Reviews

Short & Sweet

I normally don't like to judge a web series too harshly because of two primarily reasons:

1. The time constraints it has for fuller character development (especially if there's conflict thrown into the story-line) & 2. The episode count. If it is under 5 episodes I usually feel like it can fail to capture major themes or at least have the opportunity to explore more of what is going on in the story because there's usually so much they are trying to do in under an hour and it really shows sometimes.

Thus, depending on the writing and production it can can be a hit or a miss. And can make us feel like why would they even bother making this into a series when they could have just made it into a short film. It would have been cohesive at least.

But I was pleasantly surprised with Where Your Eyes Linger.

I usually avoid Korean BL's because to be honest there's only a few series out there that focus entirely on the relationship between two men and of those series they are hard to watch because the characters usually end up unhappy or ambivalent (and with only a few of them out there among a zillion stories about hetero couples it's like... come on). We need MORE stories to encompass the complexity and beauty within the LGBTQ community and not less. So when I watched this (with zero expectation) I was shocked. For a Korean web series to focus solely on the relationship between two high school guys in a rather non-toxic way... I would say this is quite the rare gem.

Aside from the beautiful cinematography that captures you during each episode we learn a little more about what has been inside the hearts of Kang Gook and Tae Joo during each episode. After being 'friends' for nearly 15 years, we see our main characters attempt to navigate their changing relationship when Kang Gook slightly shifts their seemingly static relationship.

While getting a glimpse of their insecurities, passions, and the unbreakable bond shared between these two, I couldn't help but appreciate the story at face value and I really enjoyed watching it. Since we get to see the progression of those subtle, but affections glances transform into something so beautiful and very sweet between them, even when the conflict rose, I was left feeling very happy I watched this series.

The actors did very well in portraying their part (there was zero stiffness or awkwardness between them which quite frankly was a relief). So it felt sincere and authentic while you are watching.

I could only imagine if the episodes were even 20 minutes each instead of 10 because then this series would have easily been a 10/10 for me. But this seems like a baby step for Korean BL's... but it is in the right direction.

If you enjoy watching BL's this is definitely not one to miss. It's sweet & short, but it's definitely not void of raw emotion or character development. It did feel slightly rushed at some points (especially some plot points: like what happened to Tae Joo's mom?) but even so it felt like they did their best to make sure Tae Joo and Kang Gook's story feel in-sync at least. Although I would love a second season I'm sure we won't get it :(

Nevertheless I stayed for the solid acting and of course Kang Gook. They both deserved all the love in the world but especially our Kang Gook.

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Amazing and Interesting

I really thought i wasn't going to like this show but i got sucked into it real quick. honestly upset that ive finished it. it gives you a different perspective of what trainees and idols go through behind the scenes. The music is catchy and the groups are well put together. the main two couldve had more of a spark but all the side couples make up for it honestly. theres been many of these kpop shows and i love all of them but this one by far is the best one ive ever seen. its more real. shows more of what trainees ACTUALLY go through instead of this fantasy world

10/10 recommend this show.

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Why I watched it: Ji Chang Wook. After Healer, he ended up on “the list.”

Was it worth it: Yes

What I liked the most: The actors did an excellent job.

What I disliked the most: Lee Jung Jin’s character. Ugh.

Moment Meter: 2/10 – Pretty tame, particularly for an action drama.

Other thoughts: As I sit here thinking about it, I’m just now realizing what an interesting story line this drama had. Usually I hate politics in dramas, but this one was interesting from beginning to end. There were a lot of characters that I loved to hate and only a few that I really sided with. The pacing was great, and there was just the right amount of action in it. I’m always grateful for the omission of constant shaky cam. It wasn’t non-stop action the entire time and it wasn’t endlessly long with nothing happening either. I’m pretty sure Ji Chang Wook had a wound on his body at any given time throughout the entire thing. The acting was solid, and I really like the choreography for the first fight, but every fight after that seemed a bit weak (especially because I can’t help but compare to Healer). The ending was good and satisfying.

Conclusion: I would classify this as a melodrama with a hint of action. It wasn’t a favorite, but it was very solid.

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Crash Landing Just Right

"I got on the wrong train, and that very train brought me here. It brought me to the place I've yearned to come every morning and night. It brought me to my destination." — Captain Ri.
This quote really hits me hard :')

Okay let's review this, I'll try my best not to spoil anything
This is an almost flawless drama, but sadly it's always the latter episodes that "ruins" it. Not that bad though.

First and foremost the casting of this drama is the main thing about this drama for me
Yes, I'm talking about Son Ye Jin, I can explain to you why I'm interested in this drama just because of her being the female lead here, but it's a story for another time.

Let's talk about the great acting which I gave 10/10 score first
Initially, I'm only interested in the main leads acting, but who would've thought that the 4 Army Guys (especially Pyo Chi Su xd) is actually the most interesting and I'd say the most vital part about this show, if it weren't for these guys, this show would totally flop.

Here I will explain why it'd flop really hard (especially on the latter episodes)
The MAIN reason is characterization of the villain (Jo Chul Gang), It's too one dimensional and he keeps doing unreasonable things just to escalate the story. I know they kinda explain why he did such things, but it's too much of a stretch to say the least. To put it simply, it's getting boring every time he does that.

And second, we don't get to see much of our second lead, it's too disappointing because they have unique background and personalities, such wasted potential.

Despite all that, I still love this show mainly because I love seeing the interaction between the cast and the music is great, oh and the shooting places are beautiful <3 <3

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A poorly “parked” relationship on the race track

Cinema and television, like all art that reflects the society in which they develop, have shown the trafficking of children through notable films, documentaries and television series. Numerous films and television programs expose this illegal practice and many of them are based and inspired by real-life cases.
Asian dramas are committed to bringing all genres to the public, including those in which their protagonists have a romantic bond combined with supernatural powers.
Has the fact that Thailand is a point of origin, destination and transit of human trafficking aroused the interest of Nopachai Jayanama (Peter), as director, and Kanokphan Ornrattanasakul and Issaraporn Kuntisuk, as scriptwriters, to tell us in 'Pit Babe' a story that mixes homosexual romance, sport, intrigue, action, human trafficking, fantasy and supernatural powers?
This drama, an adaptation of the web novel by _alittlebitch, winks at Thai reality: the value of child victims of human trafficking does not lie in using them as sexual slaves, in forced labor or to extract their organs for commercialization, but in possessing special powers.
Are we facing a social drama of denunciation of human commerce? I would like this to be its purpose, but consistent with its BL condition, 'Pit Babe' will enhance the romance. This arises between Babe (Naret Promphaophan-Pavel), the king of the racetrack, and Charlie (Krittin Kitjaruwannakul-Pooh), his supporter.
Will the series have a hidden message? How many of Tony's “sons” among the superpowered children are gay men today? Babe, Charlie, Jeff, Kenta, Pete, Way...? That is, the main characters with powers who were raised-educated by the person dedicated to human trafficking ended up being homosexuals. Is there a hidden message in this, simple coincidence or something of “destiny”?
Babe is a very popular racing driver and admired by everyone. His achievements in the sport have led him to be considered number one. Among his followers is Charlie, a young man who wants to be a racing driver like him. However, he does not have the money or the contacts necessary to achieve it. Therefore, he looks for an opportunity to get closer to the leader of X Hunter. When he succeeds, he asks for your help and to lend him a car so he can materialize his aspirations. The only solution he can think of is to reach a strange agreement with Babe. Against logic, he agrees to help Charlie realize his dream.
On this journey, will Babe be able to win Charlie's heart? Will he lose the race he most wants to win this time? Will Charlie be the one interested in captivating the racing driver? Will the relationship that began as a game triumphantly cross the finish line to become a real romance?
The most notable thing about the series is its exciting scenes and the attractiveness of the actors.
There is a secondary couple, made up of Alan and Jeff.
The cast also includes Supanut Lourhaphanich (Nut), as Way; Obrnithi Leelavetchabutr (Ping), as Pete; Natthapong Pathong (Benz), as Kim; Asre Wattanayakul (Lee), as Dean; Hemmawich Khwanamphaiphan (Sailub), as Alan; Thanapon Aiemkumchai (Pon), as Jeff; Michael Kiettisak (Michael), as North; Pataraphol Wanlopsiri (Pop), as Winner; Pantach Kankham (Garfield), as Kenta; Supakorn Saokhor (TopTen), as Sonic; and Vorarit Vaijairanai (S), as Tony
The chemistry between the protagonists and the bed scenes fail to lift a series whose characters are unrealistic and undeveloped. Pavel and Pooh have charisma and are attractive, but the script does not help their relationship connect with the viewer.
I must clarify that it is not that I find being 'passive' degrading. It's not that I assume that, in a relationship between two men, there is a "superiority" on the part of the one who is 'active' compared to the other who is 'passive', but the abrupt change in Babe's personality seems inconceivable to me. . This transformation comes at the same time as the loss of his powers, at the hands of Charlie.
Babe abandons his well-crafted playboy image for years. In all his previous relationships he played the role of seme or asset. In the words of the BL series themselves, he was, of the two, “the one on top.” He began his relationship with Charle by assuming this role in bed. Suddenly, without a convincing explanation, Babe becomes Charlie's uke. Babe swaps to play the role of the “bottom.” So, you would have to ask yourself: Did the loss of his precious powers lead him to be the passive one in their relationship? Didn't this move cause a loss in his character's potential?
Despite being in front of the cameras practically all the time, the actor who plays Charlie fails to connect with me emotionally. They are not facilitating emotions, but hindering emotions that are transmitted to me by a character who fails to sensitize me. By not feeling or understanding Charlie's emotions and feelings, I cannot essentially grasp whether it is love or just sex that drives him. Only his acting stands out in the sex scenes. Note that I do not say “when making love.”
The transformation of the character played by Nut, already in the final moments, is not logical either. About an obvious thing, the incurable remorse that must have accompanied Way throughout much of his life for betraying Babe for years, causing the rift between him and the man he loves, as well as many, if not all, of the problems that have hit to the positive characters by being infiltrated into their ranks, Way's evolution from evil to purity, from darkness to light is narratively constructed, sustained by the effort to achieve the viewer's identification with the traitor. It is necessary to save it, the creators thought.
Way drinks with Pete because “he wants to make the situation better.” He doesn't know “what to do next.” He does not know if “what I have always believed is the right thing.” He asks Pete why he decided to leave Dad, and Pete tells him, “Because the truth is not what I thought… I decided to leave to end the vicious cycle that Dad had created.” And he tells her that she still has the chance to choose what she wants to do. Way has been asked to show the despondency caused by guilt. Way has had the option all his life to choose the right path, but he has decided to be by Tony's side, even knowing what this means. But suddenly, some words from Pete whispered in his ear between sips of liquor and a few pats on the back invite him to “do the right thing.” And this would not be a problem if they had gotten rid of the rampant schematism in the character design and the all-too-evident desire to redeem him.
A story that fails to convince, clumsily designed characters, characters lacking development and therefore generating empathy, limitations in the explanation of the characters' decision making, poverty in the development of events and irregularities regarding changes of personality, are several of the main characteristics of the drama.
Peter throws together a few tropes and too many clichés. With fewer ambitions and fewer plot holes, perhaps the series would have become a full-throttle, full-speed car swallowing up the race track.

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Clear and strong message: the fight for LGBT+ rights in Taiwan has not stopped

Inspired by the "skirt week" controversy at Banqiao Municipal High School in Taiwan, where students fought for men's right to wear skirts in the student center, the short film 'Rose Skirt' (玫瑰色的裙), from 2021, tells how while the well-intentioned students carried out the exercise in a playful and boisterous manner, Xiao Yan, the only boy in the class who really has desires to crossdress, remains silent and hides his longing.
From Taiwanese writer, director and producer Angel I-Han Teng, 'Rose Skirt' is a queer coming-of-age short that depicts the ambiguity of growing gender consciousness in teenagers. Yan, the teenage protagonist of the story, faces his desire for feminine expressions while struggling with feelings of guilt and shame. Is it internalized homophobia? Is it homophobia? The truth is that he is afraid to admit his true self to everyone.
Starring Xiang-Dao ChenKey, Yi Rou Kao and Etsen Chen, the film continues the filmography of a filmmaker interested in addressing issues related to identity, gender, feminism and human rights with a subtle sensitivity.
These themes are addressed by the filmmaker since her first work as a screenwriter of 'Bao Bao' (親愛的卵男日記), from 2018, directed by Shie Guang Cheng, or 'The Fragrance of the First Flower', winner of the Gold Award in the GagaOOLala Pitching Sessions, and 'A Balloon's Landing'(我在這裡等你), from 2024, among other film pieces.
The short film addresses a conflict already seen before, but from a different angle. When society downplays the issue and affirms that a man, regardless of his sexuality, can wear women's clothing, they drown out the voices of those who really want to cross-dress.
In a subtle way, the filmmaker uses this conflict to weave a deeper and more delicate narrative. But what is striking is that the short film is set in Taiwan, the only territory in Asia where LGBT+ people have achieved some social and human rights achievements, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage.
The filmmaker's message is that, despite what has been achieved, the members of this human group still suffer from misunderstandings and humiliations, which generate fears and insecurities. The objective of the film is clear and forceful: to point out that Taiwanese LGBT+ people must still continue the fight for full recognition of their human rights.

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Loved it

I love the overall story, also the actors justified their characters. I don't understand why most of the review is about the dissatisfaction regarding the story plot. For me the story line was excellent, so much so that i want to read the book now. It was an awesome drama, and loved the entire cast. I binged watched the entire drama and finished it in just two days, now I regret doing so because i miss it and have nothing to watch currently. I literally became a fan of ZeeNew, they look so good together, i wish to see them as a couple again in another series. It will be a hit, just like Cutie Pie.

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The start of this show is shaky, with really in-your-face montages. The characterisation was pretty weird too. I mean, now I know what people talk about when they say inexperienced actors. But everyone gets better!

I enjoyed the strong sunbae culture and it was also nice to see the protagonists being the sunbaes instead of the hoobaes.

I like the show deals with mental health issues. And that people don’t just become depressed because they break up. It’s very rare for a heroine to have a breakdown over something or someone that isn’t the romantic line.

The character have sad back stories, but they just suck it up and deal with it simply without drama.

Random note: I like the different names of the characters, instead of ones that I’ve already known from other dramas.

Joon Hyung - male lead
Nam Joo Hyuk’s acting gets better. In the beginning, I really wasn’t sure what face he was trying to pull. He has some really great one-liners throughout the drama.

“People either really like me or hate me, y’know.”

He’s used to people being pissed at him that he’s come to the point that he just shuts it out.

“Relationships aren’t like sports. Effort does not guarantee success.”

“I’m yours, so I have to listen to you.”
 
I like that Joon Hyung was only a little adverse to therapy and it showed how he was challenged but he just got into it quite easily. He’s really a very gentle soul and the actor who played him when he was a kid was just perfect. Nam Joo Hyuk also has a very puppy dog vulnerable expression. I appreciated his shyness when it comes to emotions, but also how he is quite in touch with his.
Joon Hyung’s relationship with his bro is so funny. I like how well he knew his brother and wanted to support him. Joon Hyung has a very middle aged man personality actually.
I liked the way he acted towards his parents, maybe it’s because of his inexperience, but it felt like his character was also acting a certain way, putting on a show for his parents.
His stand out trait is his loyalty. I love how kind he is to lots of people but of course the way he cares for Bok Joo and is concerned for her is beautiful. He really goes out of his way to make sure she’s ok. And he thinks about how to approach her and puts thought into how to talk to her or make her feel better. He has some of the best moments of sincere gentleness and kindness that I’ve seen in dramaland.

I love the swimming pool analogy and what it means to Joon Hyung.
 
Bok Joo
I like that Bok Joo wears really unflattering clothes constantly.
Usually I would dislike a storyline where the heroine is in love with the wrong person for a majority of the show. But Joon Hyung’s gentle and kind support of her made it ok. It’s a bit funny how scared Joon Hyung is of her.
It’s unusual, for me to see a heroine really go for her misplaced love, and in a way it felt a bit more realistic that just because he’s not the hero of the show, doesn’t mean that it’s not hard to get over him.
I like that Bok Joo is so good at what she does. That Joon Hyung has to work hard to keep up with her athletic achievements in his own field.

Romance

“Is this a home shopping channel? That sounds ridiculous.”

I like that you can see that Joon Hyung is so polite to his family to the point that it’s stiff. So it’s really meaningful the way he can relax around Bok Joo.
Bok Joo’s way of comforting Joon Hyung is really genuine and I like that she avoids cliches, and is so real about what she says to him.

Best Friends
The best friends of both Bok Joo and Joon Hyung were borderline stereotypical. But they had some nice stand out moments.

“Did she eat ginseng or something? What’s wrong with her?”

And it was funny to see Joon Hyung’s best bud get involved with Bok Joo’s girl friends.

Female Role Models
Coach Choi was a great character and I loved the way she yelled at people like a lion. Not your usual high pitch barrage that you get with female characters but a very guttural roar haha.

Ah Young
“It’s good to love someone, but you need to be loved to boost your self-esteem.”

Si Ho
Also, I like that I got to love the crazy ex-girlfriend too. There’s something really cool about her.

Jae Yi
It was a bit funny to see the nice guy, “second lead syndrome” personality get a bad rap for hurting people with his consideration.

“Seriously, I had no idea that treating you well would create more distance between us. Agh, do I have a disorder?”

Jae Yi - “You were quite scary when you got angry. I thought you’d punch me.”
Joon Hyung - “I may seem sweet to you, but I can be quite tough.”

Cameos
We have some beautiful scene stealers! This show had the best cameos – all my favourite actors. LJS didn’t even try and act, but come on, it’s LJS. Ji Soo, however, put his whole heart into his little scenes. Love that guy! And had to squee when I saw Kim Seul Gi too.

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Are You Human Too? is a sci-fi rom com. It reminded me a little bit of I'm Not a Robot but it's sort of the reverse. What I thought was great about this was Seo Kang Joon - his acting playing the cold human and the sweet robot in the same show was just great because this role really gave him the opportunity to show a wide range of acting skills and emotions all in one show. You will just fall in love with his robot side in this show, and what is funny of course is the robot is more human than the human. Throughout watching this I couldn't wait to see it on the nights it was out as I was watching it while it aired each episode here. I loved the way his character developed and was able to get emotions and love. At times he reminded me of Data from Star Trek. I also loved the female character Gong Seong Yeon how she loved the robot for who he was so it was not just the outer shell which both guys had the same but their real inner selves. The chemistry between the leads was great. I really loved this show and not just for the romance but I really thought the whole drama and plot were done well and it always kept me wanting to see it. I don't want to give any spoilers but I highly recommend this. A truly great show.

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Story - okay this is why I'm low marking. The beginning was okay. But it quickly fell apart and became a complete chore to watch. I would mark this in minus numbers for the story. It was a mess of an ending with a ridiculous and unnecessary twist. The twist was what had me hurling abuse at my laptop. This story had so much potential (as the first half showed), sadly it was all squandered and for NOTHING. So for me this is 1/10

Acting/Cast - The cast deserved 9.5 maybe even 10 because they CARRIED this rubbish on their backs. Their acting was the ONLY reason I kept watching and the ONLY reason I'm giving this a 6 overall. Most notably Higashide Masahiro as Baku / Ryohei. The three main leads really gave it their all, but the writing and story itself completely let them down. I hope to see more of the three main lead actors, Higashide Masahiro, Seto Koji and Karata Erika (in that order).....they worked so hard to make a mess of a story watchable, and for that I can only thank them.......and hope they get better projects more worthy of their talent in the future. 9.5/10

Music - It was okay nothing really memorable. 4/10

Rewatch Value - there is only any rewatch value if you truly adore the the cast, especially the main leads, and can't find anything else with them in. However, if there are even adverts they've been then watch those - it will still be better than this. 3/10

Overall Score - As I've already said, the acting of Higashide, Seto and Karata is the ONLY reason I kept watching and the ONLY reason I'm giving this a 6 overall. so yeah, 6/10. (though it is still better than the all time worst of the worst 'Miss in Kiss' - though watching paint dry is still better than THAT mess).

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