Business as Usual but Not Much Else
Business as Usual is exactly what the title suggests: predictable, safe, and serviceable. It doesn’t try to be revolutionary, and frankly, it doesn’t come close. But it’s not a total flop either. It gives you just enough to sit through it, but not enough to leave a lasting impression.
It started off with promise. The setup was intriguing enough to catch attention, but as the episodes progressed, it became clear the drama was stretching out a storyline that could’ve been resolved in a single conversation. What could’ve been a more emotionally rich and tightly written series ended up being padded with avoidable miscommunication and narrative stalling.
Chemistry-wise, the leads had something, but just barely. You won’t swoon, but you’ll acknowledge it's there. With more training and time, I can see both actors evolving into roles that ask for deeper emotional work. Jin Hwan’s character carried a quiet emotional burden that resonated, while Minjun’s arc lacked growth, he stayed in the same emotional place for most of the drama. Even by episode 7, he was still whining. There was potential for a redemptive arc, but it never came.
One of the more disappointing aspects was the present-day storyline. While the past/present structure made sense conceptually, the execution was clunky. The present scenes felt shallow and rushed, making it hard to connect. It’s like they had all the right ingredients but cooked the dish on low heat and served it half-baked.
Romantic scenes? Decent. Korea continues to improve in portraying BL intimacy, though still somewhat restrained.
Speaking of clichés, the airport scene made me groan. That trope has been played out enough. Unless you're giving us a Call Me by Your Name level of heartbreak or Your Name Engraved Herein depth, maybe it’s time to leave that in 2024.
The ending? Rushed, disconnected, but at least not tragic. There's some satisfaction in the closure, though it felt more like a sigh than a moment of impact. The familial storyline felt like an afterthought tossed in for some emotional seasoning.
While Thai and Taiwanese BLs continue to push the envelope in plot, performance, and emotional weight, Korean BLs seem to be stuck in a cycle of safety and hesitation. Yes, restrictions may still exist, but if a story can’t be told with full commitment, perhaps it’s better left on the drawing board. Especially with rising actors, a BL role can either build a career or bury it.
The standout elements? Cinematography and OST, both top-tier, as expected of Korean production teams.
And as a side note, I couldn’t help but notice the office setup looked awfully familiar. Turns out, it's the same one from The New Employee. I guess I’ve officially watched too many BLs.
Overall, watchable, but ultimately forgettable.
It started off with promise. The setup was intriguing enough to catch attention, but as the episodes progressed, it became clear the drama was stretching out a storyline that could’ve been resolved in a single conversation. What could’ve been a more emotionally rich and tightly written series ended up being padded with avoidable miscommunication and narrative stalling.
Chemistry-wise, the leads had something, but just barely. You won’t swoon, but you’ll acknowledge it's there. With more training and time, I can see both actors evolving into roles that ask for deeper emotional work. Jin Hwan’s character carried a quiet emotional burden that resonated, while Minjun’s arc lacked growth, he stayed in the same emotional place for most of the drama. Even by episode 7, he was still whining. There was potential for a redemptive arc, but it never came.
One of the more disappointing aspects was the present-day storyline. While the past/present structure made sense conceptually, the execution was clunky. The present scenes felt shallow and rushed, making it hard to connect. It’s like they had all the right ingredients but cooked the dish on low heat and served it half-baked.
Romantic scenes? Decent. Korea continues to improve in portraying BL intimacy, though still somewhat restrained.
Speaking of clichés, the airport scene made me groan. That trope has been played out enough. Unless you're giving us a Call Me by Your Name level of heartbreak or Your Name Engraved Herein depth, maybe it’s time to leave that in 2024.
The ending? Rushed, disconnected, but at least not tragic. There's some satisfaction in the closure, though it felt more like a sigh than a moment of impact. The familial storyline felt like an afterthought tossed in for some emotional seasoning.
While Thai and Taiwanese BLs continue to push the envelope in plot, performance, and emotional weight, Korean BLs seem to be stuck in a cycle of safety and hesitation. Yes, restrictions may still exist, but if a story can’t be told with full commitment, perhaps it’s better left on the drawing board. Especially with rising actors, a BL role can either build a career or bury it.
The standout elements? Cinematography and OST, both top-tier, as expected of Korean production teams.
And as a side note, I couldn’t help but notice the office setup looked awfully familiar. Turns out, it's the same one from The New Employee. I guess I’ve officially watched too many BLs.
Overall, watchable, but ultimately forgettable.
Was this review helpful to you?
