This review may contain spoilers
Pain and loneliness is indeed invetible when you love
I avoided watching this show for as long as possible because of all the reviews about its sadness and heartbreak. I wasn’t ready to see Seojoon and Jinwoo go through such turmoil. But I finally faced it today, and I’m glad I did. Season 2 is truly a step up from Season 1. Seeing my favorite characters on the edge of their relationship is hard, but there’s so much to learn from their journey.Key Takeaways:
1. Loneliness is inescapable, even in love.
No matter how healthy or loving a relationship is, we all yearn for something more. Seojoon poured everything he had into making time for Jinwoo, but in the end, they’re two people living very different lives. When Jinwoo said he couldn’t ask Seojoon to stop smiling or texting others, even though it made him jealous, he knew he couldn’t ask Seojoon to give up parts of himself for the relationship. That’s the reality of their different worlds and their sacrifices to keep each other.
2. Yoonseol’s character is a beautiful parallel to their relationship.
Usually, in BL dramas, ex-girlfriends tend to be portrayed negatively, but Yoonseol is different. She’s grounded, reasonable, and kind, and articulates her thoughts clearly, adding layers to the story. She isn’t just an obstacle; she represents the complexities of love and life in a very relatable way.
3. Love is compromise and commitment.
Relationships aren’t perfect; people aren’t perfect. Loving someone over time means you’ll face countless disagreements, and what matters most is choosing who you want to share those moments with. Who will you keep working things out with, who will you choose to love again and again, even when things don’t go as planned? Seojoon and Jinwoo’s relationship shows that love is choosing the same person despite imperfections.
In the end, no one else would have the patience to love Jinwoo the way Seojoon does, and no one would have the understanding and neediness to love Seojoon like Jinwoo.
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:)
to be honest, i could write an entire essay about this season.for starters, let’s talk about the break-up. it was so extremely painful to watch. of course, i loved season 1 so much because that was the start of everything, but season 2 really just did something else for me. i seriously love angst and painful plots, so you could understand why i’m obsessed with this season.
i felt so terrible for seojoon. not knowing the reason why jiwoo left him must have been so devastating for him. and jiwoo, the way he was acting like nothing was even happening, i couldn’t handle it. it was so painful.
there were many scenes where i got very emotional. the way woohyeon and kangmin portray their characters is incredible. in some scenes, it really felt as if i were [character], just because the way their emotions were expressed so perfectly and realistically. it really hit me like a truck. i may be dramatic, but there was a certain scene where i could really feel jiwoo’s emotion, as if i were soaking it up like a sponge. it was heartbreaking and devastating, and so suffocating. these men really deserve an award for their performance in this season, because it was seriously extraordinary.
it’s hard to really write my true feelings about this season without giving any spoilers.
if i’m ever in the need to feel like i myself have got broken up with, i will definitely rewatch this.
many people didn’t like the season because they just didn’t like how seojoon and jiwoo broke up, but that’s exactly why i like this season so much.
it showed how realistic dating is. no couple in this world is going to have a perfect, painless relationship. maybe this is my preference for drama and angst talking, but it really took this couple and characters to a whole new level.
i seriously applaud woohyeon and kangmin. they are incredible actors.
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Muito bonito e humano
Alguns telespectadores se sentiram frustrados pela segunda temporada de To My Star abordar temas similares aos da primeira, como as inseguranças e dificuldades de manter o relacionamento entre Kang Seo Joon e Han Ji Woo. Embora eu entenda essa frustração, acredito que, em um gênero relativamente novo como o BL, os envolvidos na produção da série tenham utilizado a primeira temporada como uma forma de "testar as águas", verificando se a história seria bem recebida pelo público. Só então, com a aceitação garantida, puderam aprofundar a verdadeira narrativa na segunda temporada.Na segunda temporada, o enredo ganha uma profundidade emocional maior, aprofundando-se na mente dos protagonistas. Diferente da primeira temporada, que foca mais na atração e nos conflitos iniciais entre o casal, esta nova fase explora as complexidades de suas personalidades e seus medos mais profundos. As lutas internas de Kang Seo Joon e Han Ji Woo são mais evidentes, e o drama foca nas dificuldades de manter um relacionamento em meio às pressões externas e pessoais.
A parte mais charmosa de To My Star está justamente na simplicidade da história. O relacionamento entre Kang Seo Joon e Han Ji Woo é construído aos poucos, de maneira sutil, através de pequenas ações e momentos que revelam suas emoções. Não há a necessidade de artifícios grandiosos ou reviravoltas extravagantes. A série se apoia nas inseguranças, medos e feridas do passado dos personagens, criando um romance que é palpável e humano.
Muita gente tem dificuldade de simpatizar com Han Ji Woo, pois To My Star se recusa a vender a ideia de um relacionamento perfeito entre indivíduos idealizados. Ao contrário, a série não tem medo de explorar temas complexos e mostrar que amar alguém é, muitas vezes, lidar com imperfeições e questões não resolvidas. Han Ji Woo, em particular, é uma figura complicada, que carrega suas próprias inseguranças e traumas, o que torna o relacionamento com Kang Seo Joon desafiador, mas também realista.
Essa abordagem mais madura é um dos aspectos que diferencia To My Star de outros dramas BL. A série retrata um romance que não é apenas sobre paixão, mas sobre crescimento pessoal, enfrentamento de medos e aceitação mútua – mostrando que, às vezes, o mais difícil é abrir-se ao outro.
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This review may contain spoilers
I have no words to describe how much I loved this second season, I was kinda disappointed when the chef ditched his bf and left to create a new restaurant without any words to him, and of course his ex bf went to go look for him and the chef didn’t want him there…but they definitely stepped up their level with the kiss scenes because I was so shocked when both of the scenes came up.
I loved this season more than the first one
and the chef was also playing hard to get which kinda made me mad but it’s what made it interesting.
Would definitely recommend
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THEY'RE SO CUTE
I swear Seo Joon got a little too relatable to me. I'm just like him so this season really made me realize some things. Also I'm watching this season after watching the first one 4 times. In the beginning Ji Woo felt a little off, but then towards the end when he really opened up to Seo Joon was when I finally understood his character compeltely. I feel like they made Ji Woo so closed during both season that it was hard to understand him so for me he always felt like a complicated puzzle that I couldn't solve. Thank god they communicated (communication saves so much relationships). Anyway I really loved this and I'm in love with their relationship, I really needed to see them just being lovey dovey.Was this review helpful to you?
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The more I think about it..
The more I think about this season, the more I like it. I watched the movie version of the 1st season, and that was fine, but didn't seem to go too in-depth on the characters, whereas the second season was the opposite.The show started with the core of it, in a later revealed flashforward: Seo Joon saying "you need to express yourself more" and Ji Woon saying "I love you, I love you"
Then the following 10 episodes were just the painful way for how there two got to that point.
I don't know if I would call the show realistic, but I certainly think the characters are consistent and true to themselves.
If we start with Ji Woon as this season was mainly about him; he had been in a long relationship where he hurt someone and was badly hurt in return. This had left him feeling guilty and ashamed of himself, afraid to open up to another relationship. This led him to run away when things got rough, to cruelly push someone he loved away, not just to protect himself, but also to protect Seo Joon in the long run "he is better off without me".
Seo Joon on the other hand had gotten his heart broken but clung on because of his issues with abandonment, he tried to withstand the cruelties Ji Woon was doing to him because he could see the other one was hurting, but in the end he realised that he had to give up, had to stand up to himself to do what would be best for him, despite his love.
At the conclusion of their character journeys, Seo Joon gives up on Ji Woon, then forgives him - and Ji Woon who has been able to heal some of his past hurts throughout the show is finally able to express what he feels, and what he wants, leading the characters to build a relationship together that fits the both of them.
After Ji Woon has returned to Seo Joon in Seoul, I really like their apology/forgiveness scene; Ji Woon has let his walls break, is crying and speaking his mind "I am jealous, I don't want you to call or laugh with others" and while obviously that's not healthy, it's not the words he is saying that's important, just that he is expressing them, that marks his growth and shows that their relationship can work.
Then the lovely epilogue moments at the end show how they have adjusted, Ji Woon is vocal about his love, they are commuting back and forth and it feels like they are both now on much more equal footing. The makeout scenes were fun as always too 😄
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Gritty, raw & real
Excellent…TMS 1’s low budget and repeated sets created a domestic, comforting & indie vibe - but this sequel is an huge upgrade in a technical and deeper pensiveness. This is gritty and raw, moving away from the original, and instead into a well-written melodrama. With a high budget, vivid colours, creative camerawork and compelling acting, it’s clear in a technical aspect how they depicted realism.We get to see the characters’ personal disposition and details that weren’t there in the original, such as a glimpse into Seojoon’s acting career and Jiwoo’s past. As well as comparing the happy flashbacks to the lonely present..this story is angsty and maybe frustrating at times, but that’s how it felt real.
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Stellar!
“To My Star” is a standout in the world of South Korean BL (Boys' Love) series, and it has certainly earned its place as my favorite. Spanning two seasons, this show delivers a captivating mix of romance, drama, and personal growth that kept me thoroughly engaged. What's fascinating is how each season offers a distinctly different theme, mood, and feel, making it impossible not to get hooked.The first season, which premiered in 2021, introduces us to Kang Seo Joon, a once-famous actor whose star has dimmed. His career may be on the decline, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Han Ji Woo, a young and talented chef. Despite their polar opposite personalities—Seo Joon being free-spirited and Ji Woo more conservative—their attraction to each other is undeniable, leading them into a relationship. However, the differences in their outlooks on life and love soon pose a significant challenge to their budding romance.
Season 1 of “To My Star” is everything I want from a romantic comedy short story. The plot is simple yet deeply connected to the characters, and the chemistry between the leads is nothing short of electric. The acting is top-notch, the soundtrack is a bop, and the cinematography is aesthetically pleasing. What really stands out is how well-crafted the show is—there's no unnecessary drama or convoluted subplots. Everything ties together beautifully, with no loose ends left hanging by the finale. The supporting cast also deserves a mention for adding depth and fun to the story without ever feeling redundant.
Visually, the show is a feast for the eyes. The still shots allow you to fully appreciate the scenes without the distraction of excessive cuts and changes in angles. It’s a refreshing change from the shaky camera work that’s become so common. The soundtrack, too, deserves high praise—every song enhances the emotional depth of the scenes, and I found myself Googling the tracks afterward, which is rare for me.
However, as much as I loved Season 1, it’s not without its minor flaws. There were a few poorly delivered English lines that took me out of the moment, but these are small issues that most viewers might not even notice. Despite this, “To My Star” remains one of my favorite BL series and rom-coms. Its simple, chill vibe, wholesome feels, and high production value make it a joy to watch.
Season 2, titled “To My Star Season 2: Our Untold Stories,” takes a more dramatic turn. After a note and a disappearance threaten the happiness that Seo Joon and Ji Woo found in Season 1, we’re left wondering whether their fairy tale romance will survive. This season is like revisiting a restaurant only to find that the chef has leveled up—the flavors are stronger, the presentation is even more beautiful, and the emotional depth is more profound.
Unlike the feel-good vibes of the first season, Season 2 takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a painful but beautiful story about love, regret, growth, and loss, perfectly balanced with well-timed flashbacks, music, and lighting. The show does an excellent job of showing the reality of “happily ever after” and how relationships require hard work and sacrifice. The new characters introduced in this season add a bit of sweetness to soften the emotional blows.
The leads have grown, both as characters and as a couple. They’re still lovable and slightly broken, but their struggles feel more real and relatable. If you’re looking for feel-good fluff, this season isn’t for you—it’s more like “Our Beloved Summer” meets “Touch Your Heart,” but with shorter episodes. It’s easy to binge, easy to fall in love with, and it leaves you with a lump in your throat by the end.
Overall, “To My Star” is a must-watch for fans of BL and romantic dramas alike. Both seasons offer something unique, and the series as a whole is a testament to the power of simple, well-executed storytelling. Whether you’re in it for the romance, the drama, or the stunning visuals, you won’t be disappointed.
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sad but heartfelt
This is one of the best written bls ive seen in a while. Its cuite melancholy and sad but it really pulls you in and you feel sympahty towards both main leads as they try to navigate the way back to eatch other. What i really liked about this show was that it took the time to flesh out the reason for their break up and instead of painting the other as a bad guy the series takes a more emphatic route showing us why they eneded up where they did. I also like that the show doesnt have "accidental miscommunication" trope to it. The other main lead is quite headstrong and doesnt shy away from difficult cnversations so we get a few painfully honest scenes of them saying out loud the things that they never shouldve botteled up.I like the side characters too escpecially the way the two women where written. Too often in Bls the "girl" whose somehow involved with the two main leads ends up annoyign and wihtout any real personality outside her relation to the leads. In this one like with the main couple we get a well written fleshed out story for her. I also like the friednship between the two women.
overall a really great watch just grab a box of tissues before you start.
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Beautiful angst
While it can be debated whether this really fits the themes of a classic BL, the story, if you're into angst, is one to watch for. Yes, there are some plot points which make you wonder the realism of it all (such as financing of the restaurant, taking long breaks from work, etc), the core story is lovely.The overlying themes of self-sacrifice -- the extent and the ways of self-sacrifice -- are showcased really beautifully here. If you're okay with watching something painful, and raw with a happy ending, this is the show for you!
PS: Kudos to the actors for singing songs in this, so so cool!
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Coup de ❤!
J'ai vraiment adoré suivre cette série. Cela fait du bien un BL avec des personnages matures où on les suit non pas au debut de leur histoire mais dans un autre moment décisif. Ce qui fait son charme je trouve ce sont les 2 protagonistes qui sont si différents voir à l'opposé dans leur tempérament, leur mode de vie. Un, dévoile tout au fur et à mesure et est transparent à propos de ses sentiments et l'autre, introverti, sur la défensive a peur d'être heureux et de perdre ce bonheur. Ensemble ils se complètent, s'aiment à leur façon et avancent dans leur chemin de vie plus forts grâce à la présence de l'autre. J'ai adoré le jeu des acteurs, les emplacements, les personnages secondaires, la profondeur psychologique des personnages , les quelques soubresauts de mon coeur 😉 j'espère qu'on verra davantage ces 2 acteurs dans dautres projets.Was this review helpful to you?
