Love in the Big City (2024)

Engaging story centred around realistically flawed and endearing characters. No BL tropes here.

This show packed a lot in to 8 episodes but managed not to feel rushed, however I wish this show had been longer so we could have spent more time with the characters through their ups and downs. The passage of time was sometimes confusing for me but this did not ruin my enjoyment of the story. The characters were realistically flawed but endearing, and the acting was fantastic all around. You will not find any of the typical BL tropes in the series so if that is something you require then give this one a miss, likewise if you are not interested in stories about same sex relationships. However, if you enjoy realistic well written stories performed by great actors then this is definitely worth a watch.

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A beautiful, painful, realistic story of growth

This show absolutely touched me to my core. I literally had goosebumps running down my spine every episode because it was so realistic.
The story, of love and pain and growth, and of the different partners of Yeong was so beautiful and written with so much intricacy.
The cinematography was breathtaking, telling a story of its own. The long, quiet shots were enough to make you lose your mind.
The acting was phenomenal. I could feel every character to my core, and every one felt like you'd just taken a real person from life, instead of an actor playing a character.

Most importantly, this did not feel like a Korean BL. This was an Oscar-worthy story of raw emotion, life, and relationships. There was zero chastity or holding back or romanticisation. This was not a drama, this was a story. And it was so worth telling, and so beautiful. Everyone deserves to watch this.

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Watching a lovable asshole struggle will touch your heart and soul

Let me break it down into some random categories:

BL?
No, not a BL. But it is marketed as one in some places. I totally forgive them :) They should get all the views!

Does it support the gay agenda?
Oh, so very well! So fabulously! Is it a rainbow? It is a DOUBLE RAINBOW! This is so refreshing, even on an international level. But even more so as it is Korean. Everybody and their mother loves a good Korean queer-baiting bromance. But sometimes it is nice to get the real deal. And this is so unapologetically gay. Every time they delivered a line or story aspect where I imagined the backwards protesters lining the pride parades in Seoul (who were watching for sure) to gnash their teeth in anger, I couldn’t help but loudly laugh in blissfulness. And the main actor unapologetically and publicly not giving a shit about the haters is better than any fan-service ever could be. Especially as he absolutely MEANS it. A mainstream Korean actor who plays a role that says – and I quote here – “Fuck me deep!” – oh the joy! At times it felt that they really wanted to tick off every item from the things-that-gays-suffer-from list and I can’t have been the only one thinking “What is it now? Can’t you give this guy a break?” I was surprised we didn’t get assault during an app hookup or a good old gay bashing in the streets. Remember the olden days, when gay characters could only exist as a joke or in depression? I felt that there were traces of the latter in this too (but probably unintentionally).
And I wrote gay agenda and not queer agenda on purpose – diversity is not a forte of this series. This is a story about stereotypical gay guys only (the first lover is a bit of an exception, but he doesn’t get much love). And of course all the actors are super hot. This is Korea after all. Shut up and lust after them!

Acting?
Great. Except the Japanese guy. One thing all the reviews can agree on :)

Creativity?
Hm, not sure. The storytelling was pretty standard for a story that isn’t really plot-driven. And for a story that in its core is about one character only, character development was quite limited. And I had a hard time understanding some of the character’s actions. I feel there was some symbolism that went over my head. And the hints of reality and fiction being mixed were a bit too vague for me. But maybe I’m just too stupid. Or didn’t focus enough.

Should you watch it?
If you liked my review: yes. If you didn’t: yes.

Take-home message: Two men eating pasta in public is gay. Seafood is fine!
Also: Life can be struggly.

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Finally proper BL Korean drama!

It was the first real-life BL drama I had seen, and it was so good. It's not a typical, idealized love story; instead, it portrays people with flaws and the ups and downs of a relationship. In some scenes, you can recognize small details that can be found in any relationship.
The acting was great, especially Yoon Su, who did an excellent job.
I am glad that, finally, a Korean production company has made a proper BL drama, even though some people tried to boycott it. Well, it's a first step.

I loved the story of his loved ones throughout his life. Yeongs life was bot easy at first he had to deal with his mother as she would.not accept his sexuality and after that we can see his ex partners and his straggle but lucky he has a great group of the friends who are there for him.

You can feel the emotion in the last episode as we see flashbacks of his memories with Gyu Ho. He realizes that Gyu Ho was his true love, but he hadn't recognized it. It must have been so hard for him to live with Kylie, especially since he only told one person about it. I was rooting for Yeong and Gyu Ho and was hoping until the last minute that they would meet again. I think he finally realized what he lost and moved out of the student apartment, as he was never ready to do that since it was his happy place with Mi Ae and Gyu Ho.

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the love we think we deserve

Before its release, Love in the Big City faced a lot of pushback and controversy. I admire the production team’s dedication in bringing this story to life despite the challenges.

South Korea, like many places, still harbors prejudice toward LGBTQ+ themes, and BL dramas often face additional scrutiny. But it’s disappointing that this artistic expression, which reflects real experiences for so many in the LGBTQ+ community, would encounter so much resistance. This is the reality for countless people, and I can’t understand why two men sharing a love story on screen is any different from the heterosexual stories we’ve seen for years. Why should it be restricted when it’s simply another story about connection, pain, and growth?

Nam Yoon Su’s performance is a standout and exceeded my expectations. His portrayal was nuanced, layered, and showed a clear dedication to understanding and honoring his character’s experiences. It’s refreshing to see a character like Go Young evolve in multifaceted ways, allowing us to see vulnerability, strength, and a journey to self-understanding that isn’t one-dimensional.

Nam Yoon Su didn’t just bring Go Young to life; he made him feel relatable and genuine, and it’s clear he did his homework preparing for this role.

I’d been keeping Love in the Big City on my watchlist for a while, anticipating what the series would offer. When it was finally released, it delivered the satisfaction I expect from a well-made Korean drama. I’m not someone who often reads the original source material, but judging from feedback and reviews, it seems like the production team really respected the story’s roots. They captured the essence of the characters and crafted a realistic, engaging portrayal that felt true to the lives and relationships it was representing. I’m glad they paid attention to the finer details that make characters feel real, without compromising or simplifying their struggles.

The storyline can be complex and might feel a bit chaotic to those who prefer a straightforward plot. In reality, though, the mixed pacing and emotional highs and lows added a raw authenticity. Love in the Big City is definitely a roller-coaster of emotions, from heartfelt to heart-wrenching, with steamy and even uncomfortable moments mixed in. This range, I think, is part of its charm—it doesn’t sugarcoat relationships or emotions. Each of Go Young’s love interests brings their own traumas and past scars, adding depth to the plot and enhancing the storytelling. Their baggage isn’t there just for drama; it plays a role in their development and helps paint a fuller picture of who they are.

Despite initial expectations that it might lean into a sex-driven narrative, the series proves itself to be far more meaningful. It balances intimacy and substance thoughtfully, presenting a story that is about much more than physical attraction. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community, I found certain elements hit home, especially in how Mi Ae and Go Young’s partners portrayed their relationships and the complexities within them.

There’s a rawness here that resonates, particularly in Go Young’s romantic pursuits, which examine the universal truth that overfamiliarity can slowly erode relationships. His interactions with both Gyu Ho and Nam Gyu show how desire and boredom intertwine, a reality that often mirrors many modern-day relationships.

The chemistry among the actors was undeniable; nothing felt forced or out of place. Even the sensual scenes were handled delicately, with genuine connection in their kisses—a refreshing change from the lackluster, “fake” kisses we’ve seen in the past.

One of the most profound themes Love in the Big City explores is the idea of “the love we think we deserve versus the love others are actually able to give.” We often go through relationships looking for something specific, believing in an ideal form of love. But at the end of the day, real love is about mutual understanding, and we have to learn to accept the love that aligns with who we are. My only disappointment is in Go Young’s character arc; while he found solace and support among friends, I wanted to see a more resolved arc for him—a deeper, more satisfying exploration of self-love and fulfillment beyond friendship. The series does so much right, but leaving Go Young’s development open like that left me wishing for a bit more closure.

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The series of the year!

Overly hyped about the series release! Right off the bat in episode one not even five minutes in they already had me laughing. I went into the series knowing it would stir up some buried feelings, but it did not disappoint. I felt bad for Mr. Kim, but their relationship is a prime example of liking someone but not being compatible with them or not being on the same page.

Episode 2 reminded me of one of life’s biggest lessons: cherish, love, and treasure the present and the people in it, because you can lose everything in the blink of an eye. Episode three was such a bittersweet ride of emotions. His mom is truly a trooper, and so is Ko Yeong. Despite everything his mom did, he managed to move forward, still loving her. Also, I feel that No Yeong Su and his mom share a striking similarity in their characters; they both loved him deeply yet caused him so much pain.

And holy moly, episode four was unbelievably amazing! The hospital scene hit on so many levels. I don’t have a very strong bond with my family, so seeing his friends rush to the hospital for him resonated deeply with me. Also, where was Min Jae? I read on a forum that the book and series differ somewhat regarding Min Jae and Yeong’s relationship, which might explain why she wasn’t there when he needed her most.

If you strip away the actors and focus on the story itself, you'll see the most accurate reflection of life’s path: love, discovery, grief, anger, and acceptance. This is definitely the BL of the year! I don’t think I’ve ever related to a character as much as I did with Ko Yeong. I know the book is written in four parts, so I wonder if there’s any chance for continuation. But I doubt it, given the final scene and Ko Yeong’s explanation.

I’m no expert, but it’s clear how well written this series is. It made me reflect on my own life and relationships, which is just one of the many reasons I love it. Many flowers to all the actors their portrayals were magnificently amazing.

The series was funny, joyful, sad, bold, honest, educational, and sexy. It captured friendship, loss, and the beauty and pain of life. I hope people approach it with open eyes, ears, mind and heart because there's so much you can take away from it.

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I never expected a drama like this to come out of Korea

What can I even say? This was just superb. it’s not really a BL in the conventional sense - and I don’t say that to disparage BL because I do love a good BL - this is just a bit different.

This drama delves into all the beauty and messiness of a young gay man’s life and relationships in a way I haven’t seen in a BL before. It doesn’t feel like anything is done for the purposes of “fan service” or like the intention is to make sure a couple is together at the end of the series at all costs. To me, those are hallmarks of even really excellent BL - the main couple supersede the story itself. Their romantic relationship is the most important thing. This drama isn’t like that. It’s definitely more of a character study than a romance.

I was impressed by the previews for this series so I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks, but it exceeded my expectations. I could probably nitpick some bits of the story or characters that could have been more fleshed out…but ultimately I was incredibly satisfied with it in every way.

Excellent acting, writing, cinematography, directing, characterization - just everything.

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another not my cup of tea

honestly i can't really remember which series are not my cup of tea but definitely this is one of them. it's not that i don't like it but i just can't really understand the whole story line. what's the point of go young's love life story, i simply don't really understand. it feels like i just follow along his life story without any exact outcome/summary. that's it. again, it's not that i don't like it, i enjoy every go young's love story, but i just feel like it can be elaborated more for the summary or main point of this series. my brain can't interpret that.

honestly it confused me at first because i don't know which one is the main lead beside nam yoo-su. it broke my heart when the second male, the photographer, died. then it confused me again and again because every man seem not to be the main lead, not until that nursing student. but yeah maybe the main point is that go young's love is now gone because of what he did. idk.

maybe will not rewatch it because it's on viki and i don't really have any subscription of platforms. so.. yeah. not my cup tea but still a good one.

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Uma produção feita com talento é diferente

Tava morrendo de medo de te ter morgado pra finalizar love in the big city mas agradeço por não ter visto tudo de uma vez! Esse episódio final foi de uma qualidade tão surreal que eu tô encantada e surpresa até agora. Ele me fez ter certeza que tava vendo uma produção incrível.Desde do começo a mensagem que o drama queria passar já foi ficando comigo e se concretizando mas o final fez isso solidificar. É um drama que não adianta vc vir aqui e falar que foi incrível. As outras pessoas só vão entender assistindo. A prova viva é que o último episódio foi tão incrível que eu não sei por em palavras. Acho que o final foi o meu episódio favorito? Além de ter virado um dos melhores encerramentos de um drama pra mim. Oq falar dos paralelos em Bangkok?Não importa se vc não é fã de BL ou nunca viu um pq love in the big city é uma produção que aborda muito mais que só um romance. Foi um final realista e eu sou suspeita pra falar mas achei lindo. É raro pra eu dar um 10 ou cinco estrelas em um drama mas love in the big city...

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I FCKING LOVE THIS

I'M NOT EVEN A GAY PERSON BUT I FREAKING FELT THE PAIN, THE LOVE, AND EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA. THIS DEPICTS THE REALITY OF A RELATIONSHIP ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE PART OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY. THIS IS JUST SO SAD YET BEAUTIFUL. 100/100 I RECOMMEND THIS. Unpopular opinion (maybe) but I hate Kylie, I know Kylie is him too but I hate Kylie maybe if Kylie is not there maybe it would've been different, maybe he can have his happy ending. Why is Kylie even made I hope there will be cure for Kylie so Go Young can have his happy ending in the future in his world, where he will not be that cautious and he can freely do what he wants. I thought this drama will be silly and cute AND I WAS WRONG. I'M REALLY HURT UNTIL NOW. I LOVE THIS TOO MUCH:(

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So far so good

It's a shame that a few people had to complain about this and protested to get it cancelled in south Korea when there's nothing wrong with it. There are movies full of sex violence torture abuse etc, but just because it's guys kissing they came pointing the finger at, while thinking to have the right to do so they're actually the ones behaving in a bad way, causing harm to others who are not harming anyone around them, also it's still a work of fiction, see it as you want but let other people be as well. While watching at the beginning I was already feeling like there was nothing about it that needed cancellation, if anything it quickly faced some aspects of reality that we should be more open, safe and comfortable to talk about. Acting is top notch, music just fits like a glove, picture, pacing, all fantastic. Let's focus on what really matters and support this work and the people that have it all for it, also isn't the protagonist the guy that donated his kidney to his father?! Hats down, they've done outstandingly well in the king's affection before, the whole cast seem to have been accurately assembled. Looking forward to the next episodes

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