Love in the Big City is a captivating Korean BL series that delves into the romantic escapades of a gay writer navigating the complexities of love. Spanning 8 episodes, each around 50 minutes long, the show follows our lead character—a single young man on a quest for romance. He encounters various men in bars, clubs, hobby groups, and hookup apps, each representing different walks of life. Some relationships are fleeting flings, while others evolve into profound emotional journeys. Throughout the highs and lows of his love life, the protagonist learns invaluable lessons about himself. Each pair of episodes highlights a distinct relationship, showcasing four unique love stories.
We meet Go Young, a carefree young man who revels in clubbing with friends. Over time, he forms a close friendship with Mi Ae, a schoolmate known for her casual flings. Their bond grows strong, leading them to become roommates when Young moves out of his family home. During this time, he meets Nam Kyu, a shy photographer in his 30s, during a modeling gig, and they quickly become a couple. Although Nam Kyu is committed and exchanges rings with Young, their differing personalities—Young’s extroverted nature versus Nam Kyu’s more traditional tastes—create tension. Young’s attention drifts, especially when he connects with another attractive guy at a club, ultimately leading to a messy breakup with Nam Kyu.
Following this, Young dates an activist, but that relationship is short-lived as well. The most significant connection he forms is with a young nursing student from another city. Their relationship is tumultuous, filled with ups and downs, yet they support each other through good times and bad. However, Young’s bitterness grows, particularly after discovering he is HIV positive. The nurse eventually prioritizes his career abroad over their relationship, leaving Young to grapple with his feelings.
In a twist, Young meets Habibi, a Thai man with a wife and child back home. Despite their complicated situations, the two form an unexpected bond. The series culminates with Young traveling to Bangkok, initially intended as a fun trip with Habibi, but instead, he finds himself reminiscing about the nurse, the one person he truly loved. Whether they reconcile remains uncertain, but their history suggests they can overcome challenges. Regardless, Young emerges from this journey with newfound clarity about what he wants in love, equipping him to approach future relationships thoughtfully.
The series boasts impressive production values, resembling an A-list queer drama—an uncommon sight. This isn’t merely a BL; it’s a genuine gay narrative, intricately told with rich details over several years, showcasing the protagonist’s growth. Based on a book of the same name, the show portrays romance as it unfolds in real life, capturing the uncertainty that many young people face today. Go Young’s dating experiences often lead to heartbreak, emphasizing his flaws and gradual self-discovery. The series illustrates the challenges of compatibility in relationships, conveying that sometimes, despite desire, things just don’t work out.
Beyond romance, the show highlights Go Young’s deep friendship with Mi Ae and her evolution. We also see his supportive friends and his strained relationship with his mother. The lead actor’s portrayal of Go Young is commendable; he brings depth to the character, capturing emotional nuances with an effortless smile. The entire cast has been carefully selected, with the creators investing time and resources to resonate with the audience.
While the show has its flaws—such as pacing issues and an episodic structure that may not appeal to everyone—it ultimately reminds viewers that love, pain, and existence are universal experiences. It requires patience and focus to fully appreciate, often resonating with viewers’ personal experiences of love and loss.
