Uncovering the Curse of Taekwondo (2024)

Life

First of all, let me say that the acting and the story itself are at the highest level, the actors did an excellent job. I really enjoy watching the series exactly when someone is telling their life story.

we have a life story between two completely different characters. A do ho who is unhappy is somewhat negative and endures everything only to one day disappear from an unhappy environment.
Yeong, who has a dysfunctional family, but is always positive, willing to help everyone. he always looks at everything around him with a big smile.
Do Hoa just needed someone like Yeong. To give him some joy and positivity of a track of hope in the blackness in which he found himself. and Yeong succeeded. Do hoe finally got the light he needed in his life with someone he can rely on who is there for him whenever he needs it. Until the day he had the exam to get revenge for Yeon, he thought of hurting his father. Yeon was picked up by his family and no matter how hard he tried to get to Do hoe, he couldn't. Do Hoa left him. Yeong came back not only to take care of the coach but because he was waiting for Do Hoe to come back the whole time. 12 years later I know they still love each other but to leave someone for so long without a word. to hurt a person who has never hurt you. I know they still have feelings for each other, but I can't get over it. In all of this we have the proud and arrogant Hyeon who was either in love with Do hoe who bullied him throughout high school and you become friends with him. Do Hoe is a bird with broken wings and Yeong is a bird whose wings have been broken. Do Hoa said that he is finally free, maybe he is free, but he still has a noose around his neck.
you can't run away from problems and the past, they will catch up with you when then. I think that when Do Ho arrived, he couldn't believe that Yeon had been waiting for him in the same place for 12 years.that he took care of his father. not only that Yeong lost his love, his coach, but he also lost a home and a job. I honestly don't know how the story will unfold, but honestly I couldn't get over everything. if I don't know what was in the story, one sorry is not enough

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Do you need a heartfluttering kdrama? Then this is for you!

When I watched the first two episodes I was very pleasantly surprised (not that I expected less from director Hwang Daseul who brought us great short series like Blueming, to my star and where your eyes linger) but this drama is different it's really giving kdrama vibes for me similar to how love for love's sake felt like a kdrama from the 2015 era.

And the longer episodes definitely helped achieve this effect but also ofc the production, good acting and interesting plot came all to impress. In simple words it's a heartwrenching story about two taekwondo boys both from problematic households to say the least who grow fond of each other and take care of each other in their own ways. But of course it's not always rainbows and butterflies in life especially with an abusive dad and homophobia. So there is a conflict and darker themes like abuse and bullying which play a big role in the series.

For me the first two episodes of a drama are very important because they give you a thought of how the drama is going to progress. This drama's pace is definitely very enjoyable not too slow and not too fast. What makes the drama even more likeable are the characters contrasting personalities the golden retriever x black cat combo eats as always and so does the from strangers to friends to lovers trope.

I definitely recommend you to check this out if you need a feel good series with some angst.

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Kicks and Quirks: A Drama that Lands the Right Punch

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo is another refreshing addition to the scarce list of Korean BLs this year, a category that has increasingly leaned toward coming-of-age narratives with romantic undertones. Much like its contemporaries (The Trainee and The On1y One), the story remains impactful even when the romantic elements are secondary, proving that a well-crafted journey can stand on its own.

The drama’s simplicity makes it easy to consume, yet it never sacrifices depth. Starting with familial conflicts and transitioning to themes of personal, societal, and romantic growth, it delivers a balanced narrative arc. It does not overwhelm but rather harmonizes these elements beautifully, leading to an emotional and satisfying conclusion.

After Do Hoi left, the plot seemed to focus on Ju Yeong’s personal growth, but as the story unfolded, it shifted toward Do Hoi’s personal baggage and the complexities of their relationship, including the involvement of Hyeon Ho. While handled lightly, these arcs still packed a solid emotional punch.

The scriptwriting particularly stood out, with lines that resonated deeply. For example, Do Hoi’s emotionally charged exchanges with Ju Yeong — including the unforgettable “We’ve found love that others take a lifetime to find. That’s a big deal” — showcased the strength of the writing, evoking genuine responses from viewers.

The directing, helmed by the genius behind To My Star, Blueming, and Where Your Eyes Linger, elevated the material to artful levels. Combined with Korea’s trademark for excellent cinematography in BL dramas, the visual presentation was nothing short of breathtaking.

However, there were some shortcomings. Certain scenes lacked emotional weight, undercutting their potential impact. The editing was uneven at times, with abrupt cuts and poorly-timed transitions disrupting the narrative flow. Familiar tropes, such as the stereotypical “abusive father” and the overused “I bullied you because I like you” antagonist, felt predictable and underwhelming. Additionally, the Taekwondo element, while relevant to the characters’ growth, was somewhat scattered in execution.

On the brighter side, the romance was delicately and genuinely portrayed, with intimate moments that felt both authentic and moving. The leads, who communicated profound emotions through their eyes alone, delivered stellar performances. Their chemistry was palpable, particularly in their non-verbal exchanges, exemplified by lines like “Everything that was obscure is now clear to me.” Small Easter eggs, such as the reappearance of To My Star 2’s Ti Aspetto location, added a nostalgic charm.

One criticism raised by some viewers is the seemingly anticlimactic ending. While it might feel understated, not every drama aims for a sequel-worthy cliffhanger. This series chooses to conclude on a sweet and genuine note, encapsulated beautifully when Do Hoi sees Ju Yeong’s search history as they begin opening up to one another. It’s a tender moment that speaks volumes, perfectly summarizing their journey of understanding and connection.

Ultimately, the story’s most resonant theme was the idea of having someone who supports and celebrates your growth as their own. It’s this deeply human connection that elevates the drama beyond a simple BL romance, making it a heartfelt watch. While not overly complex, Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo delivers an emotional payoff that lingers long after the final scene.

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Painful Insights

This drama series is unmistakably written and directed by Hwang da Seul. First of all, I have to say, da Seul is brilliant and she is much smarter than anyone in the room. This drama has a lot in common with To My Star 1 & 2. There is a similar time gap in TMS 2 although not as long as in Curse. It is only 2 years i think, but that is still a significant amount of time. Also the two stories appear to take place in the same Korean village or town. The character of the mayor is the same actor. The time lapses in both are shrouded in mystery and there is real pain involved for the characters. Painful mysteries that are not resolved until the end. As much as I wish she would not put her characters/audience through so much pain, her writing is very insightful.

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Beyond excellent

This story was magnificent! The acting was superb!
The two ML's had so much chemistry.
This was not a fluff filled story. It was complex and presented some serious societal issues. Being from an abusive home I emphasized with Dohoe. He did some things that were over the line, but growing up he lived in daily fear. Some of his choices reflected his turmoil and lack of acceptance and esteem growing up. The second ML was delightful. He loved without reservation. The entire production has relationship building moments. This is a classic. I will watch it as well as "I Feel You Linger in the Air" numerous times.

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First two episodes were great

(This review was written after watching the first two episodes only. I am a little disappointed after watching episodes 3 & 4)

One of the best Korean BLs so far.
I feel like I’ve been hit by a train, my emotions are going haywire 😨 I was laughing, crying, or enraged every other scene

Ju Yeong’s bruises were shown and my stomach fell, I just started crying because he was smiling and laughing the whole time enduring the pain, and was planning to say anything. I'm curious and want a deeper exploration of his family life and Taekwondo's role. Is the mistreatment and poor conditions worth it?

How could you beat up a kid like that much more than someone else’s child like that wtf 🤬 And most of the kids in that neighborhood have been beaten by him before and nothing can be done about it?! I had to pause and sit in silence.

I can’t imagine what Do Hoe experienced for years living with him alone after his mom left, as well as the violent bullying from his classmates. Which I peeped the gay panic (14:38)

By the end I was LMAO because of their awkwardness but determination to have a proper kiss I think they’ll stay warm in the cold😂 They are so pure and my heart aches for them 🥺

I think this is just the beginning of injuries Ju Yeong will attain and with Savior Complex he’s gonna accumulate more until they can’t be hidden anymore or become detrimental to his health. His silence, and the lying about his injuries on top of to Do Hoe’s guilt because of his father will take a toll on their newly budding romance.

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