Heesu in Class 2

It's about the journey not the destination

I know that sounds trite or cliche but it really is about Heesu's journey. If you're only watching for Heesu/Seung Won and view their relationship as a reward for sitting through the rest of the story this will be a frustrating watch for you.

But if you are willing to strap in for a slow journey of growth and self acceptance, this is for you.

I love how lived in this world feels. All the characters get some development, everything feels real. His sisters are a joy and the sibling relationship is chaotic and fun. The main theme of the drama is "do what you want", ie: stop holding yourself back. And viewing that with a queer lens the meaning becomes almost heartbreaking because so often we can't do what we want.

Heesu is desperate, at first, to keep his crush secret, and again to maintain the status quo of quietly remaining by Chan Young's side. To the point where Heesu doesn't even know who he is outside of that. But in that desperation he forges a friendship with Seung Won.

One of things I really like is how quickly Heesu moves from Chan Young to Seung Won. It doesn't feel rushed to me. It feels very indicative of teenage emotion. His feelings for Chan Young fade before he's realized it and when he's finally forced to move on it doesn't hurt as much as he thought. And now, with clarity, he can see Seung Won. The sparks beginning to fly in episode 8 are delightful to watch and I can't wait for the conclusion.

Read More

Don’t watch with a BL mindset.

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

This has more of a coming of age/slice of life vibe involving an ensemble cast. Yes, there is a BL storyline but it’s not the main focus throughout the series. People will probably be very disappointed if they go into this with a fixed BL mindset. That being said, this was not a big deal for me. Overall, this was a cute and enjoyable series. The script was good, but not perfect. Although it was cool to see the different aspects of having a crush, the script introduced many various story elements without fully committing to them. They introduce a lot of random things in which was ignored and conveniently reference it to only forget about it again. It was a little annoying but it’s only a minor problem considering this is a 10-episode series. However, there was one big aspect that became my main source of frustration. Especially during the first section of the series (see spoiler below if you want more info). This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I really liked all of the characters. The one good aspect of the script was it made me care about them. This was also thanks to the cast. The actors did a great job with their characters. This also had great music and cinematography.

Random Notes:

This was an enjoyable and easy watch. If you’re looking to watch a series that’s not overly dramatic and comforting, this one is for you.

As I note in my profile, I do not read source material for series. This is probably why I enjoyed this series.




******Potential Spoiler Alert******

The main source of frustration for me was watching how clueless Hui Su was with Seung Won’s very obvious hints about his feelings towards him. Either the script or the director could have made this aspect more subtle to make it more believable that Hui Su did not know it in the last episode.

I understand that this is an adaption of a webtoon with the same name, but they should have given this series a different name. The main common theme with each episode involved astronomy and really had nothing to do with Hui Su giving advice at school.

Read More

Bittersweet &Funny Coming of Age

I truly respect fans of the source material and it’s always difficult to watch your beloved source material be adapted to the screen: which is why I think the ratings here don’t reflect the work as its own independent story.

While superficially the narrative seems like pretty well-worn territory (first crushes- both same and opposite sex) what this drama is doing beautifully is simply reflecting life the way it is: some kids in class are straight, some are gay, some aren’t even sure yet, but at the end of the day, there is both a common humanity in the first love “rite of passage”, as well as differences unique to your sexual orientation. While there is a commonality of emotional experience, respect is given with regards to the intersectionality of sexual identity and how that identity may make the rite of passage a much different journey than the journey of your straight counterparts.

The acting is not always subtle which is fine- these are high school kids and teenagers tend to react with much broader strokes than adults.

The drama explores an interesting romantic quadrangle and gives equal weight and respect to the varying combinations. The effect on the MLs’ friendship is quiet and understated (although at some point, I am anticipating a direct confrontation).

I can’t give a complete review as episodes are still dropping. But seeing the “front-facing” reviews, I felt compelled to throw an initial review together- it would be a shame to miss such a mature and honest look at the rite of passage known as your first crush- especially since it honors the reality that is often underrepresented in drama, or represented in a very narrow definition. I truly appreciate that both gay and straight identities are given space to coexist in one drama.

Read More

A good time

I felt like writing this review because of all the very negative comments, which I think are exaggerated. This series is actually quite realistic. Yes, there are gay men who have crushes on straight guys. Yes, teenage gays aren’t always as open about their love lives as straight teens, but that’s completely understandable in religiously conservative countries like Korea. Let me remind you that, until recently, the army there used to imprison gay soldiers, and Pride march participants would get spat on.

If you prefer completely unrealistic series like We Are, where heterosexuality doesn’t exist and guys spend 25 episodes just staring intensely at each other, good for you — but that doesn’t give you the right to post vicious comments about series that aren’t exactly to your taste. It’s absolutely possible to have both a straight couple and a gay couple in the same story, and it’s totally fine for a series not to follow the original novel to the letter. What matters is the story being told and whether it’s interesting.

As for the kissing scenes, they’re not mandatory...

If there’s one criticism to make about this series, it’s that it tends to drag a little — some scenes feel a bit repetitive. That’s unfortunate.

All in all, even if it’s not unforgettable, it’s a good series that deserves to be watched.

Read More

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I thought this series was pleasant.

After watching everything about this drama unfold in real time over the past two years, plus everyone’s poor reviews, I really wasn’t expecting much of anything from this show. However, as I was actually watching it, I was waiting for the plot to take a turn for the worse, but it actually just stayed pretty good. There were even a few really touching moments.

To start, this show has good production, and I especially loved the music. I found the cast of characters likable and thought the interactions between all the different characters were fun and cute. Each episode got some giggles out of me, and were full of simple but heartfelt life lessons. The casting was excellent and the actors, especially the two main leads, did a great job. The tension between the leads was surprisingly good with Seungwon's yearning feeling very real and palpable. There was also an element of bashfulness and reservedness that felt grounded for the setting. The pace itself is slow, but I didn’t mind it too much. The pacing made sense for the way the each characters' feelings changed and developed. To be fair, I also tend to prefer shows with a slow burn pacing.

A lot of people were really upset about the time spent on the het relationship. I think this is a valid reaction, but I am unfortunately used to television bastardization of manhwa/manga and therefore wasn’t expecting anything different from this series too. Regardless I still feel bad for all the fans that got their hopes up for this series as an unabashed adaptation. Still this series is not a completely straight washed bromance (cough cough High School Return of a Gangster). The intentions behind the feelings and sexualities of the characters were explicitly stated many times throughout the series.

I did read the original manhwa a few years ago, but I don’t remember much, so that didn’t really affect my viewing experience either. So in the end, I watched this series as a standalone independent from the original work. Plus, due to the fact I came in with no expectations that the series needed to cover certain plot points from the manhwa, I was able to enjoy the show for what it is. I would sometimes skim over scenes I didn’t care too much about (usually of Chanyoung), but didn’t do it very often.

Heesu still very much felt like the main character to me, but I also didn’t mind seeing what was happening in the lives of some of the other characters because they were all a part of Heesu’s life. Of course, I would have preferred more time spent on Heesu and Seungwon’s relationship, but I felt this series was more about what it means to “have a crush” than what it’s like to “be in a relationship.”

So even though I agree that this was not a good adaptation of the source material, I think it was still a good watch overall. I think what really made parts of this series really work for me was how relatable certain aspects were to some of my personal experiences. I don’t think this is the type of series that would necessarily get better with a rewatch, but I could see myself revisiting it, or parts of it in the future. It's an romcom ensemble story about love, dating and friendship, so I would recommend it to anyone who was a fan of Kieta Hatsukoi.

Read More

It was great until I read the manhwa

When I started watching this series, I was sure it would be the Korean BL of the year. Everything was right. The acting is impeccable, the story is fun, the characters are charismatic, the cinematography is super professional and the script managed to deliver an interesting narrative with excellent development.

I confess that the focus on the straight couple never bothered me and I can appreciate the development that the series gives to the other characters, especially Heesu's sisters.

But then the series started to lose its way. What seemed fun and romantic started to drag on and it became increasingly clear that the series had no intention of creating a BL story.

Scene after scene, moment after moment, the series was building these romantic moments between Heesu and Seung Won that end in frustrating ways due to the miscommunication between them.

The series gives a huge focus to Chan Young's dreams of playing tennis and Ji Yu's dream of being a singer but the supposed main characters do not have this same focus or development.

It's frustrating how their relationship is pushed to the end of the series, which makes it feel extremely rushed and anticlimactic.

But things get worse after I read the manhwa and realized that none of what's in the series exists there. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but the point is: Chan Young and Ji Yu are mere extras in the story. Instead of two straight couples and a big focus on the sisters' relationships, the manga actually features a ton of romantic scenes between the protagonists and even introduces a secondary couple.

All of this makes it clear that the creators of this series wanted to change the story, toning down the BL aspects of the plot and not so discreetly forcing a traditional, heterosexual narrative into the plot.

It's disappointing to realize how backwards things are going in Korea. I really love the technical aspects of this series and it had everything to be one of the best BL ever made, but unfortunately it became this undefined, censored thing.

Read More

Heesu in Class 2: Lost in (Un)Translation

To start with the review, let me just warn you: I’m equal parts betrayed and begrudgingly entertained. This is less a review and more a rant-turned-reflection from a heartbroken manhwa fan because I’ve got feelings, a lot of them. 😤

First of all, as someone who read the manhwa before watching the series, let me just say that readers are in for a disappointment. The series heads in a completely different direction from the manhwa, so much so that I’d like to ask the production team why they even called this a manhwa adaptation in the first place. The plot is different, the couples are different, and seriously, even the essence of the characters is totally changed. Why mislead people into thinking this is a faithful adaptation? I would have accepted this better if it had been introduced as an independent drama.

Honestly, baiting manhwa readers and BL fans just for viewership was a cheap move.

To be honest, I started reading the manhwa after the series was announced. I’d seen the lead, Ahn Ji-ho, who plays Lee Heesu, from the BTS-inspired series Begins ≠ Youth, and I was genuinely anticipating the show. Seeing someone already kind of known taking up a BL role is, well, something we don’t often see. Then I found out that the actor playing Kim Seungwon, Lee Sang Jun, was also in Squid Game, and Jo Joon Young (who plays Joo Chanyoung) was gaining fame too. Then I started reading the manhwa.

Now, involuntarily or purposefully (guess which one?), I might end up reviewing the manhwa, too. The comic series Class 2, Lee Heesu, is a total fluff ride. I’ve read many BL comics, yaoi, and shounen ai titles across languages - Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Class 2, Lee Heesu, isn’t something with a very strong plot. Personally, I wouldn’t say the plot is what got me hooked. It’s definitely readable, not debating on that. But the selling point was Lee Heesu, an ordinary high schooler who’s head over heels in love with his best friend. How he listens to people, empathises with them, and is still just a shy guy who’s just Chanyoung's best friend, was so endearing. The plot was leaning towards slice of life and romance, and I loved the reading experience, like every second of it. (For the sake of records: I binge read it in one sitting hehe. )😊

However, Lee Heesu of Heesu in Class 2 is a totally different person. Yes, he has some of the same traits, but the Heesu in the manhwa embodied innocence. I just wanted to carry him in my pocket all the time (I get you, Seungwon). But the Heesu in the series is more like a cheery teenager who happens to like his best friend. I never got the feeling that his entire world revolved around Chanyoung. Maybe it’s because of the addition of this new “third best friend” character. He was cute, sure, but he took away from the essence of Heesu’s world, which in the manhwa was just Chanyoung. Honestly, at times, this Heesu even reminded me of J-Hope (Hobi) from BTS( maybe because of Begins ≠ Youth).

Now, coming to Chanyoung, I want to talk about him before Seungwon because his character setup was just... so bad. Why? Chanyoung in the manhwa was someone I genuinely liked. His arc: from me thinking that he was taking Heesu for granted, to realising that he knew Heesu liked him, and so he was helping him move on, and becoming the wingman of the century, was something I loved. But in Heesu in Class 2? 😒Yes, he’s always been straight, but his straightness in the drama just didn’t sit right with me. Nothing against hetero romances, but pairing him with Choi Jiyu (played by Kim Do Yeon from Weki Meki) felt ridiculous. I didn’t want a romantic couple out of that. Their friendship alone had so much potential. The drama could’ve embraced the manhwa’s direction, even expanded on it, by showing their platonic bond with more screen time. Instead, they chose to “straightify” the story by making them a side couple.

Plot-wise, their arc wasn’t terrible - it was a healthy boy-girl friendship turned romance. But when you're queerbaiting and then give so much screen time to a couple that never existed in the manhwa? That’s just too much. If this weren’t an adaptation, I might have been all for that couple.

Coming to Seungwon, he may be the only character that somewhat resembles his manhwa counterpart. He was still obsessed with Heesu, still the quiet smartypants who gets jealous when someone gets close to his Heesu. A cutie to his core. But the problem? The chemistry. I don’t want to upset any shippers or fans of this couple, but I didn’t feel it. There was a bromance element, and yes, I watched the behind-the-scenes footage. Yes, they get along well. But a heart-fluttering vibe, like I felt watching Semantic Error? Nope. 😐Sorry, not sorry. Maybe it’s because we only got like 10 minutes of them being a couple. Or maybe because the straight couple took up half the screen time. Even the new third-best friend had a love story. In 10 episodes, Heesu’s romance subplot got less than half the airtime.

Choi Jiyu - I liked her in the manhwa, and Heesu in Class 2 gave her more character and presence. She had her own story, a full-fledged backstory. I liked her in the series, too. I might be biased here because I love it when girls in BLs aren’t just plot devices but queens and supporters. I hate when they’re thrown into love triangle dynamics. So I probably liked her more for that reason. She was a great friend to Seungwon, both in the manhwa and in the series.

It’s not like Heesu in Class 2 was all bad. If I look at it as a standalone attempted BL (emphasis on attempted, cough cough), the plot was decent. It wouldn’t bore you. There was the mysterious carrot person who had a crush on Heesu (I have complaints about how that ended, but I’ll save that for another day), Chanyoung’s ex who bullied Heesu, the arc where Chanyoung finally pursued his non-academic dream (fighting Asian parents and winning a bit is a big deal), the Lee sisters and their individual developments: the eldest sister finally living for herself (as the eldest daughter in an Asian household, I gave a standing ovation), the middle sister’s long-term relationship ending (sad but realistic), and the youngest sister accepting Heesu; the coming out scene was beautiful.

Though I missed the iconic coming-out scenes of both Seungwon and Heesu from the manhwa, that was epic. And not showing Seungwon’s other mom? A big miss. But Heesu’s confession to Chanyoung was a nice addition - it gave some closure.

The actors did a good job, though. Especially Lee Sang Jun as Seungwon- he was Seungwon. I love Ahn Ji-ho, but he wasn’t Heesu. He felt more like an alternate universe Hobi( as an ARMY girl, I couldn't help but mention this). As for Chanyoung - I couldn’t love him, but that wasn’t the actor’s fault. The whole setup made it hard.

Overall, I’d say; watch Heesu in Class 2 as if it were a different series. Maybe imagine a new title - something inspired by the space element they added, like In My Space or Star of My Space. Then, maybe it’ll feel right. It’s a watchable series as I didn’t drop it midway(big win for me YAY)- but a big disappointment for OG Class 2, Lee Heesu fans. As a BL, it didn’t do much justice. Not because they added a straight side couple, but because that couple got more airtime. And in the end, I was left with just a few moments of Heesu and Seungwon.

Read More

Heesu’s epitome of slow-burning romance

Cutesy and feel-good BL drama with main characters who are so sheepish about love. I was invested in Hee Su and Seung Won’s story more than anyone from the series. One is oblivious and the other is too shy– my soft boys.

As a fan of Lee Sang Jun since the beginning of his acting career, I remember how happy I was when he was announced to star in a BL show. His physique and masculinity are so far from the Kim Seung Won that we know, but he still managed to be the cutest and performed a well-portrayed character.

It was another series of one fall first, but the other one fell harder. Just watching them to be clingy at the end was enough to fulfill all emptiness and drought from the very long pacing of the slow-burning romance between them. The confession scene connecting the dark environment to Heesu’s love for astronomy was lovely.

Despite the lack of an exciting kissing scene, the holding hands was mesmerizing enough. It brings me back to an episode where they were lying after walking too long, then their hands slightly touch one another, and the atmosphere became too tense. That was one of my favorite scenes from the two of them. As well as the overnight camp trip and their little school-to-home interactions, to name a few.

The love I have for the BL couple was too high, to the point that I feel too tired watching other pairs being executed in the show. Choi Ji Yu was okay for me, however, Ju Chan Yeong was a literal meh. Even the stories from Heesu’s three sisters were underdeveloped to the point that I feel like it was a nuisance to be added to the story.

I’m glad that I still watched this show despite the early criticism it received from the fans of the original story. As I also get where their emotions are coming from, as Korean filmmakers love to play with the original story, turning BL into something such as bromance, or for the sake of a clout chase

Read More

The adorably daft Hee Su - A heart-tugging tale of high school love

I loved the cute and delicious entanglement that this show was, while still managing to be deep and meaningful. I started watching this with really low expectations but ended up enjoying quite a bit....It could have been very well wrapped up in 8 episodes, but I guess the languid pace didn't really hurt this sweet tale after all. The plot focuses equally on the het-couple alongside the gay couple, even though the narration was done from Hee Su's perspective and in his voice. Though that didn't really make me as angry or disappointed as some others, I would have ideally liked to have more back story/screen time for Seung and his two moms.

Bl-needle score: 8.5 High BL-ness

Hee Su is in love with his best buddy and popular guy, Chan Young.....the class nerd, Seung Won is in love with him, and manages the school counselling club (along with Hee Su now), posting anonymously about his crush for Hee Su, probably in the hope that he will find out...Hee Su gives great love advice to everyone and always tells people to confess, while mortally scared of confessing himself and completely oblivious of Seung Won's crush on him....

Even with a feel-good setting and script, the show managed to retain a touch of real-life truths and philosophies. It portrayed the teenage state of mind really well, albeit through a rose-tinted glass...nevertheless, it all felt quite real, like how teenagers would behave ...Chan Young's strong desire to tell his best friend about the new love in his life while being clueless all the time that that friend is crushing on him, Ji Yu's excitement about being with Chan, and yet suppressing all of it for the time-being to help Seung Won buy some more time with Hee Su, Hee Su's over-preparations and excitement for the trip, though a lot of it for misplaced reasons, Seung Won's cold feet with confessing to Hee Su about unrequited crush, the epic fails in their plans for the trip, and the secret starting to finally unravel when each one of them were unprepared in their own ways......later when Chan just took-off on learning that He Su had a crush on him all this while, the awkwardness between them, even though short-lived, all of that teen confusion, misadventure, and heartache, was portrayed really well...

I must add that Ahn Ji Ho, who played Hee Su, was so damn good.....his funny faces, comic timing, and expressions were absolutely bang on

Read More

Not perfect but not horrible

As a long-time observer of the discourse surrounding Heesu in Class 2, I've found myself compelled to write this review. The overwhelming influx of hateful, overly-dramatic responses from certain corners of the fanbase has left me with little choice but to address the glaring misconceptions and, in many cases, misguided critiques surrounding the series. Having now watched several episodes, it's clear why some viewers react so vehemently to the mere mention of the show. That being said, I will attempt to present a nuanced, honest analysis of the series while simultaneously urging others to engage with this brilliant, though imperfect, production.

1. The Straight Couple

Yes, you read that correctly: a straight couple in a Boys Love (BL) drama. The inclusion of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong has been met with intense backlash, with some viewers accusing the show of "queerbaiting" — a term that has, in recent years, become a catch-all for any perceived misrepresentation in queer media. While I understand the emotional response this decision has evoked, I also believe that some of the criticism is grounded more in hyperbole than in substantive analysis.

It’s not that I disagree with the argument that adding a straight couple into a BL drama — particularly one based on source material where such a couple doesn't exist — may be a questionable choice. In fact, I agree that this was a controversial decision. However, my issue isn’t necessarily with the pair itself — I actually find the interactions between Ji Yu and Chan Yeong quite engaging. The issue lies in the motivations behind the inclusion of this couple. Some fans have suggested that the addition of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong was a strategic move to increase the show's budget. I find this assertion unconvincing. Instead, I believe this move was an attempt to balance the narrative, potentially aiming to "straighten" the storyline and reduce the emphasis on the primary BL couple. This assumption, however, doesn’t entirely ruin the experience for me.

The inclusion of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong’s relationship is not, as some critics claim, an unnecessary subplot. On the contrary, their dynamic plays a crucial role in the development of the central romance between Heesu and Seungwon. It is through Chan Yeong’s own romantic relationship that Heesu is forced to confront his long-held feelings for him. Heesu has been in love with Chan Yeong for years, yet it’s only when he sees Chan Yeong starting a new relationship that Heesu begins to let go of his past feelings. This shift is what allows him to finally recognize Seungwon as a potential love interest. In this sense, the straight couple’s arc acts as a catalyst for Heesu’s emotional evolution and paves the way for the blossoming romance between Heesu and Seungwon.

Moreover, Ji Yu plays an instrumental role in helping Seungwon navigate his feelings for Heesu. Throughout the series, Ji Yu is consistently supportive, pushing Seungwon to confess his love and to bridge the emotional gap between him and Heesu. This subplot is far from irrelevant; it actively propels the central relationship forward by fostering an environment of emotional growth and mutual understanding. Without Ji Yu’s influence, Seungwon may never have had the courage to express his feelings, and the romantic development between the two leads would have been much slower.

In addition, the challenge with introducing a second BL couple would have been the inevitable comparisons between the two relationships. Given that the pacing of the primary BL couple’s development is inherently slower — a hallmark of the slowburn genre — the second couple could have led to frustrating critiques, as the audience would undoubtedly compare the progression of both relationships.

Furthermore, it’s important to address the misconception that the straight couple has been afforded more screen time than the BL couple. This is simply a misinterpretation, largely based on the events of the fourth episode, in which the straight couple indeed received a greater focus. However, this is not indicative of a permanent trend. In fact, both couples are given ample screen time to develop their respective arcs, and the show doesn't undermine the primary relationship. The show’s slowburn structure remains intact, allowing for a sensitive and deliberate exploration of the main couple's emotional growth. This, in my opinion, is an asset, not a flaw.

2. Why You Should Watch It

Now that we’ve covered the points of contention, let’s focus on why Heesu in Class 2 is a series worth your time. Despite its imperfections, I rated it 9/10, and here’s why:

=> Stunning Cinematography

One of the most remarkable aspects of Heesu in Class 2 is its exceptional cinematography. A recurring issue I’ve encountered with many Korean BL dramas is the disparity in visual quality when compared to mainstream K-dramas. This is not the case here. The visual composition of Heesu in Class 2 stands on its own, featuring meticulously crafted scenes, beautiful framing, and careful attention to detail in every shot. The production values are exceptionally high, and the aesthetic choices made by the director are a breath of fresh air in a genre often dismissed for its lower production standards. This show demonstrates how a BL can be not only emotionally compelling but also visually captivating.

=> Thoughtful Metaphors and Themes

Another defining characteristic of the series is its delicate handling of themes like self-discovery and homosexuality. Unlike many other BLs, which often approach these topics in a surface-level manner, Heesu in Class 2 treats these themes with the care and depth they deserve. The protagonist, Heesu, is not merely navigating the complexities of his feelings for another man, but also grappling with the societal and personal implications that such love brings. The treatment of these struggles feels poignant and relatable, offering a much-needed representation of the internal conflicts faced by those coming to terms with their identities.

The series also incorporates subtle metaphors and philosophical musings, particularly through the character’s introspective monologues. The juxtaposition of these emotional explorations with astronomical imagery is a technique that adds another layer of depth to the narrative, transforming what could have been a typical coming-of-age drama into a more layered, poetic reflection on love, identity, and the passage of time. The symbolic use of the stars and celestial bodies is not only aesthetically pleasing but thematically rich, adding a contemplative and often heartwarming touch to the storyline.

=> Superb Performances

The performances of the cast are another major strength of this production. The actors deliver nuanced and compelling portrayals of their characters, effortlessly capturing the emotional depth of the narrative. From the subtle chemistry between the leads to the more pronounced dynamics between the supporting characters, the acting is impeccable and significantly elevates the material. The skill and dedication of the cast are evident, contributing to the series' ability to resonate emotionally with the audience.
................................................
In conclusion, Heesu in Class 2 is a multifaceted drama that has sparked a wide range of opinions, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not a flawless masterpiece, but it’s a series that is both technically accomplished and emotionally profound. The decision to incorporate a straight couple into the narrative may have raised eyebrows, but it doesn’t detract from the core themes of the series. If you’re looking for a visually stunning, emotionally intelligent exploration of love and self-discovery, then Heesu in Class 2 is certainly worth watching.

Before jumping to conclusions or dismissing it entirely based on the opinions of others, I encourage you to watch the series for yourself. You may find that its brilliance — though imperfect — is undeniable.

Read More

A very good Story!!

Everyone seems to be going crazy over the fact that this drama isn't "BL enough," and there's been a lot of bashing about the inclusion of a straight couple as a secondary pairing. While I understand the frustration — especially since the drama doesn't strictly follow the original material and apparently changes quite a lot of the story — the drama itself delivers a very good narrative, full of sweet and emotionally charged moments. You can clearly feel the characters’ struggles as they often find themselves watching the ones they love fall for someone else.

This isn’t like a typical Thai BL, where it feels like every guy naturally falls for another guy without question. Instead, Hessu in Class 2 presents a different, more bittersweet perspective: the reality of unrequited love, the genuine fear that being true to yourself might cost you dearly, and the painful experience of watching your desires slip further out of reach. Not every story is meant to offer a dreamlike fantasy — some are here to show us a fragment of harsher, more grounded realities, ones that might be far from what we wish for, but are nonetheless true.

There is absolutely no "straight-washing" here. The development of the straight couple is actually an important part of the narrative engine, driving the story and character growth. Personally, I found their presence grounding, giving the world a sense of realism and making the stakes of the characters’ secrets feel much more tangible.

Although almost all the side stories are barely developed — often serving only as background decoration or a quick breather between heavier scenes — the main story is strong! There’s no wasted time with fan service or pointless subplots just to fill the runtime. Every event moves the plot forward, leading to a conclusion that, while a bit rushed and barebones, was ultimately satisfying.

This is not a BL, this is a Love Story, and as such it delivers.

Read More