Cityboy_Log Vol.5: Seoul (2024)

A new strategy

This is a copy of my review from CBL's main page.

I've been enjoying this volume a lot. I think it's a step in the right direction.

First of all, they expanded what I thought was possible in this vlog format. Previously, I assume they'd stick to "realistic" plots that at least have a semblance of real-life feasibility. But the whole Jihan VS his manager is anything but; not only that you wouldn't record a vlog of your secret relationship, the manager is an "evil parent"-esque villain... in a vlog! Well, any semblance of realism is out the window now. In exchange, I welcome the additional possibilities this approach allows (like the HongGyu kiss dream sequence).

Second of all, I appreciate them keeping this volume in Seoul. It allows them to focus on the plot, without the pressure of having to change scenery every episode the way a travel vlog does. Plus, this kind of fiscal responsibility is important if this project is to be long-lived.

It's not all good, of course. I don't understand why they reconciled Hyunki and Dongseop so quickly, for example. I think their conflict has potential, and I'd much rather if they foster it for a bit. At the very least, they should conclude the conflict properly, perhaps by replacing the running scene with a reconciliation scene.

On that note, I think I can confidently say that people don't really care for the platonic (I'm referring to scenes like Yunje's video editing or HongGyu+Dongseop's running). They're fillers, and that's something vlogs can do without, what with the fast-forward and skip ahead that are standard practices. So it'd be good if they keep it tight and make every scene ties up to the grand romance, or at least have a flirty undertone.

One last thing. About the HongGyu focus in the second part of this volume, I can understand. I know people must've been missing 2J, but Jaejun's time here is hard-capped by his mandatory military service (in less than a year, I think?). So I get the need to slowly shift the spotlight to the other boys.

And that's about everything. Looking forward to the next volume and their further growth.

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