With my most recent K-Pop obsession, Omega X, I am doing my very best to find out everything I can about this lesser known group. Just like I was surprised to learn about the KBL series, A Should to Cry On, starring their leader and maknae, I was equally surprised to learn that their fourth eldest member, Hangyeom, was in the more recent KBL, Jazz for Two.
Jazz for Two has also been getting a fair amount of buzz on social media, so it was another no-brainer to check this one out. While Hangyeom is not a main lead, he is a part of the second lead couple who had far less screen time with perhaps a slightly more interesting, albeit slightly problematic, storyline. In the series, Se Heon has been sequestered, trying to master classical piano when all he really wants to do is play jazz. Finally in school, he is able to escape away to a forgotten old practice room to play freely. It’s there though that he meets stoic and angry Tae I, who seethes resentment at Se Heon for playing jazz. Se Heon has no clue it’s because it reminds Tae I too much of his recently deceased older brother.
Despite Tae I’s threats, Se Heon can’t resist the urge to return the room and play. Eventually, along with fellow classmate and friend, Do Yun, they get the chance to play a jazz piece together for a school assignment and competition. Tae I finally let’s his walls down and confides in Se Heon, but feelings get in the way and send them both back to square one. While I realize this is very much a reality for some people, and probably especially in Korea still, the blatant homophobia and assault to go with it were a bit of a shock to see onscreen.
Similarly, the second lead couple of the show also has a past of violence. Ju Ha is a bully through and through. Though he appears to have friends, it is clear that most classmates fear him. He taunts Se Heon if only to get under Tae I’s skin, and it definitely works. Do Yun, having been a target of Ju Ha’s fury in the past, has been harboring a crush on his since the early days when he actually showed a bit of kindness. That made it possible for him to overlook all of his other despicable behavior. Even after confronting him, Do Yun still can’t help but act on his feelings. While initially very resistant, Ju Ha comes around much quicker than I would have ever thought he would.
Perhaps the more intriguing part of this show belongs to both Se Heon and Tae I’s older brothers, which lends another thread to their bond, but overall I found this series a bit of a drag to get through. Most KBL’s I’ve seen have plots as simplistic as this one, but not many of the leads were that compelling. I am personally not a jazz music fan, so that wasn’t something that was all that enticing to me either. Hangyeom is a gem though, and he shined in this series! I hope he gets the chance to act again soon.