This week’s review spotlights an LGBTQ+ story that delves into love, friendship, and self-discovery in modern Seoul. Based on the acclaimed book by Sang Young Park, let’s discuss ‘Love in the Big City’!
Directed by Hur Jin-Ho, Hong Ji-young, Son Tae-gyum, and Kim Se-in, with a screenplay by Sang Young Park himself, ‘Love in the Big City’ traces the journey of Go Young (Nam Yoon-su) over a decade, capturing his experiences with love, profound friendships, and his passion for writing.
Friendship and Growth
Go Young’s college life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Choi Mi-ae (Lee Soo-kyung), a fellow student who quickly becomes his best friend and roommate. Together, they face the excitement and chaos of early adulthood, navigating relationships and making memories in Seoul’s vibrant social scene.
Mi-ae eventually meets her future husband, marking the end of an era for the best friends as their paths begin to diverge. This deep friendship, however, leaves an indelible mark on Go Young, inspiring him to write his first book, which becomes his breakout success as a writer.
Navigating Love and Heartbreak
While Go Young is fortunate in friendship, his love life is more complex. Across the series, he encounters four different men, each teaching him something new about love and relationships. From each relationship, Go Young learns about the nuances of love, which ultimately serve as inspiration for his writing.
One of his most impactful relationships is with Gyu Ho (Jin Ho Eun), a nursing student who loves Go Young deeply and wholeheartedly. However, despite their strong bond, Go Young and Gyu Ho eventually part ways, leaving Go Young with an empty apartment, a broken heart, and bittersweet memories of their time together.
A Raw and Relatable Journey
‘Love in the Big City’ stands out as a heartfelt portrayal of LGBTQ+ life in South Korea. In just eight episodes, the series addresses the realities of being queer, showing both the joys and the challenges of being true to oneself while seeking acceptance from society.
Through family dynamics, friendship, and romantic love, ‘Love in the Big City’ tells a story that feels both authentic and unfiltered, embracing the emotional highs and lows of life. The series doesn’t shy away from the struggles, instead presenting a raw depiction of life’s inevitable pains and the resilience to move forward.
‘Love in the Big City’ is available to stream on Viki, and you can watch the trailer below.
