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wow just wow
honestly from what I’ve seen this is very different from any k-bl that ive seen.I will say I did like the fact that there is HIV representation in Young.
there are honestly many lessons to take away from this series and all in all this is just a great show to binge watch.
but I would’ve loved it even more if Gyu ho and young found each other again in the end (maybe they did and I got mixed up with the flashbacks)
I love to see slice of life series because it just feels like something anyone could go through
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It is a Gem and a Masterpiece
Love in the big city had us delve deep in the main character's emotional journey which is relatable and grappling with the challenges of modern relationships, personal aspirations, and the quest for connection.The series was well balanced with humor and heartbreak, it showed us the ups and downs of love and its complexity in an urban setup with a refreshing honesty. Not forgetting the supporting characters who added diversity and each bringing their unique charm on love and friendship.
If you haven't yet watched Love in the Big City kindly do so and I assure you that it will be worth your while. Therefore I highly recommend it!
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REAL QUEER LIFE
if you're looking for some reality check and remembering what its like being queer nowadays this is it, this series is like a bucket of cold water thrown right at you and the only thing you can do is cry about it. I have been feeling so empty after watching such a great show, i keep seeing the scenes in my mind over and over again, I just wanna say thanks to the writer because this make realize so many things and this was all i need to star a new chapter of my life. gracias a go young por hacermos sentir que no estamos solos y que todos pasamos por ciertas etapas y eso está bien.Was this review helpful to you?
The serie is perfect perfect acting I love it Nam Yoon Su acting is so cool
Nam Yoon SuI am in love with the cast,, with perhaps the deepest understanding of their characters, you can feel the frantic pursuit of love in a very vast city, the characters are but small insignificant people, but they make themselves matter, every emotion gets deeply etched, once again if you are after depression you are on the right track.
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a beautiful yet tragic representation of the life of an average gay person
this show was honestly everything. not your typical bl story, but then i, myself, wouldn't even consider it a bl, but rather a beautiful coming-of-age queer drama. this show has all of the elements you need; it's comedic, heartbreaking, and angsty. all of the characters are so well-thought-out and well-written, and even if you hate anyone of them, you cannot deny that they are so significant to the story.i love the flawed main protagonist, go young. i think many gay people could relate to him whether it be his personality, upbringing, or love life. he is the physical and mental representation of an average queer person. he is such a relatable character and even if you don't agree with some of actions, you can't help but feel sorry for him, for what he's been and going through. i think most viewers who have watched the show wanted go young to have a happy ending, to finally be rid of the loneliness that he has felt for years. watching this character grow and develop throughout the series was truly one of the best parts of the experience. and this is all thanks to the actor, nam yoonsu for portraying go young so well. from his acting alone, it's clear that he approached the character with care and sensitivity. after finishing this show, i don't think there would've been a better choice than him for portraying go young.
i really enjoyed the format of this show---how it's split into four sections and they're basically four chapters of his life. a new man is introduced every two episodes and as a viewer, you can't help but be curious of the dynamics that go young will have with every one of these characters.
the reason why this show resonates with so many people is because of how raw and authentic it is. there was no room for sugarcoating and it touched upon sensitive issues. everything left a big impression on me, from the storytelling to the characters to the cinematography to even the settings---it was all perfect. i genuinely want to lose my memory just so i can rewatch this show and be in awe of its wonders all over.
the reason why i put the rewatch value as a 5 is because i think this is the type of show where it can only be enjoyed as a one-time experience. in my opinion, it's not really a "comfort" show where someone can just binge watch whenever they want. nevertheless, this show was extremely beautiful. <3
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10/10
I have nothing negative to say about this drama. It's a well-written coming-of-age story with realistic plotlines and emotions. It made me reflect a lot on life, relationships, and the idea of a 'happily ever after.' I appreciated seeing different types of love portrayed and how a breakup can happen without any major conflict, which felt very authentic and a valuable lesson for everyone.I've watched many Korean BL dramas, and most have disappointed me, but this one didn’t. It had depth, genuine romance, and solid storytelling. I’m glad they didn’t give in to the pressure from Korean netizens who wanted to cancel the drama, allowing us to enjoy this amazing story.
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it felt like a long film even tho it was a series, each chapter directed by a different director and i think that's what made it unique, felt as if i was fully immersed into his journey consisting of different phases. i cried i giggled i blushed cried again because why and how are they able to capture loss, nostalgia, romance, friendship, grief, and most importantly queer loneliness in one drama??? it felt relatable, raw and real but not in a way that made your heart heavy. truly loved the ending as well.
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Excellent drama, that stole my heart and my tears.
[no spoilers] This is the first BL drama i have ever watched and though I identify as a straight female, I' ve always had an open mind about queer/LGBTQ in real life.So I gave it a try... also partly urged to watch because of Gyuho and Goyoung's clips on X/Twitter that went around haha.
WHOLE- HEARTEDLY, I can say watching this series was the best decision I made lately ... I think I got to witness the life of those who may relate to Goyoung's character in real life... Not many dramas/movies have made me cry in my life but Gyuho and Goyoung's story in Episodes 5-8 especially made me break down pretty badly in tears several times out of sympathy? sorrow? I also got super butterflies watching their relationship during the good too though so not all was lost 😄 I felt everything in this dramas honestly...
Would highly recommend to try this series! Amazing cast, acting, writing and production in my opinion! This work really touched on the reality of life deeply in several ways too... even ones that anyone could relate too... the life of ordinary people and love... So just prepare a tissue box! rating it 1000/10!
(ps. I wish Nam Yoonsu and Jin Hoeun get another project together again or season 2 because they had nice chemistry :))
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Worth the Wait! Worth the Watch!
I have to say that I truly enjoyed this series. The cast did an excellent job on this series. The quality of this series is gold - no platinum standard. The storyline is absolutely amazing and decided to go beyond a BL. I truly enjoyed watching this series and I hope that everyone that got to work on this masterpiece are able to receive their flowers and understand how beautiful this project was and how people are going to hold this series close to their heart.Was this review helpful to you?
the love we think we deserve
Before its release, Love in the Big City faced a lot of pushback and controversy. I admire the production team’s dedication in bringing this story to life despite the challenges.South Korea, like many places, still harbors prejudice toward LGBTQ+ themes, and BL dramas often face additional scrutiny. But it’s disappointing that this artistic expression, which reflects real experiences for so many in the LGBTQ+ community, would encounter so much resistance. This is the reality for countless people, and I can’t understand why two men sharing a love story on screen is any different from the heterosexual stories we’ve seen for years. Why should it be restricted when it’s simply another story about connection, pain, and growth?
Nam Yoon Su’s performance is a standout and exceeded my expectations. His portrayal was nuanced, layered, and showed a clear dedication to understanding and honoring his character’s experiences. It’s refreshing to see a character like Go Young evolve in multifaceted ways, allowing us to see vulnerability, strength, and a journey to self-understanding that isn’t one-dimensional.
Nam Yoon Su didn’t just bring Go Young to life; he made him feel relatable and genuine, and it’s clear he did his homework preparing for this role.
I’d been keeping Love in the Big City on my watchlist for a while, anticipating what the series would offer. When it was finally released, it delivered the satisfaction I expect from a well-made Korean drama. I’m not someone who often reads the original source material, but judging from feedback and reviews, it seems like the production team really respected the story’s roots. They captured the essence of the characters and crafted a realistic, engaging portrayal that felt true to the lives and relationships it was representing. I’m glad they paid attention to the finer details that make characters feel real, without compromising or simplifying their struggles.
The storyline can be complex and might feel a bit chaotic to those who prefer a straightforward plot. In reality, though, the mixed pacing and emotional highs and lows added a raw authenticity. Love in the Big City is definitely a roller-coaster of emotions, from heartfelt to heart-wrenching, with steamy and even uncomfortable moments mixed in. This range, I think, is part of its charm—it doesn’t sugarcoat relationships or emotions. Each of Go Young’s love interests brings their own traumas and past scars, adding depth to the plot and enhancing the storytelling. Their baggage isn’t there just for drama; it plays a role in their development and helps paint a fuller picture of who they are.
Despite initial expectations that it might lean into a sex-driven narrative, the series proves itself to be far more meaningful. It balances intimacy and substance thoughtfully, presenting a story that is about much more than physical attraction. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community, I found certain elements hit home, especially in how Mi Ae and Go Young’s partners portrayed their relationships and the complexities within them.
There’s a rawness here that resonates, particularly in Go Young’s romantic pursuits, which examine the universal truth that overfamiliarity can slowly erode relationships. His interactions with both Gyu Ho and Nam Gyu show how desire and boredom intertwine, a reality that often mirrors many modern-day relationships.
The chemistry among the actors was undeniable; nothing felt forced or out of place. Even the sensual scenes were handled delicately, with genuine connection in their kisses—a refreshing change from the lackluster, “fake” kisses we’ve seen in the past.
One of the most profound themes Love in the Big City explores is the idea of “the love we think we deserve versus the love others are actually able to give.” We often go through relationships looking for something specific, believing in an ideal form of love. But at the end of the day, real love is about mutual understanding, and we have to learn to accept the love that aligns with who we are. My only disappointment is in Go Young’s character arc; while he found solace and support among friends, I wanted to see a more resolved arc for him—a deeper, more satisfying exploration of self-love and fulfillment beyond friendship. The series does so much right, but leaving Go Young’s development open like that left me wishing for a bit more closure.
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This review may contain spoilers
this is the best show i have ever seen wtf
i hate this show in a good way. this show is so good and the ammount of tears i shead is insane. i cried so much and i keep crying thinking about it. especially when thinking about goyeong and gyoho. they are literally soulmates wtf. this show is so good, the way its so realistic is actually amazing. it really shows the life of a gay guy. The fact that Gyuho still accepted and loved Goyeong even when he found out he had HIV (Kylie) was such a beautiful moment and i honestly cried so much. this show portairts so many important topics like self acceptance, religious parents/unaccepting parents, the struggels of being gay etc- the actors were so good aswel wow. the acting was absolutely fantastic and it couldn't be any better.best drama i have ever seen.
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