Jun & Jun (2023)

This is my first time doing a review, so let's go. This show is like a snack. Not your favorite, but a yummy one. A quick snack that can be finished in 8 bites. I've seen my fair share of short BLs from Korea, and this one is definitely one of the more enjoyable ones. If you're looking for a quick review, this show is worth your time. You can binge it in a day, there's decent acting and chemistry and an easy plot to follow. SPOILERS AFTER THIS!
Some thoughts:
1. While scent and smell were a huge theme in the show, I'm so glad it didn't take a creepy turn. I was worried about that when I noticed it was going to be central to the plot.
2. In episode 11, Choi Jun says, "Recently, I've been feeling like I'm forcing you to stay with me. I feel very lonely." I loved this call out. I feel like sometimes in BLs, when the more submissive partner shrugs off affection from the more dominate partner, it's not talked about often from the characters. I love that Choi Jun felt that in the moment and said something. It made the moment feel real.
3. I've seen a couple of the reviews having complaints with pacing in the show which is valid. A lot of BL media coming out Korea unfortunately is like this, and I don't know why. I think since I went in expecting that, I wasn't shocked when things were rushed. I think it helped all the characters had established relationships before the series.
4. I didn't realize until now that this series is over a year old, so a season 2 is probably not on anyone's mind. But I think they deserve one. Especially for Chim On and Hyun Jae. Not sure if anyone else felt flirty vibes with them, but I can totally see an entire second season with them as the leads and falling in love. Exploring Chim On's struggles as a super star. And Hyun Jae would still be working at the perfume/ad company, so we'd still be able to keep up with Choi Jun and Lee Jun. I've already ranted for too long, but I see it so clearly in my head.
5. I was going to end it there because I couldn't think about any other points I wanted to make. But that made me think about how this show is actually quite forgettable, which I think comes from the fact that it's short and rushed. If the show had the time, the characters could've been fleshed out. We could've seen the more mundane parts of their lives and really gotten to know them. Either way, I'm glad I watched it and enjoyed myself. I hope you've liked all my yapping and it inspired you to watch this show if you haven't already.

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