Living in the urban landscape comes with its own set of thrills and perks, yet it often brings a unique kind of loneliness that only city dwellers can truly understand. Moving to the city for education and career opportunities is an enticing prospect, but the challenges that follow can weigh heavily on one’s spirit. Mastering the art of living and loving in such a bustling environment is no small feat. In the latest queer K-drama, Love in the Big City, we follow Go Young, our relatable protagonist, as he navigates this intricate journey of love and acceptance. Based on the novel by Park Sang Yoon, this 8-episode limited series premiered on October 21, 2024 on VIKI.
Love in the Big City Review: Nam Yoon Su and Jin Ho Eun navigate loneliness, friendship, acceptance and offer queer romance in new BL K-drama
The narrative centers on Go Young, portrayed by Nam Yoon Su, a twenty-something navigating life in Seoul. As he completes his education and embarks on his job search, he also seeks a sense of belonging in the city. For him, home is not merely a physical space but also the connection he longs for with another person—a companion to share his journey and invite him into theirs.
Go Young also has challenges in front of him. He is a queer, homosexual person and oftentimes, any form of intimacy he gets is when in a hazy, drunken state. Most men he meets do not seek anything beyond immediate physical pleasure. The few who do want to date him bring their own set of obstacles. With each man he had a long-term relationship with, we saw how different each individual was. The sexual orientation takes a back seat when a person’s personality is not amicable and compatible. He has the most stable relationship with Gyu Ho (played by Jin Ho Eun), which changes his perspective on several things while simultaneously making him realize what happiness truly is. The couple went through many ups and downs and even separated but eventually became stronger.
The episodes are paced just under an hour each. The visual landscape does not expand a lot which makes the viewers feel closer to the characters. The cramped room, the crowded pubs, the empty hotel rooms, the isolated streets – all these landscape elements mix well in showing us the character’s state of mind. The opening sequence adapts a 2D-animated approach where we see books, glasses, and silhouettes of men take shape and go as the credits roll in.
Nam Yoon Su’s performance is nothing short of exceptional. His nuanced portrayal of the character’s emotional journey is captivating. Each dialogue, each expression, is delivered with such precision and depth. Jin Ho Eun as Gyu Ho is equally impressive. His portrayal of a character who is both understanding and firm is refreshing. Go Young finds solace and acceptance in Gyu Ho, but Gyu Ho ensures that their relationship doesn’t overshadow Go Young’s unique identity.
Lee Soo Kyung as Mi Ae was another formative aspect of Go Young’s life in the city. They lived as best friends but Mi Ae’s fiancé had his doubts. The only way he could be pacified was when he came to know that Go Young was gay. It also goes to show the veiled patriarchal ideas that do not go away easily. His thought process straight away went on the idea that if a man and a woman live together, they cannot have a platonic cohabitation. One can understand the fear and feeling of mistrust, but a person should believe their partner first over the words of anyone else. Lee Soo Kyung’s appearance, although short, was quite pivotal in contributing to Go Young’s support and struggle as a gay man in the city.
As the series concludes, we see that after so many years in the city, Go Young has somewhat figured out how to live in the big city. But when it comes to finding love in the big city, it is still a work in progress for him. But he found his happiness, though. Go Young has had his share of love and heartbreaks and he learnt great things along the way.
This 8-episode series offers a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by queer individuals navigating life in urban settings, particularly in South Korea, where societal norms can be conservative. The drama strikes a wholesome and realistic tone, making it an engaging watch for all audiences, regardless of their sexual orientation. It serves to educate those unfamiliar with these experiences while providing comfort to those who resonate with the themes presented.
However, there’s a paradox in the reception: those who profess to be open-minded and accepting often reveal themselves to be latent critics. Ironically, netizens who express admiration for the actors can also be the same individuals who voice strong opposition and negativity towards both the performers and the show itself. This underscores the notion that actions often convey more than words.
Despite these challenges, Love in the Big City has garnered significant love and appreciation on the international stage, showcasing a wider acceptance and recognition of diverse narratives. The actors, the story, and the overall drama were appreciated for presenting an unfiltered view of a gay man navigating his life in the big city. Just a few weeks ago, a movie adaptation of the same novel starring Kim Go Eun and Steve Noh was also released theatrically in South Korea. Fans have been showering love on the movie as well. In the end, it all comes down to how honest one lives their life and replicates it in their art.
Love in the Big City is a significant stride towards normalizing queer narratives within mainstream Korean media. The series challenges societal norms and stereotypes surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a refreshing and authentic portrayal of queer love. By showcasing the complexities of same-sex relationships, the drama encourages empathy and understanding. With its sensitive and nuanced approach, Love in the Big City paves the way for more inclusive and diverse storytelling in the Korean entertainment industry.
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