A Quietly Compelling Underdog Story
“Ball Boy Tactics” is more emotionally grounded than its title suggests. What begins as a sports-themed coming-of-age tale slowly unfolds into something richer, touching on themes of insecurity, resilience, and self-worth. It doesn’t rely on dramatic stunts to hold your attention—instead, it thrives on subtle, honest moments between characters. While the pacing is a little uneven at times, it’s carried by strong performances and a sincere tone. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a drama that knows when to slow down and just let characters breathe. It may not have viral moments, but it has plenty of heart.Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
That’s it?
The story had real potential, and some serious topics were on the table: homophobia in sports, pressure on celebrities in South Korea… but unfortunately, everything is barely touched on. The real issue is that the series just doesn’t feel finished. The main relationship can’t stay as it is, and the two secondary characters haven’t resolved anything in their storyline.It really leaves you hanging. Good acting alone isn't enough. Kind of a letdown.
Was this review helpful to you?
Another highlight? Seung Jin, played by Choi Rak Yeong. His cluelessness was kind of adorable. He totally missed what was going on right in front of him, from the blooming romance to Yang Eunoh’s feelings. I know a second season probably won’t happen, but man, it really deserves one. Either way, I’m super excited to see what these amazing actors do next!
Was this review helpful to you?
What an underrated gem!
There are some secondary themes and subplots involving sports and the characters’ lives as athletes, but I wouldn’t expect too much on this front. Jeongwu and Jiwon’s relationship largely forms the backbone of the show.The series starts off with their blossoming romance that had me kicking my legs. What’s ridiculously adorable is Jiwon’s innocence and awkwardness when it comes to flirting. He frequently stumbles over his words and ends up spouting silly things in front of the person he likes, all as a result of his dating inexperience.
Jeongwu has no lack of suitors but it’s his first time falling for a guy. And let me tell you, the man is whipped – compared to previous relationships where he’s largely unaffected by conflicts or breakups, just being in the presence of Jiwon flusters him.
The couple are madly infatuated with each other and will take every opportunity to sneak kisses in. Very first love/teenage love vibes.
Verdict: Very cute couple! This is a gem that somehow went under the radar.
More reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
So grateful that I gave this series a chance and decided to watch it
What I am writing here are my views and thoughts about this series. Some of you may not like it. That does not give you the right to try to come at me with your opinions on why this series should get a higher or lower score and why it is better/worse than I think it is. You have your own opinions, and I have mine. Kindly respect that.Sometimes I decide to just give a series a shot and see if I like it. Sometimes I wonder, 'why did I put myself through such torture?' And sometimes I am beyond happy that I decided to give it a shot. It was the latter for this series. From the beginning, I was drawn into the main characters and their interaction with each other. As their relationship blossomed over the episodes, I feel more and more in love with them, thier friends and thier antics. This series does not only give us an awesome main couple, but it also gives us two amazing friends, who deserve to have a spinoff as one of them is crushing on the next one and he doesn't know!!!!
I felt that this series handled the kiss scenes and the NC scene well. Especially as I felt that the NC scene was well done compared to other Korean BL series out there. It was just phenomenon. And I just want to say that I was not expecting the amount of kisses that we recieved througout this series- but it was done so good.
I really feel like I shoud recommend this series as it was surprisingly good. If you want a quick shockingly good Korean BL series a watch, give this series a watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
I need to watch Choi Jae Hyeok lovingly gaze at someone like I need oxygen to breathe
Loved what they did in the time they had but I definitely want more and think it would have benefited from like an hour or two more of story.Acting:
Choi Jae Hyeok had me locked in with those tender ass gazes. God DAMN I’d be so afraid if I were his costar, I would fall immediately if someone looked at me like that. All the acting was good in this tbh. The only person I would have wanted a bit of a better performance from was Yeom Min Hyeok, but I wouldn’t call it bad by any means. Still a good performance.
Writing:
There were only like two conversations that had me asking “huh??”. Overall, despite how short it was, it was well written.
Chemistry/Romance/Kissing:
Clear acting compatibility/ability between these two and everyone tbh. Definitely a good romance. Usually I’m a big stickler for lack of tongue in on screen kisses but it didn’t take me out of the realism of the scene that much in this show for some reason.
Side Couple:
Obv not an official couple but I’m still gonna mention them bc they too had me giggling. Very sweet very goofy.
NC Scene:
Tbh wasn’t expecting it, kind of caught me off guard lol. But that was passionate, that was sensual, that was intimate. Honestly, the most well-executed NC scene that I’ve seen so far.
Music/FX:
Only like two or so times where I was questioning the music choice so not too bad there. Liked the SFX, nothing jarring or off.
This was just so cute and refreshing after having watched My Stubborn and The Next Prince recently, it was like a breath of fresh air. Also, I want at least 100 more shows/movies with Choi Jae Hyeok starring in it. Not to be dramatic or anything, but I need to watch him lovingly gaze at someone like I need oxygen to breathe.
Was this review helpful to you?
Cute and short!
The positive feedback for this show was overwhelming, and honestly, if it hadn’t been for that, I probably would have never given it a chance.The format is ideal. just 8 episodes, making it easy to binge. Personally, I think the story could’ve been a bit more complex and explained in more depth if the series had been longer, but overall, it was still an enjoyable watch!
My biggest disappointment was the scene order. At times, I found myself double checking if I was watching the correct episode because some transitions didn’t make much sense and felt a bit confusing.
That said, I LOVED the chemistry between the main characters. The acting felt genuine, and the subtle hints at a possible second couple were a great touch, I was rooting for them from the very first signs!
In conclusion: If you’re looking for something light and relaxing to watch, this show is a great choice. Not too heavy, engaging, and full of moments to enjoy.
Was this review helpful to you?
Wow! Season two please?
Let me start off by saying I hadn't heard anything about this BL other than it was going to be airing on iQIYI, and since I have a subscription, why not?I'm really glad I did. The chemistry was evident right away and the characters had dimension, meaning they had flaws or concerns, they recognized them and they actually communicated with each other. I really don't like the misunderstandings we see in some BLs because the characters don't talk to each other.
If I had to pick something I didn't like it would be that it was too short. I really felt like these characters had some depth to them and scenes could have been expanded.
Finally I was pleasantly surprised at how tastefully done the kissing scenes were. Very romantic!10/10 👍
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the Most Phenomenal KBLs This Year!!
Love isn’t always a grand thing. For most of us, it’s simply about being able to accept ourselves with the person we care about most.That’s the quiet truth at the heart of Ball Boy Tactics, a Korean BL adapted from the web novel by Ji Seung Hyeon. Across its eight episodes, the series explores the gentle gravity of connection between two athletes caught in the long shadow of public scrutiny, private trauma, and growing attraction.
Retired Olympic gymnast Han Ji Won (Yeom Min Hyuk) isn’t looking for love or attention when he enters university, but the spotlight is hard to escape when you’re a medalist. Even harder when someone like Kwon Jeong U (Choi Jae Hyeok), a talented but emotionally reserved basketball star, seems unable to look away. What starts as accidental run-ins between two very different people slowly becomes something that feels inevitable.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2025/07/02/ball-boy-tactics-series-review-ep-3-to-8/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
“Ball Boy Tactics”: A Slam Dunk of Realism, Romance, and Heart
I approached Ball Boy Tactics with mid expectations as trailers can be misleading, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this show. It delivers a grounded, emotionally resonant story that handles its characters and relationships with maturity and purpose.The romantic development between Jeong U and Ji Won feels incredibly authentic. Ji Won’s tendency to think things through before giving answers was sweet and thoughtful, even though not all his choices are perfect. This added depth to his character and made his emotional journey believable. Jeong U’s confusion and growth are portrayed thoughtfully, and I appreciated that the show didn’t rely on melodramatic tropes like cheating. Instead, it emphasized clear boundaries, with characters ending previous relationships before beginning new ones. It was a refreshing and responsible approach that elevated the narrative. The pacing of the romance is also well-balanced. Rather than dragging out the relationship, the show allows their connection to blossom naturally. Their chemistry is undeniable. From subtle glances to affectionate moments. The emotional vulnerability they display, especially during moments of conflict, made their relationship feel personal and relatable. The supporting couple, Seung Jin and Eun O, offered some of the show’s sweetest moments, though I wish their storyline had been given more room to grow. Despite Seung Jin’s endearing cluelessness, their chemistry was evident and compelling. It’s a missed opportunity that their storyline didn’t flourish further, but it certainly left an impression.
Visually, the series boasts strong cinematography and is supported by a thoughtful soundtrack. The performances across the board were excellent, bringing emotional nuance to each character.
Overall, Ball Boy Tactics exceeded my expectations. It’s a heartfelt series with substance, strong performances, and a realistic portrayal of relationships. If a spinoff, movie, or even if a short special series were made to explore the second leads’ journey, I will be watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Certainly A Study In Shyness. Does It Work?
Tactically, this series is a bit incongruous simply because the story is not unabridged. To be honest, I ended up disliking it. Not because it was poorly acted. I eschewed it because it had no point, and it aimlessly wondered around trying to find one. It simply could not. I just did not get the why of the story. The whole story felt undeveloped. This is a good story that was overdone. It showed very little understanding of their relationship and even less understanding of them as individuals. Then there is this sudden burst of personalities from both at the end of the series that just felt like it was too contrived. I found nothing outstanding about this series. I could have easily skipped it as it had little effect on me. While well-acted, and we are certainly entertained by the supporting cast, it just did not do much for me. Watch it if you want. It is “okay’.Was this review helpful to you?
