Where Your Eyes Linger – 너의시선이머무는곳에 Episode 1-2 [Review]

The much-awaited South Korean Boys Love (BL) mini-series, Where Your Eyes Linger, offers something fresh and rusty. As most BL fans do, they watch for onscreen chemistry. The duo of Han Gi-Chan and Jang Eui Soo obviously have it – the lingering stares keep the small screen afire. The degree of intimacy between the arrogant and self-assured heir and his bodyguard is fascinating to watch.

– Edited by TheFNGee

So what’s uniquely fresh and predictably cliché in this series? Well, let’s have an intro first, shall we?

Tae Joo, 18 years old, is a member of the distinguished family. Regarded as a “chaebol heir” (A chaebol is a large industrial conglomerate that is run and controlled by an owner or family in South Korea), he is known to be a spitfire, with an unpredictable attitude towards the people around him. He has a bodyguard named Gook, who is also 18. With an intimidating physicality, Gook is close to his master and swears to protect him at all costs.

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• One thing that is immediately obvious is that the ‘master and servant’ play is used for convenience. The relationship is based on many years of togetherness and intimacy. While Tae Joo (Gi-Chan) appears relentless and imposing, he can bend down to appease Gook (Eui-Soo), his bodyguard, as he chooses and vice versa. It sets the tone of this series;
• A certain “Bad Habit” (Episode 1 title) or a show of affection and/or dominance? Here’s a short explanation of what it means to touch someone in Korea:

South Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Touching, patting, or back slapping is to be avoided during interactions. In addition, direct eye contact between juniors and seniors should be avoided because it is seen as impolite or even a challenge | The Wiki |

• Touching the ear of Gook appears as a bad habit, yet it actually is a show of affection. So when Tae Joo did the same to his defeated ‘rival’, Gook shows his displeasure by removing Tae Joo’s hold. Episode 2 is titled “A Relationship of Equals” since Tae Joo obviously treats his bodyguard as an intimate companion
• Tae Joo never shows any physical inferiority. Simply put, he can take care of himself
• The biggest evidence of the series’ lack of novelty is the use of a female rival, the main cause of friction between many BL lovers. In this drama, it’s tiring and irritating to watch a formula that is so tedious from the start
• The lead female character tries so hard to appear like a ‘free spirited girl’ yet is more of a nuisance. I’m sorry to say, it even reduces the impact of the actors’ intensity
• The ever-changing atmosphere of the series is from gloomy to intense to cute and finally romantic. I love the changes of moods. The actors change their demeanors as well. It reminds me of typical K-drama scenes on high-school territories;

Both episodes are short, yet rewarding because the story of the boys move fast yet relatable and with enough meat for the audience to sink their teeth into. The OST is tremendously charming and repeatable! I woud love it more if they focus on the two boys – their banter, their friendly competition and the overall dynamics of their characters, rather than allow the jealousy route which can be boring after all.

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Episode 1 is available at VIKI for free. You can watched Episode 2 if you avail of the subscription option. There is a 7-day free trial so use the time to assess if its worth it. There are some Japanese BL series to watch as well.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars. [See our Review Guide]