Blueming (2022)

a pure and good fun time, with a dash of trauma

"something that doesn't bother me could be someone else's huge burden. about pain, it's an absolute thing for a person. it's not something you can compare. if i feel pain, then it is pain. nobody can judge you."

my god...this just a beautiful tease of the masterpieces we could have without discrimination in korean media. the depth of acting, the amazing interaction between these well-established fleshed out characters. the male leads don't necessarily have great romantic chemistry, but they like each other so much, you can feel it in such a pure way from the first episode. like, platonic love? very pure and healthy (except for that business at the end). kim so bin as yun-jeong was especially good, i found her character refreshing rather amidst what could have been very cliche or even harmful plot devices. all this with these über-short runtimes and limited episodes, they did a lot with very little ...korean BLs are too powerful, that's why the government had to nerf them.

*short addendum, did anyone else feel like the last episode was like, mostly fever dream? one instance where the pacing and short episodes did not pay off, and on the last episode? weird choice.

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ummmm i loved it lol

Summary: It’s about film school (well it’s an all around art department and not an exclusive college I think but whatever) and a filmmaking competition. A dude meets another dude when needing to collaborate on an assignment for class. They both have issues and they fall in love. The protagonist is Si Won.

Despite having seen the poster before, I had no intention of watching this. I was bored and procrastinating, so I decided to browse the ‘newest’ list on the explore page; now I'm glad I did. I was not prepared for ANY of that, including my reactions to it or my feelings afterwards. Blueming was like a short, intense, emotional love letter to the art of filmmaking, the volatility of art/film school in a neat story.

That’s a huge part of why I enjoyed it so much and why I love rewatching it. It’s very authentic in that way and I loved that so much. I can make connections between this, the love and obsession of all the movies and art I’ve absorbed and seen as well as my knowledge of working in filmmaking/art and the past—and current—experiences that make up the love of what we do. Tangentially, I immediately felt compelled to rewatch "Bright Star" (story about Keats and the love of his life. Dir. Jane Campion, 2009) afterward because I wanted to experience the same sense of intimacy (though it’s more intense in the film, more cinematic).

Consider the time constraints and view the program in the light of what is essentially a feature-length movie. The time constraints are a built-in flaw in these shows that they would be able to overcome, imo, if they treated it moreso like a feature when recording instead of episodic and needing to establish something concrete in every episode. Would take too long to elaborate but I hope some people understand what I mean in the difference between a TV approach and a film one.

However, though shortform is limited in what they can accomplish, it's a mark of the show's success when viewers are able to evaluate it moreso on the basis of its content, rather than being preoccupied with the things they feel are missing.

They wove cinema into their identities; being artists is part of that. The pacing was good (for how brief it is), and we were shown as well as told. Daun, the least developed between the two, changed between the beginning and the end (all the characters did) And though he is the least developed of the two, more blank slate, that’s the point of writing for visual media. They don’t end up where they started; something has actually changed. I actually think a season 2, if it is to be believed they are making one, is a great idea though I wish it were a full-fledged one since I believe the production team could have a lot to say.

It's realistic but not nihilistic or overbearing, more easygoing in reflections of reality. Sometimes things are bad, awful, hard as fuck and sometimes they’re beautiful, the depths of humanity. Again, and artistic, and particularly very cinematic, view of the world. Everyone’s striving to be themselves. Daun and Siwon's bond is defined, but I admire Siwon's sister's storyline openness. Not because a romance for her wouldn't be intriguing, but because you want everyone to be happy. Typical of a lot of Asian media of this genre, they also don’t define the sexualities in narrow terms which is what I personally prefer but not everyone does. Such is life.

Acting: So ok. Never heard of either actor but their acting was good. Think Kang Eun Bin does theater, which makes sense why he’s good, and Jo Hyuk Joon did opera. The best I’ve seen in these types of series, and a Korean one. Hyuk Joon has more experience, clearly, but he has also lived a longer life, and has developed into his body more. There isn’t a glaring asymmetry though, not at all. Eun Bin is more lanky and awkward—which will naturally change over time with age—but he knows what to do, and how to incorporate it, within his movements (movement and the way you talk is really important for me in acting). JHJ brings such charm to Da Un even when he seems impenetrable; Eun Bin displays realistic faux-confidence—we can see the cracks immediately for both of them. This isn't how I'm used to seeing these shows and enjoying it.

There was a vague air of attraction that was built from the first time they met, without these two specific actors I cannot imagine it being the same. Physical intimacy was a plus, but even if that wasn’t there, what they showed would elicit even my own feelings of wanting that type of intimacy, to get cuffed. This couple's physicality involves being near and absorbing, consuming, each other's energy. Experiencing each other. Negative capability, per Keats. It's just good and it feels good; I can't explain it.

Conversational scenes were the most moving to me. There are a few crucial exchanges that I eagerly anticipated because of the writing, acting, and palpable intensity of the emotions they deftly conveyed, all of which were interesting and well done. The show grabs my/our attention by taking us along, making us feel like you're a part of the characters' lives and their universe. Without the artists, his friends, the ridiculousness/competitiveness, the anxiety of wanting to make it and be perfect because it is PRESSURE to have to deliver in this school setting—ultimately the most depressing and frustrating parts of art school—and how they deal with that, I doubt I would have enjoyed the show as much as I did. Btw, the bullshit is all too real, especially with men, who feel uncomfortable (many times threatened and emasculated, even the non-straight ones) with others' success and “losing out."

One of my favorite scenes is their scene in the street on the last ep. They both did amazing and Eun Bin shone in that scene.

I understand that some people were confused (and there were times when it was confusing, but you could go back and see what you missed), but I enjoyed the show's experimental elements. It was pretty powerful and the point is that it does take you a couple of times, or a delayed amount of time, to realize something is off in that particular scene. it would have been better if that experimental motif was previously established so the audience could gain that pattern recognition, though.

In terms of production, it's well-done. Her/her crew’s best, the actors best, and it makes me curious how she would work with other genres. Which brings me to a tiny point I'd like to make: I just don't get why women (regardless of sexuality) get so attached to this genre—as writers, producers, directors, whatever—exclusively, and I find the whole thing to be pretty cringe. Clearly Hwang Da Seul is talented, and her productions have tightened up, her crews better, the casting good. But she had a character stand-in for herself, explaining that these are the stories she loves and well. Me personally I don’t get it but I’ll leave it at that.

Anyway, there are production issues: time constraints, voiceovers I can’t stand and make me embarrassed (hotel room), more specific about Da Un—but the vagueness is also a plus for me—and more specificity about Si Won’s past. But then there were good cuts, or little things that reminded me why I love doing this. There’s a moment that transitions with a perfect beat from two characters speaking after an event, while declaring friendship, and going to Si Won and Da Un on a bus after they establish they feel something for each other. Even something as insignificant as that can leave a mark.

It's rare for me to enjoy the soundtrack of an asian TV show, but I found myself enjoying even the Bon Iver-sounding number. The music by JHJ is included as well! I really like that song.

The show is about two people who are growing up and going through growing pains, falling in love, and being in love. where everything that goes wrong is worth it and you can firmly believe in a happily-ever-after, but a real happily-ever-after where nothing is perfect but it's good enough.

I’ve rewatched the show multiple times; it’s entertaining and the two of them make a great couple. This is the director's best work, in my opinion, most intimate and full of feelings, it's delightful and will make you feel immensely good. I really hope she tries her hand at other things and genres.

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just wow

this was so good, the aesthetics, cinematography and EVERYTHING ! the actung was good and the storyline, the kisses were so cute and perfect which made me smile and the silhouette SCENE !! I screamed !! The sotry line just moced so smoothly and I watched it all in one day which is really hard for me to do because I often don't watch shows in one sitting and in one day but this ine, couldn't take my eyes off the screen and I seen myself clicking for the next episode and the next :( that's all <3

twice lyrics for you :
그런 날이 있어
갑자기 혼자인 것만 같은 날
어딜 가도 내 자리가 아닌 것만 같고
고갠 떨궈지는 날
그럴 때마다 내게
얼마나 내가 소중한지
말해주는 너의 그 한마디에
Everything's alright
초라한 nobody에서 다시 somebody
특별한 나로 변해
You make me feel special
세상이 아무리 날 주저앉혀도
아프고 아픈 말들이 날 찔러도
네가 있어 난 다시 웃어
That's what you do
Again I feel special
아무것도 아닌 존재 같다가도
사라져도 모를 사람 같다가도
날 부르는 네 목소리에
I feel loved, I feel so special
자꾸 숨고만 싶어서
마주 하기가 싫어서
모든 게 의미를 잃은 듯이
내가 의미를 잃은 듯이 가만히 주저앉아 있을 때
그때 내 앞에 나타난 너의
따뜻한 미소와 손길에 (hey)
Everything's alright
초라한 nobody에서 다시 somebody
특별한 나로 변해
You make me feel special
세상이 아무리 날 주저앉혀도 (앉혀도)
아프고 아픈 말들이 날 찔러도
네가 있어 난 다시 웃어
That's what you do
Again I feel special
아무것도 아닌 존재 같다가도 (같다가도)
사라져도 모를 사람 같다가도
날 부르는 네 목소리에
I feel loved, I feel so special
Uh, you make everything alright
구름이 쫙 낀 햇살 한 줌 없는 날
네가 바로 나의 shining light
That's what you do
아무리 어두운 밤도 다시 낮
I owe it to you
Because you make me feel special
세상이 아무리 날 주저앉혀도 (앉혀도)
아프고 아픈 말들이 날 찔러도
네가 있어 난 다시 웃어
That's what you do
Again I feel special
아무것도 아닌 존재 같다가도 (같다가도)
사라져도 모를 사람 같다가도
날 부르는 네 목소리에

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Cinematographic masterclass

Right off the bat, I can say that this is one of the best looking BLs out there, regardless of country of origin. The cinematography is, as I said, a masterpiece. Each frame is well thought out, with beautiful lighting and gorgeous, punchy colors. It is a visual feast. The story tackles sensitive matters like insecurity, anxiety, and loneliness well. Extremely relevant and relatable. There is so much to love.

However, I felt the performances from the leads were lacking. There were some stale moments, especially the heavy scenes. During those emotion driven scenes, it seemed like they weren't committed enough. On the other hand, they were fully committed during the intimate scenes. They did a great job.

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Be the best version of yourself that you can

Just completed this drama last night and loved it.
The description 'charming' came to mind.

This BL manages to gender neutralise and focus on the sweet angst of a couple starting to love. What I mean by gender neutralise is there are no specific BL tropes the story could be about 2 boys, 2 girls or 1 of each it works because it is about the couple. The whole story focuses on their gradual coming together.
There is enough depth of character building, despite the shortness of the drama a lot is contained as the back story is revealed. Honestly the 11 episodes flew by and I watched from start to finish engaged all the way.
The actors are very natural in their responses and the 'human-ness' of their love is beautiful to watch at the end I sat for a while just recalling scenes. Kang Eun Bin and Jo Hyuk Joon did an incredible job depicting the leads in a realistic and restrained way that emphasised the naturalness of their portrayal. the OST and cinematography were lovely and added to the experience, especially the use of tinted lighting (blue for blueming).
XXX

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A cinematic production.

Honestly the biggest point for this show is the production. It feels very cinematic and is less "happy sunshine rainbows" which I think matures it in a way I quite enjoy. I really appreciated the more ambiguous way that Si Won and his mothers' relationship was rather than tying it up in a neat bow. The main couple had many beautiful scenes, but I think more dialogue would have been beneficial along with more time. The ending feels a bit choppy and though I was pulled in by the beautiful way the show is shot, I am left a little empty handed with why I should care about the main couple.

It feel more like we are kept at arms length by the show. Never truly pulled into any of the plot beats - other than perhaps Si Won's one conversation with his mother. It was a nice show, but I think that is what makes it fall short in the long term. Beautiful but lacking a little substance, which is an ironic thing when you take into context the themes that it was trying to portray.

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You're Gonna Be Popular

Going into this drama, I don't know what exactly I was expecting from it. Maybe something sweet and lighthearted, relatively uncomplicated. Instead what I got was a story with real depth and heart, characters that came alive, excellent acting, and an overall good quality production value. It was a pleasant surprise. There is something very artistic about it that I really appreciated and enhanced the story for me. It is hands down one of my favorite Korean BLs.

The story, at face value, is a simple enough slice of life focusing on two young college men, the challenges they face both together and as individuals. Alongside them are their friends and family who have their own trials from dealing with sexism and harassment to guilt tripping from parents to the pressures of needing to be successful. The pacing was well done. It didn't feel rushed nor did it feel too slow.

I loved the characters of Da Un and Si Won. They are such opposites and yet in some ways, they are so similar. They're a study in how our families shape us, for better or worse. Si Won's mother had good intentions, but her good intentions caused lasting trauma to her son, leaving him lacking confidence and feeling the need to pursue perfection. Da Un, on the other hand, contrary to Si Won's assumption, suffered neglect at the hands of his parents which led to a different kind of trauma, one that affected and almost destroyed his relationship with Si Won. It is both fascinating and painful to watch them, as well as beautiful as they start to help each other heal.

The acting is superb. Hyuk Joon and Eun Bin both do their characters proud. They were equally good with the more lighthearted scenes and the emotionally heavy scenes. They had phenomenal chemistry and played off of each other so well. It was such a pleasure to watch their interactions. I have absolutely no complaints. The supporting cast was also really good. There is one particular scene between Si Won and his mother that is just exceptional. Both actors killed it.

The production value was for the most part really good. The cinematography in particular was stunning. I loved their use of lighting and the fact that one of the techniques mentioned in class was actively utilized was very clever.

This drama was such an unexpected pleasure, I truly enjoyed every moment of it. It's a sweet romance between relatable characters and as a whole, it's just very well done. I highly recommend watching it and this is one that I think would improve repeated viewings.

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safe place

Allora…non so che dire di preciso ma una cosa è certa: QUESTO è ASSOLUTAMENTE UNO DEI MIEI COMFORT DRAMA.
La trama è semplice e carina, entrambi hanno dietro di sé una storia complicata.
La storia di Si Woon è molto complicata e triste, tutto il suo passato ha determinato il preoccuparsi continuamente di come è esposto agli altri, non può fare qualcosa di sbagliato che subito comincia a pensarci troppo e a trovare una soluzione per far sì che non si sparli di lui e sta cosa fa ragionare, non si dovrebbe essere ossessionati da ciò perchè sennò non vivremmo appieno la nostra vita, dobbiamo imparare a preoccuparci di meno e ad essere noi stessi, nel bene e nel male.
La storia di Da Woon, invece, non è stata raccontata, sappiamo alcune cose ma non proprio cosa ha dovuto passare quindi non riesco ad avere un preciso pensiero.
Loro due sono veramente carini e soft, anche se hanno dovuto passare qualche litigio alla fine hanno parlato e si sono chiariti.
Diciamo che nel suo insieme questo bl è fatto bene, è veramente carino, loro li amo troppo, ma purtroppo alcune parti sono per me confuse help, dovevano spiegarci meglio alcune cose ma vabbè.
Dato che l’ho amato ne pretendo una seconda stagione.

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A great BL even if it's overshadowed by Semantic Error

Korea saw its first venture into worldwide popularity with Semantic Error. With it came the push for more Korean BL dramas that showed us that Korea had the ability to go against BL mega giant Thailand and its secondary rival with Japan. However, often times, these types of runaway hits causes some issues with others. Lost in the shadow of Semantic Error hides Blueming and To My Star 2, two dramas that take things back and return us to a sense of life.

Blueming's biggest draw was their portrayal of "slice of life" in a fuzzy, warm tint that made you feel at ease. It was an easy love story, filled with characters that helped to deliver a sense of nostalgia and lost love. This pairing didnt make sense at first, but as time went on, you'd realized that the two fit each other quite well. The steady build up, the desire to try and get to know each other, up to the moment of their first touch felt right. Siwon's desire to fit in and be loved matches with Daun's ability to make you feel loved. Many can relate to Siwon and his massive FOMO. Daun is harder to relate to, as he can feel distant unless you udnerstand him.

The only issue I had with this is the actual story. Slice of life is easily digestible but can be clunky after a few episodes and slow pacing. While I understand the pacing is to help build the world around them, it can be a bit of a snoozefest. Nonethless, I felt the love and the connection.

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Beautiful, in an understated way

The cliché "deceptively simple" comes to mind as I thought about this series after watching several episodes. On the surface, the story is simple: Si Won, an attractive guy who is too eager to be popular because of his insecurities, meets Da Woon, who seems to be effortlessly perfect and popular (but who, quite clearly faces issues too). Si Won feels threatened by Da Woon in a way, but the tensions between them is not exaggerated in the way one would expect in some enemies-to-lovers plot. In fact, there is a hint of mutual attraction the first time the two guys meet each other, and Da Woon clearly harbors no hostility towards Si Won.

It is not the first time that we see a BL couple who are film students, but it is one of the times when this fact is used well. Scenes from the film that Si Won makes, with just a few snippets as a film-within-a-film, effectively and economically reveals something about his relationship with his mother--the viewer may not have expected the revelation, but when it is revealed, the viewer may just go, "Oh yeah, why didn't I see it?" The mother, and not just the bullies Si Won encounters as a child, may have contributed to Si Won's insecurities by emphasizing to him as a child that people judge others by their looks and indirectly but frequently reminding him that people may look at their family differently because it's a single-parent family (the father having left the family when Si Won is a kid).

What is also hinted at is the relationship Si Won's sister has with both her parents as her mother accusingly talks (off screen) about how she isn't sufficiently against her father. Yet, even if the family is somewhat dysfunctional, it isn't a stereotypically dysfunctional family. Like every family, it may have its problems. However, the members of the family also do care about one another and do things for one another. The portrayal of the characters' relationships is, thus, sensitive and nuanced. This is quite rare for BL series, which often focus on the relationship of the BL couple at the expense of making other relationships simplistic. I guess this also enhances the so-called rewatch value of the series because there is a lot we can get with an additional viewing.

There is also much to like about the story of the BL couple. Many will appreciate how the main problem in their relationship isn't the fact that they are both men, a third party or some silly misunderstanding. There is growth in the characters, forgiveness and a happy ending that isn't plain fluff.

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Great Adaptation of Who Can Define Popularity? with a Film School Twist

Blueming is an adaptation of the webtoon "Who Can Define Popularity?" but it strays quite far from the source material that it has become it's own story.

As a BL drama, it is an amazing example of a textbook BL drama. However, because it is too perfect and is an idealistic BL, it loses some points in the realm of realism. Still a must watch BL.


STORY:

When Si Won was a child, he has a tough childhood. He was teased for being fat and his home life wasn't stable. His father cheated on his mother and left. Since then, his mother has forced her views of being in shape and looking beautify onto her children. As an adult, Si Won is no longer fat and very self conscious. He is also quite popular due to his good looks.

During Si Won's first year of film school, he meets Da Un, who is perfect in every way. Da Un is handsome, smart, rich, and is nice to everyone. Si Won hates Da Un because he finds Da Un to be the perfect person that he strives to be, but will never achieve. Si Won tries to stay away from Da Un, but that proves impossible when they are paired to work with each other in ever class. Da Un also seems to have taken a liking to Si Won and follows him everywhere.

As I stated earlier, Blueming is a textbook BL. Every plot point, character, and scene has meaning to the drama; and there is no fillers. There is also no plot holes. Every question we have is answered. However, whether the answer the drama has given us can be up for debate. For example, when Si Won gets upset at Da Un for having his mother give him the grand prize for his script, Da Un says he's sorry, but he just wanted to be perfect. What does being perfect have to do with helping Si Won win the grand prize? If he said he just wanted to help get Si Won's name out there, or something like that I'd get it, but what does perfect have to do with it? I was so confused that I decided to read the webtoon and that's where I learned where Da Un's answer of being perfect came from. In the webtoon Da Un struggles with good child syndrome, so he struggles to be perfect. In this BL adaptation, however, Da Un's struggles with good child syndrome are not touched upon, so his answer made no sense. Other than that this drama is a must watch. It's not as overly dramatic as your typical Korean drama, but it's a nice drama nevertheless.

Si Won x Da Un

Si Won and Da Un have really good chemistry together. Si Won is very high strung and narcissist, but he knows that and isn't afraid to admit his shortcomings. In front of others he tries to maintain a good image. Da Un, on the other hand, is kind, caring, and a people-pleaser. He's understanding of Si Won's short comings, but seems to have a hard time opening up to anyone about his problems. He knows he is rich and more blessed than others around him, so he forces himself to swallow his own pain and pretend he doesn't feel it.

Si Won and Da Un are really great together. They balance each other out and talk through everything. They have the best communication skills out of any couple (BL and non-BL combined.) They help each other through their problems and support each other. They really are relationship goals.


BLUEMING vs WHO CAN DEFINE POPULARITY?

As I stated earlier, Blueming is an adaptation of the webtoon "Who Can Define Popularity?" but it strays quite far from the source material that it has become it's own story. While the drama does follow the same plot of the webtoon, the situations, motivations, and scene are completely different.

For example:

Blueming
- Characters are all in Film School
- Da Un's family are famous in the film industry, directors etc.
- Da Un's mother and father seems to ignore Da Un's existence
- Si Won's mother is self-centered and cares about her kids' superficial beauty
- Si Won's storyline is the focus
- Da Un's storyline is cut. He doesn't really open up to Si Won.
- Ba Woo & Hoon's storyline is cut. Ba Woo is just a small side character that's barely memorable. Hoon makes a small cameo in the last episode.
- Yun Jeong and Si Won's sister's storyline is significantly cut. Seems like this could is queer baiting with their love storyline. Si Won's sister has a very small role in the drama. Yun Jeong is also a side character.


Who Can Define Popularity?
- Characters are all in the Student Council in University
- Da Un's family is Chaebol and Da Un is heir to his father's business
- Da Un's family really care for him, especially his mother, who is concerned about Da Un's good child syndrome.
- Si Won's mom is supportive of her family and doesn't care much about superficial beauty.
- Si Won's storyline is expanded, especially about being bullied in elementary school and later again in college.
- Da Un has a storyline about his narcissism and his good child syndrome. He opens up to Si Won.
- Ba Woo & Hoon are the secondary couple with lots of interactions with both Da Un and Si Won.
- Yun Jeong and Si Won's sister a small storyline. Both characters play a bigger role in the webtoon.
- Yun Jeong has a big love triangle with Si Won and Da Un.

Blueming still follows the main storyline of Si Won, but just changes a few things around. While a great adaptation, Who Can Define Popularity? is still the superior story as the audience is able to gain a better understanding behind the motivations of all the characters. Maybe if Blueming's episodes were longer than 14 minutes, the drama could have expanded the storylines and become the perfect BL that it was striving to be. I really wanted to see Da Un's struggle with good child syndrome on screen, but it was not covered at all. I hope to see it one day.

OVERALL:

Blueming is a must watch BL, but I still recommend watching Who Can Define Popularity? before or after. I think that Blueming is a great adaptation that can also be considered a stand alone BL.

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