Reviews

"It's Okay, That's Love."

I have so much love for this drama. Despite first watching it when airing 10 years ago, my love for this drama never changes. It remains a timeless classic and one of it's kind, despite it being already a decade old. Writer No Hee Kyung never disappoints, but out of all her works, IOTL will forever stay snug in my heart. It's just so raw, so tender, and so genuine.
We Koreans that love this drama like to say that, "괜사 계절이 왔다." which means "The season of IOTL is here." AKA A drama where it's just a mandatory rewatch every summer.

There are complaints time to time about how frustrating some of the characters can be, but to me, it is what makes this drama this drama. I don't necessarily blame anyone for not being able to see past the character's flaws, but for those who are able to, I think there is an unspoken understanding and love for these characters and why they are the way they are.

Hae-soo is a flawed character. In a way, she is written like a character that isn't asked to be liked. She is just simply Hae-soo. That's what I love about her. She isn't asking to be liked. She's headstrong, she's prideful, and she isn't necessarily someone that everyone would get along with. She is simply just a human being, who has been through shit, has ideals and virtues that were shaped by her past, and isn't simply just black and white like most humans are. Jae-yeol, our ML, is also a flawed man but there is more to him than being a cheeky asshole at times. Throughout the drama, you learn that these characters are not simply what you see at the surface, but people, that are just trying to navigate the world like the rest of us. I like to say it is a drama about people, just being people, that were once deeply hurt by the world around them.

There is a line I love from this drama that I feel like well portrays the characters and the drama.
"..Because this is everyone's first time living, it's inevitable that we aren't perfect. That's why we are pitiable, and that's why we can make some mistakes.."

This drama's primary theme focuses on mental health, which is often rare in an East Asian context. Mental health is often something that is brushed over and never deeply discussed in Korean culture and to think that this came out in 2014.. It has and always will be ahead of its time.

There are two main things that come to my mind when I think of this drama:
Chemistry and OST.

I've watched my fair share of dramas throughout my life, but no couple will ever do love like Jae-yeol and Hae-soo. You can feel so much love and tenderness between the two as their love progresses, no matter how many times I watch it, I always think it's just crazy how GHJ and JIS manage to portray being in love that transparently. I always am reminded, "Oh, that's right, that's what love is."

Second part, OST. The soundtrack for this show, just absolutely insane. Hero, Ship and the Globe, It's Okay, That's Love, Sleepless Nights, etc... It's just so so so good and there is no Korean drama to me that does OST like IOTL.

I also really love love the title. (As you can tell, I... just love the drama.)
"It's okay, that's love." or "It's okay, it's love."
I think it's just a beautiful title. That is what just love is sometimes.

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Captivating story, Strong character development, well-crafted plot twists, and stunning filmography!

"Joy of Life Season 2" is a captivating Chinese drama that continues to impress viewers with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. The second season of this series delves deeper into the life of Fan Xian, a character who is not only intelligent but also incredibly sly in his actions.

One of the standout aspects of "Joy of Life Season 2" is the character development of Fan Xian. Throughout the series, we see him navigate through various challenges and obstacles with his sharp wit and cunning strategies. His intelligence shines through as he outsmarts his enemies and maneuvers his way through complex political situations. Fan Xian's ability to think quickly on his feet and adapt to changing circumstances makes him a truly fascinating character to watch.

In addition to Fan Xian, the supporting characters in "Joy of Life Season 2" also add depth and complexity to the story. Each character is well-developed and contributes to the overall narrative in a meaningful way. The interactions between the characters are engaging and keep viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.

Furthermore, the production value of "Joy of Life Season 2" is top-notch. The costumes, set design, and cinematography are all beautifully done. The attention to detail in recreating this historical period is truly impressive and adds to the overall immersive experience of the series.

Overall, "Joy of Life Season 2" is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and intricate storytelling. With its intelligent and sly protagonist, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, this series is sure to keep viewers entertained from start to finish.
I'm loving every moment of this drama.
I highly recommend giving it a watch.

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Great, but not as great as S1

This was still really great and captivating — I couldn't wait to see how the mystery would turn out now that we were getting into who was behind the killer, and it definitely felt like the villains and the good guys were going head-to-head and you didn't know who would have the upper hand and where. There was a lot of great tension whenever they had to sneak into places or were trying to work undercover.

I think the way the story plays out is just okay though; it doesn't quite feel as fleshed out, and there are reveals that I was looking forwards to that ended up being sort of underwhelming.

The best part of this season, however, is absolutely the trio of Ren Fei/Lian Yan Dong/Ji Si Qi. They hit this perfect balance of being in law enforcement and working outside of it, while giving off this "found family" feeling. I REALLY wish we got more of them, whether they were plotting or having an awkward meal together.

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Run on miscommunication

This reminded me a lot of The Promise. These types of misunderstandings stemming from miscommunication turn into long run on series. Much like The Promise, a decade rolls by before they meet up again. Even after meeting up, the friendship turning into a relationship takes the entire series to sort out.

Let me just say that I really despise the moderators of this platform for approving the most asinine synopsis to past because they need a reliable source which often is wrong.

They didn’t misunderstand each other from a kiss. They had sex before they were ready. Then due to being young they both read into the situation wrong by what each said because when you’re young you can be this dumb about love and sex.

This could’ve been so much better if they didn’t give a nowheresville story for the brother Ki and the farmer Gumbie. That was a waste of time where we could’ve had a better fleshed out character developments. The office extras were annoying. I wish they would e done he dad a better arc.

I can see why some people find the series boring. It definitely had a lot to do with the editing and cinematography. A lot of the dialogue scenes could have been shot better for it isn’t monotonous. The lighting was horrendous. It was either too blow out or flat. I don’t know what the last episode with the window kissing scenes was. It’s like the shot it during different times of the day and just splice it together.

This had potential but the director and editor clearly are doing amateur hour. The acting was strong at during emotional scenes but mostly weak when they were just playing around.

The NC scenes are not glossy with hot kisses. It was kinda good to show how realistic sex is like is the most soft porn kind of way possible.

Overall, it wasn’t bad as a BL that had some school scenes. It’s not fluffy but it wasn’t that deep either. I’m so glad I finally got around to watching it and checking it off my list.

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There is a reason why the title is Unknown

Unknown is clearly a master piece in BLs.
The title Unknown is chosen for a reason because Qian and Yuan's relationship doesn't fall in to the norms of society,
I see lot of reviewers using words like disgusting, Yuck etc... but do they realise that this BL title itself is saying do not look at their relationship with the norms of society and what society knows? I am not sure. Qian and Yuan's relationship evolves from something to something else at each period of their life. There is no name for this kind of relationship in our society .
Data points:
1) Qian and Yuan are not blood related but Qian chooses to raise Yuan like a brother despite Qian being a child , parentless himself and Yuan being a homeless stranger and a younger child. In the societal norms this would be closer to adoption but adoption is done between an adult and a child but not a child and a child. So their relationship is more closer to unknown in norms of society.
2) Yuan cares for Qian and knows his PTSD with women and relationships where Qian cannot actively seeks partner. He starts seeing Qian in a different light as he grows that would make him want to stay with him forever. Again it's an unknown relationship in the norms of society.
3) Qian knows something is off with his own feelings in their relationship early on given the extreme closeness both have for each other before Yuan confesses. He also doesn't know what to call it because again it doesn't fall in the norms of the society. So he decides to stay in his safe zone of brotherhood by keeping distance between both.
4)Yuan makes it extremely clear after coming back that he cannot and will not let go of Qian. Qian once he realises that he might have lost Yuan in US starts to panic and realizes the relationship and what he feels is definitely not in the norms of Society. Again the relationship is Unknown according to societal rules.
5) After Yuan's persistence, Qian gains courage to act on his feelings which is not easy for him to begin with. He realises that he is the happiest he has ever been and he has a shoulder to lean on. But according to society they are brothers. But between them they are lovers. This would not fall in the norms of society in relationships either. So hence Unknown. I hope the negative reviewers look at this and try to see this BL in a new light. I really do not wish people losing out on a beautiful story that is so poignantly shown.

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'This is not art'

The title above is the true message of the show. This show mocks us, the viewers. It's because we always crave more. Like, even in harmless rom-coms, we want to see characters hold hands, then hug, then kiss, etc. We don't like to see this in reverse, or just them holding hands in most of the show, do we?
The acting, music, sets, and costumes are just perfect. Yes, the plot does derail because of its dependency on torture porn and there are some noticeable plot holes as well, but they didn't bother much as I watched. "The journey is better than the execution."

And, the ending is very meta: Philip, 7th floor, who is an unsuccessful screenwriter, finally understands what viewers love to watch.

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too long and too boring

I am a fan of ro woon and impartial to jo boah cuz they are both good actors and they did do an okay job.
however the drama was just so long and boring and they filled in useless amount of information and plot holes which made zero sense.
it's actually a waste of time drama that did nothing for me to invoke emotions sympathize with suyi or even really get into the whole "destined" part.

this was a max 10 episode drama that could have been done with much better writing. anyone debating to watch this because they don't have time and want to watch something good, skip this one

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Please pour me some wine to go with this cheese!

Only two episodes in so a lot can still happen -- both for the good and equally for the bad. I will say, however, that despite some flaws there is great potential for this to be quite a fun romcom.

The pros --> a fun mix of old versus new. Have you ever had a very specific itch to watch a historical drama AND a modern romance at the same time? Well then, this might be the drama for you. It's an odd mix of the Joseon era and modern day and I'm not quite sure if it works yet...but it's still kind of fun. Another perk - chivalrous male lead helping out a female lead who is struggling. Might be cliché, but it's a trope that I always go for and this drama delivers that. Plus art thieves? And work drama in the fashion industry? What? A strange mix...but this MIGHT work.

The cons --> I'd like some wine with this cheese, please. It's been a bit over-acted and, at times, a bit cringey. The female lead seems to be a bit over dramatic (she's either REALLY happy or REALLY upset...there's not much in the middle) and I think that's to the detriment of the story. And the combo of Joseon era + modern era? Plus art thieves? And work drama in the fashion industry? What? A strange mix...this might NOT work.

Two episodes in is too little to make a judgement call on the drama as a whole. But will I continue to watch? Yep. Will I hope for more chivalrous moments that I'm trash for? Absolutely. Will I cringe a bit at the over the top expressions and layer of cheeze whiz on top of most of the scenes? You bet.

Why?

Because, to steal my dad's most favorite awkward conversation filler, "I like cheese."

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nothing

The show was cute in a non cringe way and ive grown to like the male lead. Before I wasnt really into him but now i think hes actually good and hea just grown on me overall. Ending this, this drama was pretty good and I would recommend for an easy watch. I will say that the acting saved the show because the plot isnt really much so im glad that they got actors that can pull it off. I will say that the forest officer was quite annoying but I didnt hat her. Other than that the characters were good and the assistant omg I loved him. He was the beaf and I was happy every time he appeared on the screen

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The most relatable drama of my life

This is a fantastic drama, so beautifully done, and extremely poetic. Every stage of my life I've watched this in, I have felt something different.

In my 20s, I related to Soo Ji, who didn't need a man, and thought her besties, family, and career are the most important things.

Close to turning 30, I related the most to Ji ho, who wanted to find a steady, unchanging, comfortable "home". Especially good if it comes with a soulmate & partner to call it "ours".

A couple years later, after my breakup of a long-term relationship, I knew how Ho Rang must've felt, with time-ticking, stuck in a loving but just utterly wrong relationship - and how her bf Wonseok couldn't change the way he JUST ISN'T READY.

As Nam Se Hee said, age doesn't matter to cats. To them, time is only the current moment; they do not feel sad or depressed about the passage of time. This has been my favorite drama since 2017, and it still is to this day.

I would knock off half a star for the last episodes, but...ehhh...it is overall too good to hate on.

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this is a heads up! please read before starting this!

hi hi
I posted this as a comment before but as more ppl get into this drama and they discover its slow burn :
I need the ones watching and getting annoyed that's it's slow paced and boring to focus on the cinematographer and director..don't choose it because of the cast..

this has the taste of the works of the director and cinematographer..so if you don't like their work don't delve into this drama..

please know what you're getting into! (I understand the main leads are talented actors but you have to understand that the plot and vibe is directing this drama not the cast..meaning it will be slow burn, melodramatic with social morality and constraints issues engraved in the plot) what's listed under the genre tag are all dominant: the romance, life and the melodrama

lastly to my slow burn enjoyers let's slowly melt together🤭

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A Whole Masterpiece in Creation

As expected, the writing in the show didn't disappoint. Each episode flows smoothly, balancing romance, comedy, and more. I love how the show embodies its creative vision. The writing and acting are excellent and definitely deserve awards. The hype is well-deserved. The creators and actors have done a remarkable job, bringing each character and story arc to life with great skill. Every scene transitions seamlessly, making it enjoyable to watch. This show truly stands out for its high quality and engaging content, and it’s clear that a lot of effort and talent went into its production.

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Libraries are not only incredible places, dedicated to providing unique services, such as supporting training, research, teaching or the transformation of information into knowledge.
Between books, the constant hustle and bustle of users requesting various library services, this noble institution, with thousands of years of history, can be the perfect setting for two boys to meet again and fall in love.
Kang Woo, the director of the romantic drama 'Blossom Campus', knows this by locating in this academic and cultural environment the setting in which Yoon Chan (Choi Dong Ho), in his first foray in front of the cameras, and Kim Min Jae (Son Byeong Hoon), develop a romantic relationship.
Explicitly or implicitly, in his already suggestive work, the South Korean director stops to reflect the most secret, emotional and internal gears of youth, and offers, on this occasion, a series in which he once again portrays those microcosms to the that we all belong for the mere fact that at some point we have lived, are living or will live that period of a person's life that is between childhood and adulthood, to bring to light their most recognizable conflicts. It is that instant empathy that gives strength to his stories, sometimes silent, subtle and too calm, but with a lot of inner substance.
With backgrounds, symbolisms and homosensual and homoerotic imaginaries that seek to make the public react to their stories and provoke emotions, after writing and directing films such as 'Sweet Curse', 'Some More', 'I Don't Care', 'Secret Roommate' ', 'Dom' and 'Gay Out Soon 5: Free Dating', and the series 'Long Time No See', with 'Blossom Campus', filmmaker Kang Woo once again explores another recurring theme in his already extensive work: his vision of homosexuality from a personal point of view and through the years.
The result is a fun and tender audiovisual, very emotional and addictive, which puts all its weight on the faces of the attractive cast, especially the two protagonists with a captivating chemistry. It is, in short, everything that is as nice, happy and tender as a romantic, musical and youth comedy should be and that, without abandoning the spirit of the genre, has interesting dramatic readings.
The series, with an LGBTIQ+ theme, is a fresh story that vibrates while bringing to the table important themes such as self-discovery, innate vocation, dreams, friendship, love, acceptance, sexual awakening and the search for happiness and identity, seen through Min Jae, a transfer student from the Faculty of Music with a specialization in Applied Music at Hankook University, who on his first day at the new study center accidentally receives help from Yoon Chan, the clumsy and eloquent Taekwondo lover and student at the Faculty of Culture and Sports Arts.
Min Jae is a boy who has had to live his life alone, without family and in an environment of poverty. Since he does not want to appear pitiful to others, he has chosen to hide his inner sweetness. Armed with a shell, he tries to act tough and cold in front of others, until Yoon Chan appears in his path.
Audiences will like Min Jae's character for being a warm and shy person who will have several part-time jobs to support himself, such as being a barista or librarian at the university library. Here he will meet again with the star student who specializes in combat sports, who, in turn, does not know how to approach others and has never had friends. So when Min Jae approaches him first, he gets happy and will try to make him his friend.
Min Jae will react like a tsundere, and will initially have a distant, reserved and even hostile demeanor, but little by little he transforms into someone warm, sensitive and friendly towards the cool and tall young man who only shows feelings for Min Jae, while remaining cold towards others.
Min Jae has been curious about Yoon Chan since they met. He doesn't know what emotions and feelings overcome him every time he is in the presence of the lonely young man full of laughter and energy who doesn't care much about other people... except Min Jae.
The public will be able to enjoy the performance of Choi Dong Ho, an actor with a high capacity to transmit emotions, in a genuine and convincing way, who demonstrates with his performance that far from seeking grandiloquence, he immerses himself in his character with the simplicity that characterizes to those who understand that true art lies in authenticity.
The budding relationship between the two boys will be tested with the arrival of Jeong Woo Hyuk (Kim Yoon Sol), known for his participation in 'Man In The Shower', a new Applied Music student, who will also fall in love with Min Jae. Her character adds layers to the narrative and will keep the audience guessing about the evolution of the love triangle.
The series allows us to see how the actions and emotions of the characters change, all thanks to Yoon Chan's constant aegyo attack against Min Jae, causing fun and hilarious moments with his actions, in addition to the necessary reflection on the topics addressed. However, his own personality will trip up the young athlete, who will need the help of Min Jae's teacher, played by veteran actor Jo Yoo Seok, to be able to recognize his feelings and overcome fears and insecurities.
With realistic representations, the series will provoke the viewer to ask several questions, such as: What will happen when the music student who radiates a calm, meticulous and reflective demeanor, continually crosses paths with the taekwondoka with a strong personality, introverted and somewhat clumsy, but with endearing silliness that increases its charm? Will a chance encounter between them be enough to cause their paths to intertwine and, over time, their bond to deepen and blossom into a romantic relationship?
Although Min Jae thinks Yoon Cha is a very strange guy, for some reason he will still think about him. Their encounters multiply when Min Jae accepts the job as a librarian, which brings them closer together. Since their first stumble, the two have become entangled and closer, leading them to develop a romantic relationship.
The infatuation between Min Jae and Yoon Chan begins slowly; they circle close to each other but keep their distance, wanting to show indifference to disguise their interest. Yoon Chan ends up being much better at that game: he knows better than to stare for too long or too intensely. In contrast, Min Jae's furtive glances end up staying focused as if he is asking a question with his eyes.
In this Matchbox X Strongberry production, the lives of the two will meet, causing a definitive impact on them. The union will be revealing for both of them, who will begin to feel things that they cannot control.
"Although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally, feelings," said Kang Woo.
Those feelings are what he is looking for with the series. It is the emotions and feelings that are there, hidden, but on the surface, that the director wants to uncover with this story. A story of friendship and the discovery of sexuality, of homosexual love that, however, is far from anyone's prejudiced views.
In 'Blossom Campus' the characters discover that they attract each other, they fall in love, but there is no censorship on them. They both discover that they feel something else. Something they can't control. And that, in addition to being human, is beautiful. Because the first love, the real one, you only live once. Whether you are heterosexual or homosexual, whether you are a musician or an athlete, whether you are empathetic and happy, or introverted and clumsy. And therein lies its value. That although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally. The feelings. We all feel. And no one is immune from that.
You don't just visualize Kang Woo's dramatizations, you absorb them. His films and series show us beautiful people with impeccable taste while they intensely live their days of adolescence and youth. Passion and drama put a stop to those lives, but what stands out most about his work is the palpable quality they have.
In the director's work, this passion and drama are expressed with words, silences, actions and music whose strength is increasing and also in the vibrant and visceral textures that surround the characters: the shelf full of books, the light and the shadow, the small table on which the university texts are placed, the computer on, the cafe where lovers meet or work part-time, the combat uniform worn by the athlete in a practice session, glimpses of the sweat...
The viewer will experience memorable scenes, such as the one on the roof, or when each person fixes the other's apron, as it is very suggestive, or when Min Jae, who has an instinct for self-defense, lets Yoon Chan into his house, and The barrier until that moment between the two is broken and he accepts it.
As the drama ends in suspense, there is the possibility of a second season, which we will wait to delve into the romance between two friends who have become so close that they cannot deny the love that unites them.
I cannot finish this review without reaffirming my commitment to fighting harassment and cyberbullying towards the artists involved in this project, as Strongberry also did at the time.

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