Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo

A Gay Love Story Treated with Respect

Intro:
I'm so glad I gave this a try. I honestly didn't care for the premise, but when I saw the first half of the first episode, I got hooked. It's been many lists of dropped BL's till I was actually compelled to finish something.

Story:
The thing I like about it is it's story-centric. As much as I like cuteness and comedy, I'd love to see BL's treated with as much respect as straight love stories as realistically as they can. By that I mean that it feels natural how the MC's ended up liking each other and not feel forced like a lot of others. Also, they're treated as human beings with their own issues that isn't always connected to their sexuality.

I also liked that it did not lean too heavily on usual tropes like forced misunderstandings (e.g. overhearing a conversation). Although there are misunderstandings, it still fits into the character of Do Hoe who is deeply self-loathing. They weren't at a point where they trust each other so much then one misheard convo ruins everything just for drama. The actions they took, though not wise or rational, made sense for who they were as people. Though tbf only Do Hoe's background was actually delved into. Even Ju Yeong was barely scratched. Still how they acted didn't seem plot for plot's sake, at least as opposed to some other BL's.

I liked how they made use of the little run time they had with the show to focus on what was actually important to show us. In relation to time, I loved the bold move of 12 years time skip. Usually, it's usually 1-5 yrs. Even though they were young (19 yrs old) at the start, 12 years was still a big amount of time to be a part, to not move on. And they actually, somewhat, dove into Ju Yeong not moving on. Even I, who is highly empathetic and clingy, found 12 years to be quite long to still be hung up on someone you probably knew for a month to idk maybe 2 months. Do Hoe confronted him about that. Still weird why it wasn't given much of a justification. That's a part I will admit to be forced to an extent. It doesn't feel as forced as others I will say. Or maybe he felt sorry for him, I'm realizing right now that he knew that Do Hoe kept failing.

I really wasn't completely appalled by how Doe Hoe acted when things finally came to light. Sure I was annoyed with how he was and how Ju Yeong was still pursuing him (being treated poorly and all), but it actually made sense. He hated his past and he wanted to distance himself from it as much as he could, so even if his new lifestyle wasn't exactly who he was, he forced himself into it just to escape his pain. It made sense when you look at it in a storytelling way even it (as an outsider) it seemed silly or stupid.

Ultimately, I think the main point of the story was said outright: you can try again. The time skip really helps with this because when you think about it they could have done more in 12 yrs according to their high standards. Tbh, it really hits home and although I wish nobody can relate to this story of being unloved (by family), self-loathing and insecurities, and mistakes because it is a painful experience. Still, I wish people gain strength to try again despite the odds.

Also, to add to the main point, this story is an illustration of how abuse and neglect can have a carry-over effect on even someone as promising as Do Hoe. This effect lasting years.

Acting:
Simply superb. Idk why but Koreans tend to be such good actors. They really get into the character not matter how serious or absurd the story is and this time it's no different. One is a rookie and the other with fee experiences, yet they were able to convey a plethora of emotions excellently. Do Hoe's actor was able to convey the effect the 12 years had on him quite well as well as the effect of Ju Yeong coming to his life.

All the actors were cast quite well. They really fit their roles, even the supportiny characters. Do Hoe being timid yet cold, Ju Yeong being the doe-eyed golden retriever he is.

Music:
It was good. It fit the mood well.

Rewatch Value:
Not very high I'd say. While it is a good show, it can be very stressful. There were cute and wholesome moments but their in the very beginning (ep 2 and 3) and even then it was mixed in with all the stressful parts. Still, those parts are what I consider essential for telling a human story.

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SO CUTE AND ADORABLE AND AAA

When they smiled i smiled, when they cried i cried (i'm a crier tho so i'm not the best role model for this...), i was literally giggling and kicking my feet the whole damn time- it was so wholesome i can't with their interactions-

It's not a 10 just because i really wish this was a typical 16 episode 1 hour long BL, it had SO MUCH potential to be a full length kdrama, because it didn't explore all of the history and the drama between the two of them that much (due to the fact there wasn't that much time to delve into it) it ended up not being as enjoyable because it felt rushed and simple, it wasn't enjoyable at all to watch their "sad parts", I was bored in those.

In short, it just could have been better. And unfortunately i had to take that into account for the rating, otherwise i would have given it a 10, because I LOVED IT, despite the flaws they were great aaaaaaa and it made up for it thankfully

(It's honestly sad the way the reason for this is the couple being gay... its upsetting how this could have been perfect if the people who made this BL had put more effort and budget into it :') but well it is what it is i guess.)

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"But a sentence can have various interpretations.. "

Sadly, after getting past episode three I realized this wouldn't be making it onto my favorites list. Don't get me wrong, I still cried a lot while watching this series. There were also some sweet moments that made my heart flutter. I think unfortunately the writers didn't develop the plot enough or at least in a way that would've made more sense and benefited the characters better.

If the whole series was centered more around their young love as teenagers and the struggles that both of them were facing, I think it would have been better. Those first three episodes were everything. One of my favorite and most impactful moments for me personally was when Dohoe started opening his heart to Juyeong more so he told him he'd be home late, then to find out it's because he travelled to get him the garlic ice cream he had been talking about. While on the way home having his peers beat him up. When Juyeong ran into him on the street and saw that he was beaten but hid the fact that Juyeong had also been beaten that day by Dohoe's dad. He still managed to give him the ice cream. That moment was super special to me and put a lot of emphasis on how strong their feelings for each other were becoming and how much they cared for each other.

After the first three episodes it personally wasn't as interesting to me. I felt like having a 12 year time skip was a very bold and ridiculous move. Albeit, one that could have worked if they had done it better. However, we got the time skip and it felt like neither of the leads grew as people. They went from teenagers to being in their 30's and we got almost nothing in between of what either of them had done the past decade. When they were finally reunited it ended up being pretty lackluster for me because of how we knew nothing of what their 20's entailed, their whole youth was omitted. There wasn't any dormant feelings that were sparked from seeing each other again, it was more so like these are the same two people you watched as teenagers in love and supposed to believe now they are adults who have held onto those same feelings for 12 years without ever seeing or contacting each other. Apparently neither of them had ever dated anyone else or experienced any relationships outside of the one they had with each other, at least that is what we are to believe since it wasn't information we were given. Which again, makes it very unrealistic and unnatural. There wasn't any growth or passion. It ultimately ended up being two adults wanting things to be exactly the same as it was when they were teenagers to now, even though they haven't been in each other's lives all this time. Due to this it felt like their characters had no development. During the middle portion of this series I ended up even hating Dohoe. Though I knew his actions were stemming from the past childhood trauma he had faced, the series made it feel like you should be hating him and not feeling sorry for him. Not finding out until towards the last few episodes of why Dohoe acted the way he did didn't help. I think the weird fraud sub-plot was unnecessary too because his story from the beginning could have done so much on its own if it had been built upon and stood alone. The weird semi - love triangle moment was also strange and felt a little unnecessary because we didn't really have any development with Hyeonho.

The last two episodes where they are together again and no longer fighting with each other and finally communicating, though happy, still ended up feeling a little off due to a lot of the critics previously mentioned.

Regardless, even though this review may seem like I didn't like the series at all, that is not the case. I definitely did enjoy it but I know I would've enjoyed it more if the characters could've developed a little better. The first three episodes were so strong.

I will also say the moment when Dohoe and Juyeong are in the car and are holding hands and Dohoe tells him "Thank you for being my family"... instant tears. I also enjoyed the way the series ended with them trying to rebuild themselves but also getting to be together again. Ending it with Dohoe seeing the old messages of Juyeong's from when they were teenagers and tearing up over them, another moment for me to sob.

No series will ever be perfect and I think even with all the critics it had a lot of profound moments. Even though it didn't make it to my favorites list, I still didn't end up feeling like I wasted time watching it nor do I think this will be one to easily forget.

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Breaking the Cycle

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo does a fantastic job portraying both of the main characters as complex and flawed individuals, emphasizing the role that trauma plays in the victim's life. While I do think that the time skip was a bit early and that I would have loved to see more of the high school days of the characters, I think that for the time they had in this show it was absolutely beautifully done and worth watching.

Juyeong is sent by his parents to study taekwondo in the countryside, where he lives with his instructor and the instructor's son, Dohwe. While Dohwe is very closed off at first, he slowly warms up to Juyeong. However, the abuse that Dohwe has suffered at the hands of his father quickly become apparent to Juyeong, and Juyeong is unlikely to escape the house unscathed either. The two boys start to develop feelings for each other while trapped in an abusive household, which leads to complications as things escalate. This story also explores the lasting effects of this trauma in both characters - where one is determined to run away and forget the past, while the other tries to cling to it.

This show manages to address two vastly different ways of dealing with traumatic events, and instead of portraying one as right and one as wrong, shows them as simply to different methods of dealing with the past. I found that both of the characters felt justified in their actions the entire time, even if it wasn't what I wanted them to do. The misunderstandings between the leads didn't feel like poor communication, but rather both of them trying to protect the other in the only way they knew how, which made the relationship much more interesting. I thought the chemistry of the main actors was wonderful. My only complaint was that it felt like some parts of the show were a bit rushed - I really wish we could have spent more time with them before the time skip. Otherwise, this show was absolutely worth the watch and the heartbreak is worth it in the end.

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Just finished, and wow—Hwang Daseul did not disappoint 👏🏻 It actually reminded me a lot of TMS2 🥹🥹🫶🏻🫶🏻 especially with some of those fight scenes and heavy dialogues. It’s only 8 episodes, 30 mins each, but it covers so much. The storyline flows really well, from the conflict to the resolution. Honestly, it pulls you in from start to finish, and the flashbacks add a whole new depth.

They went all out with the topics too, touching on stuff like child abuse, imposter syndrome, and fake identities. You can see the higher budget in the cinematography and production quality, and the cast did a solid job. Definitely worth watching 💗

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Another Masterpiece from Hwang Da Seul!

In life, we’re all searching for a lifeline—a smile, a sunrise, a reason to keep going each day. For those who know only pain, that lifeline becomes even more vital.

The Korean BL Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo offers just that. It brings together two young men—abused high schooler Lee Do Hoe (Kim Nu Rim) and the equally abused but cheerful Sin Ju Yeong (Lee Seon) who are both desperate for a glimmer of light in a world filled with shadows.

From the moment Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo was announced, I knew I’d fall in love with it. I’m no stranger to director Hwang Da Seul’s work, and I admire how her dramas delve beyond romance to explore the psychology shaping relationships and how people process trauma in their own unique ways, both on-screen and off.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/11/09/let-free-the-curse-of-taekwondo-series-review-ep-3-to-8/

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Realistic consequences: This is NOT your typical High school BL Drama.

The only regret that I have is I started watching when only 6 episodes are aired. I should have waited for the whole series to be released. The story telling drives me crazy because it will leave out some details that you can only see in to the next episode. I liked how the characters developed and the outcomes of their lives because of their past trauma. The story reveals 2 realistic outcomes of what will happen to you living in those situations at home. I love that the director sets an accountability for the characters' actions. Bullying is never glorified. Lying will do no good either.

For the overall rating, I had to deduct points because of the technical aspects. The wardrobe and makeup team should have changed their hairstyle for the highschool years. The makeup should be more on the fresh eyes, more yellows and reds. It should be far from what they look when they became adults.

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Kicks and Quirks: A Drama that Lands the Right Punch

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo is another refreshing addition to the scarce list of Korean BLs this year, a category that has increasingly leaned toward coming-of-age narratives with romantic undertones. Much like its contemporaries (The Trainee and The On1y One), the story remains impactful even when the romantic elements are secondary, proving that a well-crafted journey can stand on its own.

The drama’s simplicity makes it easy to consume, yet it never sacrifices depth. Starting with familial conflicts and transitioning to themes of personal, societal, and romantic growth, it delivers a balanced narrative arc. It does not overwhelm but rather harmonizes these elements beautifully, leading to an emotional and satisfying conclusion.

After Do Hoi left, the plot seemed to focus on Ju Yeong’s personal growth, but as the story unfolded, it shifted toward Do Hoi’s personal baggage and the complexities of their relationship, including the involvement of Hyeon Ho. While handled lightly, these arcs still packed a solid emotional punch.

The scriptwriting particularly stood out, with lines that resonated deeply. For example, Do Hoi’s emotionally charged exchanges with Ju Yeong — including the unforgettable “We’ve found love that others take a lifetime to find. That’s a big deal” — showcased the strength of the writing, evoking genuine responses from viewers.

The directing, helmed by the genius behind To My Star, Blueming, and Where Your Eyes Linger, elevated the material to artful levels. Combined with Korea’s trademark for excellent cinematography in BL dramas, the visual presentation was nothing short of breathtaking.

However, there were some shortcomings. Certain scenes lacked emotional weight, undercutting their potential impact. The editing was uneven at times, with abrupt cuts and poorly-timed transitions disrupting the narrative flow. Familiar tropes, such as the stereotypical “abusive father” and the overused “I bullied you because I like you” antagonist, felt predictable and underwhelming. Additionally, the Taekwondo element, while relevant to the characters’ growth, was somewhat scattered in execution.

On the brighter side, the romance was delicately and genuinely portrayed, with intimate moments that felt both authentic and moving. The leads, who communicated profound emotions through their eyes alone, delivered stellar performances. Their chemistry was palpable, particularly in their non-verbal exchanges, exemplified by lines like “Everything that was obscure is now clear to me.” Small Easter eggs, such as the reappearance of To My Star 2’s Ti Aspetto location, added a nostalgic charm.

One criticism raised by some viewers is the seemingly anticlimactic ending. While it might feel understated, not every drama aims for a sequel-worthy cliffhanger. This series chooses to conclude on a sweet and genuine note, encapsulated beautifully when Do Hoi sees Ju Yeong’s search history as they begin opening up to one another. It’s a tender moment that speaks volumes, perfectly summarizing their journey of understanding and connection.

Ultimately, the story’s most resonant theme was the idea of having someone who supports and celebrates your growth as their own. It’s this deeply human connection that elevates the drama beyond a simple BL romance, making it a heartfelt watch. While not overly complex, Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo delivers an emotional payoff that lingers long after the final scene.

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too realistic and rustic, literally made me cry for 7749 days

I hate it when it's not recommended to summarise the story, because it's too beautiful to not talk about.

- As for the story, I personally regard it as slow enough to catch up with, with the later episodes (4-7) gradually resolving the issues one by one. The first knot was the reason they lost contact 12 years ago, and the second knot was their life within those years without each other. Each knot was solved gently through compassion, understanding and resilience. The ending was a relief and overall satisfying for me, not developing anything further but emphasising its philosophy that went through every episode of the film. Characters' buildings are absolutely stunning as well, with Lee Do Hoe's incredibly realistic characteristics of someone who lived with his violent parent. Some may not like Do Hoe's behaviour and manners, but I myself totally empathise with what he did because of the trauma and self-torture he suffered from. Anyway, it's not something unusual for someone to be a little bit selfish and regretful. The supporting character had little impact on the story; he's just some school bully whose main goal is to separate the main couple. Yet his role was meaningful when he decided to accompany Do Hoe as a friend and had some emotional lines, which created complicated relationships between characters. Their dynamic characteristics also add to the diversity of the story. The whole plot was generally a bittersweet story, with some kind of emotional roller coaster.

- The acting was speechless??? I was gobsmacked to know this was Lee Sun's first acting role since he did so well; the way he depicted an energetic, adorable and tolerant Shin Ju Young was so great. Considering Nu Rim's part, this boy really immersed himself in Lee Do Hoe, and he was the real-life Lee Do Hoe. Their facial expressions, chemistry, everything was perfect. The maximum score for this was 10, but their acting deserved 1000/10. The realistic description of each character combined with their impeccable acting really took my breath away.

- I usually don't care about drama music, OST or such and such, but some pieces of music in certain scenes are appropriate enough to create intense emotions.

- Overall, my all-time favourite thing about this drama is how it literally depicted something so realistic and "life-friendly", not something flashy like the story of a CEO or someone who has a big impact on the world. They are just normal people with not much in life, but they are willing to partner and stay by each other's side. The last sentence is just for fun, but I still mention, "If this couple breaks up, I'm not believing in love anymore."

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