
South Korea · Drama · 2024
Love in the Big City
Synopsis
Love in the Big City follows Go Young across roughly a decade of his life in Seoul, starting as a university student who befriends Choi Mi-ae, a straight classmate who becomes his roommate and closest confidant as he comes to terms with being gay in a family and society that are not ready to accept it. His mother, Yeom Eun-suk, a church deacon, struggles for years to reconcile her faith with who her son is, and that tension runs through much of Young's story even as his own life moves forward.
Over the years that follow, Young's relationships take him through a string of very different connections: photographer Kim Nam-kyu, philosophy club member No Yeong-su, bartender and nursing student Sim Gyu-ho, with whom he shares an HIV diagnosis, and a stranger named William Habibi he meets along the way. Each relationship leaves its mark on him as he works through heartbreak, stigma and self-acceptance while building a life as a writer.
Young eventually channels his experiences into a novel titled Love in the Big City, the same title as the series itself, closing the loop between his life and the story he tells about it. Nam Yoon-su stars as Go Young, with Lee Soo-kyung as Choi Mi-ae and Oh Hyun-kyung as his mother, in a series based on the novel by Park Sang-young that premiered in 2024.
Best scenes
Jae Hee's Vulnerability: A poignant moment where Jae Hee, typically confident, breaks down in tears, revealing her hidden loneliness and anxiety.
Police Station Confrontation: Jae Hee and Heung Soo assert their unique friendship at the police station, challenging societal norms and defending their platonic bond.
Heung Soo's Wedding Performance: Heung Soo delivers a heartfelt song at Jae Hee's wedding, symbolizing their enduring friendship and mutual support.
Intimate Moments Between Go Young and Gyu Ho: The series portrays authentic and natural intimate scenes, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
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
Seoul's Urban Landscape: The bustling streets and vibrant nightlife of Seoul provide a dynamic backdrop, reflecting the characters' fast-paced lives.
Cheonggyecheon Stream: This serene stream in downtown Seoul is featured in several scenes, symbolizing tranquility amidst chaos.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses in this village contrast with the modern city, highlighting the characters' internal conflicts.
Namsan Tower: Iconic scenes are set against the panoramic views from this landmark, symbolizing the highs and lows of relationships.
Thailand's Scenic Spots: Go Young's journey to Thailand introduces exotic locales, emphasizing his quest for self-discovery.
Visual design and costumes
Contemporary Fashion: Characters are dressed in modern, stylish attire that reflects their personalities and the urban setting.
Color Symbolism: The use of vibrant and muted colors in scenes underscores the emotional tones and character development.
Authentic Set Designs: Realistic apartment interiors and cityscapes enhance the relatability of the characters' experiences.
Cultural Elements: Traditional Korean motifs are subtly integrated into the visual design, bridging past and present.
Lighting Techniques: The series employs natural and artificial lighting to convey mood shifts and highlight pivotal moments.
Themes and messages
Exploration of Sexual Identity: The narrative delves into the challenges and acceptance of one's sexual orientation in a conservative society.
Friendship vs. Societal Norms: It examines the strength of platonic relationships and their defiance against societal expectations.
Personal Growth Through Adversity: Characters undergo significant development by confronting personal and external conflicts.
Impact of Societal Judgment: The series highlights the pressures and prejudices faced by individuals deviating from societal norms.
Search for Authentic Love: It portrays the pursuit of genuine connections amidst superficial relationships.
Interesting facts
Adaptation of a Bestselling Novel: The drama is based on Park Sang Young's acclaimed novel, bringing literary depth to the screen.
LGBTQ+ Representation: The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, resonating with diverse audiences.
Actor's Immersive Experience: Nam Yoon Soo shared that filming intimate scenes felt natural, indicating the cast's deep connection to their roles.
International Recognition: The series has garnered attention at global film festivals, highlighting its universal themes and storytelling.
Cultural Impact: "Love in the Big City" has sparked discussions on modern relationships and societal norms in South Korea.
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.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mi Ae | 2024-10-21 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2024-10-21 | Aired | |
| 3 | A Piece of Rockfish, a Taste Out of This World | 2024-10-21 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2024-10-21 | Aired | |
| 5 | Love in the Big City | 2024-10-21 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2024-10-21 | Aired | |
| 7 | A Vacation in the Late Rainy Season | 2024-10-21 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2024-10-21 | Aired |
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