Four short, cute Korean feel-good love stories at a slow pace - but haven't we seen it before?
"Close to You" is a collection of short stories in series form, each offering a tender exploration of love between two young men. The series consists of four distinct stories, each of two episodes.
The series shines with its simple yet deeply emotional narrative. The stories are all rooted in love. A shy confession, an unexpected bond and a slow-burning romance. The show has a delightful feel-good atmosphere that captures the heart, largely due to its slow pacing and focus on emotional connection.
It’s easy to see how some of the stories could have been expanded into their own full-length series. The characters are well-written and have enough depth that viewers are left wanting more of their stories.
The performances are generally heartfelt, with the cast capturing the innocence and vulnerability of young love with authenticity. Visually, the series is charming and understated, complementing its focus on character over spectacle. While "Close to You" doesn’t venture into highly dramatic territory, it is a satisfying and comforting watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt and slow-burn LGBTQ romance.
That said, one downside of the show is that it doesn't offer much new in terms of concept or execution. It's very similar to several other recent Korean series on the same theme, which makes it feel less innovative. I almost felt like I had already seen the series. While it’s a charming and enjoyable watch, it lacks the fresh approach that could have made it stand out more in the crowded genre. It's not a series that I will remember much of afterwards but it's a perfect series for those who enjoy sweet and relatable love stories with a feel-good finish.
The series shines with its simple yet deeply emotional narrative. The stories are all rooted in love. A shy confession, an unexpected bond and a slow-burning romance. The show has a delightful feel-good atmosphere that captures the heart, largely due to its slow pacing and focus on emotional connection.
It’s easy to see how some of the stories could have been expanded into their own full-length series. The characters are well-written and have enough depth that viewers are left wanting more of their stories.
The performances are generally heartfelt, with the cast capturing the innocence and vulnerability of young love with authenticity. Visually, the series is charming and understated, complementing its focus on character over spectacle. While "Close to You" doesn’t venture into highly dramatic territory, it is a satisfying and comforting watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt and slow-burn LGBTQ romance.
That said, one downside of the show is that it doesn't offer much new in terms of concept or execution. It's very similar to several other recent Korean series on the same theme, which makes it feel less innovative. I almost felt like I had already seen the series. While it’s a charming and enjoyable watch, it lacks the fresh approach that could have made it stand out more in the crowded genre. It's not a series that I will remember much of afterwards but it's a perfect series for those who enjoy sweet and relatable love stories with a feel-good finish.
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