Love in the Big City (2024)

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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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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The series of the year!

Overly hyped about the series release! Right off the bat in episode one not even five minutes in they already had me laughing. I went into the series knowing it would stir up some buried feelings, but it did not disappoint. I felt bad for Mr. Kim, but their relationship is a prime example of liking someone but not being compatible with them or not being on the same page.

Episode 2 reminded me of one of life’s biggest lessons: cherish, love, and treasure the present and the people in it, because you can lose everything in the blink of an eye. Episode three was such a bittersweet ride of emotions. His mom is truly a trooper, and so is Ko Yeong. Despite everything his mom did, he managed to move forward, still loving her. Also, I feel that No Yeong Su and his mom share a striking similarity in their characters; they both loved him deeply yet caused him so much pain.

And holy moly, episode four was unbelievably amazing! The hospital scene hit on so many levels. I don’t have a very strong bond with my family, so seeing his friends rush to the hospital for him resonated deeply with me. Also, where was Min Jae? I read on a forum that the book and series differ somewhat regarding Min Jae and Yeong’s relationship, which might explain why she wasn’t there when he needed her most.

If you strip away the actors and focus on the story itself, you'll see the most accurate reflection of life’s path: love, discovery, grief, anger, and acceptance. This is definitely the BL of the year! I don’t think I’ve ever related to a character as much as I did with Ko Yeong. I know the book is written in four parts, so I wonder if there’s any chance for continuation. But I doubt it, given the final scene and Ko Yeong’s explanation.

I’m no expert, but it’s clear how well written this series is. It made me reflect on my own life and relationships, which is just one of the many reasons I love it. Many flowers to all the actors their portrayals were magnificently amazing.

The series was funny, joyful, sad, bold, honest, educational, and sexy. It captured friendship, loss, and the beauty and pain of life. I hope people approach it with open eyes, ears, mind and heart because there's so much you can take away from it.

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I never expected a drama like this to come out of Korea

What can I even say? This was just superb. it’s not really a BL in the conventional sense - and I don’t say that to disparage BL because I do love a good BL - this is just a bit different.

This drama delves into all the beauty and messiness of a young gay man’s life and relationships in a way I haven’t seen in a BL before. It doesn’t feel like anything is done for the purposes of “fan service” or like the intention is to make sure a couple is together at the end of the series at all costs. To me, those are hallmarks of even really excellent BL - the main couple supersede the story itself. Their romantic relationship is the most important thing. This drama isn’t like that. It’s definitely more of a character study than a romance.

I was impressed by the previews for this series so I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks, but it exceeded my expectations. I could probably nitpick some bits of the story or characters that could have been more fleshed out…but ultimately I was incredibly satisfied with it in every way.

Excellent acting, writing, cinematography, directing, characterization - just everything.

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Uma produção feita com talento é diferente

Tava morrendo de medo de te ter morgado pra finalizar love in the big city mas agradeço por não ter visto tudo de uma vez! Esse episódio final foi de uma qualidade tão surreal que eu tô encantada e surpresa até agora. Ele me fez ter certeza que tava vendo uma produção incrível.Desde do começo a mensagem que o drama queria passar já foi ficando comigo e se concretizando mas o final fez isso solidificar. É um drama que não adianta vc vir aqui e falar que foi incrível. As outras pessoas só vão entender assistindo. A prova viva é que o último episódio foi tão incrível que eu não sei por em palavras. Acho que o final foi o meu episódio favorito? Além de ter virado um dos melhores encerramentos de um drama pra mim. Oq falar dos paralelos em Bangkok?Não importa se vc não é fã de BL ou nunca viu um pq love in the big city é uma produção que aborda muito mais que só um romance. Foi um final realista e eu sou suspeita pra falar mas achei lindo. É raro pra eu dar um 10 ou cinco estrelas em um drama mas love in the big city...

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I FCKING LOVE THIS

I'M NOT EVEN A GAY PERSON BUT I FREAKING FELT THE PAIN, THE LOVE, AND EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA. THIS DEPICTS THE REALITY OF A RELATIONSHIP ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE PART OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY. THIS IS JUST SO SAD YET BEAUTIFUL. 100/100 I RECOMMEND THIS. Unpopular opinion (maybe) but I hate Kylie, I know Kylie is him too but I hate Kylie maybe if Kylie is not there maybe it would've been different, maybe he can have his happy ending. Why is Kylie even made I hope there will be cure for Kylie so Go Young can have his happy ending in the future in his world, where he will not be that cautious and he can freely do what he wants. I thought this drama will be silly and cute AND I WAS WRONG. I'M REALLY HURT UNTIL NOW. I LOVE THIS TOO MUCH:(

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Doloroso, real e comovente.

"Love the big city" foi o BL mais lindo, real e comovente que já assisti.

É uma obra dramática que explora temas complexos e profundos, levando-me a profundas reflexões ao longo da exibição.
Todas as performances do elenco foram excepcionais, mas gostaria de ressaltar a atuação do Nam Yoon-su.

Acompanhar a trajetória de Yoon-su como Go Yeong foi, em alguns momentos, frustrante e doloroso, mas também trouxe esperança em outros. Foi uma verdadeira montanha-russa de emoções, eu experimentei altos e baixos. No entanto, esses sentimentos não perduravam por muito tempo. Embora as vivências de Go Yeong sejam dolorosas, o drama não nos deixa exaustos ou sobrecarregados, pois alterna de forma eficaz entre momentos intensos e leves.
O desenvolvimento de Go Yeong durante a narrativa é lento e quase imperceptível, mas a resiliência do personagem é clara. A maneira como Yoon-su se apropriou do personagem foi surpreendente, fazendo com que parecesse uma extensão de si mesmo. As experiências do Yeong são dolorosamente reais, algo que Yoon-su conseguiu transmitir de forma impressionante, como se fossem suas próprias vivências. Nos seus olhos, era possível ver o peso das lutas de Go Yeong. E nas cenas ao lado de seus parceiros românticos, a sensação era de que ele vivia aquela paixão verdadeiramente.
Yoon-su me fez sentir uma verdade tão intensa que não consegui separá-los em ator e personagem; parecia que era a mesma pessoa lidando com aqueles desafios, questionamentos e descobertas.
A performance de Yoon-su foi, de fato, brilhante!

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Ascenseur émotionnel et réalité brute (l'amour n'est pas rose)

Beaucoup d'adjectifs me traversent l'esprit pour définir ce drama. Pourtant, j'ai l'impression qu'ils ne suffisent pas à capturer mon sentiment à son sujet. Unique et réaliste, il est fort et n'hésite pas à faire passer le téléspectateur par un éventail d'émotions, tout autant que les personnages, notamment Go Yeong.

Derrière son magnifique sourire, Nam Yoon Su est un excellent acteur. Il le confirme en prenant les traits de Go Yeong. Plus encore, il pourrait tout aussi bien être récompensé pour avoir balayé les nombreuses critiques qui lui ont été adressées, et pas toujours de façons correctes. Quoiqu'il en soit, Nam Yoon Su dépeint un personnage auquel il est facile de s'attacher.

Tout d'abord, Kim Nam Gyu. Une relation intense pour laquelle il n'était pas prêt avant de goûter aux regrets. Ensuite, No Yeong Su. S'il voulait plus, son partenaire n'était pas prêt et sûrement un peu égoïste. Puis, Gyu Ho est arrivé. Et cette fois, c'était l'amour parfait. Son idéal. C'était magnifique de les voir, jusqu'au moment où ils se font rattraper par leurs vies respectives. Aussi terrible que ce soit, c'était comme si l'amour idéal avec Gyu Ho n'était pas le bon moment. C'est déchirant, mais réaliste. Combien de couples parfaits ont terminé ainsi, aussi ? Pour finir par Habibi, une sorte d'aventure et de réflexion sur lui-même. Fugace, rapide, mais qui lui a permis de poser certains mots.

L'amour, c'est compliqué. Ça fait autant de bien que de mal. Ça nous rend aussi heureux que malheureux. Pourtant, peu importe les blessures, la plupart d'entre nous cherchons ce sentiment qui nous rend uniques aux yeux d'une personne. D'ailleurs, une grande partie de sa richesse est là, ce drama parle à tout le monde, peu importe son orientation. Go Yeong est gay, ok. Je suis une hétéro, ok. Mais ce qu'il ressent, ce qu'il traverse, ce sont des expériences que j'ai également connues, parce qu'on peut tous s'identifier à ce sentiment.

Mais comment chercher ce qu'on ignore ? Au départ, Go Yeong est sûr d'avoir déjà aimé, mais est-ce vraiment le cas ? Pour moi, son premier amour, son vrai premier amour, c'est Gyu Ho. Ces deux syllabes laissées sur la lanterne. Chaque relation de Go Yeong l'a fait évoluer et grandir. Cependant, celle avec Gyu Ho était vraie, vivante et chargée d'amour.

Pour finir, j'ai souvent mentionné que le jour où nous aurons un KBL avec des épisodes d'au moins 40 minutes, alors ce sera comme un matin de Noël à chacun d'eux. Ce fut le cas.

En bref, Love in the Big City est sans aucun doute l'un des meilleurs dramas de cette année grâce à sa douceur, sa puissance et son réalisme avec un personnage central attachant et parfaitement interprété (tout comme l'ensemble de la distribution).

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