This review may contain spoilers
Not perfect but not horrible
As a long-time observer of the discourse surrounding Heesu in Class 2, I've found myself compelled to write this review. The overwhelming influx of hateful, overly-dramatic responses from certain corners of the fanbase has left me with little choice but to address the glaring misconceptions and, in many cases, misguided critiques surrounding the series. Having now watched several episodes, it's clear why some viewers react so vehemently to the mere mention of the show. That being said, I will attempt to present a nuanced, honest analysis of the series while simultaneously urging others to engage with this brilliant, though imperfect, production.
1. The Straight Couple
Yes, you read that correctly: a straight couple in a Boys Love (BL) drama. The inclusion of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong has been met with intense backlash, with some viewers accusing the show of "queerbaiting" — a term that has, in recent years, become a catch-all for any perceived misrepresentation in queer media. While I understand the emotional response this decision has evoked, I also believe that some of the criticism is grounded more in hyperbole than in substantive analysis.
It’s not that I disagree with the argument that adding a straight couple into a BL drama — particularly one based on source material where such a couple doesn't exist — may be a questionable choice. In fact, I agree that this was a controversial decision. However, my issue isn’t necessarily with the pair itself — I actually find the interactions between Ji Yu and Chan Yeong quite engaging. The issue lies in the motivations behind the inclusion of this couple. Some fans have suggested that the addition of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong was a strategic move to increase the show's budget. I find this assertion unconvincing. Instead, I believe this move was an attempt to balance the narrative, potentially aiming to "straighten" the storyline and reduce the emphasis on the primary BL couple. This assumption, however, doesn’t entirely ruin the experience for me.
The inclusion of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong’s relationship is not, as some critics claim, an unnecessary subplot. On the contrary, their dynamic plays a crucial role in the development of the central romance between Heesu and Seungwon. It is through Chan Yeong’s own romantic relationship that Heesu is forced to confront his long-held feelings for him. Heesu has been in love with Chan Yeong for years, yet it’s only when he sees Chan Yeong starting a new relationship that Heesu begins to let go of his past feelings. This shift is what allows him to finally recognize Seungwon as a potential love interest. In this sense, the straight couple’s arc acts as a catalyst for Heesu’s emotional evolution and paves the way for the blossoming romance between Heesu and Seungwon.
Moreover, Ji Yu plays an instrumental role in helping Seungwon navigate his feelings for Heesu. Throughout the series, Ji Yu is consistently supportive, pushing Seungwon to confess his love and to bridge the emotional gap between him and Heesu. This subplot is far from irrelevant; it actively propels the central relationship forward by fostering an environment of emotional growth and mutual understanding. Without Ji Yu’s influence, Seungwon may never have had the courage to express his feelings, and the romantic development between the two leads would have been much slower.
In addition, the challenge with introducing a second BL couple would have been the inevitable comparisons between the two relationships. Given that the pacing of the primary BL couple’s development is inherently slower — a hallmark of the slowburn genre — the second couple could have led to frustrating critiques, as the audience would undoubtedly compare the progression of both relationships.
Furthermore, it’s important to address the misconception that the straight couple has been afforded more screen time than the BL couple. This is simply a misinterpretation, largely based on the events of the fourth episode, in which the straight couple indeed received a greater focus. However, this is not indicative of a permanent trend. In fact, both couples are given ample screen time to develop their respective arcs, and the show doesn't undermine the primary relationship. The show’s slowburn structure remains intact, allowing for a sensitive and deliberate exploration of the main couple's emotional growth. This, in my opinion, is an asset, not a flaw.
2. Why You Should Watch It
Now that we’ve covered the points of contention, let’s focus on why Heesu in Class 2 is a series worth your time. Despite its imperfections, I rated it 9/10, and here’s why:
=> Stunning Cinematography
One of the most remarkable aspects of Heesu in Class 2 is its exceptional cinematography. A recurring issue I’ve encountered with many Korean BL dramas is the disparity in visual quality when compared to mainstream K-dramas. This is not the case here. The visual composition of Heesu in Class 2 stands on its own, featuring meticulously crafted scenes, beautiful framing, and careful attention to detail in every shot. The production values are exceptionally high, and the aesthetic choices made by the director are a breath of fresh air in a genre often dismissed for its lower production standards. This show demonstrates how a BL can be not only emotionally compelling but also visually captivating.
=> Thoughtful Metaphors and Themes
Another defining characteristic of the series is its delicate handling of themes like self-discovery and homosexuality. Unlike many other BLs, which often approach these topics in a surface-level manner, Heesu in Class 2 treats these themes with the care and depth they deserve. The protagonist, Heesu, is not merely navigating the complexities of his feelings for another man, but also grappling with the societal and personal implications that such love brings. The treatment of these struggles feels poignant and relatable, offering a much-needed representation of the internal conflicts faced by those coming to terms with their identities.
The series also incorporates subtle metaphors and philosophical musings, particularly through the character’s introspective monologues. The juxtaposition of these emotional explorations with astronomical imagery is a technique that adds another layer of depth to the narrative, transforming what could have been a typical coming-of-age drama into a more layered, poetic reflection on love, identity, and the passage of time. The symbolic use of the stars and celestial bodies is not only aesthetically pleasing but thematically rich, adding a contemplative and often heartwarming touch to the storyline.
=> Superb Performances
The performances of the cast are another major strength of this production. The actors deliver nuanced and compelling portrayals of their characters, effortlessly capturing the emotional depth of the narrative. From the subtle chemistry between the leads to the more pronounced dynamics between the supporting characters, the acting is impeccable and significantly elevates the material. The skill and dedication of the cast are evident, contributing to the series' ability to resonate emotionally with the audience.
................................................
In conclusion, Heesu in Class 2 is a multifaceted drama that has sparked a wide range of opinions, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not a flawless masterpiece, but it’s a series that is both technically accomplished and emotionally profound. The decision to incorporate a straight couple into the narrative may have raised eyebrows, but it doesn’t detract from the core themes of the series. If you’re looking for a visually stunning, emotionally intelligent exploration of love and self-discovery, then Heesu in Class 2 is certainly worth watching.
Before jumping to conclusions or dismissing it entirely based on the opinions of others, I encourage you to watch the series for yourself. You may find that its brilliance — though imperfect — is undeniable.
1. The Straight Couple
Yes, you read that correctly: a straight couple in a Boys Love (BL) drama. The inclusion of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong has been met with intense backlash, with some viewers accusing the show of "queerbaiting" — a term that has, in recent years, become a catch-all for any perceived misrepresentation in queer media. While I understand the emotional response this decision has evoked, I also believe that some of the criticism is grounded more in hyperbole than in substantive analysis.
It’s not that I disagree with the argument that adding a straight couple into a BL drama — particularly one based on source material where such a couple doesn't exist — may be a questionable choice. In fact, I agree that this was a controversial decision. However, my issue isn’t necessarily with the pair itself — I actually find the interactions between Ji Yu and Chan Yeong quite engaging. The issue lies in the motivations behind the inclusion of this couple. Some fans have suggested that the addition of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong was a strategic move to increase the show's budget. I find this assertion unconvincing. Instead, I believe this move was an attempt to balance the narrative, potentially aiming to "straighten" the storyline and reduce the emphasis on the primary BL couple. This assumption, however, doesn’t entirely ruin the experience for me.
The inclusion of Ji Yu and Chan Yeong’s relationship is not, as some critics claim, an unnecessary subplot. On the contrary, their dynamic plays a crucial role in the development of the central romance between Heesu and Seungwon. It is through Chan Yeong’s own romantic relationship that Heesu is forced to confront his long-held feelings for him. Heesu has been in love with Chan Yeong for years, yet it’s only when he sees Chan Yeong starting a new relationship that Heesu begins to let go of his past feelings. This shift is what allows him to finally recognize Seungwon as a potential love interest. In this sense, the straight couple’s arc acts as a catalyst for Heesu’s emotional evolution and paves the way for the blossoming romance between Heesu and Seungwon.
Moreover, Ji Yu plays an instrumental role in helping Seungwon navigate his feelings for Heesu. Throughout the series, Ji Yu is consistently supportive, pushing Seungwon to confess his love and to bridge the emotional gap between him and Heesu. This subplot is far from irrelevant; it actively propels the central relationship forward by fostering an environment of emotional growth and mutual understanding. Without Ji Yu’s influence, Seungwon may never have had the courage to express his feelings, and the romantic development between the two leads would have been much slower.
In addition, the challenge with introducing a second BL couple would have been the inevitable comparisons between the two relationships. Given that the pacing of the primary BL couple’s development is inherently slower — a hallmark of the slowburn genre — the second couple could have led to frustrating critiques, as the audience would undoubtedly compare the progression of both relationships.
Furthermore, it’s important to address the misconception that the straight couple has been afforded more screen time than the BL couple. This is simply a misinterpretation, largely based on the events of the fourth episode, in which the straight couple indeed received a greater focus. However, this is not indicative of a permanent trend. In fact, both couples are given ample screen time to develop their respective arcs, and the show doesn't undermine the primary relationship. The show’s slowburn structure remains intact, allowing for a sensitive and deliberate exploration of the main couple's emotional growth. This, in my opinion, is an asset, not a flaw.
2. Why You Should Watch It
Now that we’ve covered the points of contention, let’s focus on why Heesu in Class 2 is a series worth your time. Despite its imperfections, I rated it 9/10, and here’s why:
=> Stunning Cinematography
One of the most remarkable aspects of Heesu in Class 2 is its exceptional cinematography. A recurring issue I’ve encountered with many Korean BL dramas is the disparity in visual quality when compared to mainstream K-dramas. This is not the case here. The visual composition of Heesu in Class 2 stands on its own, featuring meticulously crafted scenes, beautiful framing, and careful attention to detail in every shot. The production values are exceptionally high, and the aesthetic choices made by the director are a breath of fresh air in a genre often dismissed for its lower production standards. This show demonstrates how a BL can be not only emotionally compelling but also visually captivating.
=> Thoughtful Metaphors and Themes
Another defining characteristic of the series is its delicate handling of themes like self-discovery and homosexuality. Unlike many other BLs, which often approach these topics in a surface-level manner, Heesu in Class 2 treats these themes with the care and depth they deserve. The protagonist, Heesu, is not merely navigating the complexities of his feelings for another man, but also grappling with the societal and personal implications that such love brings. The treatment of these struggles feels poignant and relatable, offering a much-needed representation of the internal conflicts faced by those coming to terms with their identities.
The series also incorporates subtle metaphors and philosophical musings, particularly through the character’s introspective monologues. The juxtaposition of these emotional explorations with astronomical imagery is a technique that adds another layer of depth to the narrative, transforming what could have been a typical coming-of-age drama into a more layered, poetic reflection on love, identity, and the passage of time. The symbolic use of the stars and celestial bodies is not only aesthetically pleasing but thematically rich, adding a contemplative and often heartwarming touch to the storyline.
=> Superb Performances
The performances of the cast are another major strength of this production. The actors deliver nuanced and compelling portrayals of their characters, effortlessly capturing the emotional depth of the narrative. From the subtle chemistry between the leads to the more pronounced dynamics between the supporting characters, the acting is impeccable and significantly elevates the material. The skill and dedication of the cast are evident, contributing to the series' ability to resonate emotionally with the audience.
................................................
In conclusion, Heesu in Class 2 is a multifaceted drama that has sparked a wide range of opinions, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not a flawless masterpiece, but it’s a series that is both technically accomplished and emotionally profound. The decision to incorporate a straight couple into the narrative may have raised eyebrows, but it doesn’t detract from the core themes of the series. If you’re looking for a visually stunning, emotionally intelligent exploration of love and self-discovery, then Heesu in Class 2 is certainly worth watching.
Before jumping to conclusions or dismissing it entirely based on the opinions of others, I encourage you to watch the series for yourself. You may find that its brilliance — though imperfect — is undeniable.
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