Category: K-DRAMA

The live-action adaptation of the BL (Boys’ Love) webtoon Heesu in Class 2 is shaping up to be an exciting project. While we don’t know its exact air date, we do know that the adaptation’s story will stay true to the source material. In a recent interview, Ahn Jiho, the lead actor, confirmed that the webtoon’s BL element will remain intact.

His recent interview alleviated the fans’ fears

When asked why he accepted the title role, Ahn Jiho said, “I was aware the genre was BL, but I found the character to be cute and charming. He’s an ordinary student, but with a touch of comedy, which I thought made him an interesting character. I didn’t think of the drama as primarily a BL story. It felt more like a human comedy, showing how Heesu grows and develops. That’s why I decided to take on the role.”

Fans of the original webtoon were relieved to hear this, as they were concerned that the adaptation might be “straightwashed.” (In the context of BL dramas, “straightwashing” is the alteration of LGBTQ+ characters or relationships to make them appear heterosexual.) Their apprehensions were heightened when Ahn Jiho signed on to play Heesu. Fans feared his casting could mean that the BL element would be removed, as few mainstream actors in South Korea take on BL roles. Additionally, some pointed out that previous articles about the adaptation never explicitly referred to it as a BL drama. 

Thankfully, Ahn Jiho‘s recent interview alleviated the fans’ fears, allowing them to look forward to the adaptation without worrying about straightwashing. That’s a good thing because, BL element aside, there are other reasons to get excited about the adaptation.

Ahn Jiho will lead a talented cast

First, there’s the cast. As mentioned, Ahn Jiho will play Heesu. He started as a child actor. Some of his notable TV appearances include Nobody Knows (2020), All of Us Are Dead (2022), and Gyeongseong Creature (2023). He has also done several movies, including Rebound, which hit theaters in April last year.

Ahn Jiho‘s talent has been recognized with awards as well. He won the Independent Star Award at the Seoul Independent Film Festival in 2018 for his role in A Boy and Sungreen. He also won the Best Young Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards for Nobody Knows.

Fans and critics alike are looking forward to seeing him in Heesu in Class 2. He’ll lead a talented cast that includes Lee Sangjun as Kim Seungwon and Cho Junyoung as Joo Chanyoung. Kim Doyeon of Weki Meki will play the bright, cheerful student Choi Jiyu. Finally, Jeon Yeongin and Yang Jungah have been cast in unspecified roles.

Heesu In Class 2 (2반 이희수) | MANHWA REVIEW/SUMMARY

A journey of self-discovery

The adaptation will be helmed by Park Kyungmin and will consist of 10 episodes, each 40 minutes long. It’s based on the webtoon of the same name by Lily Zuzu, which was originally published digitally in English by Lezhin Comics from February 7, 2018, to August 1, 2019.

The story of Heesu in Class 2 revolves around the main character Heesu, whose life is centered around his best friend and secret crush, Chanyoung. He doesn’t mind cheering Chanyoung from the sidelines or listening to all his girl problems. He’s content with the label “Chanyoung’s friend,” but things change when Heesu starts hearing his name everywhere. A school rumor—’Got a love problem? Find Heesu in Class 2 and he’ll tell you what to do!’—suddenly thrusts him into the spotlight. As Heesu navigates this newfound attention, he grapples with his own unresolved feelings, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and exploring the complexities of relationships.

Noted for its heartwarming narrative, the webtoon is available for reading on platforms like WEBTOON. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: According to Ahn Jiho, the adaptation will be faithful to the source material. What a relief! Source: X/@BLUPDATE2022.