Love in the Big City
"Love in the Big City" is a 2024 South Korean melodrama that delves into the life of Ko Yeong, portrayed by Nam Yoon Su, a gay man navigating love and personal growth in Seoul. Living with his straight friend Choi Mi Ae, played by Lee Soo Kyung, Ko Yeong embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting societal prejudices and familial challenges. Throughout the series, Ko Yeong experiences relationships with various partners, including Sim Gyu Ho (Jin Ho Eun), Kim Nam Gyu (Kwon Hyuk), No Yeong Su (Na Hyun Woo), and Habibi (Kim Won Joong). These relationships highlight the complexities of love and acceptance in a conservative society. The drama also explores Ko Yeong's strained relationship with his mother, Yeom Eun Suk (Oh Hyun Kyung), who struggles to accept his sexual orientation. This familial tension adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the emotional hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. "Love in the Big City" is based on the novel by Park Sang Young and is directed by Hur Jin Ho, Hong Ji Young, Son Tae Gyum, and Kim Se In. The series offers a poignant portrayal of love, identity, and resilience, resonating with audiences seeking authentic storytelling.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 큰 도시의 사랑 (Keun Doshiui Sarang)
🌎 Also Known As: Love in the Big City
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+
🏷 Tags: Gay Male Lead, LGBTQ+ Relationships, Self-Discovery, Family Conflict, Urban Life
✍ Screenwriters: Park Sang Young
🎬 Directors: Hur Jin Ho, Hong Ji Young, Son Tae Gyum, Kim Se In
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 10
🗓️ Aired: October 21, 2024 – November 20, 2024
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: TVING
⏰ Duration: 50 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 18+ (Mature audiences only)
Best Scenes
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Jae Hee’s Vulnerability: A poignant moment where Jae Hee, typically confident, breaks down in tears, revealing her hidden loneliness and anxiety.
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Police Station Confrontation: Jae Hee and Heung Soo assert their unique friendship at the police station, challenging societal norms and defending their platonic bond.
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Heung Soo’s Wedding Performance: Heung Soo delivers a heartfelt song at Jae Hee’s wedding, symbolizing their enduring friendship and mutual support.
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Intimate Moments Between Go Young and Gyu Ho: The series portrays authentic and natural intimate scenes, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
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Go Young’s Journey in Thailand: Following a breakup, Go Young’s trip to Thailand serves as a pivotal point for self-discovery and personal growth.
Filming Locations
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Seoul’s Urban Landscape: The bustling streets and vibrant nightlife of Seoul provide a dynamic backdrop, reflecting the characters’ fast-paced lives.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream: This serene stream in downtown Seoul is featured in several scenes, symbolizing tranquility amidst chaos.
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Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses in this village contrast with the modern city, highlighting the characters’ internal conflicts.
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Namsan Tower: Iconic scenes are set against the panoramic views from this landmark, symbolizing the highs and lows of relationships.
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Thailand’s Scenic Spots: Go Young’s journey to Thailand introduces exotic locales, emphasizing his quest for self-discovery.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Contemporary Fashion: Characters are dressed in modern, stylish attire that reflects their personalities and the urban setting.
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Color Symbolism: The use of vibrant and muted colors in scenes underscores the emotional tones and character development.
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Authentic Set Designs: Realistic apartment interiors and cityscapes enhance the relatability of the characters’ experiences.
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Cultural Elements: Traditional Korean motifs are subtly integrated into the visual design, bridging past and present.
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Lighting Techniques: The series employs natural and artificial lighting to convey mood shifts and highlight pivotal moments.
Themes and Messages
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Exploration of Sexual Identity: The narrative delves into the challenges and acceptance of one’s sexual orientation in a conservative society.
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Friendship vs. Societal Norms: It examines the strength of platonic relationships and their defiance against societal expectations.
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Personal Growth Through Adversity: Characters undergo significant development by confronting personal and external conflicts.
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Impact of Societal Judgment: The series highlights the pressures and prejudices faced by individuals deviating from societal norms.
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Search for Authentic Love: It portrays the pursuit of genuine connections amidst superficial relationships.
Interesting Facts
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Adaptation of a Bestselling Novel: The drama is based on Park Sang Young’s acclaimed novel, bringing literary depth to the screen.
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LGBTQ+ Representation: The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, resonating with diverse audiences.
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Actor’s Immersive Experience: Nam Yoon Soo shared that filming intimate scenes felt natural, indicating the cast’s deep connection to their roles.
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International Recognition: The series has garnered attention at global film festivals, highlighting its universal themes and storytelling.
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Cultural Impact: “Love in the Big City” has sparked discussions on modern relationships and societal norms in South Korea.
Awards
As of now, “Love in the Big City” has not received any awards. The series premiered on October 21, 2024, and while it has garnered positive reviews, it has yet to be recognized in award ceremonies. Upcoming events may acknowledge its achievements in the future.
Real-Life Loves on Set
As of now, there are no public reports or confirmations of any real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of the Korean drama “Love in the Big City.” The actors, including Nam Yoon Su and Jin Ho Eun, have maintained a professional relationship, focusing on their roles and the series’ production. While fans often speculate about off-screen romances, it’s important to respect the personal lives of actors and rely on verified information.
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