No. Just no. The only reason why i dont like to watch straight kdrama romances anymore is bc of the overdone,…
After finishing the show I'm even more baffled that this love triangle gave you PTSD when the 3 main characters involved are all lovely people who stayed as very good friends.
The rivals were never mean rude to each other, they communicated respectfully and no one was manipulated. It is well explained why they fell for the main character and the MC did nothing than just being his cute honest self.
Undeserved call out when there are so many toxic portrayals out there.
This drama is bit overrated. I felt The Eighth Sense and semantic error was more than good than this series. It…
Overrated, the word that close minded people use when they don't understand why others like something. Your comment shows that you have absolutely no idea about what the purpose of this show was, and you learned nothing about the many messages it was trying to convey.
This is a character development focused show, it's not just about seeing two random people dating. It's about getting to know the characters deeply, their struggles and their growth as people.
You probably came in here expecting a shallow romance with steamy kisses and that's ok, sometimes that's what we want to see and it doesn't make anyone inferior to prefer this type of show. However, don't say that something is overrated when it was your fault for coming in with the wrong expectations.
It's still a shame that you couldn't fully enjoy this show. I hope that in the future you come back with a different mindset to better understand the beauty of these characters' journey.
Tae started opening up to Shin Woo when he saw the unread text messages in his phone. And Da On really liked Tae,…
Love doesn't fade away so easily. However Tae Kyung was over Da On, at that point he was just a dear friend to him. I don't think Tae ever pitied Da On, there's no reason to pity him, they're friends that value each other. You only pity those you see as poor helpless inferiors.
i just finished to watch the series and i really loved it but i am still a bit confused cause i didn't understand…
Regarding Da On, he always treated Tae in a special way. Troughout the whole show there are several moments showing Da On really likes Tae and got jealous of him. Da On was really intrigued by Tae's honesty just like Shin Woo was too.
Yes he was a people pleaser but why wasn't he afraid of rejecting So Hee then?
During Tae's confession in Episode 9, he mentioned how Da On was the only one who patted his head. At episode 15 it's is revelaed that Da On would reciprocate the confession since he passionately kissed Tae Kyung's forehead while he was sleeping.
Shin Woo and Da On are quite similar and both would be good boyfriends. It's just that Shin Woo broke his heart first and matured trough his conflicts first. Da On broke his heart later and matured later.
i just finished to watch the series and i really loved it but i am still a bit confused cause i didn't understand…
There are several moments that focus on Shin Woo too. Everything started way before the show actually started.
Episode 10 shows that Shin Woo was "watching over" Tae Kyung for a long time. He was interested in Tae way before their first interaction in Episode 1. Troughout the whole show there are several moments showing that he likes Tae Kyung and from Episode 13 onwards, Shin woo confessed to Tae Kyung several times too.
However, your specific question is regarding Tae Kyung's feelings for Shin Woo. At episode 13 ending, in his inner monologue Tae says that "Shin Woo's feelings poured into him all at once". At episode 14 ending, Tae implicitly said that "Shin Woo shakes his heart". At episode 15 Tae Kyung tells Da On that he wants to reciprocate Shin Woo's feelings.
This is the most explicit the show ever got regarding Tae's feelings for Shin Woo, the rest was all implicit and not so obvious. Their transition from friends to boyfriends was very subtle which matches their personality.
It's hard to not love this gang, here's what I've noticed about them.
Tae Kyung: A weird cinammon roll growing out of his edgy loner phase making an effort to have friends. Bluntly honest while still being a calm softie. Becomes more expressive and confident.
Shin Woo: A broken hearted shy boy who had to build a cold and aloof persona to protect himself but's still a sweet softie inside. Eventually opens his heart again and isn't afraid of being himself and showing the world who he loves regardless of rumors and prejudice. Very patient and respectful, plays fair in the love game.
Da On: A lost boy growing out of his people pleaser phase. Neglected by his parents, works too hard to be perfect and helps everyone while neglecting himself. Embarks on a journey to find himself and learns to become more assertive and to say no, nonetheless still a good hardworking person who's kind, calm and forgiving. A wonderful person to have around.
Nam Goong: A static character that stays true to himself. More than just the funny and upbeat comic relief guy, he's a loyal friend that spits out wiseness when needed. Protects his friends and doesn't become bitter even though his love interest isn't reciprocate. Plays fair in love. A positive influence and a major driving force behind the events.
So Hee: A relatable teen girl growing out of her obsessive crush phase that plays dirty in love. She's is very assertive and decisive, knows what she wants and goes for it, unfortunately she makes a serious mistake and learns the hard way how jealousy and selfishness are destructive. Lucky for her that our boys are forgiving, still she learns her lesson and recognizes her mistakes deserving forgiveness.
Haet Bit: We can't leave our charming conselour out of this. If it wasn't for his positive influence over the boys, we wouldn't have this beautiful love story right?
Rewatched this now and I must say, I love the OST Spark and the illustration at the end of every episode more…
Agree, Spark by A.C.E is a BOP that hypes you up, has a beautiful guitar riff and the lyrics match the characters. The second track Fever by MOOK also has a similar vibe, and the lyrics match too. There's also a track called My First Love Story that plays many times troughout the show, it sounds calming, cute, light, magical and it's actually a remix of Spark, if you pay attention you'll hear it.
I never skipped that gorgeous ending animation. All of these really set the mood for the show, making me nostalgic about a Sweet and Refreshing Teenager Summer that I never lived.
I liked the show a lot although many parts were super confusing for me. Maybe I'm just dumb. I would love to watch…
It's true some parts are confusing but at least there is extra material, you can read some theories online or watch theory videos on youtube. You can also read the "Ending explained" here at Recent Discussions.
Regarding Tae Myung Ha's emotions and thought process, I also wish we could understand more about him. There are many hints but we can't really decipher what he thinks about the "Game World". The way he never asks how exactly he got there , or why he feels real pain if it's just a game. Does he see the "characters" as only characters or real people? Is Cha YeoWoon just a dating sim character he has to conquer in order to not suffer the death penalty? When did he start seeing the Game World and it's characters as real?
Regardless of these unexplored questions, it does appear that the game world is a Real Parallel World.
Tae MyungHa was so depressed to the point of suicide correct? Why was he so upbeat and hardworking inside the Game World? This is an indicator that he has really embraced The Chae YeoWoon Cause and really wanted to see him happy, even if initially it was just a mindless game character for him. (There's no indication that Cha YeoWoon was ever just a character for Myungha though)
This tells a lot about who MyungHa is as a person and how much he loved Cha YeoWoon, only a strong deep love could make a suicidal depressed person work so hard for someone else's happiness.
i have rewatched this so many times and it still makes me smile and i still get so emotional over them!! how is…
When KiTae runs desperately looking for LeeWan and cries, that's when I knew he really loves and needs LeeWan so much. He's so afraid of losing him again and it clearly shows.
LeeWan's pain is a little more hidden, but it's also clear to see through his drawings. After so many years LeeWan simply can't change his art subject, he's always painting KiTae even when he tries not to.
A song came to my head: "Baby, not a day goes by that I'm not into you". "Cause after all this time I'm still into you." ~ Paramore, Still Into You ~
Hope you find a way, don't give up, this one is worth it! If you get confused about the game world setting, just read some explanations and theories online after the ending. Until then, enjoy the ride cuz you'll laugh, smile and cry with these cuties.
Hey guys I'm new at BL dramas and I loved this one. Do you have good recommendations like this?
Kimi ni wa Todokanai for a short lighthearted Teenager Fluff but not as deep and emotional as this one. Love Tractor for cuteness overload with two handsomes at a relaxing farm setting. Our Dating Sim for the most believable boyfriends chemistry, cuddling, light teasing and REAL kissing.
Hey guys I'm new at BL dramas and I loved this one. Do you have good recommendations like this?
All of the recommendations above but to be honest, each of these shows are so unique regarding their premise and their message that they're kinda incomparable. Love for Love's Sake is so unique with it's game world premise, it's so fluffy but still deals with dark themes in a positive and hopeful way.
You might hate Sohee but she was important for the overall message of the show. Remember when she said that: "You just have to be nice to who you like" ? She's an important contrast to Daon who belives in "Be nice to everyone".
The show doesn't paint her selfishness lightly, she's a cautionary tale about how selfishness hurts oneself and everyone around. But she's also an important contrast to Daon, highlighting how trying to please everyone can also be a form of selfishness and dishonesty.
This show is much deeper than it appears. If you pay closer attention, you'll find interesting reflections about the balance between Selflessnes x Selfishness, Honesty x Dishonesty to yourself and to others.
There are a lot of other positive messages and reflections hidden within the show besides this one too.
I had high expectations… fair to say I was disappointed. I couldn’t get past episode 12 and I had to force…
I respect your free speech and it's ok that you didn't like it. Yet your point of view doesn't sound solid since this is a rare case of a longer BL with good character development and well executed cliched tropes.
The rough start trope is there, they're slightly rude at the beginning but it's balanced with comic relief and teen cringe, the good kind of cringe. Also they were never truly offensive or abusive towards each other. All of the boys are golden hearted softies, they're relatable characters that could totally exist, I'm literally a mix of the 4 main characters.
Taekyung is more of a cute odball than annoying, he is assertive when needed yet his presence is soft and calming. Who never went trough the loner no friends stage? Still from the very start he's making an effort to change and to try new things.
Since you liked Shinwoo and Namgoong there's no need to comment.
It's understandable that Daon's actions have frustrated you but he is still a relatable person given his backstory of parental neglect. I was much like him, never saying no and trying to please too much, but he also grows as a characters and becomes more assertive too.
Daon's growth as a character was an important message the show wanted to convey.
Funny how you wanted to drop the show exactly at episode 12, one of the most special episodes where we can finally see Shinwoo's hidden self.
Why am I a mix of the 4 main characters? 😂 Taekyung's weirdness and honesty, Shinwoo's quiet shyness , DaOn's difficulty in saying no and trying to please others and Namgoong's wise counseling, though my playful side is usually hidden.
I guess we all have a litle bit of each character though. At least for me personally, the main characters are all likeable and have something you can relate to. This is all thanks for the longer format allowing the characters to develop.
When the BL is too short people complain, when it's longer people say it's dragging... 😒
No. Just no. The only reason why i dont like to watch straight kdrama romances anymore is bc of the overdone,…
Examples? BLs are full of overdone cliched tropes too. This BL didn't try, it actually succeeded in being a slow burner teen romance drama with likeable main characters. This isn't the first love triangle themed BL and a few of the top ranked KBLs succesfuly pull this trope too.
Some problematic toxic tropes are worse and run rampant in a lot of BLs because it's two guys. When a man stalks, humiliates, curses at, hit and mistreats a woman in romance shows, it's instantly and rightfully looked down upon and reprimanded by the fandom, as it should. But when it's a guy being abused or even raped, it's is cute and approved by most of the fandom.
I'm sensing some Killing Stalking Fandom Vibes and some Obsessive Fujoshi Vibes. Can't lie that I'm curious but I hate being unfair and judging shows I didn't watch. Worth the risk?
The rivals were never mean rude to each other, they communicated respectfully and no one was manipulated. It is well explained why they fell for the main character and the MC did nothing than just being his cute honest self.
Undeserved call out when there are so many toxic portrayals out there.
Your comment shows that you have absolutely no idea about what the purpose of this show was, and you learned nothing about the many messages it was trying to convey.
This is a character development focused show, it's not just about seeing two random people dating. It's about getting to know the characters deeply, their struggles and their growth as people.
You probably came in here expecting a shallow romance with steamy kisses and that's ok, sometimes that's what we want to see and it doesn't make anyone inferior to prefer this type of show.
However, don't say that something is overrated when it was your fault for coming in with the wrong expectations.
It's still a shame that you couldn't fully enjoy this show. I hope that in the future you come back with a different mindset to better understand the beauty of these characters' journey.
I don't think Tae ever pitied Da On, there's no reason to pity him, they're friends that value each other.
You only pity those you see as poor helpless inferiors.
Da On was really intrigued by Tae's honesty just like Shin Woo was too.
Yes he was a people pleaser but why wasn't he afraid of rejecting So Hee then?
During Tae's confession in Episode 9, he mentioned how Da On was the only one who patted his head.
At episode 15 it's is revelaed that Da On would reciprocate the confession since he passionately kissed Tae Kyung's forehead while he was sleeping.
Shin Woo and Da On are quite similar and both would be good boyfriends.
It's just that Shin Woo broke his heart first and matured trough his conflicts first. Da On broke his heart later and matured later.
Episode 10 shows that Shin Woo was "watching over" Tae Kyung for a long time. He was interested in Tae way before their first interaction in Episode 1.
Troughout the whole show there are several moments showing that he likes Tae Kyung and from Episode 13 onwards, Shin woo confessed to Tae Kyung several times too.
However, your specific question is regarding Tae Kyung's feelings for Shin Woo.
At episode 13 ending, in his inner monologue Tae says that "Shin Woo's feelings poured into him all at once".
At episode 14 ending, Tae implicitly said that "Shin Woo shakes his heart".
At episode 15 Tae Kyung tells Da On that he wants to reciprocate Shin Woo's feelings.
This is the most explicit the show ever got regarding Tae's feelings for Shin Woo, the rest was all implicit and not so obvious.
Their transition from friends to boyfriends was very subtle which matches their personality.
Tae Kyung: A weird cinammon roll growing out of his edgy loner phase making an effort to have friends. Bluntly honest while still being a calm softie. Becomes more expressive and confident.
Shin Woo: A broken hearted shy boy who had to build a cold and aloof persona to protect himself but's still a sweet softie inside. Eventually opens his heart again and isn't afraid of being himself and showing the world who he loves regardless of rumors and prejudice. Very patient and respectful, plays fair in the love game.
Da On: A lost boy growing out of his people pleaser phase. Neglected by his parents, works too hard to be perfect and helps everyone while neglecting himself. Embarks on a journey to find himself and learns to become more assertive and to say no, nonetheless still a good hardworking person who's kind, calm and forgiving. A wonderful person to have around.
Nam Goong: A static character that stays true to himself. More than just the funny and upbeat comic relief guy, he's a loyal friend that spits out wiseness when needed. Protects his friends and doesn't become bitter even though his love interest isn't reciprocate. Plays fair in love.
A positive influence and a major driving force behind the events.
So Hee: A relatable teen girl growing out of her obsessive crush phase that plays dirty in love. She's is very assertive and decisive, knows what she wants and goes for it, unfortunately she makes a serious mistake and learns the hard way how jealousy and selfishness are destructive. Lucky for her that our boys are forgiving, still she learns her lesson and recognizes her mistakes deserving forgiveness.
Haet Bit: We can't leave our charming conselour out of this. If it wasn't for his positive influence over the boys, we wouldn't have this beautiful love story right?
The second track Fever by MOOK also has a similar vibe, and the lyrics match too.
There's also a track called My First Love Story that plays many times troughout the show, it sounds calming, cute, light, magical and it's actually a remix of Spark, if you pay attention you'll hear it.
I never skipped that gorgeous ending animation.
All of these really set the mood for the show, making me nostalgic about a Sweet and Refreshing Teenager Summer that I never lived.
Regarding Tae Myung Ha's emotions and thought process, I also wish we could understand more about him. There are many hints but we can't really decipher what he thinks about the "Game World".
The way he never asks how exactly he got there , or why he feels real pain if it's just a game.
Does he see the "characters" as only characters or real people? Is Cha YeoWoon just a dating sim character he has to conquer in order to not suffer the death penalty?
When did he start seeing the Game World and it's characters as real?
Regardless of these unexplored questions, it does appear that the game world is a Real Parallel World.
Tae MyungHa was so depressed to the point of suicide correct? Why was he so upbeat and hardworking inside the Game World? This is an indicator that he has really embraced The Chae YeoWoon Cause and really wanted to see him happy, even if initially it was just a mindless game character for him.
(There's no indication that Cha YeoWoon was ever just a character for Myungha though)
This tells a lot about who MyungHa is as a person and how much he loved Cha YeoWoon, only a strong deep love could make a suicidal depressed person work so hard for someone else's happiness.
LeeWan's pain is a little more hidden, but it's also clear to see through his drawings. After so many years LeeWan simply can't change his art subject, he's always painting KiTae even when he tries not to.
A song came to my head:
"Baby, not a day goes by that I'm not into you". "Cause after all this time I'm still into you."
~ Paramore, Still Into You ~
If you get confused about the game world setting, just read some explanations and theories online after the ending.
Until then, enjoy the ride cuz you'll laugh, smile and cry with these cuties.
Love Tractor for cuteness overload with two handsomes at a relaxing farm setting.
Our Dating Sim for the most believable boyfriends chemistry, cuddling, light teasing and REAL kissing.
Love for Love's Sake is so unique with it's game world premise, it's so fluffy but still deals with dark themes in a positive and hopeful way.
Remember when she said that: "You just have to be nice to who you like" ?
She's an important contrast to Daon who belives in "Be nice to everyone".
The show doesn't paint her selfishness lightly, she's a cautionary tale about how selfishness hurts oneself and everyone around. But she's also an important contrast to Daon, highlighting how trying to please everyone can also be a form of selfishness and dishonesty.
This show is much deeper than it appears.
If you pay closer attention, you'll find interesting reflections about the balance between Selflessnes x Selfishness, Honesty x Dishonesty to yourself and to others.
There are a lot of other positive messages and reflections hidden within the show besides this one too.
The rough start trope is there, they're slightly rude at the beginning but it's balanced with comic relief and teen cringe, the good kind of cringe. Also they were never truly offensive or abusive towards each other.
All of the boys are golden hearted softies, they're relatable characters that could totally exist, I'm literally a mix of the 4 main characters.
Taekyung is more of a cute odball than annoying, he is assertive when needed yet his presence is soft and calming. Who never went trough the loner no friends stage? Still from the very start he's making an effort to change and to try new things.
Since you liked Shinwoo and Namgoong there's no need to comment.
It's understandable that Daon's actions have frustrated you but he is still a relatable person given his backstory of parental neglect. I was much like him, never saying no and trying to please too much, but he also grows as a characters and becomes more assertive too.
Daon's growth as a character was an important message the show wanted to convey.
Funny how you wanted to drop the show exactly at episode 12, one of the most special episodes where we can finally see Shinwoo's hidden self.
Taekyung's weirdness and honesty, Shinwoo's quiet shyness , DaOn's difficulty in saying no and trying to please others and Namgoong's wise counseling, though my playful side is usually hidden.
I guess we all have a litle bit of each character though. At least for me personally, the main characters are all likeable and have something you can relate to.
This is all thanks for the longer format allowing the characters to develop.
When the BL is too short people complain, when it's longer people say it's dragging... 😒
This isn't the first love triangle themed BL and a few of the top ranked KBLs succesfuly pull this trope too.
Some problematic toxic tropes are worse and run rampant in a lot of BLs because it's two guys.
When a man stalks, humiliates, curses at, hit and mistreats a woman in romance shows, it's instantly and rightfully looked down upon and reprimanded by the fandom, as it should.
But when it's a guy being abused or even raped, it's is cute and approved by most of the fandom.
Can't lie that I'm curious but I hate being unfair and judging shows I didn't watch. Worth the risk?