The K-Drama industry is expanding and becoming more open about LGBTQ+ stories. BL (Boys Love) is a sub-genre that has taken over the last few years and now is becoming even more popular with audiences across the world.
This industry in South Korea is known for its short dramas or very mature stories, but for today’s drama review we are sharing our thoughts about a production that might be the starting point for a new era in the genre. Let’s talk about ‘Light On Me’.
‘Light On Me’ is a 2021 production directed by Lee Yoo Yeon, written by Lee Ji Eum, and adapted from the mobile game ‘Saebit Boys High School Council’.
Woo Tae Kyung (Lee Sae On) is a high school student with a bit of an introverted personality, he is honest and confident, and will not hesitate to speak what’s in his mind. He struggles in school as he does not have friends.
One of his professors suggests that he should try and join the student council to meet new people and get involved in school activities. He tries to join, however he is not immediately welcomed due to the resistance from one of his schoolmates, Noh Shin Woo.
Noh Shin Woo (Kang Yoo Seok) is the Vice President of the student council. He comes off as rude sometimes, and his attitude towards Tae Kyung is not quite the best. However, as this story develops we get to see another side of this character, a lovable, protective and soft boy.
Shin Da On (Choe Chan Yi) is the president of the student council, he welcomes Tae Kyung with open arms into the council and tries to help him as much as he can. Da On deals with the issues of coming from a well-known family and having to be perfect in every aspect of his life all the time. He is unable to be honest with himself about his feelings and who he is.
Nam Goong Shiwoon (Go Woo Jin) is the last member of the Saebit School Council, he tends to take neutral stands in the discussions of the council and is basically the glue of this team. He helps them with problems they may have and is there to be that friend that gives advice about anything in the right moment.
Love Triangle
Tae Kyung and Da On have a crush on each other. When Tae Kyung opens up about his feelings and they become public with their relationship, Da On reconsiders his position and becomes distant with him and the rest of the council.
Shin Woo, on the other hand, has had a crush on Tae Kyung for a while, he has a very peculiar way to show his feelings, but his main goal is seeing his crush be happy even without him.
This love triangle is not the common one we see in dramas, Da On and Shin Woo care about their friendship and even though they have the same love interest, they also care and look after each other as good friends and council co-workers.
Fluff and friendship
‘Light On Me’ is a very light-hearted drama, friendship takes over the romantic aspect and we see the members of the council caring about each other’s well-being. Shiwoon felt like the oldest and most wise member among them, with a lot of wholesome moments where he stepped forward to defend and care for his friends.
The dynamics between Shin Woo and Da On slightly change as both become aware of each other’s feelings toward Tae Kyung, but in the drama we can see how their friendship remains even though they both love the same person.
We also see Tae Kyung growing as a person and becoming a better version of himself, maturing and becoming more sociable and less awkward.
‘Light On Me’ is definitely an easy-to-watch drama with lovable characters and a lot of cute moments. The leads have great chemistry and the side characters, even though they are questionable at times, are also well-rounded and make the story interesting.
This drama is available to watch in VIKI, and you can check out the trailer below.
