A Shoulder to Cry On (2023)

Very simple and cute bl drama

We all know Korean drama is made of cute and sweet moments this is what they gave in bl drama too I’m happy with the story and acting along with no much dramas simple and yet beautiful message it was good I enjoyed and finished whole series in one day and people who are giving less ratings because they expect this to be like Thai drama and mix of Korean vibe please stop these let Thai be Thai and Korean be Korean I like both it’s just that your vision of watching dramas should be broad I’m thinking now why this drama got less ratings but now understood how people gave ratings common in Korean they are still updating in terms of bl stories let’s give them some pace to adjust but this drama was really cute and sweet I like enemy to love and they grew up and changed their goals and became successful and together but only thing I hate is why couldn’t they kiss each other even in past episode common he was so desperate for it😂 anyhow it was good I gave 10

Leia Mais

I Don't Understand All the Hate for this Drama : (

Okay, so I've never written a review for a drama on here because I have my own set-up for this kind of thing, but I feel like I have to for this drama because of the ridiculously low rating it has on here.

I don't typically rely on the rating system on here to determine what I watch because I know that viewers' opinions on a drama can vary and there are some aspects of a drama that I happen to like that others don't. So, I didn't look up this drama prior to watching it - but I happened to look it up to try and find out if the actress for Soyong was someone I recognized (she wasn't, but no biggie), and saw that the rating on this was in the 7's. I was a little taken aback because the other dramas that I've watched have never been rated below an 8; it made me wonder if there was something seriously wrong with the acting, chemistry, pacing, or general cinematography. I then scrolled down to the comments to see what all the hubbub was about and saw people pretty much bashing the fact that 1. there was no kiss in the drama, 2. that the lack of skinship in the show made people want to label this as a bromance and 3. that it overall was boring. While I don't particularly care about kissing and bed scenes in dramas (they're a nice addition, but certainly not necessary) I was a little worried about the bromance comments. I've seen bromance dramas in the past (typically those from China because the censorship laws are a little finicky) and know that, for those, you have to read beyond the lines for the fact that the characters have more than just platonic feelings for one another. So, I was then feeling a little wary about whether this was going to be something I wanted to watch as I was looking for an actual romance drama and it seemed like people didn't particularly like it. Despite those comments, I decided to continue watching since I was still only on the 1st episode and hadn't gotten a feel for it yet. As I watched, I found myself getting sucked into the drama (by this, I mean actively reacting to what was happening on screen) and itching to get to the next episode so that I could see how Daeyol and Taehyun's story would pan out. I kept waiting for the "sucky" parts of the drama to come on, but it never got there. What exactly sucked about it?

I thought the plot of the drama was really interesting - it's not just about two high school boys growing feelings for one another, but about two people with complex insecurities trying to navigate past the preconceived notions they have on how they should be traversing their everyday lives. For Taehyun it was forgiving himself regarding the accident with his mother and getting past his abandonment issues; for Dayeol it was letting himself find something he was actually passionate about and not just doing because he was good at it.

The acting was really, really great - I was surprised that this is the first time either of the leads has been in a drama because they really blew it out of the water. There were a lot of emotional scenes in this drama - whether through anger, grief, or acceptance - and it never felt stale or off. I especially liked that they could actually cry because there's nothing that takes me out of a drama more than when they pull a crying face but no actual tears come out.

The chemistry was so freaking clearly there. I didn't know that these boys were part of a K-pop group together, so I'm sure the bond that they built in their careers helped with the naturalness of their on-screen relationship.

There was very clear and evident pining and romance happening on my screen. Sure, there wasn't a kiss on the lips or holding hands, but you could clearly tell that the two characters were romantically interested in one another. There wasn't a need for all of the more explicitly laid out romance to be shown to you - the stares, small smiles across the room, the light brushes of shoulders whenever they'd sit together, and just the general happiness on their faces whenever they were with each other painted a very clear picture to me that these two were clearly in love with one another (if not, at the very least, clearly infatuated). I'm also seeing some people say that it didn't feel like the two were in a relationship/working towards a relationship because they weren't constantly touching one another. I don't know if it's because I'm one of those people who doesn't equate physical affection with how someone feels about a person, but it just didn't seem like that to me. On top of that, the entire last episode was full of them being close - literally laying in each other's lap, resting their head against one another, touching each other's face, Taehyun hugging Dayeol's waist whenever he was drying his hair and Dayeol literally kissed Taehyun on the ear at the end. It made me feel like people checked out before the end because they didn't get a kiss elsewhere in the drama ;-;

I, unlike most on here it seems, didn't even hate the ending of the show. People are saying that it felt rushed - I'm assuming because of the time skips (not gonna lie, the 2 years on top of 2 years kinda threw me off) but to me it felt like their story didn't need all the extra fluff on how they rekindled their feelings for one another following Dayeol leaving in the middle of high school. I think the main focus of this drama was to show their journey through high school as they developed their feelings - not really what things would have been like as they grew into adults. It was clear that both boys still had feelings for one another after they entered university, so there wasn't really a need to get too into depth on how they would have reconciled after their sad departure. Would it have been nice to see a little of the exposition in their university years where they re-enter each other's lives and become friends again to lovers? Yeah, of course, it would have been - but it didn't ruin this drama for me. The last episode was cute, it felt like a small glimpse into what their life is like following them getting into a relationship. It was a nice close to it, honestly.

Overall, I just really really enjoyed it. I don't understand why it's 1. not gotten more attention and 2. surrounded by so much negativity.

Leia Mais

Wasted opportunity

The series was highly anticipated compared to many other KBL series like this already has quite a number of supporters prior to release. However, the series did not live up to expectations. "A shoulder to cry on" also did not make sense because they lost the plot midway. Finale was boring because the series had no climax hence the "happy" ending did not really make any emotional impact to the viewers. The time jumps were unnecessary too.

Wasted opportunity because this series had 30-minute runtime per episode yet they failed to deliver – I can name quite a few other series with half the runtime period that delivered a more complex and detailed storyline.

Leia Mais

The plot was quite interesting. It was adorable. It had the chance to be longer. I feel like it came to a closure a little quick in the last eps. I didnt like the time skips to random scenes so much. I could've preferred to see more of their relationship progress. How they came to the conclusion of being together. And how the other character unlocked eventually emotionally his self and felt at ease and comfortable to show his affection. At least to watch some more steps of the character development and the establishment of the love part. I didn't mind of getting no kiss scene. I won't lie though, ofc i wouldn't complain if there was one. Overall i enjoyed it a lot.

Leia Mais

Это прекрасно

Я люблю как снимает Южная Корея. Это то, что всегда дает красоту и чистоту сюжета. Ведь основная идея не показать много страстных поцелуев и постельных сцен, а именно показать жизнь. Сама тема BL довольно не правильно воспринимается в последнее время. это нечто многогранное,но с круглыми углами. От красивых моментов влюбленности, отношения и любви, до безумного хота.
И так дорама. Я сразу знала, что будет много критики. И все из-за того, что я написала выше и что вообще Корея всегда дает мягкость. Здесь не будет поцелуев. здесь исключительно на вашу пошлую фантазию или для тех кто читал манхву. А для меня это потрясающая дорама, сыгранная ребятами айдолами, потрясающе реалистично и правдоподобно, что мне не надо фантазировать, что было или нет, и "а где же поцелуи?" Психология, жизнь, взаимоотношения ... все здесь есть в полном объеме. Игра ребят. Джэхан. Его образ стрелка школьника. Настолько вдумчивый, правильный. и что мы видим в конце. Его взъерошенность, смущение, а вспомните момент с носками))) как он сыграл? да он как в номере с мемберами - прожил. Йечан. Сказать, что ему досталась легкая роль, ну нет. У него была наисложнейшая задача показать персонаж с огромной психотравмой. И если мы закроем глаза на те события, что случились с группой и что он прежде всего музыкант - он справился на миллион раз лучше многих именитых актеров. это было настолько правдоподобно. Потрясающая история любви. Дополнительно озвучивание мыслей и размышлений. Музыка, стрельба, история прошлого. Проделана отличная работа. у меня точно попадает в любимые и пересмотрю еще не раз. Йечан, прости, я слишком часто залипала на твои губы. А соты теперь греют душу и сердце в дождливые весенние дни.

Leia Mais

They did this while being idols in the same band.

Exactly. Both of them are in the same band and they’ve been through a lot. If you know them (omega X) you know about it. I know people have been complaining about the lack of kisses, but please think about it: it’s not the fact that they’re both idols it’s the fact that they’re both in the same band, it’s not the same. And this is actually huge for the kpop industry. I don’t understand some comments saying this is queerbaiting, you guys dont know what that is if you think this is QB lmao.
It is not only implied that they like each other (later love and date each other) but they SAY IT. Have we seen the same series????
You wanted a kiss? well im so sorry, i wanted a kiss too but maybe you should know the background story of the actors and their situation 🥲. Maknae and leader, guys. Just enjoy it or go 🫡🫡🫡

Leia Mais

Refreshing and honest, do not overlook this one!

I see reviews saying this show queerbaited, but I encourage everyone to look up the definition of that word and know that it is an incorrect assessment {and those saying that are probably watching for the wrong reasons}. Maybe they don't kiss, but their togetherness is undeniable and cute. Do not let other reviews deter you from watching and enjoying this series. I promise it is worth it.

This series climbed its way into my heart in a way that left me feeling touched, because of the overall storyline for both boys. I see a lot of reviews of people who are upset at the lack of an onscreen kiss, but in this instance, I think it makes sense. The lack of this onscreen kiss does not take away from the beautiful relationship that Dayeol and Taehyun were able to carve out. And based on Taehyun's past and his trauma, I believe he needed the extra time to navigate being in love with Dayeol.

It would have been great to see more of what happened during their time apart, but the result is that they finally came together when they were both ready. I think this series excels in storytelling; it was so nice to have the long eps for a kbl. I hope they veer more into this territory. As far as the acting, I think it was incredible. Both of the boys from Omega X, who acted in this series at one of the most difficult times in their life (as we would later come to find), rose to the challenge and did so beautifully. I hope both venture into the acting field again, as I would love to see more from them.

As far as A Shoulder to Cry On as a whole, it is an instant hit in my book and I will keep it in my top 5 kbls going forward.

Leia Mais

Better than most

This could be better could be worse. The acting is really good for first time actors. The ending was lack luster to say the least but I also didn’t have much expectations. Yes there doesn’t need to be a kiss to show intimacy. Yes when they filmed this the actors were going through a lot with their label. Yes they’re idols. Yes we get this. Objectively speaking people are still allowed to be disappointed about not even a classic dead fish kdrama kiss. The drama was still good. Aside from this drama people need to stop using this is a kbl as an excuse for lack of or terrible kiss scenes. Stop saying “go watch a Thai bl for that” then using “kbls focus on love development blah blah blah.” One you’re insinuating that Thai bls only have good kissing and nothing more. You clearly haven’t just been watching good dramas to begin with. There are plenty of kbls that have good kiss scenes out there. Anyways rant over the drama was good.

Leia Mais

A Very Good Series with Decent Story. Watch It!

Brief Impressions:
Beautiful, Mesmerising, Cute

Review:

When I watched the trailer of this series, I was smitten by the beauty of the lead characters and decided to watch it on priority. And I was not disappointed.

Not only are the characters beautiful, but the cinematography is stunningly beautiful as well. I can probably enjoy watching this series even without the sound and subtitles- just to allow the elegance and freshness of the scenes to sink in.

And just to clarify- even the ambient sounds are pleasing, and enhance the overall experience.

The romantic experience is also quite nice. I love the fact that you can sense how much the lead characters adore each other just through their facial and nonverbal expressions. The development and acceptance of their feelings happens gradually, as they understand and open-up to each other.

One issue that left me dissatisfied was the lack of clarity and conviction in the final confession (one of the characters is half-asleep), and also the fact that it happened after a really really long time, when there was no solid reason for this delay.

Barring this last issue, and some initial rubbish in the name of 'pranks' that made me cringe a bit, I enjoyed watching the series and recommend that you too should go ahead and watch it without any second thoughts.

Leia Mais

I loved it. Actually this my first time watching a BL drama. Since Bl dramas have many sexy spicy and intimate moments I tend to avoid them (youtube shorts are okay tho hehe). But when I saw a clip of ASTCO I felt a refreshing vibe from from both the actors. I thought of giving it a try. First of all the actors are too handsome woah. I fell in love at first sight.
Since this drama has little tp no 18+ intimate moments and not even 13+ moment, I felt very comfortable but the tension between them remained which didn't let me feel the lack of intimacy. The lead characters have such a good chemistry that I could watch them all day. I loved their friendship individual as well as relationship growth. I loved how they helped each other.
TBH I couldn't believe when I learned they are rookie actors and this was their first ever drama. Both of them debuted together. I wish to se more of them together and more dramas like this.
Thank you Yechan and Jaehan. I started stanning OMEGA X too . Guys please give Omega X a look and you will love them. They are all so talented and fun. I could understand how the lead characters despite being a rookie and having quite an age difference had so much good chemistry.

Leia Mais

A Very Good Starter For New BL Fans + Bestest Soft BL

This is one of the bestest Korean BL I have ever watched and I highly think this would be a great BL for new BL fans too.

Why did I state so? The storyline was very great, sweet and sometimes, funny too! It is soft and light, so it is fun to watch how they two went from enemy to lovers in their own unique ways.

I very recommend this BL for those who dislike a BL that is too cheesy because this one just take it easy. Many people said it is more to bromance than a romance but still, it is very great and fun to watch and to scream at it.

Need I to remind you guys to get ready some tissues because there are certain parts that literally broke my heart and I was burst into crying.

So overall, I really love this BL and hoping for more acting and romance if they ever planned to release a new season, because one is not enough, I want more. Fun fact, this is the fastest BL I have ever finished watching, which was under 24 hours — enough to prove how I love this BL so much.

Leia Mais

Another quality Korean BL

It is the practice of some BL watchers, primarily I suspect from English speaking western countries, to criticise BLs for what they’re not, rather than watch them for what they are, preferring BLs to be “made to order”; the reaction to “A Shoulder To Cry On” has a lot of this, in my opinion.

The clue is in the title (in Korean, literally “Comfort the Boy”). “A Shoulder To Cry On” is a part-BL because it tells part of the story of Da Yeol (played by Kim Jae Hwan) and Tae Hyun’s (played by Shin Ye Chan) relationship; the ending leads us to feel there is more to come as they develop as a couple. But for now, the story in front of us, is a gradual coming together of two high schoolers who have never been in love, have never had sex, and who are not sure of their future paths. The upside is that by becoming each other’s companion, they gradually work out what’s important for them on their path to adulthood. They end up being each other’s “shoulder to cry on”, a major stepping stone between friendship and lover.

Da Yeol’s world is centred on his sport of archery; success for him is the touchstone of his daily life. Tae Hyun, on the other hand, specialises in bad boy behaviour to give expression to his sense of low self-worth. In a key scene early in Ep. 1, Tae Hyun sneaks into the school infirmary with Won Kyung (mischievously played by Oh Joo Seok) who offers to demonstrate gay flirting or foreplay; but while there, in a scene notable for its delicate romanticism of soft music and slow-mo billowing curtain screen, he glimpses Da Yeol for the first time. The spark between the boys is immediate if uncertain.

In a recurrent theme that plays out in various ways in BLs, both boys come from single parent homes, raising questions of how children are affected by not growing up in a two parent home. Da Yeol treats his widower father with a kindly affection for his enthusiastic if simple prescriptions for happiness, while Tae Hyun, keenly aware of his adoption status, roils internally at his alienation from parent and place. What each boy lacks in their makeup, they find inadvertently along the bumpy road of their interactions, at first bristling with conflict & misunderstanding, but then followed by a curiosity in each other and a growing familiarity to an eventual fondness for the bond of friendship even though these may not yet be ties that will be life long.

Production values are of the usual high standard from Korean series; the leads, in their acting debuts here, give good performances over the arc of their emotional journeys - another tribute if one were needed (it’s not) to the quality of the Kpop training system which teaches aspirant teenage idols skills in modelling, dancing, speaking, public appearances, personal health and attire, as well as acting and singing.

The supporting players are uniformly good, but mention should be made of the actor playing Da Yeol’s father (uncredited in English on Viki, MyDramalist, IMDB, Wikipedia) whose unflinching affection for his son reminds of those parents whose love for their children is unending and overflowing: and Jo Ooh Seok, as the jealous Won Kyung (a rarity in BLs of a villainous gay character), who follows Tae Hyun around like a predator savouring its prey.

The music is good although the OST on Spotify includes only OMEGA X’s tracks.

Leia Mais