1Almost a slam dunk!
At first glance, this drama may seem like another campus romance, but there is a surprising amount of depth and freshness in how characters were written and how they behaved compared to your typical University BLs.The story follows Han Ji Won, a retired gymnast, as he steps away from the limelight and tries to adjust to a more ordinary life at university.
He may seem timid , socially a bit awkward and reversed. Zooming in, it may look like he hesitates a lot but he also reflects on his actions and reactions, and then acts on it. I agree that he is emotionally guarded but I feel he was very kind and thoughtful!
His decisions may be seen as cowardly and frustrating at times but considering his star background and how he would have endured both admiration and harsh judgment, it's understandable he sees through the world with caution. Deep down, he fears not only getting hurt but hurting others, especially those who grow close to him. Once I look at his decisions from that point of view, I do understand where he is coming from. I like how the drama handled this.
Coming to Kwon Jeong woo, initially he comes across as the classic campus heartthrob who is confident, well-liked and effortlessly charming. But rather than playing into expected tropes, his presence balanced the story. His openness, both in acknowledging his feelings and expressing them so clearly was really refreshing!
It's rare in BL drama to see a lead who is so self aware about his emotions and doesn't go into "panic" mode and mess with others 'emotions. I really liked how Jeong woo came out so casually in front of his friends. I like how less dramatized this was and how respectfully everyone handled that. This was definitely a stand out aspect for me.
The chemistry between them was strong and from the get-go! It was our "timeless opposites attract" setup. The little glances... The accidental touches here and there... Their personalities did clash but in the right way. It never felt forced. They had these small genuine moments that build up to something meaningful and intense with an actual emotional weight.
Also, the kisses were done so tastefully. I felt like I was intruding on them by just staring at the screen! Lol. Again a surprise!
The supporting cast also did a great job though there weren't many of them. I enjoyed the dynamics between Jeong woo's friends with him and with Jiwon. They definitely brought a dose of light heartedness but the support they showed made their presence more endearing.
Also, even though they never actually showed the two friends in a relationship, the subtle "I like them" moments totally got me. I just know they liked each other, it was really cute.
I do wish the drama would have been slightly longer so that the story and characters could have breathed more. The pacing was decent overall but in some moments things moved a bit too quickly. And I am also not a fan of leaving conflict resolution to the last episodes. But considering the standard 8 episode KBLs , I am very happy with what was presented.
Acting wise, I did the actors did a great job. I hope to see more of them in future. Production also seemed quite decent! But what bothered me a bit is the background music. Sometimes it was too distracting.
I didn't think I would vibe with it, this much but here we are. It's very binge-able and genuinely adorable. Yes it does lean into some of the overused tropes we have all seen before, but the way it’s done is well. Maybe I do see things through rose-colored glasses, but compared to a lot of other BLs in the same lane, this one actually felt like a fresh take.
I would definitely recommend it!
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fantastic chemistry (need a spin off)
Overall: stellar chemistry, but too much plot for a short run time. This is based on the web novel "Ball Boy Tactics" by Ji Seung Hyeon which I have partially read but I tried to review the series based on its own merits. 8 episodes about 27 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala (not available in U.S, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Spain, Portugal, Japan, Korea) https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5418/ball-boy-tactics-2025-e01 ; iQIYI (assuming for the other countries) https://www.iq.com/play/o48rhx5yhw and Heavenly (South Korea).Content Warning: slap, past abuse
What I Liked
- opposite personalities (I'm normally not a fan of timid characters but I think his personality made sense based on his past and there were a few changes)
- chemistry/tension
- that a character recognized his feelings fairly quickly and was forthright about it (also stated his sexual orientation to his friends)
- the friends (supportive, funny)
- ongoing intimacy (might get a number of hugs award), episode 8 was very well done
- visuals
- production value
Room For Improvement
- not generally a fan of voice overs although it didn't bother me as much as it normally does
- the plot zoomed by too fast, many things took place off screen, felt choppy in places, 2 weeks supposedly passed but it felt like a couple of days
- seemed to be not drunk then the morning after said he didn't remember the night before (which he would have needed to be extremely drunk) and a character said he didn't take advantage but there was heavy kissing...
- a potential side couple had an open ending, would love to see a spin off with them
- (neutral) didn't really have time for episode 7 stuff and I generally hate this trope but it was much more realistic (better reasons for it) as well as the time frame felt like it could happen in the real world vs 10 years later nonsense
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This review may contain spoilers
A slow burn with a happy but unfinished finale...
While this is a short series, it started extremly slow to pick up pace in episode three. Then in culminated in drama, miscommunication, non-communication, angst and fear. The Finale is slow as well. For reasons unknown, the obvious side-couple don't get an happy end - would it have hurt to add an episode more or extend the finale by ten minutes? So, I'm a bit disappointed that they left that open even when everyone knows what is obvious...In typical KBL tradition, this was filmed really well, the actors did a superb job and made this an excellent series. They even have a quite long NC scene which is untypical for KBLs. Of course many of you will get frustrated with Jiwon who suffers from a traumatic past, which we only get to know about in passing. He does not talk to anyone about this and that makes him so hesistant to form a relationsship for three episodes that some may have questioned his motives. But being a "star" in Korea with a "scandal" about his harsh training and mental/verbal abuse by his trainer and the public itself, did leave a deep scar. So I get it why it's so hard for him, why he thinks about Jeongu and his carrer and why some of the viewers will not be that happy about the storyline. For me all that makes sense even when it slows down the progression.
Overall, it was a nice series with great acting, trying to be more realistic and not in fairytale land. If you have not watched this yet, you should, because it's one of the best this year had to offer.
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2 EPISODES IN AND IT GOT ME HOOKED UP
Absolutely loving everything about the first two episodes of this BL! The chemistry is chemistrying so hard — it feels effortless and electric. The pacing, visuals, and vibes are all on point. Easily ranking this in the top 10 best Korean BLs already.It’s refreshing to see a BL of this high quality. It really feels surreal — like we’re witnessing a new standard being set for Korean BLs. The production is stunning: beautifully framed shots, gorgeous lighting, and a soundtrack that blends seamlessly with the tone of each scene.
Can’t wait to see where it goes next! 💘✨
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1Our Ball Boy definitely hides some tactics under his hood!
A revolutionary BL that shook the BL universe by just uttering two words, i.e. "I'm gay". Can you just believe it? Is it the same K-BL?The story revolves around two athletes fighting for their hearts while being vulnerable under the scrutiny of the pressure from the world.
If I'm being honest, I liked the first four episodes and then episodes 5 and 6 really disappointed me, but what happened in the last two episodes just shook me to the core. Why? Let me explain — we know athletes go through immense pressure of performance, public perception and not creating any rumors. Within this stressful setting, they continue to perform, but stress never gets better even when they retire; just exactly what happened to Jiwon. Incidents from his past still haunt him, making him feel uncomfortable wherever he goes. Watching him struggling and letting out his words overwhelmed me with all kinds of emotions. But the last two episodes really did clear the confusion for me and Jungwoo as well. We got "The Talk", the clearing session that is missing in 90% of the dramas. It was refreshing! Last episode just gave me butterflies in various shapes, colors and sizes. Definitely helped me increase the ratings.
Overall, it's a cute, intense and lovely drama that makes bad days better in an instant. Highly bingeable!
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This cute romance could have had more depth
What starts as an ordinary "opposites attract" romance -- Ji Won is shy and avoids public scrutiny, while Jeong Woo thrives in it -- with inconsistent characterisations and tropey situations, turns out to be a drama that has a story to tell about homophobia in professional sports. Unfortunately that is only after it's found its stride near the end of the third episode, which is late in a drama of eight episodes.Overall, it feels as if the writers found it too challenging to adapt the original novel into an eight-episode drama, couldn't decide which kind of story they wanted to tell, and just kept it to the bare bones of the romance part.
(Disclosure: I haven't read the novel, so I can only assume that it has a much more detailed and hopefully deeper story.)
I feel more than the usual disconnect I sometimes have with the Korean acting style, and I feel it's only in part due to the actors being rookies. I think most of it is the script, which leaves large parts of the two main characters unexplored, and doesn't give the actors much to work with:
* Why does blow Jeong Woo hot and cold in the beginning? What are his emotions and his motivations at that time?
* Who is Jeong Woo, where does he come from, why does he play basketball, what does he want in life? What has influenced him so far?
* Where exactly does Ji Won's anxiety about being observed come from? Does it have to do with the (hinted at) abuse he suffered from his first coach?
* What is Ji Won's relationship with his parents like? What part did *they* play in his youth?
* Does he know he's gay before meeting Jeong Woo or not?
* How old is he, and in which year are the basketballers? (I think one of the friends said Ji Won was 22, and they are all the same age -- are Jeong Woo and his friends in fourth year then?)
* How much time passes between scenes and over the course of the drama?
* Several times there are inconsistencies or it's obvious that characters reference happenings that are never shown, or mentioned anywhere else in the drama.
With it, the most interesting parts of the story are only hinted at: How much impact the rampant homophobia in professional sports has -- and how it forces athletes to hide large parts of themselves. How public scrutiny of celebrities can affect their psyche. How abusive the system can be for minors who often are at the mercy of their trainers.
The story had the potential to be much more than another cute romance, which is a shame.
Some thoughts about the directing and editing: I wish the director had been a bit more adventurous. She shows that she is capable of making interesting decisions, like having the camera shake in one emotional scene or using background music sparingly, and letting silence speak for itself. But in more than a few scenes, dialogues are delivered while the characters are standing in front of each other, facing the other character head-on; or walking at a snail's pace -- which reminds me of the static scenes in "Light On Me". This also contributes to the feeling that the acting is seemingly not that good; which is not quite true, because as soon as the actors get to do something and their characters have a clear motivation for their actions the scenes become much more lively and approachable.
One thing that suprised me in the best way: When one character comes out to his friends, he uses the words "gay" and "bi", which is a very rare thing in BLs.
Was it good?
The drama was better than I expected, in that it didn't pretend that all is easily accepted in BL-Land, but that homophobia, especially in certain places like pro sports, exists and restricts the lives of queer people.
Did I like it?
I liked it fine, but mainly because I didn't expect much. It also wasn't the deepest of K-BLs.
Who would I recommend it to?
To those who generally get on with the style of K-BLs, like campus romance and Korean cuties.
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From Simple Plot To Strong Feels - This KBL Delivers it Well
Ball Boy Tactics might have a simple plot, but honestly, I found it refreshingly good. It follows the story of Ji Won, a shy and reserved retired gymnast who’s now a uni student. That quiet side of him actually makes him really endearing. Then he meets Jeong, the popular varsity player and it seems like there's an instant spark between them, especially on Ji Won’s end. They're both a little confused at first, but the chemistry? Insane. And that height difference? Adorable!The actor who plays Ji Won (Yeom Min) lowkey reminds me of Jay Sorathan from Thai BLs, he has that cute face, puppy eyes, and irresistible charm that fits the character so well. Meanwhile, Jeong is the confident, charming type, and even though their personalities are total opposites, they balance each other out perfectly.
This is one of those rare BLs where I found myself giggling over the smallest things: the looks, the tension, the casual interactions. I was living for it. And can we talk about that scene where Jeong just casually tells his friends he’s gay (or maybe bi)? So bold, and I love how his friends didn’t make a big deal out of it.
I did notice they’re almost always eating or drinking, and it kinda felt like the writer ran out of scene ideas. But honestly? I still enjoyed it. Also, like most Korean BLs, the cast is small, which I liked, it makes it easier to follow. The budget might’ve been limited, but they didn’t sacrifice the quality of the story. The plot was solid, and the acting was great.
The pacing worked for a mini-series, but I really wish it was longer or that we’d get a sequel. The kisses and bed scenes were surprisingly bold for a Korean BL. Another thing I loved? The whole series just feels soft. No villains, no toxic side characters, just good vibes. 💕
If you're in the mood for something light, sweet, and bingeable in one sitting, Ball Boy Tactics is definitely worth a watch.
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Chemistry That’ll Slam Dunk Your Heart
While this drama may seem like a typical boys' love (BL) story with all the common tropes, what truly sets it apart is the dynamic between the characters. The communication between the two leads is refreshing and really pleasant to watch.The main leads, Ji Won and Jeong U, truly elevate the drama. Ji Won is a retired gymnast who, after facing difficulties in his career, decided to leave the sport behind. He’s a captivating character—though he’s never been in a relationship before, which leaves him lacking experience when it comes to love. When he meets Jeong U at university, where he’s majoring in photography, he begins to fall for him. Ji Won is a bit awkward, yet there's so much depth to him. He understands himself well and is constantly reflecting on his emotions. At times, Ji Won’s decisions may be frustrating, but given his past and fear of hurting others, his cautious approach is understandable.
Jeong U, on the other hand, initially comes across as the typical 'playboy' character, but there's much more to him than meets the eye. He’s a basketball player who understands that being in the spotlight comes with its baggage, so he’s empathetic towards Ji Won. He’s incredibly understanding and isn’t afraid to communicate his feelings. Jeong U is confident and, when he likes Ji Won, he doesn’t hesitate to go for it. He knows what he wants and isn’t concerned with what others think about his relationship with Ji Won, unlike Ji Won, who is more guarded and worried about keeping their relationship secret due to their public profiles and the risk it poses to Jeong U’s career.
The chemistry between Ji Won and Jeong U is electrifying. Their kiss scenes are especially well done and their relationship feels incredibly genuine. Their relationship is sweet, with moments of fun and goofiness, but there are also times of seriousness and heartbreak that are conveyed beautifully.
The pacing of Ball Boy Tactics is well-balanced, and the script flows smoothly. Ji Won and Jeong U’s conversations feel natural, making their connection both believable and engaging. Their relationship develops steadily, never feeling forced.
The two side characters, Ji Won and Jeong U’s friends, are hilarious and comforting. They’re incredibly supportive when Jeong U comes out to them, and it’s done in such a heartwarming way. They also stand by the couple’s relationship, which adds an extra layer of support. I do wish the drama had explored their relationship a bit more, but since it’s a shorter series, there wasn’t much time for that.
Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this drama. It’s the perfect binge material, packed with character development, sizzling chemistry, and so engaging that I had to put my tea down just to process everything.
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1Just vibes and well delivered pinning with fine flirting.
Kwon Jeong U is the whole show and honestly he deserves better.Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. There is for sure more to enjoy than just Jeong U, but out of the two leads, he for sure was the one that stole my heart. From the extremely charming personality with actual emotional maturity, awareness of his shortcomings and reflection on his feelings, to the actually good performances that balanced well between the confident facade and the nervousness that came with the new crush. I loved how he knew exactly how much he can tease to keep it playful and not hurtful (and with the number of extremely embarrassing moments Ji Won got himself into, there was content to tease for for years)
On the other hand we had a lot of “verbal” set up for Han Ji Won and exactly none of that was shown on screen. He kept on “hiding” from the public because he was famous, wearing the cap literally everywhere and trying to stay low-key, but… we saw not one person have any really excessive (or any overall) reaction to him. The only people who talked about his “celebrity” status were people who knew, and they all did it in a joking manner. Then there is this “introduced and dropped right away” information about the abuse in his past team from the coach. We saw one google search from Jeong U, him saying to himself “I want to ask, but I don’t want to hurt him by asking” and then… he actually never asks, nor digs deeper… Nothing is done with that whole serious revelation. So why was it even there? Just let them be normal athletes with no additional set up - that would work.
Even if I was not amazed with Ji Won as an individual character, I did like the dynamics between him and Jeong U. I like the teasing and flirting, the push and pull, the amazing fluff they delivered. The angst felt flat and I was getting annoyed a few times, but since I did get a decent conclusion, I can look past that. I love how both of them had the shy and playful era, depending on what moment of the relationship we were witnessing. They were just a great vibe.
And you know what was a great vibe too? Seung Jin and Eun O. And you know what I need? I need them to get the Unintentional Love Story supporting couple treatment - their own show. We know they like each other, we know one knows and one is painfully oblivious to it. And I need them to give me a proper closure, because they hinted at the closure and then the drama ended. And that’s illegal.
As for the production… damn. I was decent for most part, but some of the editing was… questionable. We literally missed transition scenes. Especially during one moment we start a scene in a confusing time and place, with no real set up. I had to ask a friend if I skipped an episode or something, because that “transition” between plotpoints made zero sense.
Performances were fine. Truth to be told, Choi Rak Yeong and Kwak Geon Hee did easily the best. I liked Choi Jae Hyeok since he SOLD the fact he was in love with his eyes, and I’m always weak for that shit. I liked Yeom Min Hyeok in most scenes, but I do think anything highly romance driven was his weakest. I didn’t really get that “I like him/love him” feelings. Not as much as I’ve got from Choi Jae Hyeok
Overall, this is pure rom-com vibes, nothing more nothing less.
Ps. Yes, the kisses were good.
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Perfect Chemistry & Beautiful Romance!
Ball Boy Tactics 🏅🏀💫Rating: 9.5/10
I absolutely love this show! It’s so cute and sweet, and the chemistry between the leads is 🔥. One is hot and handsome, and the other is cute and adorable—it's the perfect combination. 🥰 Both actors nailed their roles, making the characters feel so real and lovable.
The actor who played Jeong U looks like he stepped out of a dream. 😍 His flawless features, gentle smile, and effortlessly elegant presence feel almost unreal—like a character from a love story brought to life. Everything about him, from the way he moves to the way he gazes, feels like he was made to be someone’s perfect love. 💘 Seriously, how is he real?
What really stood out to me was how their first kiss wasn’t some accidental moment like a lot of BL dramas these days. 💋 It was so refreshing and felt earned! The way it unfolded was natural and sweet, and honestly, it gave me chills. 😌✨
And let's talk about the NC scene—hands down, one of the best I’ve seen in a Korean BL. The way it was done was so slow, tender, and romantic. 💞 It wasn’t rushed or awkward; it was just beautiful, building up the intimacy between them without needing to go over the top. So rare and absolutely perfect. 🌹
I really appreciate how this series gets straight to the point. I recently finished Exclusive Love (Taiwan BL), and I kid you not, it took them 12 episodes just to confess their love. 🙄 But with Ball Boy Tactics, they don't waste time. The characters openly express their feelings without any unnecessary drama or hesitation. It’s all about perfect, clear communication—something I think more BL shows need. The hugs, the comfort they give each other, the soft moments... it was everything! 💖
I love how fast-paced and satisfying it is. Honestly, I wish it was longer because 8 episodes felt way too short. 😭 I could have easily watched more. The progression of their relationship was just chef’s kiss—everything from the tension to the sweetness, and those small, tender moments that make you fall in love with them even more. 🥺
If you're looking for a show with great pacing, amazing chemistry, and no mind games, this is definitely one to check out! Ball Boy Tactics quickly became one of my favorites, right up there with Secret Relationships. 💯
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Short, sweet and unproblematic
When Korea wants to give us BLs with quality, they eat that up. WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE!No spoilers here, just facts:
*8 episodes without fillers. No long scenes showing nature with elevator music
* Couples with great chemistry between them (as lovers and as friends).
* Dead fish kind of kiss? NOPE, NOT HERE.
* Like ThamePo, it gave us a look inside the issues that public figures deal with when they have a relationship. But here they are not actors, one is a retired gymnast and the other is a basketball player on the rise.
You can watch without worrying about a wild ex appearing or misunderstandings that last more than 1 episode. If you're having a sh*tty day, just watch it and you will feel warm inside (then you will notice that the reporter is the actor for Jun & Jun, and think "I should rewatch Jun & Jun).
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CUTENESS OVERLOAD
I thought this series was very well made. The script and actors were really good and they were oozing chemistry. It had some of the best kisses and NC scenes coming from South Korean BL. The only downside was the short runtime, so some things happen way too fast and felt a bit rushed. All in all a very good, sweet comfort watch.I NEED A SPIN-OFF OF THE 2 FRIENDS ON MY TABLE BY TOMORROW
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