MarritS

Yeah, agree to disagree. I enjoy every Krailert/Naran scene immensely and I love the way their story is told. I'm glad you have the Tanwa/Trin storyline to enjoy at least.

Veera would be cheating too though, he already has a girlfriend. They're all stuck in this complicated situation.

There's a Thai comment I found on Twitter about that scene that I thought was very thought provoking. I'd like to share the translation if you don't mind:

Krailert and Naran are a great example of how the top/bottom roles in bed were just a dynamic at the time, not necessarily masculine/feminine all the time. I love how after they had sex, Krailert came and stroked Naran's head, cuddled him, and was immediately loving and nurturing him.

And the power dynamic of this couple has been unequal from the start. Krailert has always been superior. The series needed a role-switching scene in bed to show that the two now have equal power in the relationship. The sex scenes in the series tell a real story, not just not being there to tease.

The willingness to switch roles means that both partners trust each other enough to let the other take control, indicating a deeper intimacy than physicality. It's emotional intimacy.

Simply put, switching to Naran as the top isn't just a casual move; it's a narrative choice that suggests their relationship is flexible and equal. Before, we were always wondering if these two were truly in love, or if they were just driven by sexual desire.

The story's choice of having Naran take the initiative wasn't just a surprise power dynamic (subverting the expectations of viewers accustomed to the formula). But it's a narrative choice that makes us feel like their relationship is becoming more sincere and equal.

And then, coupled with the heartfelt scene afterward, it really makes us believe that Krailert and Naran truly love each other enough to influence their future choices.

Here's the original comment: https://x.com/roticottoncandy/status/1962040113804030326

My first thought was that it wasn't true at all, but just something Dao's parents (or Dao herself?) told others because they were embarrassed about Naran's job.

I don't think it's fair to say that all we get from Lert and Naran are NC scenes. They are such a fascinating couple, who developed a strong intellectual connection through their letters before they even met. They have a strong sexual connection as well, for sure, but through their actions, their looks and their letters we can see that they love and care for each other deeply. And I thought their conversation on the piano bench, about bringing change and lighting a match in the dark, was their best and most powerful scene of the episode.

It's a bit of a shame that some people feel they have to 'pick a side' when it comes to the couples in this show. I admit that Lert and Naran's story resonates with me more, but I can appreciate all the characters and storylines in the show. It's clearly such a labour of love from all the cast and creatives, and I hope Shine will receive all the accolades it deserves.

Viki: https://www.viki.com/tv/40771c-love-in-the-big-city

Norway, the original one.

The movie and the drama are actually quite different from each other. The movie and the series are both adaptations of the novel 'Love in the Big City' by Sang Young Park. The movie only covers the first chapter of the book, the series covers all four chapters, and is more focused on Go Young's love life.

I believe it's only on Netflix in Korea. It's probably available on iQIYI (or GagaOOLala) if you're in the US.