Korean dramas are known to establish goals in relationships. They foretell stories on how relationships span out - the unexpected love triangles, the nerdy girl and lonely popular boy meets, or the spoilt rich girl and chivalrous prince-like pauper love trials. Despite a wide-ranging catalog of romance dramas, the industry has not been successful to dive into the queer concept completely. Light On Me is that K-drama that BL viewers and shippers have been waiting for. The fluttery, bubbly feel of first love, the experience of mutual adoration, and the charisma of eye candies - this show ensures to give the public an equivalent of its famous romance generic dramas, but in the queer light. Though there are a few of the foresaid dramas or short films, Light On Me is at a different level i.e. well scripted and portrayed. This show, however, spans several other genres and justifies them equivalently.
General Trivia
Produced by: WHYNOT Media
Released: Jun 29, 2021
Directed by: Lee Yoo Yeon
Screenwriter: Lee Ji Eun
Genre: Friendship, Romance, Drama, Youth
Country of Origin: South Korea
Language: Korean
Original Network: Viki
No of Episodes: 16
No of Seasons: 1
TV Rating: 13+
MyDramaList Rating: 8.8/10
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Storyline
The drama Light On me is a story about friendship and love. It has been adapted from the mobile game Saebit Boys High School Council. High-schooler, Woo TaeKyung is a voluntary loner. Concerned about him, his teacher, Seo HaetBit (played by Lee KiHyun) suggests he join the student council. The story develops setting up a stage for TaeKyung to experience his firsts in - friendship, love, heartbreak, and relationship.
Initially, the vice-president, Noh ShinWoo opposes the idea of TaeKyung joining the council, so he starts out with a temporary post. But later, his endearing nature wins over the three key members, viz ShinWoo, president Shin Da On, and the face of the council volunteer group Nam Goong Shi Woon.
The president takes to TaeKyung as they start spending time together. Mutual interest develops and something more than friendship takes form. When TaeKyung faces DaOn, the latter denies claims of a relationship dwelling at a stage more than friendly attachment. This creates a rift between the two. During these hard times, TaeKyung finds solace in ShinWoo. They develop mutual feelings and start dating. Shin DaOn realizes his mistake, however, the promise of friendship is respected and they remain good friends in the end.
The plot of the series is kept realistic and is in fact, one of the commendable well-resolved cases of a love triangle ( a common component in romance K-dramas). Friendship is valued throughout the series and the protagonist TaeKyung is seen to desperately try his best to befriend people, something that's against his basic loner nature. Thus, the series keeps the charm alive through its captivating character development and simplistic narration. Cheerful and innocent energy leads the narration forward.
Main Cast And Characters
Woo Tae Kyung
The series is mostly narrated from Woo Tae Kyun's POV. His cute and naive nature is in vast difference from his lack of social skills. At times he acts indifferent and has a tendency to always speak his mind rather than lie. This 18-year-old's endearing and persistent personality helps him win over the members of the student council. The most exceptional trait of Tae Kyung is self-acceptance. He experiences all his firsts but he embraces every small moment with open arms. This is definitely the character you would relate to most as a viewer.
Light On Me is Lee Sae On's first major role in a drama series. He has had a history of support and cameo roles in other K-dramas before and has also participated in several TV variety shows.
Noh Shin Woo
Noh Shin Woo is the charismatic and perfect lover in the series. He secretly harbors an unrequited crush on Tae Kyung, even before they are acquainted. His honest yet shy nature wins over the viewers' hearts. He believes in fair play and disagrees acting impulsively when it comes to his feelings regarding Tae Kyung. Glimpses of Shin Woo's soft warm nature and his innocence throughout the series keep those feelings fluttering.
Shin Da On
Shin Da On is the model student council president - well-mannered, helpful and has a hard time saying no. As such people take advantage of his goodwill. His bad chemistry with his parents exhibits his vulnerability despite his perfect facade. He cowers from being a disappointment to the people around him. This attitude molds his character as an easy target for exploitation.
Shin Da On's character is pitiable; however, as a viewer, you might find your anger directed at him. But towards the end, you ultimately wish him a second chance and a happy ending.
Nam Goong ShiWoon
Presenting the most level-headed, know-it-all character in the series. ShiWoon is the explosive energy behind the story. He instigates, plans, and carefully threads through rough waters to keep the story going. Kind, supportive, funny and demands attention; the playful mood setter of the group is fiercely protective towards his friends. Being an honest confidante is his absolute remarkable trait; which makes him that one true friend everyone deserves.
Besides these four, Lee SoHee (played by Yang SeoHyun) is a supporting character who is Shin Da On's childhood friend. She fosters a crush on her friend but struggles with confessing. Taekyung and DaOn's closeness sends her emotions on a ride and she turns vicious. In an attempt to destroy the budding relationship, she plays a cruel joke on the duo. But despite her efforts, she loses her friend, which makes her regret and ultimately turns over a new leaf.
Reasons I Recommend The Series
Light On Me is a pure romance with minimal drama. The drama has explored the aspects of a healthy relationship - be it between friends or lovers. The loner learns the beauty of friendship, the disappointed son learns to love and accept himself, the queer outcast finds profound love, the confidante successfully gains a new friend and the insecure girl learns the meaning of true sacrifice. Self-acceptance is the highest form of self-love. When Daon accepts his feelings, he transforms. His regrets are washed away when he decides to value their friendship despite the guilt and shame. His personality blossomed and he matures to be a better man. The change in SoHee sets an excellent example. It is never too late to mend if you harbor genuine remorse towards past wrongs.
In addition to the cute, heart-rendering scenes, the dark side of homophobia prevalent in society is highlighted. Plus, the series is a commendable effort and the result of proper investment into the mainstream queer genre by the Korean visual entertainment industry.
For a BL series lover, it is definitely one of the top 5 in Korean BL lists. Thus, this series has all the elements- script, acting, eye-candy cast, and a fabulous OST. Do check out the trailer and for the K-pop lover in you, listen to the OST below.
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Image Source~ MyDramaList
Music Source~ Spotify
Video Source~ YouTube
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