If you’re ready for a whirlwind of life lessons wrapped in romance, heartache, and humor, “Love in the Big City” is the show for you. Adapted from Park Sang-young’s novel, the story follows three young people as they stumble through love, loss, and the inevitable existential musings that come with living in a sprawling city. Set against the backdrop of Seoul, this queer coming-of-age drama does more than entertain—it resonates, offering surprisingly universal insights about relationships, friendship, and self-discovery. So, grab your popcorn (and maybe some tissues), and let’s dive in.
TL;DR
- Love is messy and unpredictable.
- Opposites may attract, but compatibility is key.
- Friendships are just as important as romantic relationships.
- Navigating social stigma can be challenging but rewarding.
- The pain of letting go can lead to personal growth.
- Success feels more meaningful when shared with loved ones.
- Unspoken goodbyes can haunt you.
1. Love is Messy, and That’s Okay
In the first scene, our protagonist, GO YEONG (Nam Yoon-soo), wakes up beside his boyfriend, basking in post-romantic bliss. The mood shatters the second his boyfriend’s ex shows up unannounced. Yeong finds out his boyfriend hasn’t fully broken up with the ex yet—it’s apparently still a “process.” Yes, that sounds messy, and it is. But in a big city where everyone is trying to find themselves, maybe messiness is just part of the process.
This scene is brilliantly funny, slightly tragic, and painfully relatable. Love, as we all know, rarely plays out like a perfect fairy tale. We stumble, make poor choices, and sometimes end up entangled in situations we can’t quite explain. Yet, Yeong’s experience reminds us that love’s messiness can also be a teaching moment—it’s a mirror to our own struggles with self-worth and boundaries.
2. Opposites Can Attract, But Compatibility is Key
Soon after, Yeong meets KIM NAM-GYU (Kwon Hyuk), a serious photographer with a stiffly formal demeanor. This uptight energy contrasts sharply with Yeong’s free-spirited nature, leading to some hilarious and endearing moments. Their first kiss happens at a club, where Yeong dives in boldly, only for Nam-gyu to retreat. Yet, Nam-gyu eventually takes a leap and confesses he liked it, offering a glimpse of his sincerity under the stiff exterior.
While their romance feels fresh and exciting, it ultimately falters under the weight of their differences. Nam-gyu moves too fast, investing in 24k gold couple rings, while Yeong feels increasingly stifled. In the end, Yeong breaks it off, recognizing their fundamental incompatibility. This bittersweet breakup shows us the importance of both passion and compatibility in relationships. The spark may be there, but if your values and life goals clash, it might be best to part ways.
3. Friendships Are Just as Important as Romance
One of the show’s highlights is Yeong’s unexpected friendship with CHOI MI-AE (Lee Soo-kyung). Mi-ae, a bold and fearless character often judged for her open lifestyle, becomes a solid ally for Yeong. When rumors circulate about her, Yeong defends her honor, resulting in both being ostracized by their college peers. This shared experience strengthens their bond, and eventually, they become roommates.
Their friendship serves as an antidote to the loneliness of city life, offering a kind of love that doesn’t need romantic gestures or physical intimacy to validate it. It’s a refreshing reminder that platonic relationships deserve just as much attention and effort as romantic ones. Through their banter, inside jokes, and heartfelt support, Yeong and Mi-ae highlight that true friendship is a safe haven amidst life’s storms.
4. Navigating Social Stigma is a Shared Struggle
Yeong and Mi-ae often feel alienated, struggling to fit into a conservative society that frowns upon their lifestyle choices. For Yeong, his sexuality is a constant source of tension, while Mi-ae’s lifestyle choices make her the target of gossip. They bond over this shared experience, confronting the harsh reality of societal expectations and marginalization.
This storyline speaks to anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood or judged for being different. The show doesn’t preach or try to justify their actions but instead shows us two people trying to live authentically. “Love in the Big City” captures the quiet resilience needed to be yourself in a world that insists you conform.
5. The Pain of Letting Go Can Lead to Growth
After breaking up with Nam-gyu, Yeong discovers he’s left a trail of heartbreak. Nam-gyu texts him, waits outside his building, and tries everything to reconcile, but Yeong is resolute. When Nam-gyu’s attempts become clingy, Yeong realizes he made the right choice.
However, in a tragic twist, Nam-gyu later dies in a car accident while speeding. The sudden loss hits Yeong hard, making him reflect on his choices and the fleeting nature of life. This moment forces him to reevaluate what he wants out of love and relationships, nudging him to grow from the pain.
6. Success Can Feel Hollow Without People to Share It With
Months after the breakup, Yeong finishes his novel and wins an award. He calls Mi-ae to share the news, feeling proud yet oddly empty. As he celebrates his success alone, he realizes that accomplishments feel more meaningful when shared with loved ones. This revelation serves as a powerful reminder: no matter how successful we become, it’s the relationships we foster along the way that make life truly fulfilling.
7. Unspoken Goodbyes Can Haunt You
The show ends with Yeong’s regret over his unresolved feelings for Nam-gyu. If he had the chance, would he have said something different? His reflections serve as a bittersweet life lesson on the importance of closure. Sometimes, we lose people before we’re ready, and the “what-ifs” can haunt us. It’s a poignant reminder to express our feelings when we have the chance, as we may not get another opportunity.
“The city has a way of turning love into an adventure you can’t plan for. You think you know what you want, and then someone comes along and turns everything upside down. In a place this big, love feels almost impossible to find, but somehow it’s everywhere, hidden in the smallest moments. That’s what I’ve learned – it’s not the grand gestures but the little things that count.” – Alex Chang, 32, New York City
My Take on “Love in the Big City”
Let me tell you—this show is not just about romance. It’s a raw portrayal of young adulthood’s ups and downs, with moments that had me chuckling one minute and tearing up the next. Yeong’s journey, from casual flings to profound loss, feels both unique and universally relatable. The show manages to capture the spirit of youth in a way that feels so real, with its characters stumbling through love and heartbreak in their search for happiness.
The way the series addresses issues like social stigma and self-acceptance, without turning preachy, is refreshing. Instead of grand speeches, it’s the little, everyday moments that hit hardest. It’s a rare gem that presents queer love stories as complex and nuanced without pandering or sensationalizing.
K-Drama “Love in the Big City” offers a compelling look at relationships in all their forms. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about finding a soulmate—it’s also about the friendships that see us through, the self-reflection that brings growth, and the courage to live authentically. So, if you’re in the mood for a drama that’s both heartfelt and thought-provoking, give this one a watch. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.
