Vadie

Having seen “Light on Me” and still considering it one of the best series in terms of storytelling and character development, all I can say is, they had that reference material and somehow decided to dip this beautiful work in “straight” bleach.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the dynamic between Seung and Hee-Su. For a character who barely spoke, Seung somehow became my favorite. It’s hard to explain, but they just work.

Now, let’s talk about the so-called side characters—or rather, the ones who somehow managed to steal more screen time than the actual MCs. It’s baffling, but it seems like they were trying to fill the 45-minute runtime with just about anything.

I did adore the relationship between Hee-Su and his three sisters, but honestly, much of it felt forced or like a filler. A lot of the scenes just seemed like they were trying to pad out the story. And don’t even get me started on the tennis and audition scenes—those were just...🫩

So why the 8.5 rating, you ask? Well, it’s the cinematography, the visual imagery—I’m a sucker for that, the comedic moments didn’t feel forced, which I appreciated. Also, Seung—his character is one of the main reasons I rated it so high. The way he carries himself. He doesn’t say much, but his words—though few—were always packed with emotion and meaning. There’s a quiet intensity about him, and even in the smallest moments, you can feel the weight of his inner world. Watching him navigate uncertainty and growth felt authentic. But that whole straight-washing issue? It’s hard to ignore, especially when this could have been so much more. It’s a huge letdown, especially in 2025.

I don’t read manhwas or mangas, but I’ve heard that the straight couples didn’t even exist in the original material, which is already a major departure. So yeah, with all that in mind, it feels like a missed opportunity.