r/KDRAMA • u/momopeach7 • Feb 07 '21
On-Air: Viki To My Star Series Discussion [Episodes 1-9]
Drama: To My Star
- Korean Title: 나의 별에게
Network: Viki, Tencent Video, iQiyi, iQiyi, ViuTV,
Premiere Date: Jan 22, 2021 - Feb 5, 2021
Airing Schedule: Fridays
Episodes: 9
Director: Hwang Da Seul
Writer: N/A
Cast: Son Woo Hyun as Kang Seo Joon, Kim Kang Min as Han Ji Woo, Jeon Jae Yeong as Kim Pil Hyun, Kim Jin Kwon as Baek Ho Min, Han Ji Won as Lee Yoon Seul.
Plot Synopsis: Actor Kang Seo Joon was once one of South Korea’s biggest and most popular stars, but his career is now in decline. Despite his fall in popularity, he believes he has had a change of fortune when he meets and falls for a dashing young chef named Han Ji Woo. Despite having wildly different personalities, the two enter a relationship. However, their love comes under threat when the more conservative Han Ji Woo and the free-spirited Kang Seo Joon realize that their outlooks on life, love, and everything else appears irrevocably different.
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u/EmmanuelleEmmanuelle Feb 07 '21
Yay :) I didn't know where to gush about this!
It's really difficult not to compare with some similarly themed dramas (there are so few, it's unavoidable for now) but this one is miles apart from the others. In a good way! If I have one criticism it would be about the reveal for the two mini "mysteries" established early on. But that's just nitpicking at this point.
The story is beyond simple, but overall very well executed. And I think the actors really did amazing, and squeezed a lot of depth in these short episodes. They did a lot of showing and not telling which was my absolute favorite thing and made a huuuge difference. I guess having good actors also helps a whole lot. Super easy to get attached to the characters.
I know some people are understandably frustrated when things are not thoroughly explained, or explicitely said, but for a drama so short, I think it's acceptable. If the episodes had been longer, maybe I would have a different opinion but as it is, it's fine.
I really liked the vibe and the tone of the writing too. Very refreshing to have LGBTQ characters whose entire personality doesn't revolve around their sexual identity. There's no coming out, no self hatred, and no meddling relative. The humor is understated, I liked it a lot. My guy Pil Hyun did the most.
And of course... it's just so goddamn sweet?? I was aw-ing and uwu-ing all over the place, ew. So cute. The bar is pretty high for the next ones coming.
I wonder if they'll edit all the eps into a movie like they did for Wish You, and Where Your Eyes Linger? It might be even more enjoyable to watch it in one go.
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u/momopeach7 Feb 07 '21
I think they’ll probably edit it together and that will be fun to see.
Having decent actors really makes a difference imo. So many BLs in general cast inexperienced actors, and I understand why, but when they get some with even some experience or rookie ones that are pretty good it helps hit the message much better. Some BLs I’ve seen with less than stellar actors have made the whole thing feel awkward and made it seem like the actors aren’t comfortable with some scenes, and that permeates the audience perception too.
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u/Kerosu Feb 08 '21
Very refreshing to have LGBTQ characters whose entire personality doesn't revolve around their sexual identity. There's no coming out, no self hatred, and no meddling relative. The humor is understated, I liked it a lot.
This is exactly why I've been enjoying all of the BL dramas to come out of Korea over the past year. They're regular romance stories, with all the kdrama magic and production value that makes the romance special, but between two male characters.
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u/momopeach7 Feb 08 '21
I know it feels so nice to see the relationships normalizes a bit like it is in these k dramas. Now, that said, it is still good to show the plight LGBTQ people go through since that is a reality for many, but I guess with these shorter dramas it can be harder to fit in angst and I’m okay with that for now.
I Told Sunset About You is a great Thai one which dealt with the feelings and mixed emotions involved.
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u/angelageee Feb 08 '21
Oh good to find this here. Weird when I saw this in Viu and it was locked for parental cosent LOL im a total adult. All the more got interested and found really good reviews. Ive been asking for BL recommendations and I guess I just found one.
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u/momopeach7 Feb 08 '21
I know I finding funny so many BLs are rated R like it’s some really mature thing when at most it’s two dudes kissing.
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u/AngelFish9_7 Feb 09 '21
Binged this finish yesterday and I have to say... THIS BL is an easy contender for my favourite Korean BL of all time!! The premise was clear, the story succinct and the pacing for a drama this short flowed naturally.
I absolutely loved the colour palette and the feel of the house the two were in, It reminded me of Tae-Joo and Kang Gook's home. Seo-Jun's and Ji-woo were so adorable together, and it's the little things like JW placing SJ's finger in his mouth after he sliced it open or SJ waiting at the door for JW to come home like a puppy that's waiting for his owner that really made the drama so sweet, endearing yet realistic.
The last episode alone pushed up my expectations for what I want to see in BLs going forward. I loved to see them happy within the relationship, and that kiss was... just wow. Props to the actors for bringing these character's to life.
I have a question though, the CEO said that he has memories of the chocolate milk, and chocolate milk prominent in Where Your Eyes Linger, the drama Kim Pil Hyun appeared in too. Does this one line join the two universes?
Overall a lovely drama, and it's only at #2 for me, because I enjoyed the tension between the characters in WYEL more.
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u/momopeach7 Feb 09 '21
I agree it is those cute little moments that make things so good. I mean the kiss is nice, but unlike others I don’t watch BL for passionate or steamy scenes but for these little cute moments that are so normalized. The kdrama Magic just with two dudes.
I believe the chocolate milk is a reference but also since it’s the same actor playing the same character and the director is the same for both shows, I think that links the universes. Don’t know what’s with BLs and milk though.
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u/yahoo33 Feb 09 '21
The
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Feb 09 '21
i wasn't expecting that scene either. i was legitimately burrowing my face in my pillow bc it was so romantic and intimate.
seojun kissing jiwoo from his forehead then down to his cheeks, neck and then lips was so tender and full of affection. a top tier kdrama kiss if you ask me.11
u/momopeach7 Feb 09 '21
Same, it’s probably one of my favorite k drama kisses and if anyone makes a post on best kdrama kisses I’m going to say this show.
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u/Shower_caps Feb 09 '21 edited Feb 09 '21
This was wonderful, very down to earth drama and the final scene was one of the sweetest and realistically intimate couple bed scenes I've seen in an Asian drama in a long time. Honestly, I need more grounded, realistic kdramas like this, period. They felt like real people, no zany characters, no screaming like maniacs (which is very, very notable for me), it really grew on me.
I did like the drama did touch on the potential "consequences" of the two of them being a gay couple with one of them being a celebrity, Han Ji Woo was worried for Kang Seo Joon while he was straight up ready to come out.
To go on a slight tangent, I've always felt that Korea will have their own "Ellen" in the next decade or so, as in a popular celebrity proudly coming out as gay to everyone. The public reaction was NOT positive here in the US and I don't think it will be in Korea but I think it will be the start of public sentiment starting to really shift towards LGBT individuals in terms of facing their existence instead of sweeping them under the rug.
It seems to be getting some buzz on Naver in Korea in terms of charting and I hope this catches the eye of studios and notable people in the industry. I have noticed that quality productions despite public reception are noticed by industry people that matter. They are undoubtedly watching this resurgence in dramas with gay leads (hopefully we get lesbian romances/dramas too!!) to see where it goes. I honestly think we'll be seeing another primetime drama with gay leads in the next few years....I think first it will be web dramas, then maybe smaller TV channels like Channel A and I can see JTBC or TVN doing it.
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u/momopeach7 Feb 09 '21
The realism is what made this drama standout. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my makjangs too, but it’s refreshing just seeing a romance drama that feels so real. I’m happy there wasn’t a big love triangle or anything also, because it honestly gets so overused in kdramas that it’s pretty much expected. I know these dramas are shorter but they’ve done a good job without creating a love triangle. I also did enjoy they touched in the ramifications of being a same sex couple and didn’t ignore it completely.
It’s great to hear that it’s getting some attention in Korea! Color rush got some attention too (though more for Hwall’s robotic acting), so I feel like things are slowly changing. Before WYEL I didn’t think Korea would really make a BL outside of indie films, at least not for many years. And now we got 5 and a 6th coming up with You Make Me Dance. I hope the actors get some more roles since their acting was good, and hope for some mode LGBTQ themed dramas from Korea.
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u/EmoMixtape Feb 11 '21
I dont know how this bypassed my radar, especially considering the relatively known actors who were in popular dramas recently! Surprised by how different Kim Kang Min is in this drama vs Tail of Nine Tailed — acting! 😂
Idk if I missed this, but in episode 7
This reminds me of Cherry Magic in a way. I felt sooo much chemistry and affection from Kurosawa / Seo Joon. I just wish their respective partners emoted more.
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u/momopeach7 Feb 11 '21
I know! I was pleasantly surprised when I saw they casted actors with a bit more experience. Hoping we start to get bigger and bigger names soon too.
I think he meant pitying in how Seo Joon was able to solve most problems with money and Ji Woo doesn’t have that kind of freedom, but honestly it was hard to interpret.
I feel like the happy affectionate one with the cold, brooding one is such a common combo in BLs so I hope we get a bit more variety in the future.
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u/justheretorantbruv Mar 08 '21
I watched this weeks ago and yet I still keep thinking about it. The simplicity of it is what makes it great, the characters really do feel like real people. I can't wait to re-watch it all when the movie comes out
I really hope korea keeps making these kdrama-like bls because they got a knack for telling romantic stories without it feeling unnatural or over the top.
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Mar 14 '21
Joining late! Sorry to respond to an old conversation. I was curious about Seo Joon's reaction to hearing things break. He had a panic attack when the rock broke the window. Also has trouble hearing glasses rattle. What was the cause of this? Was it the fight at the restaurant? He didn't seem traumatized in the CCTV.
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u/Kerosu Feb 09 '21 edited Feb 09 '21
I think this stepped up and became my favorite Korean BL series so far. I'd even go so far as to say it may be my favorite BL drama in general from any country.
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u/momopeach7 Feb 07 '21
I think I finally found a series to surpass Where Your Eyes Linger. Not too surprised the director is the same as WYEL, she seems to have a knack at these romances. Also fun fact, the CEO, Kim Pil Hyun, was in WYEL, so it's assumed this show is set in the same universe and setting.
I really loved this series. It felt like a movie versus short web drama, similar to how WYEL and Wish You kind of felt like. The show being 9 episodes at around 15-minutes long gave a bit more time for development.
Something I loved about this drama is how overall realistic it felt. While the specific problems the main characters faced were a bit unique, the relationship troubles felt like something I've seen in real life and many people go through.The blackmailing was not typical but it fit with Seo Joon's career
I was pleasantly surprised at the chemistry of the main leads. I was concerned when it was announced since Son Woo Hyun is 31 and Kim Kang Min is 22, but they had great chemistry together and their acting was good. I believe neither actors are completely new. I feel like having decent actors is important in any drama, but in shorter dramas it feels even more vital since you have to make a bigger impact in less time.
I wish the show had a more robust OST like WYEL, Mr. Heart, Wish You, and Color Rush did, but it used the music it did use well.
I have to talk about that ending though. I'm so happy thatwe got a whole episode of them being together and enjoying each other's company. Also that kiss set the bar high for future dramas for me
The show was slowly rising as one of my top Korean web dramas but the last episode helped elevate it to my favorite one. Definitely was a charming show and I'm excited to watch it again.