Lorenzo

Well that’s interesting because I have the exact opposite perspective of Choi si yeol. The adaptation version to me is a much a more like able character than the creepy/rapey original. Eye of the beholder, I guess. Also, i believe his regret doesn’t show until the end of episode eight because he is first realizing his feelings. Hopefully they will do a good job portraying the regret in the final episodes to make the reconciliation pay off but yeah the episodes are definitely too short. Felt like much of it was rushed which is surprising because the other adaptations from this production team were good with the pacing.

yo I was thinking the same thing but the next episode preview gave me some hope

Yup… it was a major criticism some people had with the Semantic Error drama that they didn’t adapt any of the NC scenes. Specifically, a car scene from the original that was extremely dubcon. If I recall correctly the shorter lead was flat out refusing and was intoxicated but the other guy forced himself on him. It was a such a hard read that I forced myself to forget it and pretend that the drama only exists.

I find it extremely concerning how many people so desperately wanted those scenes and I’m glad they didn’t adapt them. They made one of my all time favorite BL drama. I actually love how almost all Korean BLs dramas remove those disturbing aspects from their adaptations and make changes that enhances the narrative.

Also, the scene between XZF and GRQ reaffirms this in the finale confirms this. They were compatible in the wrong ways and didn’t truly love each other.

Having the finale be in the intro is diabolical work 😭Absolutely a best of 2025 drama! I hope they do one with Guan RiQing because I need him to be happy which I did not see coming. They did an amazing job with his character. Also, the side couple was so cute.

Yeah its just that one scene with the comically large jacket that took me out. Thankfully that’s the only time they play into the height difference. I also just came off another drama with major infantilization and that’s probably influencing my perspective on the teacher.

The dubcon was just one scene but it definitely ruined the original for me. Especially when the teacher has an idea of what happened but doesn’t care since its his bias and a later reveal made it even more creepy. It does seem like Manhwa writers love that rapey vibe. I noticed it after watching the Semantic Error adaptation and I made the mistake of listening to the comments to read the Manhwa.

Drama Adaptation of an 18+ Manhwa? Major Red flag to not read the source material. I have been fooled twice, there is not gonna be a third time!

Yo… that was probably one of the worst scenes to adapt from the Manhwa. I’m glad they didn’t and are going for a different direction because of the whole rapey dubious consent of that situation is definitely not it. Especially when that extra scene for it was revealed in later chapters it was just way too creepy for me.

From what I have watched I would say it was only that one scene I mentioned where the size difference was comically focused on. But the Manhwa definitely played on that more especially since it’s just smut but the drama thankfully is making great changes from that. After reading it, I was worried that I would have to drop the show! Fortunately, they didn't adapt a rather gross scene with dubious consent.

However, they do play up the teacher’s fanboying that it borderlines on infantilization rather than cute. I realized this aspect of dramas after watching a review of a “found family” drama. It's very common in those adopted/stepsibling tropes to have one act more like a child to be cute and to me it just comes off as weird. Hence why I avoid those types of dramas like the plague and I am considering dropping Secret Lover because of that. I also notice this issue in Thai dramas or the over-feminization of the “bottom” lead.

I love the “taking care of” trope but when its gets to them being overtly childlike I have to take a step back and add it to my drop list lol.

Yeah that opening is not good. I honestly started skipping after the first episode. It does explain that change to the bad poster

FR I had to fast forward through that scene from second hand embarrassment. Fortunately it played a part in the flirting plot but they could have at least used a less ridiculous looking jacket especially when the director character was all against him wearing that really good outfit he had on. Like b are you blind? I hope they ease up on that stuff later.

You know now that you have said it I totally agree with you on the size difference. They also played into it on the third episode which really made me 2x through those scenes because of how cringy it was. It’s a good show but I am also getting thrown off by the infantilization of the teacher but I guess it could be them over doing the “fanboying” aspect. Hopefully they ease up on it later in the story.

For real and it even looked too big for the other guy! I am kinda getting thrown off with the infantilization of Kevin’s character.

Yeah and I hope when everything is eventually revealed he doesn’t get forgiven so easily.

Another great two episodes! I am really enjoying the changes made and the exploration into the side couple plot line. Makes for a much more interesting and cute watch. The story does seem off paced but it is a shorter drama with just ten 25 minute episodes so it can’t be helped. I am glad they aren’t touching those dubious borderline non consent scenes from the Manhwa with a ten foot pole. I was hesitant on continuing watching this after reading the Manhwa but this is turning out really well. Can’t wait for next week!

Also, I think opinions will change once those users find out about that one scene in the finale. Which will be sad since it’s a really good story and whether a drama has those types of scenes or not shouldn’t be a hill to die on.

I can’t believe its over! Such an amazing drama with a capstone finale. It’s definitely a must watch and an all time favorite.

I’m five episodes in and I just have to say that this is such a good drama. Usually, I find shows centered around gangsters cringey but these actors are amazing and make those scenes believable and exciting. The same goes for the action scenes, excellently shot not to make yourself dizzy and I like how the main lead doesn’t immediately win every fight and has to learn and overcome. The plot and the way the gangsters are interwoven with corporate parents and high school is fascinating.

Now for the censored stuff. Honestly from what I have seen so far I can see this as a BL story. Or rather one that doesn’t make being homosexual the characters’ entire personality/identity. It’s refreshing especially after seeing so many low-quality dramas that are explicitly labeled gay. Although it’s not outright you can definitely feel the romantic connection/tension between the two leads with the subtle dialogue, gentle touches, and the longing looks most would miss. I mean they had a short jealousy arc, basically a breakup arc, and now a beach scene and from the preview of where I left off a date episode.

Sure it would be nice for them to have more physically intimate scenes or even a kiss but to me, I'm definitely feeling the BL vibes and to have a compelling plot with amazing production definitely makes this a top ten drama for me.

ikr and it’s the finale! 😭😭😭

It’s good so far! I really like the changes made from the Manhwa except the no cherry blossom. It’s cute and at first I didn’t like the extreme awkwardness of Na AeJun but it grew on me and makes sense for his character. It felt cringy at times but it is a fanboy meeting his idol. Oh and the actor playing the idol is so cute like a big puppy! As another commenter mentioned, he does remind me of Cha Joowan. Can’t wait for the next episodes and it’s releasing two episodes every Thursday!

At certain angles I get flashbacks to “Love for Love’s Sake”. Man, gonna go rewatch that now!