Nowadays, many people are becoming interested in BL (Boys’ Love) and GL (Girls’ Love) series and films, primarily because LGBTQ+ characters take centre stage in the narrative rather than being relegated to side roles. Due to their popularity and success, actors of all sexual identities have taken on the challenge to star in these roles.
“Love In The Big City” (대도시의 사랑법) is an upcoming BL romance television series based on the novel of the same name, starring actor Nam Yoon-soo (남윤수). Promotions for the project began earlier this year, with teasers and posters released on the show’s official social media pages and website. However, the reception has not been particularly positive.
Although many, particularly BL fans, were excited about the series and seeing Nam Yoon-soo playing the main character, there was also an overwhelmingly negative response to it. Religious groups in Korea have recently gathered in front of the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, and Culture building to protest and demand the series be cancelled immediately. “[C-JeS Studios] is supporting the production of a drama that glorifies and encourages homosexuality,” according to the protest banner.
Protesters even urged the government to inspect the Korea Contents Association as the “Ministry wastes tax-payers money to support a homosexual drama”. As part of the protest, the same groups have mass-reported the promotional content to have them removed online. Due to the homophobic outrage, the production company removed the trailers and halted promotions for “Love In The Big City”. Despite the setback, writer Park Sang-young assured fans that the series would still be released regardless.
The star of the show, Nam Yoon-soo, previously made a statement regarding the negative reception towards the upcoming series as well as homophobia towards queer content in an interview with Allure Korea. “It’s the same love story. Every day life goes on, and the only difference is gender. So I hope you see it as it is. However, the fact that [the show] is released only on OTT (streaming platform) shows that Korean society still has some ways to go,” he said.
The actor added that he had no trouble playing the closeted gay character as he views queer individuals as ordinary people. “For me, this was not a difficult decision or a difficult project. I had queer friends since I was young, and I was open-minded from the beginning. I thought I could do whatever the script said, whatever the director said. I thought [my character] was a very ordinary person,” he elaborated.
It’s rather unfortunate that the production company cannot properly promote “Love In The Big City” on social platforms but thankfully, the reposted trailer on YouTube is still available for many to enjoy. Watch:
Sources: Koreaboo (1)(2), Sportskeeda
