The backlash against queer Korean dramas, especially now with a full-length, 50-minute serie airing, says so much about the insecurities of those who oppose it.
Why? Because they’re scared. If they were truly secure in their "beliefs" they wouldn't care what shows are gaining popularity, but the fact that they’re so vocal about tearing this down exposes their fear. They know a queer drama has the potential to take over, to become mainstream, to shift cultural narratives, and to show that love stories, no matter the gender, resonate with viewers.
They try to undermine it, boycott it, and spread hate, but their efforts just prove one thing: they know the impact these shows can have. They're scared because they know that with every new queer drama that airs, the walls around their rigid worldview are crumbling. Representation is powerful. People are beginning to see that queer love stories are just as worthy, and the more the audience embraces it, the less space there is for the hate these critics are clinging to.
Sad life for them lmao. Point and laugh, they are pitful ya'll
I'm finding he's trying too hard to be indifferent, if that makes any sense. I'm not drawn to him, he's just boring…
From what I’ve heard, that’s how his character is in the novel, though I haven’t read it myself, so I can’t say for sure. But I totally understand what you mean, everyone has different perspectives. Maybe he’ll grow on you later. 🌸😊
Yes! He is climbing up the ranks of my favourite (Red flag - Black flag) LIST -- he just may take the lead at…
He’s definitely climbing up my list too! 😄 I’m such a sucker for villain main leads, they’re my absolute favorite to watch. Their darkness is just so intriguing! 😈💫
Murong Jinghe as a male lead is such a refreshing twist on the usual villain archetype. He doesn’t go for the over-the-top intensity we’re used to seeing, instead he’s all calm, quiet menace. The way he acts with this almost bored indifference makes him even more intriguing. It’s like he’s ten steps ahead of everyone else, and nothing phases him. That low, quiet voice just adds to the vibe, he doesn’t need to shout to command the room. It’s a subtle but powerful approach, and it’s making him stand out from the typical ML's I have seen.
It’s honestly baffling that some people still feel entitled to bring their outdated, homophobic views into a queer space, as if their ignorance holds any weight. It’s 2024, and the only thing we’re trying to gatekeep is hate. Queer shows are all about embracing love, authenticity, and the beautiful spectrum of human experience, so trying to insert negativity into that mix is not just disrespectful; it’s downright pathetic.
These homophobic comments are a reflection of a fragile mindset that can't handle the existence of identities outside their narrow worldview. Instead of spreading hate, how about they channel that energy into learning something new or, I don’t know, just minding their own business? Progress thrives on diversity, and it’s pretty clear that inclusivity is here to stay. So, if you can’t vibe with love and acceptance, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your life choices and step aside while the rest of us celebrate the GAYS. Your ignorance isn’t welcome here!
Liu Xueyi has me completely captivated. I’m embracing my inner fangirl to the fullest haha. He is delivering such a mesmerizing blend of seductive charm, calculated cleverness, deep sadness, and fierce power, all wrapped in a character that’s as dangerous as he is alluring. Wu Jinyan, on the other hand, is the epitome of grace and strength. Her fluid fighting style evokes the elegance of a martial arts master, and her poise reminds me of the great heroines from ancient Chinese legends. On top of that the chemistry between them is electric, and the fast-paced plot draws you in like the sweeping currents of a jianghu battle. I’m absolutely loving every minute of this show so far.
Y’all literally have no idea how obsessed I am with Aran and Tattoo!! I’m losing my mind every time they’re on screen together. Their dynamic is so chaotic and electric, it makes me giggle, scream, and kick my feet all at once. The looks and the energy they bring??? I’m unhinged!
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been on this page I usually don’t revisit shows after they end, but I find myself missing this one so much! It’s surprising how deeply I fell for it, especially since I typically lean toward darker, more mature themes but from the very first episode, this just swept me off my feet. The chemistry and softness between these two characters are absolutely unforgettable. Every little moment they share lingers in my mind, I mean they navigate their struggles with such authenticity and grace that it resonates on a personal level. I just love how they embrace vulnerability and honestly, I’m in desperate need of Season 2! I can’t wait to see how they explore their identities and feelings even more.
I'm excited for season 2, but the fact that the actors didn’t know about it when it was announced by the production team makes me think season 2 will likely focus on new characters. Typically, the actors would be informed and have contracts signed if they were returning, though it's still possible they could work things out later.
This episode was everything, and I’m really loving how the show is taking its time building up their relationship instead of rushing into things, it makes every little moment hit even harder. Anyway, spoiler alert because we have to talk about some stuff!
First of all, can we talk about Jack nodding when Hoy is going on about how Joke has a big heart? Like, SIR, we see you! Then, to top it off, Jack sitting there with that smug little smile while listening to Joke describe his type? A type that just so happens to be someone who’s kind and forgiving of his mistakes? And then Jack just casually forgiving him by the end of the episode? It’s giving seriously calculated moves. Jack’s out here playing the long game, and it’s honestly a power move.
That being said, Tattoo crossed some serious lines. When he took that necklace, he didn’t just put Joke in danger. He dragged Hoy and Jack into the mess as well, his best friend and the guy who's been saving his skin time and time again. And for what? Money? I get that Tattoo grew up poor, and he’s got some deep-rooted issues with how the world works, especially his biases against the rich. But honestly, it doesn’t excuse him screwing over the people who’ve had his back. There’s this tension between wanting to empathize with him and realizing that, at some point, you have to take responsibility for your actions. Just because society dealt him a rough hand doesn’t give him a free pass to pull everyone else into his chaos. It’s like he’s fighting a battle, not just with the world, but with his own demons, and he’s dragging everyone down with him in the process.
I mean Tattoo’s worldview has clearly been shaped by his experiences growing up poor, which has led to this almost reflexive resentment towards anyone with money or power. It’s understandable, but what he fails to see is that not every rich person is the enemy.
Also, I have to say, I’m kind of obsessed with the way Arun says Tattoo’s name. It’s just so soft, like he’s saying something precious. Every time he says it, there’s this weird tenderness to it, and I don’t even know why it gets me, but it does. I SHIP THEM.
I also love the social dynamics the show is tackling. There’s this brutal but honest commentary on how poverty and desperation can push people into making reckless decisions, even ones that jeopardize the people they care about most. Tattoo’s actions, while misguided, speak to a larger truth about survival in a world that’s constantly kicking you down. He’s trapped in this cycle of poverty, and when people are backed into a corner like that, the lines between right and wrong get blurred. It’s not just about greed, it’s about fighting to stay afloat in a system designed to make you sink.
Waiting for Immortality to air is like Chu Wanning trying to be patient with Mo Ran—endless and full of sighs! At this rate, I feel like I should start training in meditation just to cope. If he can endure Mo Ran’s chaos, I should be able to survive this wait, right? Maybe I’ll just summon my inner Shizun 🧘♀️
The time they're using to wait for the ban to be lifted. Can't they just bring out money to film it again carefully?.…
That would honestly be such a bad move. They’ve already invested a ton of money into this drama. Refilming it would not only double the cost but also waste everything they've already put in. Who would even make that kind of decision? And by “careful,” I assume you mean toning down the queer elements, but I think no one wants a fully straight-washed version. Most fans would rather wait a few more years if it means we get to see the love story they’ve been hinting at, even if it's censored. The behind-the-scenes moments make it pretty clear, just like with The Untamed, and that’s what people are here for. If they completely erase that to "play it safe," the show would lose a huge part of its audience because most people would drop it instantly.
I’m obsessed with how long these episodes are, it’s rare to get a BL that commits to a full hour, and it gives the plot so much more room to breathe. But let’s dive into this week’s episode because, wow, I loved it -- Spoilers ahead! One of the things that really stood out to me was how Jack is constantly looking out for Joke, even when he's pretending not to care. There’s this whole “stay out of my life” attitude Jack tries to maintain, but his actions betray him every time. He just can’t help himself, even going as far as warning Joke about the danger he’s in and offering a place to stay. It’s clear Jack’s trying to convince himself that he’s done with Joke, but every move he makes says the opposite. His concern for Joke shines through in everything he does, almost like his instinct to protect him is stronger than the anger he’s desperately clinging to. It’s less about keeping Joke at arm’s length and more about finding any excuse to keep him close, even if Jack won’t admit it to himself.
What hit me hard, though, was how Joke’s time at Jack’s place probably gave him a taste of something he hasn’t had in years: a sense of family. Even if it was temporary and built on shaky circumstances, that brief period of safety and care must have felt like a distant memory for him. It’s heartbreaking to think that this chaotic, makeshift arrangement was likely the closest thing to comfort or belonging Joke has experienced in a long time. The layers of loneliness and isolation that Joke carries are overwhelming, and being in Jack’s space, even for a short while, must have reignited a longing for something he’s lost. It’s the kind of sadness that sneaks up on you, realizing that even in this fraught dynamic, Joke might have found a moment of peace he hasn’t known in years.
Another fascinating aspect of Joke’s character is how his entire skill set—lying, manipulating, and being quick on his feet—completely falls apart when Jack is involved. It’s almost comical how someone as slick as Joke loses all his finesse the second Jack is in the picture. He’s so used to being in control, being able to deceive anyone, but Jack is the one person who seems to unravel him effortlessly. Around Jack, Joke can’t keep up the act. It’s like Jack has this unspoken power over him that strips away all of Joke’s defenses, leaving him vulnerable in a way that’s almost unsettling. This dynamic just makes their relationship even more compelling because it shows that, despite Joke’s outward confidence, there’s something about Jack that leaves him completely exposed.
On a deeper level, the show is doing an incredible job of weaving in social commentary about the desperation that comes from living in harsh conditions. The way it tackles poverty, survival, and the choices people are forced to make under such pressure is brilliantly done. It’s not just about characters making questionable decisions; it’s about understanding the environment that drives those choices. The show subtly reminds us that when people are living on the edge, trapped by poverty and constant threats, they start to see options like prison or even death as better alternatives to the life they’re currently enduring. It’s heartbreaking but real.
Loveee!! Very well said and well written! Tian screaming at the staircase when the thunder came broke me! He really…
Thank you, bb! I’m literally about to start counting down the days until Season 2—I’m so excited to see their relationship level up from here. Please, I’m begging, I need it ASAP! I’m desperate! 😩
Thank you so much for explaining the class change part. I hope more & more people read your comment. It's necessary…
That's totally fair, I get frustrated too—not because it was bad, but because I’m just so ready to see their relationship fully blossom! Knowing we’ve got to wait has me a bit grumpy, haha. But honestly, I’m glad they didn’t rush it and try to cram the whole novel into just 12 episodes. It’s such a layered story, and it definitely deserves two seasons to do it justice. Fingers crossed we get that second season soon! Sending hugs your way!
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Why? Because they’re scared. If they were truly secure in their "beliefs" they wouldn't care what shows are gaining popularity, but the fact that they’re so vocal about tearing this down exposes their fear. They know a queer drama has the potential to take over, to become mainstream, to shift cultural narratives, and to show that love stories, no matter the gender, resonate with viewers.
They try to undermine it, boycott it, and spread hate, but their efforts just prove one thing: they know the impact these shows can have. They're scared because they know that with every new queer drama that airs, the walls around their rigid worldview are crumbling. Representation is powerful. People are beginning to see that queer love stories are just as worthy, and the more the audience embraces it, the less space there is for the hate these critics are clinging to.
Sad life for them lmao. Point and laugh, they are pitful ya'll
These homophobic comments are a reflection of a fragile mindset that can't handle the existence of identities outside their narrow worldview. Instead of spreading hate, how about they channel that energy into learning something new or, I don’t know, just minding their own business? Progress thrives on diversity, and it’s pretty clear that inclusivity is here to stay. So, if you can’t vibe with love and acceptance, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your life choices and step aside while the rest of us celebrate the GAYS. Your ignorance isn’t welcome here!
First of all, can we talk about Jack nodding when Hoy is going on about how Joke has a big heart? Like, SIR, we see you! Then, to top it off, Jack sitting there with that smug little smile while listening to Joke describe his type? A type that just so happens to be someone who’s kind and forgiving of his mistakes? And then Jack just casually forgiving him by the end of the episode? It’s giving seriously calculated moves. Jack’s out here playing the long game, and it’s honestly a power move.
That being said, Tattoo crossed some serious lines. When he took that necklace, he didn’t just put Joke in danger. He dragged Hoy and Jack into the mess as well, his best friend and the guy who's been saving his skin time and time again. And for what? Money? I get that Tattoo grew up poor, and he’s got some deep-rooted issues with how the world works, especially his biases against the rich. But honestly, it doesn’t excuse him screwing over the people who’ve had his back. There’s this tension between wanting to empathize with him and realizing that, at some point, you have to take responsibility for your actions. Just because society dealt him a rough hand doesn’t give him a free pass to pull everyone else into his chaos. It’s like he’s fighting a battle, not just with the world, but with his own demons, and he’s dragging everyone down with him in the process.
I mean Tattoo’s worldview has clearly been shaped by his experiences growing up poor, which has led to this almost reflexive resentment towards anyone with money or power. It’s understandable, but what he fails to see is that not every rich person is the enemy.
Also, I have to say, I’m kind of obsessed with the way Arun says Tattoo’s name. It’s just so soft, like he’s saying something precious. Every time he says it, there’s this weird tenderness to it, and I don’t even know why it gets me, but it does. I SHIP THEM.
I also love the social dynamics the show is tackling. There’s this brutal but honest commentary on how poverty and desperation can push people into making reckless decisions, even ones that jeopardize the people they care about most. Tattoo’s actions, while misguided, speak to a larger truth about survival in a world that’s constantly kicking you down. He’s trapped in this cycle of poverty, and when people are backed into a corner like that, the lines between right and wrong get blurred. It’s not just about greed, it’s about fighting to stay afloat in a system designed to make you sink.
What hit me hard, though, was how Joke’s time at Jack’s place probably gave him a taste of something he hasn’t had in years: a sense of family. Even if it was temporary and built on shaky circumstances, that brief period of safety and care must have felt like a distant memory for him. It’s heartbreaking to think that this chaotic, makeshift arrangement was likely the closest thing to comfort or belonging Joke has experienced in a long time. The layers of loneliness and isolation that Joke carries are overwhelming, and being in Jack’s space, even for a short while, must have reignited a longing for something he’s lost. It’s the kind of sadness that sneaks up on you, realizing that even in this fraught dynamic, Joke might have found a moment of peace he hasn’t known in years.
Another fascinating aspect of Joke’s character is how his entire skill set—lying, manipulating, and being quick on his feet—completely falls apart when Jack is involved. It’s almost comical how someone as slick as Joke loses all his finesse the second Jack is in the picture. He’s so used to being in control, being able to deceive anyone, but Jack is the one person who seems to unravel him effortlessly. Around Jack, Joke can’t keep up the act. It’s like Jack has this unspoken power over him that strips away all of Joke’s defenses, leaving him vulnerable in a way that’s almost unsettling. This dynamic just makes their relationship even more compelling because it shows that, despite Joke’s outward confidence, there’s something about Jack that leaves him completely exposed.
On a deeper level, the show is doing an incredible job of weaving in social commentary about the desperation that comes from living in harsh conditions. The way it tackles poverty, survival, and the choices people are forced to make under such pressure is brilliantly done. It’s not just about characters making questionable decisions; it’s about understanding the environment that drives those choices. The show subtly reminds us that when people are living on the edge, trapped by poverty and constant threats, they start to see options like prison or even death as better alternatives to the life they’re currently enduring. It’s heartbreaking but real.