Episode 1 of Love in the Big City offers an authentic look into the lives of people, especially gay men, who frequent bars. The series captures a slice of life that feels true to experiences even here in the Philippines. I found myself relating to Ko Yeong, portrayed by Nam Yoon Su, who plays a gay college student balancing studies with nights out at gay clubs.
The episode opens with Ko Yeong in bed with someone, only to be interrupted by the unexpected return of his partner's military boyfriend. Startled by the arrival, Ko Yeong leaves soon after. This scenario highlights the prevalence of infidelity, a common issue in relationships—particularly in the club scene. While I don’t want to generalize, cheating is indeed a common challenge in gay relationships; often, one partner may stray.
After leaving, Ko Yeong heads to a side gig as a model, where he meets Kim Nam Gyu, played by Kwon Hyuk, at a photoshoot. Later, they encounter each other again at a club, and Ko Yeong wastes no time pursuing him. Not long into the episode, they share a kiss. It becomes clear that Ko Yeong is searching for excitement and fulfillment, but he eventually loses interest in Kim Nam Gyu and begins seeking a new connection.
This feeling of restlessness reflects a common reality for some gay men who frequent clubs, as they often look for something to keep them happy and engaged. Ko Yeong eventually finds someone new, but his partner turns out to be reserved and dislikes the public nature of Ko Yeong’s lifestyle. When he leaves Ko Yeong, it feels like another realistic portrayal of the challenges in gay relationships. I found it fascinating that the show managed to incorporate so much truth about the real world.
In the life of a gay man, people may come and go. Often, we feel attracted to someone we meet in a bar, only to lose interest later. Alcohol and the thrill of the moment can cloud judgment, making fleeting connections seem meaningful. It’s also common to feel unrequited interest—liking someone who may be interested in someone else.
The drama is compelling, taking viewers on a journey that doesn’t promise an easy happy ending. In this episode, Ko Yeong also begins living with a female classmate, Choi Mi Ae (played by Lee Soo Kyung), who accidentally catches him kissing a guy. This moment sparks their friendship, and they begin to share secrets and confide in each other. The episode ends with Choi Mi Ae, a party girl who enjoys casual flings, finding out she's pregnant.
Overall, I enjoyed the series. It was bold for a K-drama to dedicate a full 50-minute episode to a gay-themed storyline as the main plot; most gay-centered Korean dramas typically last only 20 to 30 minutes. I appreciated the realism of the story, as it presented raw, authentic experiences. In watching gay series, I prefer them to feel genuine and grounded, without creating false hope for an idealized happy ending. In real life, it can indeed be difficult to find.