Blueming (2022)

Might be a "NOT A ROMANCE" series

The romantic story in it was really blurred. Not a clarification why and how the lead got to know the other was in love and why he suddenly accepted him.
BUT!!!!!!
I need to appreciate the relation with the families. I think the direction was most focused on that and I clearly would give that a 10/10.
kids thinking parents aren't enough in their way and parents working hard to give their kids everything. Both two are two different things needing a different approach. But I loved it how they portrayed that story.
Watch the series not putting more hope in the relationship of main leads, but watch it fir the later story.

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So underrated!

I hate how underrated this show is! I swear it's so good?? It's totally a game changer to Korean BL! They set the bar so high! The chemistry, the acting, the storyline, all perfect!

I love how the characters actually communicate, they talk about the problems through.

And are we gonna talk about the silhouette scene?? Totally a game changer to all other bls!! They need to step up the game!!

I'm blaming IQIYI for releasing all the episodes in one go! They could've make way more bigger sound if they released 2 episodes/week. I curse you iqiyi.

Idk yall but this is the example of perfect korean bl to me.

Istg if they ain't got no s2 imma cryyyy!!!

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Eventhough it has no original storyline its worth to watch

Blueming is one of my personal favorites just because of the great acting and the general feeling of watching it.
It doesn't have like a never seen before storyline and jet you won't get tired of watching it. It has some comedic aspects as well which is always a delight.
It's realistic which I value a lot in a drama and somehow it just pulls you in :)
WARNING BINGE WATCHING POTENTIAL IS VERY HIGH lol
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I don't know what else to write about the drama but I have to fill 500 characters so I'm gonna give some recommendations:
if you like enemies to lovers watch semantic error
if you want to see something genuinely new watch Kamisama no Ekohiiki/the favoritism of the god
if you value straight relationships in bls the I would recommend Kieta Hatsukoi

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Top 5 best KBL

Usually I get annoyed by the short lengthened kbls but with blueming it just works. It’s simple and sweet. The problem between the two main leads makes sense and isn’t just an overreaction between the two leads like a normal BL. They way they they don’t take long to make up but also open to es h other was also good. I liked how the last episode it’s literally just the two main leads making up and then just having a relaxing day with each other. The script writes doesn’t try to throw any more unnecessary plot lines in. One of the best things in general about this show is the lack of unnecessary plot lines. Very few KBLs do a good job with realizing the small time frame they have and making good efficient of time with it. Overall tone of my favorite BLs in general and I’m always rewatching it. ALSO I NEED SEASON TWO TO DROP ALREADY!!!!!!

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Good but too Short for Deep-Dive

I loved the cast and the storyline, but felt that it the series was too short to deep-dive into the many complex issues that were introduced during this series. I think that they need a traditional length part 2 of this series to address some loose ends.

1. We never really find out how being suffering child neglect has impacted Daun. This series does show that child neglect impacts high income families as well.
2. Si Won really only cares about himself and how he feels. I found his selfishness annoying at times.
3. So what's the mom's backstory?
4. Why does everyone act like jerks in response to Si Won's film. I didn't really understand that.
5. Should Si Won and his sister make a decision on if they want to mend their relationship with their father, or if they are staying away to not upset the mother, who was shown as a very excitable person when angry.

Since I liked the acting and the cast, I would be willing to watch a Part 2, but as a stand alone series, I can't see myself rewatching this.

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Imperfectly Perfect Korean School BL

"Blueming" is a delightful story that reminds us not to judge a book by its cover, as both lead characters hide personal traumas behind their seemingly perfect exteriors due to their parents.

The series follows Cha Si Won, who believes that good looks and popularity go hand in hand. Driven by his mother's insensitive comments, he strives to be popular by maintaining a strict regime and a pleasant personality. However, his confidence is shaken when he encounters Hyeong Da Un, another seemingly perfect guy with excellent grades, wealth, and a charming personality. Si Won's encounters with Da Un lead to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship, especially when they end up working together on a film project. As they spend more time together, Si Won begins to see Da Un in a different light, and their bond deepens.

The heartwarming journey of Si Won and Da Un's romance touches your heart in the best way. Both characters are beautifully flawed, and their development throughout the series is captivating. "Blueming" avoids the typical school BL tropes found in Thai BLs and presents a concise yet impactful story without filler scenes. The fans' love for the series and the chemistry between the main characters paved the way for a well-deserved season 2, where their relationship will be further explored.

This series sets a shining example for Thai BLs by delivering a compelling story without unnecessary prolongation. By understanding what the fans want, "Blueming" proves that a well-crafted second season can be more successful than churning out subpar sequels like "2gether" and "Still 2gether." "Blueming" showcases the potential of Korean BLs and demonstrates how quality storytelling can lead to both critical acclaim and financial success.

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oddly honest, maybe bittersweet

idk, for some reason this made me cry and feel melancholy without really understanding why i was sad, but not in a bad way? something about this just had a slow burn hurt, like that stitch in your clothes slowly ripping open and falling apart instead of a quick rip and tear.

It's a lowkey subtle show, done in the typical "imply don't show" manner you may know from k BLs in general, but especially from series like To My Star. (which, btw, has the same director as TMS s1 and s2, and Where Your Eyes Linger). It's a soft, subtle show that may or may not really hit home for some with its understated realism while others find it boring and underwhelming because of exactly that. idk, i liked it

minor crits:
-they gave just a LITTLE bit too much screentime to the side characters. without any background knowledge of the manhwa this was adapted from, it really seemed like the male friend with glasses had a crush on the female artist friend or siwon lmao. it was probably a nice nod to the manhwa and his plotline for people who did read the manhwa but it was just confusing more than anything to me
-i wish they showed a bit of why daun likes siwon so much. that little convo they had about it near the end was cute, but i wish they had showed some of the those qualities more before they got together? you kinda saw a glimpse of it when siwon felt bad and went out of his way to apologize to the female artist, but otherwise....eh

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16 episode 1 hour dramas are OVER

I really enjoyed this overall! This show further proves what I thought, you don't need THAT much time to tell a good story with interesting characters. I was super excited to watch the whole way through and the leads are sooo handsome. The steamy scenes are great, but subtle. The kiss was fantastic.

Acting: so awkward omg. I'm not sure if it's the direction or what, but there's so many scenes with uncomfortable awkward tension. Especially da-woon. He only has two expressions: completely blank stare and (sometimes awkward) smiling. Si won has more of a range in this but his bawling crying scene was really bad. Otherwise I liked him a lot. Everyone else does a great job! Especially the little sister, the mom and the quiet girl.

Plot: it's fine! Pacing is good too. Huge pro of having a short story. There were some points in the story that I felt were kinda done weird like the photo thing and the ass classmate and the quiet girl and the guy crushing on her. I see what they were going for but they were kinda just distractions and poorly executed. Also I'm here for the fluff and keeping it light, but the progression to a romantic relationship between the leads felt undeserved and sudden? Like Da-Woon doesn't have much of a personality so the only thing the audience can see that Si-Won would like is that he listens and clearly has a crush on Si-Won. Actually, I'm not even sure how Si-Won knows da woon had a crush on him?? Like he was literally just being a nice guy albeit a bit intrusive. There's no way he had enough evidence to feel comfortable believing da woon had a crush on him. The man barely talks or e-motes. It really just makes it seem like a "well he really likes me so I really like him" sort of thing.

Also I'm sorry I know it's 2023 and we've "moved forward", but I'm gonna need plots to actually talk about being gay sometimes. Like it doesn't always have to be a big thing but at least drop a hint that either character could be into guys before the big kiss?? There was literally no reason to think that either character was gay apart from knowing the premise so to get them knocking boots in a hotel suddenly feels kinda strange.

Speaking of, Da-Woon you got some nerve!! I was rooting for you and then you pulled that thing with your mom and the movie. Like was that totally necessary? And why would you not tell your mom to keep it lowkey and not talk about it with si-won nearby.

Also, not only did you not confess on your own, but you lied to him TWICE when he confronted you about it and tried to gas light him. Did NOT like that at all. Like damn you fine and all but that was kinda crazy and a bit unhinged. I'm side eyeing him a bit but he fine as hell so he can get a few chances. It really just seemed like da woon was trying to secure his man anyway he could but we don't know what he was thinking at all because again, he has I NO personality. It honestly just comes off sleezy since we have no real context.

Anyway, it's a cute show and I recommend it. It's very short and easy to watch. Just lower your expectations and don't think too hard and you'll have a great time!

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Realistic Acting With Amazing Script And Story

This became my favourite as soon as I binge-watched it just now.

LIKES:
1. Amazing acting (which Korean shows almost always deliver tbh)
2. Chemistry between the two MCs was incredible!
3. Every character felt three-dimensional
4. The story and the script were impeccably written. Engaging, to the point, bittersweet, smart.
5. Production quality

DISLIKES:
1. Too short!

I seriously cannot emphasize enough how much I liked this show. The love story felt so realistic and organic. The family dynamic of the main character was depicted well. Also, the traumas of the main character were also developed well and came out in an amazing story and acting.

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Restrained and subtle, but oh-so lovely.

I'm a huge fan of this director. I like the pace; the look; and the air of subtle restraint evident in her work. In Blueming, love and attraction simmers, feelings are scrambled and awkward, and the 'confession' doesn't evolve flowery words, but spawns touch and yearning. I thought the acting felt real and the characters felt fully dimensional and thus gave both male lead actors a full ten points. If I could have, I would have added another ten points for the cinematography. Some of the scenes were beautifully shot. All in all, this is one of the best BLs I watched in 2022.

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