As a compilation, Close to You feels like your average K-BL anthology: visually appealing but held back by inconsistent writing. While some stories stand out on their own, others lack the charm and substance to leave a lasting impression. Here’s my ranking from favorite to least favorite.
Friendship Bracelet. What an insane plot twist paired with such a remarkable concept. I only started watching this show because of Kim Jeong Seok, and fortunately, he ended up starring in the strongest story of the four. This episode had the most unique premise, blending romance and fantasy in a way that felt surprisingly effective despite its short runtime. The idea of a rainbow-colored bracelet that lets you travel back in time with a flick was both cute and creative. However, the real highlight was the reveal that the other guy had been using the bracelet first, repeatedly going back in time just to confess his feelings to his best friend. That twist was genuinely brilliant. I really enjoyed how simple yet emotionally powerful the story was. My only complaint is that dry kiss did absolutely nothing for me.
Last Diary. I am a sucker for tragic romance, and this episode delivered exactly that. It starts with a charming enemies-to-lovers dynamic, supported by solid chemistry and a believable relationship development. Then it hits you with the heartbreaking revelation that one of them has been hiding a terminal illness all along. Watching someone slowly fall in love, only to be left behind without ever knowing the truth,w as incredibly painful. In the end, he becomes the only one left to remember the brief yet unforgettable moments they shared in that house. It was bittersweet, emotionally devastating, and beautifully executed.
Riding A Bicycle. Unfortunately, this episode felt as stagnant as the bicycle itself. While I appreciated the story’s key ideas, the chemistry between the leads never really clicked. The pacing also lost momentum halfway through, making the entire episode feel flat. At least it gave us a heartfelt confession between two best friends before they went their separate ways for college. That emotional payoff saved an otherwise underwhelming story.
Sunset Boulevard. This was easily the weakest episode. Very little actually happens. It’s mostly a flashback followed by two former schoolmates reuniting after years of ghosting. Their reunion should have been emotionally charged, but instead, we get a cup of lukewarm coffee spilled on them before they casually talk about the past. By the time they finally confess their feelings, the episode is already ending. There simply wasn’t enough buildup to make the reunion feel satisfying.
Overall, Close to You is a mixed bag. A couple of stories significantly elevate the anthology, while the weaker ones drag its overall quality down. I appreciate the creativity behind the individual concepts, but I hope they move away from cramming multiple unrelated stories into such short episodes. Rather than feeling like a cohesive web series, it ends up resembling a collection of rushed short films. The potential is there, but it just needs more room for each story to actually breathe.
They successfully delivered both justice through its storyline and intimacy through its romance. With its mystery-crime BL concept, the drama carries a heavy and intense atmosphere, and the performances of the main characters elevated that feeling even more.
Ju Tae Seon started as a bully, but as the story progressed, he revealed himself to be a genuinely caring partner. Kim Yoon Sik completely captivated me with this role because it’s the complete opposite of his personality in real life.
On the other hand, Lee Chae Ha was unfortunately the victim of constant bullying from his peers. As an adult, I honestly don’t understand why people continue to bully others as if they never grew out of a childish mindset. Workplace bullying is especially frustrating to watch.
What made the story even more interesting was how the couple’s lives were connected through their fathers. One was killed, and the other became the prime suspect. It was such a messy situation, but it also became one of the strongest and most compelling parts of the drama.
The sexual tension between them was incredible, and they really took the intimate scene to another level. Especially the bathroom scene that completely shocked and gagged me.
I have to admit that crime and mystery stories aren’t really my cup of tea, so I wasn’t always fully focused on every case. Still, I had already guessed that the cute and bubbly Song Ha Neul would end up being the villain. He’s still handsome and adorable in real life, though, so he still wins in my book. I liked how the ending tied all of the crimes together and finally brought everything to a satisfying conclusion. The only aspect I wasn’t a fan of was the use of AI.
Overall, the chemistry was definitely giving, and the dynamic between the sassy prosecutor and his obedient inspector made them incredibly fun to watch. Combined with mystery and emotional backstory, made this a memorable BL drama despite a few elements that weren’t entirely my taste.
This drama is overflowing with cuteness from start to finish. The adorable cast, charming storyline, and sweet plot twists make it such an enjoyable watch. The romance begins with a case of mistaken identity involving the twins, and I really liked how the story handled it. The reveal that Chiaki had known everything the twins had discussed was a clever twist that completely shifted the dynamic of their pretend game.
I had so much fun watching this series. My only complaint, just like many other viewers, is that it should have been a full-length drama. I wanted to see more of their adorable chemistry and watch their relationship grow as they faced different challenges together.
I absolutely loved the actors and hope to see them work together again in future projects.
I have to applaud the drama for taking a bold and controversial approach by incorporating BL into a reality show concept where a Korean boy group is formed through a survival competition. Most K-pop fans will probably recognize the inspiration behind this premise. As far as I know, this hasn’t really been done in K-BL before, which gives the series a unique edge.
Seeing Lee Woo Jin as one of the main characters felt like running into an old favorite. He was one of my top picks during his survival show days, so it was nice to see him again. His character here ended up being my favorite, as he was cute, charming, and effortlessly likable.
Unfortunately, the script doesn’t live up to its promising concept. My biggest issue is that one couple is constantly switching between Korean, Thai, and English. The production tries to make it feel natural, but it just isn’t. They should have stuck to one language that both characters could speak comfortably, as the constant language switching only made their conversations feel awkward. On top of that, the Thai character’s spoiled personality quickly became irritating, to the point where I always fast-forward his scenes.
Thankfully, the other couple made up for it. Despite their rocky beginning, they gradually won me over and became much more engaging. Their story, which started with falling in love during trainee days, then being separated after one of them debuted, and then reuniting for a merged boy group, was sweet. The relationship struggles they faced felt appropriate for their age and careers, but the emotional payoff lacked intensity, making many of the dramatic moments fall a bit flat.
Overall, it is a fairly average K-BL. It features a cast of visually appealing actors and an interesting premise, but the weak script prevents it from reaching its full potential. It had plenty of opportunities to stand out, yet in the end, it wasn’t particularly memorable.
What a waste of potential. This drama had all the ingredients for an interesting thriller but failed to execute them in even an average way. Perhaps the limited budget played a part, but the story already had a spark. It just needed a little more fire to deliver a truly compelling performance.
What frustrated me most was that the end credits consumed almost half of each episode’s runtime. Considering the episodes were already very short, it felt like a huge waste of screen time. On top of that, the lack of proper character introductions resulted in messy pacing, making it difficult to connect with the story.
So why did I keep watching despite all these negatives? As I mentioned, I held onto the potential, the hope that the series would eventually redeem itself. The thriller premise genuinely caught my attention, and the lead actors were handsome with promising chemistry.
Unfortunately, by the end, nothing was really revealed. The only shocking moment was when the three main characters were suddenly shot one after another, with no real buildup or sense of danger. I was also disappointed that the drama never explained why the librarian resorted to violence or how she was connected to the crime in the first place.
The series ended with a “To Be Continued” message. I’m not sure if I’ll give it another chance, but if a second season does happen, I hope the production significantly improves and finally delivers the quality this story deserves.
An intriguing, unique, and very engaging plot. The story follows a cop who crosses paths with an assassin while visiting his friend’s house, the same place where every hidden lie is eventually revealed. The buildup was done really well, with each episode becoming more intense as the story progressed.
“I’m in love with the criminal.” Their relationship was one of the highlights. They argue, clash, and then end up sharing incredibly intimate moments afterward. The chemistry between them is undeniably sexy. Seo Yi Do is especially captivating, with his rugged masculine physique and sharp, defined features.
The reveal that Chu Tae Jeong’s longtime friends were involved in his father’s death was a solid twist, although I admittedly saw it coming. That episode was absolute chaos, in the best way possible. So many characters were stabbed or shot, yet somehow the two lovebirds remained alive and kicking through it all.
Overall, it was a good drama, though I feel it could have pushed its story even further, especially the ending. The execution of the scenes, especially the action sequences, was flawless. I had a great time watching it.
I knew this drama was going to wreck me, and honestly, this is exactly my cup of tea. I love emotional, tragic dramas filled with warmth, comfort, and quiet romance. Why did I only decide to watch this in 2026? I seriously missed out on one of the most beautiful masterpieces of 2023.
One Room Angel is filled with powerful metaphors and tells a deeply moving story about love, healing, and finding someone who gives you the strength to live life to the fullest again.
I actually rediscovered this gem because of its ending theme song by Sano Ibuki. The song is overflowing with emotion, just like the drama itself. Every episode perfectly balances calmness, humor, and melancholy, creating an atmosphere that feels both comforting and heartbreaking. I loved every single moment of it. And yes, the cast is incredibly handsome. I honestly spent the whole series wishing they would kiss.
Kouki is such a heartbreaking protagonist. His entire journey is painfully tragic. After nearly dying from a stabbing, he’s given a second chance at life. When he returns home, he meets an Angel who slowly becomes his source of comfort and the place he can truly call home. Ironically, this Angel is rude, sarcastic, funny, and constantly complaining, making it impossible for the kind-hearted Kouki not to grow attached to him.
There are many interpretations regarding the Angel’s true identity. At first, it almost feels as though he could simply be Kouki’s imaginary friend, a delusion born from his overwhelming loneliness. But as the story unfolds, we learn that the Angel was actually a student who took his own life on the very night Kouki was stabbed. Crushed by guilt, bullying, and the complicated feelings surrounding a classmate who both tormented and secretly loved him, his story becomes just as devastating as Kouki’s.
While watching this series, I suddenly realized something. I think I’d be okay if I had an imaginary friend or an Angel, that only I could see, someone I could tell everything to. Loneliness can slowly consume a person, and carrying every emotion by yourself is truly exhausting. That’s why Kouki’s loneliness felt so painfully real throughout the entire story.
One line completely shattered me: “Since this guy came, I no longer think I want to die. On the contrary, it’s the opposite.” Hearing Kouki say those words while hugging the Angel was absolutely heartbreaking. The Angel became the person who finally said everything Kouki had longed to hear his entire life.
As expected, the ending left me in tears. It was unbelievably beautiful. The Angel was finally able to fly, leaving Kouki behind. But the love, comfort, and memories they shared remained with him forever. The scene where Kouki’s mother finds a single feather and Kouki suddenly breaks down crying completely destroyed me. He later turns that feather into a beautiful necklace before saying goodbye to the tiny apartment where he met the love of his life.
Kouki, who had once lost all hope in living, finally learns to embrace life again with gratitude and hope because of the brief but life-changing encounter he shared with the Angel. It reminded him that life isn’t so bad after all.
I’m still tearing up while writing this review. One Room Angel is truly a beautiful masterpiece.
As a compilation, Close to You feels like your average K-BL anthology: visually appealing but held back by inconsistent writing. While some stories stand out on their own, others lack the charm and substance to leave a lasting impression. Here’s my ranking from favorite to least favorite.
Friendship Bracelet.
What an insane plot twist paired with such a remarkable concept. I only started watching this show because of Kim Jeong Seok, and fortunately, he ended up starring in the strongest story of the four. This episode had the most unique premise, blending romance and fantasy in a way that felt surprisingly effective despite its short runtime. The idea of a rainbow-colored bracelet that lets you travel back in time with a flick was both cute and creative. However, the real highlight was the reveal that the other guy had been using the bracelet first, repeatedly going back in time just to confess his feelings to his best friend. That twist was genuinely brilliant. I really enjoyed how simple yet emotionally powerful the story was. My only complaint is that dry kiss did absolutely nothing for me.
Last Diary.
I am a sucker for tragic romance, and this episode delivered exactly that. It starts with a charming enemies-to-lovers dynamic, supported by solid chemistry and a believable relationship development. Then it hits you with the heartbreaking revelation that one of them has been hiding a terminal illness all along. Watching someone slowly fall in love, only to be left behind without ever knowing the truth,w as incredibly painful. In the end, he becomes the only one left to remember the brief yet unforgettable moments they shared in that house. It was bittersweet, emotionally devastating, and beautifully executed.
Riding A Bicycle.
Unfortunately, this episode felt as stagnant as the bicycle itself. While I appreciated the story’s key ideas, the chemistry between the leads never really clicked. The pacing also lost momentum halfway through, making the entire episode feel flat. At least it gave us a heartfelt confession between two best friends before they went their separate ways for college. That emotional payoff saved an otherwise underwhelming story.
Sunset Boulevard.
This was easily the weakest episode. Very little actually happens. It’s mostly a flashback followed by two former schoolmates reuniting after years of ghosting. Their reunion should have been emotionally charged, but instead, we get a cup of lukewarm coffee spilled on them before they casually talk about the past. By the time they finally confess their feelings, the episode is already ending. There simply wasn’t enough buildup to make the reunion feel satisfying.
Overall, Close to You is a mixed bag. A couple of stories significantly elevate the anthology, while the weaker ones drag its overall quality down. I appreciate the creativity behind the individual concepts, but I hope they move away from cramming multiple unrelated stories into such short episodes. Rather than feeling like a cohesive web series, it ends up resembling a collection of rushed short films. The potential is there, but it just needs more room for each story to actually breathe.
They successfully delivered both justice through its storyline and intimacy through its romance. With its mystery-crime BL concept, the drama carries a heavy and intense atmosphere, and the performances of the main characters elevated that feeling even more.
Ju Tae Seon started as a bully, but as the story progressed, he revealed himself to be a genuinely caring partner. Kim Yoon Sik completely captivated me with this role because it’s the complete opposite of his personality in real life.
On the other hand, Lee Chae Ha was unfortunately the victim of constant bullying from his peers. As an adult, I honestly don’t understand why people continue to bully others as if they never grew out of a childish mindset. Workplace bullying is especially frustrating to watch.
What made the story even more interesting was how the couple’s lives were connected through their fathers. One was killed, and the other became the prime suspect. It was such a messy situation, but it also became one of the strongest and most compelling parts of the drama.
The sexual tension between them was incredible, and they really took the intimate scene to another level. Especially the bathroom scene that completely shocked and gagged me.
I have to admit that crime and mystery stories aren’t really my cup of tea, so I wasn’t always fully focused on every case. Still, I had already guessed that the cute and bubbly Song Ha Neul would end up being the villain. He’s still handsome and adorable in real life, though, so he still wins in my book. I liked how the ending tied all of the crimes together and finally brought everything to a satisfying conclusion. The only aspect I wasn’t a fan of was the use of AI.
Overall, the chemistry was definitely giving, and the dynamic between the sassy prosecutor and his obedient inspector made them incredibly fun to watch. Combined with mystery and emotional backstory, made this a memorable BL drama despite a few elements that weren’t entirely my taste.
This drama is overflowing with cuteness from start to finish. The adorable cast, charming storyline, and sweet plot twists make it such an enjoyable watch. The romance begins with a case of mistaken identity involving the twins, and I really liked how the story handled it. The reveal that Chiaki had known everything the twins had discussed was a clever twist that completely shifted the dynamic of their pretend game.
I had so much fun watching this series. My only complaint, just like many other viewers, is that it should have been a full-length drama. I wanted to see more of their adorable chemistry and watch their relationship grow as they faced different challenges together.
I absolutely loved the actors and hope to see them work together again in future projects.
I have to applaud the drama for taking a bold and controversial approach by incorporating BL into a reality show concept where a Korean boy group is formed through a survival competition. Most K-pop fans will probably recognize the inspiration behind this premise. As far as I know, this hasn’t really been done in K-BL before, which gives the series a unique edge.
Seeing Lee Woo Jin as one of the main characters felt like running into an old favorite. He was one of my top picks during his survival show days, so it was nice to see him again. His character here ended up being my favorite, as he was cute, charming, and effortlessly likable.
Unfortunately, the script doesn’t live up to its promising concept. My biggest issue is that one couple is constantly switching between Korean, Thai, and English. The production tries to make it feel natural, but it just isn’t. They should have stuck to one language that both characters could speak comfortably, as the constant language switching only made their conversations feel awkward. On top of that, the Thai character’s spoiled personality quickly became irritating, to the point where I always fast-forward his scenes.
Thankfully, the other couple made up for it. Despite their rocky beginning, they gradually won me over and became much more engaging. Their story, which started with falling in love during trainee days, then being separated after one of them debuted, and then reuniting for a merged boy group, was sweet. The relationship struggles they faced felt appropriate for their age and careers, but the emotional payoff lacked intensity, making many of the dramatic moments fall a bit flat.
Overall, it is a fairly average K-BL. It features a cast of visually appealing actors and an interesting premise, but the weak script prevents it from reaching its full potential. It had plenty of opportunities to stand out, yet in the end, it wasn’t particularly memorable.
What a waste of potential. This drama had all the ingredients for an interesting thriller but failed to execute them in even an average way. Perhaps the limited budget played a part, but the story already had a spark. It just needed a little more fire to deliver a truly compelling performance.
What frustrated me most was that the end credits consumed almost half of each episode’s runtime. Considering the episodes were already very short, it felt like a huge waste of screen time. On top of that, the lack of proper character introductions resulted in messy pacing, making it difficult to connect with the story.
So why did I keep watching despite all these negatives? As I mentioned, I held onto the potential, the hope that the series would eventually redeem itself. The thriller premise genuinely caught my attention, and the lead actors were handsome with promising chemistry.
Unfortunately, by the end, nothing was really revealed. The only shocking moment was when the three main characters were suddenly shot one after another, with no real buildup or sense of danger. I was also disappointed that the drama never explained why the librarian resorted to violence or how she was connected to the crime in the first place.
The series ended with a “To Be Continued” message. I’m not sure if I’ll give it another chance, but if a second season does happen, I hope the production significantly improves and finally delivers the quality this story deserves.
An intriguing, unique, and very engaging plot. The story follows a cop who crosses paths with an assassin while visiting his friend’s house, the same place where every hidden lie is eventually revealed. The buildup was done really well, with each episode becoming more intense as the story progressed.
“I’m in love with the criminal.” Their relationship was one of the highlights. They argue, clash, and then end up sharing incredibly intimate moments afterward. The chemistry between them is undeniably sexy. Seo Yi Do is especially captivating, with his rugged masculine physique and sharp, defined features.
The reveal that Chu Tae Jeong’s longtime friends were involved in his father’s death was a solid twist, although I admittedly saw it coming. That episode was absolute chaos, in the best way possible. So many characters were stabbed or shot, yet somehow the two lovebirds remained alive and kicking through it all.
Overall, it was a good drama, though I feel it could have pushed its story even further, especially the ending. The execution of the scenes, especially the action sequences, was flawless. I had a great time watching it.
I knew this drama was going to wreck me, and honestly, this is exactly my cup of tea. I love emotional, tragic dramas filled with warmth, comfort, and quiet romance. Why did I only decide to watch this in 2026? I seriously missed out on one of the most beautiful masterpieces of 2023.
One Room Angel is filled with powerful metaphors and tells a deeply moving story about love, healing, and finding someone who gives you the strength to live life to the fullest again.
I actually rediscovered this gem because of its ending theme song by Sano Ibuki. The song is overflowing with emotion, just like the drama itself. Every episode perfectly balances calmness, humor, and melancholy, creating an atmosphere that feels both comforting and heartbreaking. I loved every single moment of it. And yes, the cast is incredibly handsome. I honestly spent the whole series wishing they would kiss.
Kouki is such a heartbreaking protagonist. His entire journey is painfully tragic. After nearly dying from a stabbing, he’s given a second chance at life. When he returns home, he meets an Angel who slowly becomes his source of comfort and the place he can truly call home. Ironically, this Angel is rude, sarcastic, funny, and constantly complaining, making it impossible for the kind-hearted Kouki not to grow attached to him.
There are many interpretations regarding the Angel’s true identity. At first, it almost feels as though he could simply be Kouki’s imaginary friend, a delusion born from his overwhelming loneliness. But as the story unfolds, we learn that the Angel was actually a student who took his own life on the very night Kouki was stabbed. Crushed by guilt, bullying, and the complicated feelings surrounding a classmate who both tormented and secretly loved him, his story becomes just as devastating as Kouki’s.
While watching this series, I suddenly realized something. I think I’d be okay if I had an imaginary friend or an Angel, that only I could see, someone I could tell everything to. Loneliness can slowly consume a person, and carrying every emotion by yourself is truly exhausting. That’s why Kouki’s loneliness felt so painfully real throughout the entire story.
One line completely shattered me:
“Since this guy came, I no longer think I want to die. On the contrary, it’s the opposite.”
Hearing Kouki say those words while hugging the Angel was absolutely heartbreaking. The Angel became the person who finally said everything Kouki had longed to hear his entire life.
As expected, the ending left me in tears. It was unbelievably beautiful. The Angel was finally able to fly, leaving Kouki behind. But the love, comfort, and memories they shared remained with him forever. The scene where Kouki’s mother finds a single feather and Kouki suddenly breaks down crying completely destroyed me. He later turns that feather into a beautiful necklace before saying goodbye to the tiny apartment where he met the love of his life.
Kouki, who had once lost all hope in living, finally learns to embrace life again with gratitude and hope because of the brief but life-changing encounter he shared with the Angel. It reminded him that life isn’t so bad after all.
I’m still tearing up while writing this review. One Room Angel is truly a beautiful masterpiece.