Heesu in Class 2 - Why Is the Main Couple Getting Sidelined?

I just finished episode 9 of Heesu in Class 2, and I honestly don’t even feel excited for episode 10 anymore.

I haven’t read the manhwa, so I came into the show fresh—but even without the source material, it’s obvious that Heesu and Seungwon are supposed to be the emotional center of the story. So why does it feel like the drama is doing everything but focus on them?

The straight side couple has been getting so much attention, to the point where the main BL pairing feels completely overshadowed. The last few episodes have been dragging out side plots that just don’t hit the same. Meanwhile, Heesu and Seungwon’s story feels rushed, underdeveloped, and constantly pushed to the background.

It’s frustrating because the early episodes had so much potential. The quiet tension, the little looks, the inner conflict—there was something really beautiful building up. But now, it’s like the show has lost confidence in its own main couple.

I don’t know how the manhwa handled things, but if this was meant to be a sincere, meaningful BL story, then this adaptation is dropping the ball.

Anyone else feeling the same way? I’d love to know what other viewers think—especially if you’ve read the manhwa. Is it just me, or did this shift in focus ruin the momentum?

I think objectively, if this wasn't based on a manhwa, it could be called a really good show. Acting's good, cinematography is pretty. If the premise wasn't Hee Su, his journey, his relationship, but the intertwined relationships of these four high school kids, it would have been fine. It's clear that's what they wanted to go for and it does have some basis in the manhwa. By which I mean, the whole plotline of Seung Won getting closer to Hee Su by lying about his crush on Ji Yu. 

However, it IS based on a manhwa, and a beloved one at that. And the source material, while it has all these side characters and supporting characters, they act like satellites for the main characters: the MC and the ML. They're there to support Hee Su and his relationship and they don't overstay their welcome.

I almost feel like they tried to do this with the relationship between Chan Yeong and Ji Yu, the sisters and their love shenanigans, by having them be parallels to Hee Su's relationship/s. But they ended up sinking so much time and backstory, at least for Chan Yeong and Ji Yu, that there's not enough left for the main couple. 

It also doesn't help that they followed the first season of the manhwa (if I remember correctly) which does end with Hee Su and Seung Won getting together. Second season features another gay couple more prominently, but also shows you the couple life between HS and SW.  But clearly, we won't get to see that. No matter what, that'll leave some folks (myself included) unsatisfied with where the show stops.

I know I read somewhere on Reddit that they had issues even producing the show, because of the themes, had problems with getting distribution for it. Maybe that's the reason for the watered down version we got.

All in all, my opinion is that the addition of the second couple together with their backstories brought little to the plot and wasn't that interesting. But did use up time that could have been spent developing HS and SW's relationship. Chan Yeong..I don't even know what his backstory is, ngl. Tennis. And something about an overbearing dad, I guess. As for Ji Yu, she's nice and she's a popstar on youtube. Ok, cool. Neither are as interesting or compelling as Hee Su though. Plus, I feel like we've delved into Chan Yeong tennis matches more than we have into Seung Won's backstory. Sure, he's alone at home a lot and has two moms and..erm...what else.

LE: There IS backstory for Chan Yeong in the manhwa, I forgot. And it's much more compelling and relevant than tennis lol.

Do you remember when people preached that straight pair being constantly in the spotlight is temporary and we're gonna have more scenes with the main one after the half? Lol. Lmao, even. Everybody hoped that Heesu and Seungwon gonna get more screentime in episode this, episode that, which turned out to be not true, at all. What a disaster.

 Silmarien:

All in all, my opinion is that the addition of the second couple together with their backstories brought little to the plot and wasn't that interesting. But did use up time that could have been spent developing HS and SW's relationship. Chan Yeong..I don't even know what his backstory is, ngl. Tennis. And something about an overbearing dad, I guess. As for Ji Yu, she's nice and she's a popstar on youtube. Ok, cool. Neither are as interesting or compelling as Hee Su though. Plus, I feel like we've delved into Chan Yeong tennis matches more than we have into Seung Won's backstory. Sure, he's alone at home a lot and has two moms and..erm...what else.

THIS

 anflrbyln:

I had expected the show to stay true to its main plot, which centers on the relationship between Heesu and Seungwon.

Instead, it feels as though the story was straightwashed to appeal to a broader audience. This not only shifts the focus away from the core couple, but also undermines the efforts of the LGBTQI+ community toward better representation in media.

And THIS

As the series continued to unfold, I was increasingly frustrated with the amount of time the straight couple took up. I had zero interest and it wasn't really adding anything to Heesu's story. It no longer felt like a genuine BL drama, imo.

 anflrbyln:

Yes, it was incredibly frustrating how they kept diluting the actual plot. I don’t even hate the straight couple, but the way they’ve been forced onto us is just exhausting. If we wanted a typical hetero romcom, we’d go to Netflix. 

For sure no hate. Matter of fact I like Chan Yeong a lot, I just wish it wasn't a girl he was interested in since I came to watch a BL, lol.

I get you, I was also skipping the straight couple scenes. But I really hope you still pick up the series! The finale was honestly good and made up for a lot. If more people watch, maybe the production team will see the support and give us a Season 2 focusing on Heesu and Seungwon. 🥹

I totally get you. It was frustrating at times, and I missed the little 'ba-dum' moments too. But I’m still hopeful! Maybe if we show enough love, they’ll give us a Season 2 that stays true to Heesu and Seungwon’s beautiful story.