Heesu in Class 2 arrived in 2025 as one of the most anticipated youth BL dramas, adapted from Lily Zuzu’s beloved webtoon. With a star-studded cast including Ahn Ji-ho, Lee Sang-jun, Kim Do-yeon, and Cho Jun-young, and helmed by director Park Kyung-min, the series promised a heartfelt coming-of-age journey set against the backdrop of high school friendships, secret crushes, and the search for self-acceptance.
Story and Themes
At its core, Heesu in Class 2 follows Lee Heesu, a high schooler whose life revolves around his best friend (and secret crush), Chan Young. Heesu’s world is quietly upended when he becomes the school’s go-to advice expert, all while grappling with feelings he can’t voice and a growing connection with classmate Seung Won. The series explores universal themes of first love, friendship, and the fear and hope that come with coming out.
A standout element is the show’s use of space and astrological metaphors. Heesu’s fascination with the universe mirrors his emotional journey-vast, unpredictable, and full of discovery. This philosophical touch adds a poetic layer, elevating the otherwise familiar high school romance into something more introspective and sincere.
Performances and Chemistry
The cast delivers notably strong performances. Ahn Ji-ho brings a quiet vulnerability to Heesu, making his internal struggles feel authentic and relatable. Lee Sang-jun’s Seung Won is understated but magnetic, and their chemistry is a highlight, especially in the drama’s more intimate moments. The supporting cast, particularly Kim Do-yeon as Ji-yu and Cho Jun-young as Chan Young, offer depth to the ensemble, though some viewers felt the focus on side characters detracted from the central romance.
Production Valu
Visually, Heesu in Class 2 is a treat. The cinematography is thoughtful, often using light, color, and space to reflect Heesu’s emotional state. The soundtrack is another strength, with evocative music that underscores the drama’s most poignant scenes. The production quality is consistently high, which helps immerse viewers in the story’s tender, sometimes melancholic atmosphere.
Strengths
- Emotional Resonance: The drama’s depiction of Heesu’s coming out, especially his relationship with his sisters, is both touching and realistic. The family dynamic is a rare highlight in the genre, offering warmth and support without resorting to melodrama.
- Philosophical Undertones: The use of cosmic metaphors gives the series a unique voice, inviting viewers to reflect on the vastness and unpredictability of love and adolescence.
- Acting and Chemistry: The leads’ performances anchor the series, and their chemistry, though understated, is compelling.
- Music and Cinematography: Both elements consistently elevate the storytelling.
Weaknesse
- Pacing and Focus: Perhaps the most persistent criticism is the drama’s sluggish pacing. The story often meanders, weighed down by unnecessary subplots and side characters. Many fans of the original webtoon and BL genre were frustrated by the limited screen time given to the central romance, especially in crucial later episodes.
- Adaptation Choices: The series has been accused of “straightwashing”-diluting the BL focus by inserting a heteronormative subplot not present in the source material. This shift disappointed viewers who expected a more faithful adaptation, and many felt it undermined the integrity of Heesu’s journey.
- Lack of Closure: The finale leaves many threads unresolved. The much-anticipated confession scene is brief, and the emotional payoff feels unearned, leaving viewers unsatisfied with the characters’ arcs and the romance’s resolution.
- Dialogue and Characterization: Some reviewers found the dialogue awkward and the character development lacking, with certain characters behaving in ways that felt inconsistent or frustrating.
Audience Reception
Reception to Heesu in Class 2 has been sharply divided. Some viewers praise its sincerity, emotional depth, and the courage it shows in portraying queer youth in a conservative environment. Others, particularly fans of the webtoon and BL purists, criticize its lack of focus, slow pacing, and the sidelining of the main romance in favor of more conventional storylines. The show’s attempt to appeal to a broader audience may have diluted its impact for those seeking a more authentic BL experience.
Final Verdict
Heesu in Class 2 is a drama of contrasts: visually stunning and thematically rich, yet narratively uneven and emotionally underwhelming for many. It offers moments of genuine beauty and insight, especially in its quieter, more introspective scenes. However, its reluctance to fully embrace its BL roots and its scattered storytelling prevent it from reaching the heights of the best youth romances in recent years.
Recommended for viewers who appreciate slow-burn, introspective coming-of-age stories and are willing to overlook pacing issues and adaptation liberties. For BL fans seeking a tightly focused romance, it may prove a frustrating watch.
