Libraries are not only incredible places, dedicated to providing unique services, such as supporting training, research, teaching or the transformation of information into knowledge.
Between books, the constant hustle and bustle of users requesting various library services, this noble institution, with thousands of years of history, can be the perfect setting for two boys to meet again and fall in love.
Kang Woo, the director of the romantic drama 'Blossom Campus', knows this by locating in this academic and cultural environment the setting in which Yoon Chan (Choi Dong Ho), in his first foray in front of the cameras, and Kim Min Jae (Son Byeong Hoon), develop a romantic relationship.
Explicitly or implicitly, in his already suggestive work, the South Korean director stops to reflect the most secret, emotional and internal gears of youth, and offers, on this occasion, a series in which he once again portrays those microcosms to the that we all belong for the mere fact that at some point we have lived, are living or will live that period of a person's life that is between childhood and adulthood, to bring to light their most recognizable conflicts. It is that instant empathy that gives strength to his stories, sometimes silent, subtle and too calm, but with a lot of inner substance.
With backgrounds, symbolisms and homosensual and homoerotic imaginaries that seek to make the public react to their stories and provoke emotions, after writing and directing films such as 'Sweet Curse', 'Some More', 'I Don't Care', 'Secret Roommate' ', 'Dom' and 'Gay Out Soon 5: Free Dating', and the series 'Long Time No See', with 'Blossom Campus', filmmaker Kang Woo once again explores another recurring theme in his already extensive work: his vision of homosexuality from a personal point of view and through the years.
The result is a fun and tender audiovisual, very emotional and addictive, which puts all its weight on the faces of the attractive cast, especially the two protagonists with a captivating chemistry. It is, in short, everything that is as nice, happy and tender as a romantic, musical and youth comedy should be and that, without abandoning the spirit of the genre, has interesting dramatic readings.
The series, with an LGBTIQ+ theme, is a fresh story that vibrates while bringing to the table important themes such as self-discovery, innate vocation, dreams, friendship, love, acceptance, sexual awakening and the search for happiness and identity, seen through Min Jae, a transfer student from the Faculty of Music with a specialization in Applied Music at Hankook University, who on his first day at the new study center accidentally receives help from Yoon Chan, the clumsy and eloquent Taekwondo lover and student at the Faculty of Culture and Sports Arts.
Min Jae is a boy who has had to live his life alone, without family and in an environment of poverty. Since he does not want to appear pitiful to others, he has chosen to hide his inner sweetness. Armed with a shell, he tries to act tough and cold in front of others, until Yoon Chan appears in his path.
Audiences will like Min Jae's character for being a warm and shy person who will have several part-time jobs to support himself, such as being a barista or librarian at the university library. Here he will meet again with the star student who specializes in combat sports, who, in turn, does not know how to approach others and has never had friends. So when Min Jae approaches him first, he gets happy and will try to make him his friend.
Min Jae will react like a tsundere, and will initially have a distant, reserved and even hostile demeanor, but little by little he transforms into someone warm, sensitive and friendly towards the cool and tall young man who only shows feelings for Min Jae, while remaining cold towards others.
Min Jae has been curious about Yoon Chan since they met. He doesn't know what emotions and feelings overcome him every time he is in the presence of the lonely young man full of laughter and energy who doesn't care much about other people... except Min Jae.
The public will be able to enjoy the performance of Choi Dong Ho, an actor with a high capacity to transmit emotions, in a genuine and convincing way, who demonstrates with his performance that far from seeking grandiloquence, he immerses himself in his character with the simplicity that characterizes to those who understand that true art lies in authenticity.
The budding relationship between the two boys will be tested with the arrival of Jeong Woo Hyuk (Kim Yoon Sol), known for his participation in 'Man In The Shower', a new Applied Music student, who will also fall in love with Min Jae. Her character adds layers to the narrative and will keep the audience guessing about the evolution of the love triangle.
The series allows us to see how the actions and emotions of the characters change, all thanks to Yoon Chan's constant aegyo attack against Min Jae, causing fun and hilarious moments with his actions, in addition to the necessary reflection on the topics addressed. However, his own personality will trip up the young athlete, who will need the help of Min Jae's teacher, played by veteran actor Jo Yoo Seok, to be able to recognize his feelings and overcome fears and insecurities.
With realistic representations, the series will provoke the viewer to ask several questions, such as: What will happen when the music student who radiates a calm, meticulous and reflective demeanor, continually crosses paths with the taekwondoka with a strong personality, introverted and somewhat clumsy, but with endearing silliness that increases its charm? Will a chance encounter between them be enough to cause their paths to intertwine and, over time, their bond to deepen and blossom into a romantic relationship?
Although Min Jae thinks Yoon Cha is a very strange guy, for some reason he will still think about him. Their encounters multiply when Min Jae accepts the job as a librarian, which brings them closer together. Since their first stumble, the two have become entangled and closer, leading them to develop a romantic relationship.
The infatuation between Min Jae and Yoon Chan begins slowly; they circle close to each other but keep their distance, wanting to show indifference to disguise their interest. Yoon Chan ends up being much better at that game: he knows better than to stare for too long or too intensely. In contrast, Min Jae's furtive glances end up staying focused as if he is asking a question with his eyes.
In this Matchbox X Strongberry production, the lives of the two will meet, causing a definitive impact on them. The union will be revealing for both of them, who will begin to feel things that they cannot control.
"Although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally, feelings," said Kang Woo.
Those feelings are what he is looking for with the series. It is the emotions and feelings that are there, hidden, but on the surface, that the director wants to uncover with this story. A story of friendship and the discovery of sexuality, of homosexual love that, however, is far from anyone's prejudiced views.
In 'Blossom Campus' the characters discover that they attract each other, they fall in love, but there is no censorship on them. They both discover that they feel something else. Something they can't control. And that, in addition to being human, is beautiful. Because the first love, the real one, you only live once. Whether you are heterosexual or homosexual, whether you are a musician or an athlete, whether you are empathetic and happy, or introverted and clumsy. And therein lies its value. That although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally. The feelings. We all feel. And no one is immune from that.
You don't just visualize Kang Woo's dramatizations, you absorb them. His films and series show us beautiful people with impeccable taste while they intensely live their days of adolescence and youth. Passion and drama put a stop to those lives, but what stands out most about his work is the palpable quality they have.
In the director's work, this passion and drama are expressed with words, silences, actions and music whose strength is increasing and also in the vibrant and visceral textures that surround the characters: the shelf full of books, the light and the shadow, the small table on which the university texts are placed, the computer on, the cafe where lovers meet or work part-time, the combat uniform worn by the athlete in a practice session, glimpses of the sweat...
The viewer will experience memorable scenes, such as the one on the roof, or when each person fixes the other's apron, as it is very suggestive, or when Min Jae, who has an instinct for self-defense, lets Yoon Chan into his house, and The barrier until that moment between the two is broken and he accepts it.
As the drama ends in suspense, there is the possibility of a second season, which we will wait to delve into the romance between two friends who have become so close that they cannot deny the love that unites them.
I cannot finish this review without reaffirming my commitment to fighting harassment and cyberbullying towards the artists involved in this project, as Strongberry also did at the time.