From Bestseller to Screen: A BL Love Story for the Ages
K-drama fans, mark your calendars. The upcoming drama ‘Love in the Big City’, starring Nam Yoonsu, premieres this October on TVING—and for the collectors, a DVD box set arrives January 14, 2026.
Based on the bestselling novel by Park Sangyoung, which sold over 100,000 copies in South Korea and was nominated for major global literary prizes like the International Booker and Dublin Literary Award, this adaptation digs deep into the psyche of queer youth navigating love, loss, and identity in Seoul.
A Tender, Ten-Year Love Journey
Nam Yoonsu plays Go Young, a young gay man quietly attending university while hiding his sexuality—until a classmate accidentally discovers his secret. That unexpected encounter leads to a lifelong friendship and shared struggles as Young journeys through heartbreak, the death of a parent, creative self-discovery, and moments of quiet resistance in a society not always ready to embrace him.
The story spans a decade, tracking Young from college into his 30s. But it’s not just about who he loves—this is a coming-of-age tale about understanding yourself, told with the poetic softness of the original novel and some hard emotional punches along the way.
Nam Yoonsu Breaks the Mold
Best known for roles in Extracurricular and The King’s Affection, Nam Yoonsu takes a bold step forward in this role—literally saying more with his eyes than words. Viewers have already praised his subtle but powerful portrayal of Young, with one critic noting, “Even in silence, he speaks volumes.”
Star-Studded Cast and Stunning Direction
The drama also features Lee Soogyung as Choi Mi-ae, Young’s fiercely independent friend, and Oh Hyunkyung as his estranged mother. Adding to the hype? Four powerhouse directors—Heo Jin-ho (Christmas in August), Hong Ji-young (New Year Blues), Song Tae-gyeom, and Kim Se-in—each take on two episodes (8 total), capturing moments of magic, melancholy, and quiet epiphany in their own distinct styles.
DVD Release & What to Expect
Missed the airing or want to relive it in HD intimacy? The ‘Love in the Big City’ DVD Box Set hits shelves on January 14, 2026, retailing at 7,920 yen (~$55). It includes all 8 episodes (402 minutes in total), with Korean audio and Japanese subtitles, spread across 4 discs.
- Title: Love in the Big City ~ 대도시의 사랑법
- Lead: Nam Yoonsu as Go Young
- Writers: Park Sangyoung (original novel & script)
- Genre: BL, drama, coming-of-age
- Platform: TVING (starting Oct 21, 2024)
- DVD Release: January 14, 2026
Why This Drama Might Just Break New Ground
While BL (Boys’ Love) dramas continue to gain traction worldwide, Love in the Big City stands out for its realism and emotional depth. There are no fantasy tropes here—just raw, resonant storytelling that anyone who’s ever felt different can relate to.
And with Nam Yoonsu giving the performance of his career, don’t be surprised if this series becomes a benchmark for queer storytelling in Korean drama.
