Youthful bloom of romance with an artistic and cinematic production quality
This is one of those BL shows that being gay isn’t included as the form of drama to the story. Although, sexuality is still an important topic to be addressed in showcasing a same gender romance. Hwang Da Seul, the director of this series, says that “The BL genre may have a sensitive part, but rather than narrowing it down to a specific genre, it is a ‘love story’. It’s easier if you look at it broadly and define just that a man loves a man, because you can write the romance you want to write.” We can see in the show itself how she was able to deliver the storyline focusing on two people who met and fell in love, regarding their gender identity.The progression of Si Won’s story is an amazing portrayal of someone’s presence that may help you in facing your own insecurities. At first I thought he was a narcissist yet with the revelation of his background story, I understand that in order for him not to be looked down upon anymore, he needs to be flawless. Da Un’s introductory part was likable. Presenting such dubious treatments directly to Si Won which later on turned out to be a misinterpretation. The best thing about the couple is how they gave comfort to each other and were a foundation of support in their own dilemma in life. Those caressing strokes of Si Won’s hair is consoling to watch. Da Un’s deep voice and contagious smiles are sending me butterflies. I love their first kiss. Si Won aggressively kissed Da Un maybe because he lacks experience and the moment when Da Un interrupted him and told him to relax was so soothingly refreshing to see.
Excellent quality of production. This is such an artistic drama that emphasizes the power of filmmaking. Those details include a fascinating piece of art. The cinematic blue-silhouette bed scene that connects to the title ‘Blueming’ that also defines that the main couple finally colored each other's life. The consistent connection of the story to their college courses as students who majors in film and production. I can relate to them since I am also studying a course related to films. The pre-production process till the final outcome of Si Won’s short film ‘My Running Bike’ is so dramatically great. He was able to share his story by producing it into a film that also leads him to indirectly release his emotions that he keeps for so long. I love that it became the bridge for him and his mother to be connected without the hint of hiding a certain feeling behind them.
Si Yeong as the main character’s sister plays an important role to help his brother become freely peaceful in his past, by sending the autobiography he wrote when he was young. Si Yeong's lowkey efforts can also be seen in the girl she had a crush on. Another one of my favorite side characters from this show goes to the bestfriend of the year, the caring Do Ba Woo. He and his eyeglasses are a cute match. It shocked me to know that he is also one of the supporting cast from the teen drama ‘Love Revolution’ because his roles are significantly differ in terms of personality. I read a comment from somewhere that the guy who played a guitar at the beach was the person who Do Ba Woo refers to as the person he liked that is clueless about this. The guitar has a written initial of DBW. If a second season may happen, it is possible that the story may give us this explanation later on.
To be honest, they loose down during the ending. I didn’t particularly hate it but I was hoping for a more impactful ending. I am also curious about the thing Da Un whispered to Si Won when he realized that he likes to shoot people more than story now. My personal theory is something related to body profiles or underwear. Anyways, it's a good choice to drop all the episodes on a single day since each episode contains a cliffhangers ending that will later on explained in the next episode. It will be confusing, and waiting for days will test the patience of the viewers. The soundtracks were fantastic too and perfectly suits the melody of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this mini-series and I hope to see more in the future.
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A Colorless Sequel
As a big fan of the first season, I anticipated this sequel the moment it was announced. Unfortunately, this season disappoints me to the point that I felt like they wasted a great opportunity to create a more distinct flow of story. Yoo Han has been kidnapped and this season focused on the MONOs desperation of wanting to see colors and undergo probe surgery, which was later on found out that it was an experimental procedure that resulted in the death of the MONOs who turn out to be the guinea pig without their knowledge. The victims of this test surgery include Se Hyun’s sister and Yeon Woo’s mother.The story is confusing. Still love the concept but the execution was poorly done and feels like they're the only one who understands what's going on in the story. A bland and plain season, just like how MONOs can’t see a color without their probes.
Some flaws I can’t help but to question in the show are:
- How can they determine the outstanding employee of the quarter? They based it from what?
- The power of the main protagonist. Two teenagers managed to stop an adult scam facility, and fought against plenty of men who are older than them. How can they beat them all? Unbelievable.
- The two side-characters. How can a student interrupt and force a broadcast of certain news on national TV? Wow, what a skillful technique.
- Background music has been abruptly cut a few times. Hey, can’t we listen to nice music with a good timing of when to end it?
- The unacceptable appearance of the deceased sister to Yeon Woo’s dream. Do they have nothing more realistic to think about? Probe and Mono are a good fantasy but to shift into something incompatible to the concept is insignificant.
- The idiot guy who was on the run for the crime he did but still chose to cut into a broadcasting event that led him to be arrested. Please, this scene was so funny! No more ideas? I can buy a classic scene but not this one.
- Lastly, the action scene was not suited for the main character. Hey, he is so cute throwing his punches like that. He fits the adorable role better than a student who is good at fighting.
To be honest, I supposedly gave this a much lower score but Kim Se Hyun was just so enchanting and appealing that I felt sad and decided to adjust my score a little higher. Hyuk was a good addition to the show. As Yeon Woo says to himself, Se Hyun is so cute and lovely. His pouty lips want me to see him kiss Yeon Woo so much hahaha but I’m still salty to witness a dream-kissing-scene without seeing their lips touch each other. Anyway, I also wanted that forehead kiss as a gift coming from Se Hyun hahaha.
Yeon Woo has two boys who love him now. One is his probe and the other one is a MONO just like him. Despite the disappointment I felt this season, I want to see another season with Yoo Han’s comeback. The ending gives us a hint already so it is possible to become a reality.
Good enough for a continuation but can be carried out more than good.
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Captivating visual with fine acting delivery but needed more duration time
The first thing that really got everyone's attention is how good looking the leads are. I'm not complaining since Korea were known for emphasizing beauty as a standard for the camera appeal. But the good thing is, given the handsome faces they had, they know how to executed the emotions needed in every scene. Due to this, it already been a well love series by many. But the most important element of every film is the flow of the story. I guess for a 11 min duration with 8 episodes, they manage to connect every scenes in one fitting. But obviously they're some scenes that needed more time to be explained or tackled. How do their love for each other blossom? What was the exact background or past of the guy? Where do the relationship of the two extra guys headed to? (since the drama itself gives us some clue or interpretation of a possible romance between them.) How do the second lead cope up with the atmosphere, did he finally manage to move on? We need more closure to the ending.There are several cringe scenarios that I can't help but to giggle about. On the first episode the typical "I'm going to save you from falling, I'll catch you in my arms" was so typical. They should altered it with a fresh new ideas or something that will be either romantic or comedic. Another consecutives cringeness scene was the "hand sign photo capture," I knew Korea loves that kind of gestures but it was too childish for me. Speaking of childish, the fight scene between the two best friends was so immature. Okay, sometimes people tend to do things based on their emotions despite of how old they became.
I feel sad for the second lead, he's so cute but you can't really force someone to feel the same way as you especially when it comes to love.
I was shocked that he is so young, he's character was full of sex appeal and I'm thinking that he is much more older than his real age. On the other hand, I was happy that I get the chemistry of the main couple. Another soft-mysterious guy relationship. Aside from cooking, seeing the main guy in a Taekwando uniform is so sexy! The dishes was literally yummy, I mean the menu from their business. I like how they presented the meal in an IG worthy vibes, really presentable.
I was so into the music as well. A great one to add color to the show. It was so lovely and at the same time its pop my mood up, perfect song for the show.
The major fall back of the drama is the length of time they given to the story. I keep thinking of many possible things that might be added to the story. But anyways it was a good and cute mini-series. I am contended on how it is. Fluffy and majestic!
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I think we got played
One of my favorite J-BLs is finally back! That was my immediate reaction when the sequel was announced. Since the prequel was such a success, I was genuinely happy to see Natsume and Toma again. However, the outcome turned out to be somewhat disappointing.At first, I was completely drawn in by their domestic, almost sophisticated life together. The kisses and cuddles were absolutely to die for. But as the episodes went on, it started to feel like the focus drifted too far toward the side characters rather than the main couple.
I understand that this season places Toma’s dream at the center of the story. But if I’m being honest, the addition of the new male BA as a rookie in Mamiya’s store felt unnecessarily prolonged. It dragged on to the point of being quite dull. I get that a new character was needed to help Mamiya grow into a stronger leader, highlighting his firmness despite his overwhelming kindness. But the pacing of this arc was simply too slow. Because of this, the sequel doesn’t come close to the level of the first season, and saying that genuinely saddens me as a fan of the prequel.
Thankfully, the onsen date felt like a turning point, as if the story was finally shifting its attention back to the main couple. It was such a breath of fresh air. Natsume was incredibly cute and endearing, as always. Then we get Tenma again, still the handsome and protective brother of Toma, somehow even more charming this season. And the introduction of Sahashi’s dad was a delight. He added a bit more spice to the dynamics of the main couple.
The selfies at the bridge looked so kawaii and genuinely beautiful. Toma stepping out of his comfort zone to pursue his dream was an interesting direction for the story. However, the drama seemed more focused on heightening emotional tension than on showcasing the couple’s chemistry. And that’s where it falls short. We wanted more romantic moments from Mamiya and Toma; that’s arguably the very reason a sequel exists in the first place.
Nevertheless, I still found moments to enjoy in this sequel. It just wasn’t enough to make me scream with happiness the way I did during the previous season.
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Ideals can make people evolve into a better version of themselves
A fantasy-romance that depicts reality versus ideals that work out as a key determinant of one’s life realization and progress. It started with a serious tone of a corporate work set-up, but eventually turned out to be a twist of mystery at the end of the first EP. It’s good that they established the MC’s reality and then later on jumped to the world where he lived as an ideal version of himself.At first, I felt that something was lacking in the alternate universe concept. And then, the plot twist from EP04 happened, and I was hooked. It turned out that the Ogami from the alternate universe loves the MC because he is beneficial to his work. While the Ogami from the MC's real world seems to have a cold personality, but genuinely cares for him the most.
It was a good storyline that covers how people's ideals can transform them into a better version of themselves. Kano realizes that being gloomy and avoiding people will not help him to be happy, but after experiencing life in an alternate universe, he decides to take the big step of communicating and hanging out with his colleague.
The couple’s size difference is so cute. At the finale, we can clearly see how small Kano is compared to the big bad wolf, Ogami. The bed scenes are so adorable. But Ogami being jealous of the other Ogami is the cutest among all of these. Love to see a nice portrayal of fantasy elements in BL with a clear justification of its purpose.
My only problem is that it wasn’t as impactful as I expected it to be. This is more on the subjective side of the review and does not take away the good rating of the show. At least for me, it was above average. Nice show overall.
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Gao Tu and his little screentime
Showcasing the A-B-O Universe was a fresh concept for me. I find myself entertained and learn new things with this creative approach of pairing, or what is known as mating in their world. I love Gao Tu, and I am always looking forward to his story every single EPs. Even though there are EPs wherein he has minimal to no exposure, I hold to the drama solely because of him. Li Pei En is so handsome and the most charming actor from the cast. I was mesmerized by his beauty.As someone who hardly kept his Beta-identity for all those years, simply because Shen Wen Lang hated Omega, it was a very fascinating dedication to stay by the side of his crush, even though he thought that it was one-sided. I am always thirsty between Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang’s scenes, and the production never failed to disappoint me until the finale. That was the end? It was obviously rushed, without a proper conclusion, for my best boy, Gao Tu, and when Shen Wen Lang was finally able to hug him for the first time in eternity, with their child witnessing the dramatic reunion.
For the sake of Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang, I stayed. Not gonna say anything with other characters as I just come to the point to not mind them at all. I wasn’t a fan of the main couple’s story; every person has their subjective reasoning and avoids pushing others to like something that they don’t like.
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Embodying their on-screen characters’ story into their own
Lovely! At first, I was expecting a spicy and intimate kind of relationship. But it turned out even better. A polar opposite pairing of a popular model-turned-actor and a very direct rookie actor. Their fake-to-real dating story was entertaining and interesting.What I love the most about this drama is how respectful Asami is towards Shirasaki. It makes his quiet personality more charming. He always lends a helping hand to Shirasaki to the best of his ability. The scene when Asami comfortably cuddles Shirasaki and asks for the things he likes was super cute.
Shirasaki is getting the fame he deserves after the notable confession scene was commendable. The drama does not offer much drama outside the story of the couple. They focus more on the angst and how both character will slowly connects. Yet, the addition of a new character, Kazuma, indeed makes the tension more exciting. I’m such a big fan of jealous scenes where we can see more cute sides of the couple.
The opening song was so good. I perfectly admire how they edited the whole introduction with a simple yet cinematic bunch of photos from the two. We also got a special EPs during the university days of Asami, wherein we witness how he fell in love first with Shirasaki. The throwback scenes were a nice addition to emphasize the feelings and pure intentions of Asami.
I actually like the pacing of the story, even though it took them too long to open up and embrace their feelings for one another. It is part of them reuniting after a few years, taking note that they didn’t even become close in the past. The walls have always been built for someone we are not yet close to, except for extroverts, in which both Asami and Shirasaki are definitely introverts. I feel so light and happy watching the show. Yes, some elements need more polishing, but the important thing that matters the most is the overall emotion you felt by watching it every single EPs.
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10 Things I Want to Do before I Turn 40
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Fluffy and almost a head-turner kind of story
Good start. Despite the common to-do list type of story opening, it still manages to make the show interesting. Most people, especially those who are single for a long time, can relate to Suzume’s emotions; both enjoying their own company and experiencing loneliness sometimes. It was a good storytelling of the life of a 39-year-old corporate worker.Tojo Suzume is still as cute as ever, even though he is already in his late 30s. It is also adorable how he loves to collect plushies. The boss-coworker relationship is interesting. Yet, I wish we could see more lovely scenes from them after they became an official couple, before it ended. I must say that the chemistry is just average. Age gap does not affect my enjoyment of watching them. Maybe, if they can present more light intimacy, it might look better.
The office scenarios were okay, too. That one particular EP, when the team needs to put in an all-nighter to complete a project, was a fresh breath of air EP from the show. I like the side stories too, but they tackled these during the vulnerable times of the MCs. I feel like the negative aura from the MCs was pulling the side-stories to put side. Overall, the story was okay, the actors performed good, and the pacing just needs some improvements.
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I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama Season 2
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An unexpected sequel that I didn’t know I needed.
I remember how goofy and funny that prequel was. When they announced that a second season is coming, I felt so happy knowing that due to its success, they are giving us more. The fun and quirky love story between Akafuji and Aoyanagi literally brings good vibes to me.What else can make one story more interesting better than adding new characters to stir up their relationship. Seeing familiar faces from previous J-BLs shows, I am so delighted to see both Robin and Gaku in this sequel. Adding more handsome faces to the scenes and I particularly love it.
As a big fan of romantic-comedy genres, this drama is such a happy pill. I burst out laughing during the sauna scene where they censored Aoyanagi’s nipple with Akafuji’s exaggerated reaction as usual.
Aside from maintaining the same fun element from the prequel, what I also love about this sequel is that they finally unveil the relationship to the two managers as the side-story. Yukari is just the same as his actor, Akafuji. He is an avid fan of the retired-actor-turned-manager Kijima that became his romantic partner eventually. I love the serious and jolly personality that these two managers have. Such a good plot twist!
On EP05, when Akafuji dressed as a girl servant in order to spy on his boyfriend, it was such a funny thing. I even didn’t notice that the background character was the main character itself. Great execution of those scenes. Their charm is to actually surprise us with an entertaining approach.
As we all knew, the main issue that the MCs had was the communication and comprehension problems they both have due to being respectable to one another. I’m glad that they are finally able to learn and convey their real thoughts and emotions at the finale. I am just hoping to see more intimate scenes from them but it’s still okay knowing that it was a rom-com drama.
I love the prequel and I also love this sequel. With the prequel only having three short EPs, from the sequel turning it to have six EPs, I am so happy to once again indulge with their chemistry and undying visuals.
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K-BL As Usual
It was a promising show with a cast that served looks. The story of reconnection due to the misunderstanding built from the past was a cliche, but still entertaining at some point. However, it lacks more depth and character development, especially for Min Jun. They can give a more intriguing plot between the couple instead of the complicated trust issue that Min Jun has had since the first episode.I also feel like the handsome intern can add more spice to the story, such as inserting himself as a love triangle to the couple, or having an unrequited love for Min Jun was fine too. It feels like his character is underdeveloped.
Nevertheless, I still like this show and ranked it as an above-average (but not that highly rated) BL compared to other K-BLs aired before it. The tension of that intimate kiss and bed scene was the best thing that this drama had to offer. They devour each other like there’s no tomorrow, emphasizing how much they miss the existence of the other party. I love to see two men kissing in a BL.
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Love can be seen in any forms
A well-executed love story with key takeaways that love can be felt despite the hindrance that the other party has or vice-versa. They have fascinated me since the first episode; their good looks, heartwarming storyline, and acting performances are cleverly emphasized.There was this dramatic scene on EP09 when Jiang Shao Peng’s mother was rushed to the hospital. The way they convey how Shao Peng keeps his emotions all throughout himself as a deaf person is excellent. It was a peak moment for him to release the anger inside him and show his frustration for not being able to speak. The exchange of lines, both in sign language and with the spoken script, was deserving of a big round of applause. This is my favorite scene as it showcases how great the two main leads are as an actor.
Even the side couple never disappoints. I adore their scenes as it was chaotically cute. The chemistry between both couples is superb. We may not get the full approval from Sean’s dad at the end, but I think we can conclude that his dad cares a lot about him that much. After all, the finale has already given us a happy ending for everyone. A semi-light BL that delivered a perfect portrayal of how we can define love and express it in any form of communication.
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Euthanasia versus the law
I never knew that I would get to see JJ and Tor paired in a BL show one day. Indeed, it was a dream come true. Throughout the eight episodes, I keep murmuring the phrase, “JJ is so freaking handsome!” The police uniform suited him well which highlights his manliness charms. Plus, those sexy glares and voices were too much to handle.The storyline was well written to the point that I found myself composing for some assumptions and possible twists regarding the real suspect for the sudden death of the palliative patients. The suspense is real! It also introduces the concept of euthanasia to the viewers, which is a serious topic that is discussed. A lot of countries, especially in Asia, are not too open to this medical approach. Which is reasonable due to its cons and needs a depth analysis for a law to be passed.
All casts give their best to perform their roles effectively. I don’t have any bad comments about the show as I fully enjoyed it as a whole. In the end, we got to see the Doctor confessing his involvement to his police lover. I liked how they came up with a finale that may be a sign of a possible sequel.
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180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us
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When the man found the 52-hertz whale that lives in a mountain
The acting performances from the three of them made the drama more remarkable. Despite shooting in a limited location, episodes, and casts; the outcome was insanely great. Pond with his long hair and exposed chest is legendary. I am drooling at how sexy he is but more importantly, in awe of how great he is with the dramatic exchange of lines with Uncle In and his mother. A boy who is seeking an answer to the death of his father but eventually falls in love with his father’s true love. A complicated flow of events but I am buying it.Nike, as Uncle In, is the definition of a daddy. I can’t blame Wang for shooting a fiery glare on those tight muscles. Both of them are too hot to handle. The more episodes I’ve watched, the deeper I wanted them to kiss. Those stares sent signals of them craving to eat each other but holding back because of their tangled relationship. The sexual tension is high and showcases a perfect atmosphere to convey the feelings of their characters,
They also introduced me to the story of a 52-hertz whale which is sad knowing how isolated it is while patiently waiting for someone to reach its place. It was a prominent concept in the drama as it visualizes the life of Uncle In. Not being together at the end was understandable and I love how the finale ended with taglines representing the lessons we got from the three characters; Wang, In, and the noisy mother. This has already carved their uniqueness in the BL history and I salute them for bringing a new trope to BL fans.
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Refreshing nostalgia of love
It’s Do Woo’s time to shine, once again! His charming smiles spread positive vibes within me and the way he nailed his role as Kim Dong Hui was excellent. I was in awe at how beautiful he was during one of the scenes when he was smiling up to his ears with splashing water in the background. This boy is so precious, an adorable gem.Won Tae Min as Ko Ho Tae also delivered a well-acted performance as someone who shared the same romantic love with his beloved boy. The please-teach-me-how-to-kiss scenarios were beautifully written. It’s the plot of the story that ignites the flame of love to the both of them.
The story should give us more info regarding Dong Hui’s father. There was one scene when he was beaten up on his birthday with the mother just crying in the corner and kind of being used to it. In terms of romance, I liked how they blended a good amount of chemistry without relying on other supporting casts. Yet, at some point, I am hoping that Dong Hui’s classmate can be the potential love rival of Ho Tae as explicit during the first few episodes.
Honestly, I almost forgot the whole storyline of its sequel. This prequel ended up better than the first show. Nevertheless, both shows did well and I am happy to complete another well-written short BL series.
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They have the chance to slam dunk the ball but miss a lot of shots
It was a treat to see MeenPing play in a sports-romance drama. Yet, it is still inconsistent with several revelations happening one after another, to the point that it gets messy.Things I hated (Cons) :
- Cringe exchange of lines and overused fluffy scenes
- The gang and the guns. It ended so fast with no consequences or explanation that took place after the killing. Not to mention that it wasn’t a good choice of storyline to add to this kind of genre.
- Everything happened during the EPs when the coach was pushed to quit the team. Lacks creativity in exploring other better scenarios.
- Ping’s dramatic acting. He needs to attend more acting lessons.
- The pairing of every single character. At least one side couple is enough.
- The start and the ending.
Pros:
- The chemistry and the love triangle. The sole reason why I didn’t drop the show.
- The visuals.
- A few episodes from the middle part of the show.
That’s it. It was just merely average.
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