar to this (preferably a BL but anything works!), please reply! I need more of whatever this is!

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Honestly, I didn't expect much from it, because we've seen a lot of Korean BL and I expected it to be nothing like the previous ones. Actually, the only reason I wanted to watch it was my beloved Junseo. Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised. The guys have extremely great visuals and each of them plays a completely different character, like completely. I didn't expect it to be fun and that it would be such a hit. The Koreans pleasantly surprised me with this one and I still can't get over how great it was. Usually there are actors who do a great job with the fact that the plot itself is about nothing, but this was something completely different. The description itself was not much either: a love triangle, okay we get it and a lot of people will judge it accordingly, but I think it's a mistake, because this series was really great and I'm still a little bit left out of it. Truly one of the best Korean BLs for me!

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Im hurt that its over...

I don't usually write reviews, but this time around, I have to.

The series grabbed my attention from episode 1 until the last episode.

I just finished it, and I must say I'm so hurt.
Don't know if I'm hurt because it was too short . I don't know if im still hurt because of what Daon has been through. I also feel very sorry for the 2nd lead Su Hyeon who was used by that psychopath. I feel like he really did love Daon, but he didn't know how to express love and his family background also didn't help. He comes from a family of dictators , he couldn't have learnt how to love from such a background.I'm also happy that Daon ended up with the green flag guy, who is so perfect for him, who is not as complicated as he is. They are a perfect match, exactly what Daon needs to heal. This series will be with me for a very long time.Why did it have to be over so soon😒

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THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT! THAT'S HOW YOU DO A BL!

It's been a long time since I've felt this kind of feeling while watching a BL, definitely a good drama with an amzing story and most importantly, the angst! I'm such a fan of this kind of drama with a heavy and heart breaking emotion, they gave what I wanted. The story didn't go too fast or too slow, no dull moments and such. Although I wish there were more episodes but I think 8 episodes was already enough and the delivered the story well with amazing twist and interesting recaps about their past life.

I was not expectiong for kissing scenes or some intimate scenes knowing that one of the protagonist is a member of a Kpop group, but I was shocked when Daon and Seonghyeon kissed! That makes this drama a hundred better, they didn't try so hard to make it a BL without a kissing scene, instead they really did it and that's how you do it.

I love how the story progress and Daon relationship with each of them. I dont really like Jaemin since the first episode, I just dont get his vibe and I felt something is weird from him and I was right. As for Suhyeon, I felt sad for him because he did everything for his love towards Daon, but everything was a mess and I hate his temper.

Daon and Seonghyeon relationship was good, no awkwardness and I love how it develops. They portray their character really well and they have a strong chemistry!!! I would definitely watch more dramas of them together if it will happen.

This entry for 2025 BL was great, I fear how the upcomings BL will surpass this. They set the standard high! Anyway, I really enjoy it, I was kinda late since it was released last month but I'm glad I discovered it earlier than the others haahaha will surely rewatch it a hundred times! I highly suggest this series!

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Toxic relationships

When I first tried to watch this show I just couldn’t get into it for some reason. But I’m so glad I watched it!

3 guys “in love” with one guy. 2 of those guys make a dumb agreement to not pursue the guy they are in love with & to pretend to day in front of him. The other guy is his new coworker.

I honestly didn’t think Jae-min was gonna end up being the psycho. I for sure thought it was gonna be Soo-hyeon. I wish they had at least 2 more episodes or I wish they would have made the 8 episodes an hour long. It was rushed & I wanted to know more of the background & what happened to Jae-min once he went to prison & what happen with Soo-hyeon since he decided to give up Da-on.

I’m glad Da-on picked Seong-hyeon. I wish we would have seen more of Seong-hyeon back story since we found out at the very end he actually met Da-on first!

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Be fully prepared for an emotional ride and don’t forget to bring tissues ??

"Secret Relationships" is one of those rare adaptation series that takes you on a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, sadness, anger, disappointment, anxiety, and so much more. From the very first episode, it pulls you in with its gripping story and deeply emotional moments that stay with you long after you’ve watched them.

But what truly makes this series unforgettable are its plot twists. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, it throws in a breathtaking, mind-blowing surprise that leaves you in shock. Every twist feels so natural yet so unexpected, keeping you on edge and making each episode impossible to look away from. If you love dramas that make you feel everything at once, this one is an absolute must-watch. 😍🤩💯✨

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Highly recommended

I watched it. Liked it so much, I proceeded to read manhwa.

I understand that it's not for everybody. Because the male lead can be a little bit frustrating and indecisive.

But I am fine with that. He had it tough growing up and he had those two (other two male leads) to lean on. It's not easy for him to identify what's health and what's toxic.

*******spoiler ahead*******

I really liked that they ended the series with the couple I was hoping for. I think it was pretty obvious from the start. And the only green flag in the show. (Greenest if you ask me).

So... yeah. This will have ups and downs. But I really enjoyed the ride.

Plus... the visuals :) manhwa and series are easy on the eyes.

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