ajuniceee

The very start throws you rather headfirst into the plot without giving much context, but luckily it is easy to figure out what is going on and what the characters roles are. However it takes some time for some characters to be established fully and concretely, with kim jeongha being a fairly ambiguous character through his motivations and relationships until around episode 3 or 4.

The story is one of desperate connection and the need to be wanted and desired, with lee hyeonjae clinging so desperately onto han giu despite obvious drawbacks within their relationship. It brings up the topic of unhealthy or unfair power dynamics and abuse of authority, however, it is (in my opinion) one of the reasons why this story is so captivating, as it explores those topics in a way i haven't seen before, with the character in the typically vulnerable position actually being the one to initiate and curate all their interactions and tension, creating a nuanced and interesting dynamic that is not very often explored in media. I would not go as far as to say that it is one sided or manipulated by the younger, as they both become intertwined in each others life in a way they should not be, however the student is far more active in their explicit relationship, for example letting himself get hurt so that the older will patch him up, whilst the teacher lets himself be approached by the student, for example letting him stay at his apartment and giving into the kiss, when it is obvious they both desire each other and what the other makes them feel. Besides their relationship is entirely legal, with both characters being over the age of consent, and even with a considerable age gap of 10 years between them, hyeonjae is still noticeably an adult. The series is dark and passionate, and the tension and atmosphere creates an exciting and engaging story filled with serious topics and morally grey characters/ relationships which are nuanced and complicated. It's a bit messy, and that is fun, it introduces forbidden and sensual relationships that draw this drama together very nicely.

However this drama is not all dark and passionate tension, what really resonates with me is how they both seem to be on similar and equal planes of existence, they are both trapped or stuck in life and seem to find a comfort and relatability within each other which naturally draws them to each other and breeds that desire and almost dependence on the other. Hyeongjae is trapped in a life of invisibility that he did not choose, stuck between people who either fear his father or respect him too much to question his authority, forcing him into a stagnant and melancholy existence. Yet Giu gives him a luxury no one else has ever afforded him before, visibility. He establishes that he wants to help hyeongjae, not because he is the chairmans son, but because he sees that he needs help. On top of that, Giu lives a dull and lifeless life, with no real human connection or secure job in place. Hyeongjae introduces a purpose into his life, something to show him that he is still alive and capable of real emotion again, after having been told he is a dull and boring person. They both grant each other something the other had never been granted by another person. This is why i find their relationship so entrancing and fascinating, that despite the power dynamic put between them, they are still able to live through each other as equals.

The acting is rather stand out as well. the actors are good at portraying the ambiguity and complicated nature of the characters and their emotions, with the lead couple having good chemistry and understanding of the complex emotions experienced throughout the series. Only 4 episodes have aired so far, but its new and interesting premise, alongside the good acting and palpable tension make this series one which has stood out to me this year, and i am excited to watch more and see what comes next!