BLISS RATING: ★★★
“How did I become so obsessed with you? Fine, I’ll look for you. Wondering aimlessly like a child. I want you to stay in the season that resembles you so that you can see me. You are like my evergreen tree.” – Song from Bump Up Business
We have an American expression that adroitly sums up this BL. ‘What you see, is what you get.’ The title puts in a nutshell what the series is all about. It is a story of two K-pop stars who are joined together to form a “Business Gay Performance”. One is a rookie named Eden (Mill) and the other is a more seasoned performer named Gong Ji Hoon (Nine) whose reputation has recently been ruined because of a scandal. I must confess that what I know about K-pop is next to nothing and honestly, I do not know these guys at all. Yet, I must further admit I was intrigued by them and its story.
Perhaps because their acting is surprisingly entertaining and good and while I am guessing it is not much of a stretch for them to play K-pop stars since that is what they do, they were still rather convincing on screen. The concept of performers as a ‘shipped’ couple is certainly not unique but the way this one comes across is different. Maybe because these two young, rather handsome guys, can actually sing and dance, which made this, albeit short and sweet story, seem even shorter and sweeter. In other words, it is endearing!
Of course, we know what the outcome is going to be. That is a given. While it is arranged for them to be a couple, they almost from the beginning show more than a passing interest in each other. Nothing overt initially, but it is just sensed and felt. And honestly, I found it adorably cute and not contrived. Perhaps because there was a certain sense of sincerity in what they were doing and trying to convey. Yes, of course it is silly and very predictable, but I was completely entertained by both, and they had great chemistry together.
What further made this story unique was each of them had a rather interesting antagonist to try and drive a wedge between them. It was beginning to become obvious to anyone who noticed that the two of them were feeling more than kinship for one another. Gong Ju Hoon’s nemesis was Hyunbin (KB) a boyishly charming man, almost sociopathic in nature, who apparently had a previous relationship before with Gong Ju Hoon. However, Gong Ju Hoon is well aware of Hyunbin’s manipulative nature and controlling personality. He indeed almost succeeds.
The other nemesis is Eden’s childhood first love. It is a rather adorable story and surprisingly creative. When Eden was a child, he fell in love with what he thought was a girl, but it turns out it was a boy. Embarrassed, they lost contact. Many years later, that person became a famous pianist, and Jay (Junji) reconnects with Eden. Now, however, he is completely smitten with Eden. With Eden all grown up now, he has moved on and now no longer has the same feelings. While their encounter is bittersweet, Jay gives Eden some sound advice on how to be open and honest and straight forward with his feelings towards Going Ju Hoon.
Who really S.T.O.L.E. this series? For an obvious attempt at self-promoting, it still is nonetheless well acted. The main leads did acceptable performances in this rather short series, and both had a nice range to their emotions. However, who outshines here is KB as Hyunbin. He had the role down as manipulator down very well. His behavior is scary, controlling, and dangerously close to being sociopathic. Deliciously cute in a very dangerous way, one can see why many would fall under his spell. He exudes a certain very boyish charm that is enthralling and beguiling but very dangerous. He played this part with complete conviction and admittedly at times he was a bit scary. Kudos for taking this small part and really making it big.
Honestly, this series overall is entertaining. It could have been better had it been longer and had a greater commitment to its message. For when it came to the actual fulfillment of the relationship, there was none. Not even a kiss on the forehead. Nothing. But I was prepared for that. I sensed that this was not going to be, and all this was, was quite the ’business arrangement’ to show a gay relationship without really showing it. So, in reality, it is no different than from its title.
I should be more upset that you exploited the gay community and used the BL format to promote your product; but I am not. You said it right up front in your title. This is nothing but business.
My further warning to viewers is: Buyer Beware!
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