Heesu in Class 2

Closed The Closet Door Again!

While I have not read the manhwa this is based off, this series failed to deliver as a BL. It did not tell a story; only presented circumstances. Ironically, we got the full picture of the straight couple(s), including a superfluous musical interlude and a tennis match. This is a straight story with two gay guys thrown in to try and make it be a BL. However, there was no intrinsic development of a gay relationship or even a foundation of a strong connection between them until the absolute end. What little we did see about their evevolment, was shown to be dark leading to uncertainty with misunderstanding assumptions and presented mostly despondently. Frankly, this series was a bitter disappointment . Oh, it is well acted, and the cinematography is breathtaking and perhaps that is what hides its flaws so masterfully. But its poor content is couched and guised in pretty words at times and nice surroundings. Take that away, and what you are exposed to is anxiety, fear, guilt, and the shame of queerness that is so prevalent in Korean culture and thinking. This series merely highlights their disquietudes about someone being gay in the worst possible way, I might add. Gayness became shameful, something that you could not share even with friends or family and would in essence be deadly if anyone found out about it. Only talked about it in the dead of night and in whispers. They did everything to put gay people back into the closet except not put a lock on the closet door. This did NOTHING to enhance, enlighten, or encourage acceptance of individuals who are gay. If anything, it merely showed how sad, pathetic, weak, unaccepting, shameful, scared, frightened, intimidating, and unaccepting it all is. Know your place. How much agony it will cause you. Meanwhile, the straight couple gets to foster a warm cozy relationship with everyone accepting of that as being normal. And they get to have a happy ending or live out a dream

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Dropped until further notice

I can't beleive that I am watching a bl drama where the MAIN couple are getting less time than the straight couple. The fact that they had to make a non existent plot for the the straight couple just to push the Main one that we are actually watching this for will be just insane to me. Maybe it will change in the future but until then this series is just pissing me off. The straight couple's plot is pretty bland and boring too, quirky girl and a perfect not so perfect guy oh damn haven't heard that before,did you use chat gpt to make the script for them??? No one fucking cares about Cha Young and his fucking tennis balls. I never liked him the webtoon but here he is getting on my last nerve. The first 2 couple episode seemed promising and i thought I would be wrong about the trailer but no,it showed to be true.

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THIS SHOULD BE A BL SERIES!!

The production team should change how they promote the series from BL to a Straight Series. This is misleading and disappointing at the same time, watching it. Less screen to the BL couple is causing distress and suffering in the BL community. Nothing against the actors, they are great but the series sucks. I can't even enjoy it. All I know is that I keep scrolling social media while watching, then stop to watch when the BL couple's screen time. That's all I know.

P.S.
This is my first time giving the lowest review ever. Even the worst BL I've watched, I've never rated them.

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Who is Heesu beyond his romantic interest?

I love the manhwa, but I also understand adaptations aren't obligated to follow the source material. With that in mind, I don't think this is the worst drama I have seen. But, it still falls short.

What I found so interesting about Heesu, but also so incredibly sad is that when we first meet him he isn’t introduced as his own person and he isn't aware of how much his identity is tied to someone else. I don't think the drama explores the complexity of that to the extent that it should.

Heesu is well known in school for giving dating advice, but none of those student even remember his name. He is often referred to as Chan Yeong’s shadow. And while he might not know himself, he knows one thing for sure. He likes Chan Yeong and likes being by his side.

Heesu is trying so hard to be in orbit to Chan Yeong’s universe. But, Pluto gets expelled from the solar system for being so similar to hundreds of other stars and goes from being special to ordinary and Heesu just wants to be special.

His whole identity is wrapped around someone else. He doesn’t know what food he likes because he’ll just eat whatever Chan Yeong wants to eat. He tries to join the video production club because Chan Yeong signed up for it. But, the club is full and for the first time we see a character, Seung Won, who notices something about Heesu that isn’t in relation to Chan Yeong.

He tells Heesu that he is great at listening to others and helping students. He suggests signing up for the counseling club. For the first time, Heesu is being noticed for the significant impact he makes on others. He's recognized as that guy who very specifically likes carrot juice. It’s a thing that he likes that isn't borrowed from someone else.

The moments that stands out the most to me is when we learn more about Heesu as someone more than his unrequited love. It's when we get to see him as an an individual. But it doesnt happen often. We get to see some of that through Seung Won’s perspective as he carefully observes him.

Alone in his own house, Seung Won could hear Heesu and his sister’s arguing next door and you see him smile at all the noise against the silence of his own home. It’s these moments where we get to see into their lives and who these characters are. Seung Won who is lonely and who likes hearing the noise of family being together. Heesu at home who clearly complains and expresses what he likes and doesn't like and doesnt dismiss it like he typically does outside of the home where he'll just eat whatever popcorn or food his friends like.

I wish we got more moments like that, but not enough time was given to learn more about Heesu and Seung Won as individuals. In fact, not enough time was even given on their emerging relationship.

While it’s great that Heesu finally figures out that he likes Seung Won, I wish we got more time with Heesu figuring out who he is as a person that isn't in relation to others. Who is Heesu beyond his romantic interests? The drama spends so much time focusing on everyone else. His sisters, Chan Yeong, and Ji Yu who are all chasing after what they like and their passion. It's fine to include, but not at the expense of sacrificing space to explore Heesu’s self-discovery of becoming the protagonist of his own narrative.

It had the ingredients to be something special but didn't quite meet its potential.

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Beautiful

Reading everyone else’s review, I was honestly disappointed. I was hooked by this show from the first episode. Most of you who started watching this was expecting the normal trope of the boy and his best friend. You also were not expecting that there would be a straight couple as well. Now while I understand that they do get a bit of scene time, I feel as if it is needed. I feel like we get such an understanding of all the characters. This is a slow burn that is really burning for me at least. I have to be honest, when I started watching this, I thought Hee Su and his best friend were going to end up together, which almost always happens in these shows. Boy was I wrong and I’m glad I’m wrong. This show just kind of gives off a really heart warming but a realistic message which you’ll just have to figure out by watching yourself. While there are a ton of bad reviews, I hope this one gives you a reason to give this a try. And come onnnn, it’s rare to get a Korean BL that has 10 episodes with each being over 40 minutes long. They are evolving, and this one is just so beautiful.

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Kinda disappointed

What got me really angry was that I felt deceived by the writers, directors and producers or whomever gave life to this show... they used us, BL fans as bait to completely overshadow the main couple SOOOO much that it felt almost the whole series if they were the second couple and the main characters were the straight couple... It was almost 10 hours of stupid miscommunication and the straight couple trying to be together... I understand that kissing in high school is inappropriate let alone sleeping together is very uncommon in Asian series... different from western ones but the ending felt rushed, without a pace and with a bitter taste just because the main couple got to be together... I honestly didn't like it. The acting was actually pretty convincing and solid but I'm extremely disappointed...

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Definitely still a BL but definitely coulda made it gayer ahah

I think the other reviews are a little harsh but I definitely do understand the disappointment. It is objectively still definitely a BL because the show is about two guys liking each other. and it was such a sweet story. but so slowly paced it’s like they we’re avoiding putting anything actually gay into the show. A bit off putting and slightly dull for that. The ending in particular was so sweet and fulfilling, I was happy seeing the ending we got eventually. But I understand and am with everyone’s disappointment at how the show was laid out, I get it. Still an overall lovely show and BRILLIANT casting. I think ahn ji ho is a cracker of an actor having seen him in other shows like move to heaven. I hope he had a wildly successful career to match his acting talents.

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This was such a disappointment ?

I am so fucking disappointed. I waited four fucking years for this, and this is what we get? The equivalent of room-temperature milk coffee. It’s not cold and refreshing or warm and comforting—everything is just so lukewarm.

They spent the whole show focusing on a hundred different things and not on the one thing that mattered: building the tension and romance between the main BL couple. There was zero chemistry in the entire show—between anyone. I struggled to even see Heesu and Chanyoung as friends, especially childhood friends. If you told me they were just classmates who met a month ago, I would have believed you.

Seungwon spent the whole show looking like a dead fish. I literally could not sense any emotion from him—so wooden. Chanyoung and Jiyu had some chemistry at least, and I liked her character, but they were supposed to be the side couple, not the main one!

I know more about everybody else in the show than I do about the main BL couple. Like, WTF? What do we really know about them? Why did Seungwon like Heesu? Why didn't they show that? How did he notice him? I sure know more about the straight copule then them!
I know heesu has been dubbed Cha shadow and didn't have preferences except Chas well except astronomy but they could have developed that! Made him think about what he likes who he is a person insted they made him pine for Cha untill Ep 6 in ep 7 he magically get over him and starts realising he like Seungwon all of a sudden and just transitions in him noticing what Sewong like just sigh......

About sengwon? What do we know of him? He is studios has two mom's and like heesu that's all we fucking know like jesus that's supposed to be the main character I know more about Cha then him! Not that any of them are properly developed but for a main character? Just so frustrating.

Somehow, they managed to make a 10-hour show feel like one of those 30-minute, badly done BL series. Hell, I’ve seen a 1-hour total BL show that did a much better job! I could actually feel the chemistry and wanted more of it.

It was blander than fucking white cheese. I was so disappointed because I loved the webtoon! But WTF is this?! I know they had distribution issues, but now the BL audience is pissed and disappointed (from what I’ve seen), and those who didn’t mind or liked the straight couple thought it was boring and uninspired for the most part.

Sometimes when you try to do what you think will sell or be liked by the majority, you end up displeasing everyone. This could have been such a great opportunity if they had actually gone there and done a proper adaptation or I wouldn't have cared if they didn't follow it to the T if they had actually come with a good story! Have done so research of what the breeders actully liked about the webtoon —but no ofc not 🙄

The writing was literally the worst. I—and I’m sure plenty of other people—could’ve come up with at least ten different ways they could’ve adapted this so much better. I’m honestly just so disappointed. I’m glad we got 45-minute episodes, but what for?

Maybe this show had to crawl so another one in the future could walk—who knows. But still... just disappointed, y’all.

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I had to be reminded that they were the MCs

Having seen “Light on Me” and still considering it one of the best series in terms of storytelling and character development, all I can say is, they had that reference material and somehow decided to dip this beautiful work in “straight” bleach.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the dynamic between Seung and Hee-Su. For a character who barely spoke, Seung somehow became my favorite. It’s hard to explain, but they just work.

Now, let’s talk about the so-called side characters—or rather, the ones who somehow managed to steal more screen time than the actual MCs. It’s baffling, but it seems like they were trying to fill the 45-minute runtime with just about anything.

I did adore the relationship between Hee-Su and his three sisters, but honestly, much of it felt forced or like a filler. A lot of the scenes just seemed like they were trying to pad out the story. And don’t even get me started on the tennis and audition scenes—those were just...🫩

So why the 8.5 rating, you ask? Well, it’s the cinematography, the visual imagery—I’m a sucker for that, the comedic moments didn’t feel forced, which I appreciated. Also, Seung—his character is one of the main reasons I rated it so high. The way he carries himself. He doesn’t say much, but his words—though few—were always packed with emotion and meaning. There’s a quiet intensity about him, and even in the smallest moments, you can feel the weight of his inner world. Watching him navigate uncertainty and growth felt authentic. But that whole straight-washing issue? It’s hard to ignore, especially when this could have been so much more. It’s a huge letdown, especially in 2025.

I don’t read manhwas or mangas, but I’ve heard that the straight couples didn’t even exist in the original material, which is already a major departure. So yeah, with all that in mind, it feels like a missed opportunity.

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Wholesome coming-of-age story for those who haven't read the manhwa

If you're a fan of the manhwa, you probably won't like this series as it apparently drifts away too significantly from the source material.
If you're expecting a typical BL with all its tropes (or even laser-focus on the gay romance), you probably won't like this series either.
But if you don't mind a wholesome, heart-warming coming-of-age story about different people navigating their love lives, with a strong taste of "love is love" sentiment and don't mind/can bear *a lot* of running around with a tennis racket - this series might be just for you 😉
Personally, I thought this drama was lovely, with good acting, good production quality and a believable portrayal of teenagers in high school dealing with issues like first love or dreams and hopes for their future.
Side characters had their own flavour and while often exaggerated, still provided a message resonating throughout the entire series: "there's no one correct way to love" - from a girl having a crush on another girl, to a woman who keeps getting rejected by all her crushes but never gives up 😋 to Heesu himself, who is gay and transitions from a crush on his best friend to a crush on a new boy who entered his life.
I personally do not think this drama was straight-washed, it just wasn't your typical BL production. But to be fair, I also never read the original manhwa, so I didn't have anything to compare it to.
If you're a neutral viewer, without any preconceptions about how this story should go, I think you might like it.

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Caught by surprise

Heesu did everything he could to guide everyone to love and in so doing captured mine. As simple as the formula is, it works. Meandering through the myriad of teenage relationships, it feels fresh, confusing and exciting. Heesu's expressive eyes and high smile carries every flittering emotion of a young heart opening up to love.

Heesu shares a home with his three sisters who go through their journeys and indirectly help shape his experiences. His friends paths are no different than his and add to the complexities of a teenage world. He starts determined to make his confession to only to be stopped by Seung Won who, in his awkwardness, knows Heesu doing so would make him lose the one he loves. Quietly and steadily, he loves.

In his obsession to create happiness for those around him, Heesu cluelessly continues on his mission. Misunderstandings and unspoken feelings add to an already chaotic world. Finally, bravery wins for all. Life is not a stagnant pool and whether they liked it or not, the constant changing from day to night meant that their lives changed also. With every interaction, confession, rejection and acceptance came maturity and wisdom.

Heesu's narration felt like a warm blanket, gently imparting the new found knowledge at the end of the day. This was a huge plus to the series. When the day was done, we all processed at the same time. Opening the window into Heesu's current mood through his anologies emerging from his knowledge of astronomy. Like a butterfly breaking free from his cocoon, he would hurt before receiving his joy. The boy he loves, loves him.

The six couple relationships were seen to maturity over the period of 10 episodes. It was well interwoven within their daily activities that none were rushed. Their differering stances at the end would see the growth of all. In many series the bl focus is so strong that the hetero world is either ommitted or shown to be lacklustre. Not here. In a world where we all co-exist, here the value of each group was beautifully displayed. This was a huge benefit to the actual storytelling. Seung Won's relationship with his two moms would be briefly touched on, but the bond would strengthen as they both wanted to have lives unencumbered with lies.

There are many who may not have liked it as according to mdl's feed, it veered away from the original webtoon. I was not disappointed as I've never read it nor will I. There were two versions of Love in the Big City and I liked both. The expectation that a piece should be specific to it's source material will always be disappointing. Embracing a piece as it's given should be enjoyed on it's own merit. The acting was competant and inviting. The production did a wonderful job of bringing their stories to life. The accompanying score would create the wonder of Heesu's confused environment. The darkened room needed only the soft voices revealing their truth.

This is going onto my rewatch list and I'll boldly add, should be on yours, too.

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