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/
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SWEET
It wasn't quite what I expected, but I still genuinely enjoyed this series for the most part. I do think some things could've been done differently for a better result, but overall this series definitely is worth the hype.Things I liked:
1. The main character's dynamic is so wholesome. They are adorable together, I really like their opposite personalities.
2. Great chemistry.
3. All of the kind and romantic gestures Jeong Woo does for Jiwon.
4. Friends. They were so funny, and I loved how supportive they were.
Things I disliked:
1. Jiwon hiding his relationship with Jeong Woo from their friends. I understand that he is worried about people finding out and their reaction, but he is selling it far too hard and for far too long. Especially since they are their friends, hiding it from them is insane.
I also understand that it's his first-ever relationship, but his boyfriend clearly said that it hurts him, but he continued doing the same thing.
2. Jiwon pissed me off incredibly in the 7th episode. I just wish they didn't add all that drama in one episode.
3. I really wished for the side couple to actually become a couple. Instead, we just got teased a few times, and that's it. I really loved them together; they truly deserve a separate mini-series or at least a special episode.
Overall, as I said, I enjoyed watching this series and probably will rewatch it again someday!
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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.
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The storyline and acting was pretty mid.
The first two episodes really hooked me in this drama but later the excitement started to drop. I still enjoyed the show. The only cast who kept me in the show was prolly the MLs extrovert friend, would love to see him work in another drama in the future. The NC scenes were shot beautifullyVisuals were good but could have worked better on Storyline and acting.
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Brick wall tactics
I got so hyped reading the reviews just to get disappointed 5 minutes into the first episode of the show.I don't want to make it seem like it was a complete disaster, it was simply...mid. I believe the idea behind it was: "let's get the hottest boy we can find, pair him with a cute guy, and let the fangirls do the rest". There is no real thought behind the plot of this BL, and this pisses me off because it had true potential.
I want to avoid spoilers so I will not say too much but it wont be hard since not much happens anyways. Half the scenes are just fanservice, bland conversations between eyecandies, with one note personalities of a brick wall, that add nothing to the plot whatsoever. I don't think we ever see the main leads laugh or show real emotions, it's like they were constantly worried of not serving face so they had to be locked in at all times. Also chemistry? I don't know where people saw it, maybe there was a chem class in the back of the university setting 'cause for sure these two had none. The basketball guy was hot I admit it, and I loved his smirks, but I'm sorry I just can't handle real life kpop aegyo... the pouting from Jiwon was cute maybe the first time, then it hits that he's like 21 not a 15 yo girl so... but maybe that's on me.
Not everything is cringe or soulless tho! The two secondary characters were so fun they genuinely made me laugh, and that's because they felt real. They had no romantic role to fullfil and this enabled them to get more raw and unfiltered in my opinion. Also the actors who portraid them were great, not to say the main ones weren't but their line delivery was more lively and it didnt feel like an asmr like the others' did tbh. However I didn't think the ending between them was need and weirdly I don't wish for a spinoff.
All in all I think this show is worth watching if you really have no expectations and are just looking for a cute and lightearthed storyline, not too pretentious. On the other hand, if you were hoping to see a nice engagind dinamic between two pro athletes that keeps you glued to the screen and wanting for more, go watch A Breeze of Love idk
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somethings off
When I first saw Ball Boy Tactics on social media I thought it would be promising both because of its intriguing plot and attractive cast.However,the couples' relationship dynamic is not the best and some of the events are shown extremely superficial.Now,I don't want to give spoilers but you expect a drama to continue from where its left,right?This drama leaves you somewhere at the end of the episode and takes you somewhere else,so distant from the previous episode that most of the time you'll have a hard time understanding what is going on on the drama.Also,the editing of the drama seems so clumsy especially in the third episode,as far as I can remember,one scene comes and goes without any transition effects.I really felt like I'm scrolling through bl edits on social media which makes the drama seem unprofessional.Although I can understand the reason they act that way in the drama,I couldn't really relate to Han Jiwon's thoughts.Just because you haven't dated anybody else before doesn't mean you don't know basic human relationship sense.I can see in his eyes that he values Jeongu but he doesn't really understand what he feels.It feels like even Jeongu shouts his love from the rooftop he'll say "I don't really understand these things" and will try to shut his feelings down.However,I'm glad that he gathered the courage to make the move later on.
I also loved the friends and I'd like to seem them together in a different drama because they have the perfect chemistry:the one whos loud and dumb and the one whos silent and smart.They balance each other perfectly and even they had really small parts,I was rooting for them the whole time and they are actually together in my head.
This drama has also got surprisingly many good kissing scenes which differs from the other korean bls.I was waiting for "that scene" to stop like after " 1 or 2 minutes but it probably lasted more than 5 minutes which made me question why they haven't used that time to develop their relationship arc.But,can I say I didn't like it?Of course,I can not.I was actually really glad to see korean bls stepping up for a little and getting out of their comfort zone.
Overall,this drama needs much more improvement for the clumsy storyline which made the drama kind of choppy and needs better relationship build up.
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Just One Unpopular Opinion
This series did not click with me. Something just seemed off from the very beginning which prevented me from enjoying it. After the first 3 episodes, I felt like I watched a very long trailer. I got a rough outline of a series without actually getting the full content. It did not help that the script was not the greatest. It did not do a really good job introducing the characters which were also not fully developed. I simple didn’t find the storyline or the characters very interesting which is an important factor for me. Another problem was the pacing was inconsistent. There were times sections either happen too slow or at a rapid speed. There were also points where scenes seem to just randomly happen for no reason. On the positive, the overall acting was good considering the cast is new to the field.Was this review helpful to you?
best acting i have ever seen in a kbl
oh my GOD this show is actually so good it makes me want to cry. these actors are so incredibly talented like kbls are usually so bad at getting actors with natural chemistry that doesn't feel like they grabbed two statues and told them to be gay. this show feels so REAL and i absolutely adore it for that. by far one of the best bls out of 2025, i seriously can not recommend it enough.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It was soft and cute. I watch it almost in one sitting. It was captivating!
I will rewatch it for sure.
The characters are really cute and "attachant".
I love when Top are so whipped and confident about their feelings. He respects his boundary about telling they are together and I loved it!
Not my favorite K-BL but it was a great one.
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This review may contain spoilers
Not bad!
okay sooooo I came across the manhwa first and I literally loved it!!!I actually wanted to see the drama because I wanted to see it in live action.
okay I will start-
so the actor for jiwon was not that good at acting tho he is really really cute like his dimple and smile is reallyyyy cute… jeong was actually amazing in acting (idk why he resembles minji from newjeans)
the second lead was so good like the acting was so amazing it felt real (I want spin-off plz)
I finished this drama yesterday 🤧 it was still amazing. When jiwon asked for space and when jeong was disappointed Uff I was so sad like bro who cares?! Please date ahhhh
I loveeeedd the kiss (😭 it was Uhm... I keep hearing it since yesterday 🤧 help… I cant forget)
The tension was amazing!
8.5/10
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Cute and a fun watch
This is a really cute BL. The first episode was kinda lackluster and didn't managed to capture my attention but I gave it another try and I am glad I did. This was a pretty cute KBL but I feel the plot needed more run time for the story to really touched. Like there was so many things they could have given more time to but alas no proper runtime or episodes, just like most KBL. Especially for the angst part, they had time only for 10 min angst that it just made it less touching and sense. If it had proper build up that would have hit so hard. Also the second couple would have been a cute add. I am glad they didn't focus on them at all since the series is short but if it was had proper run time we could have seen their relationship too. Now the acting was pretty okay I say, not bad but there is def room for improvement. Also last but not least I want to comment on the skinship and the NC scene cuz damn they were not afraid to kiss like most KBL are and that was the longest NC scene I have ever seen in a KBL and it was pretty hot too. So I am pleasantly surprised. Overall cute KBL, worth the watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Love is round
A cutesy romance with an eye-candy set of casts -typical Korean BL. Yet, this show doesn’t just provide visuals, but rather the main objective of letting viewers feel the emotion of being in love. The setting around the sports player was cool, but I just hope that they will showcase more of it in the story, especially the main reason why Han Ji Won quit gymnastics. There are some hints given, but they don’t resolve. The same case about the couple’s public image of confirming that they are dating.Nevertheless, the chemistry of the couple and the intimate kissing scenes were enough to fill up the cons of the show. They keep kissing anywhere after reconciliation, and I love it. Choi Jae Hyuk is such a super duper handsome and sexy man. He fits the role of a basketball player that much. I can’t even forget how intensely he kissed her ex-girlfriend, and when Ji Won accidentally saw it.
The best part about the couple is that they know how to communicate their feelings with one another. Not just communicate but also comprehend their thoughts, give some time to cool down, and always speak so softly despite the big problems encountered. It is just so sweet to witness their healthy relationship and so delicious to see them kiss afterwards. Even the supporting cast is so cute together.
Glad to see more quality BLs lately. This might not be a perfect ten for me, but the important thing is that they make me feel the feeling of being involved in the story, and keep giggling at how romantic the show is.
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