“I wish I may. I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight.”

There’s something beautifully romantic, fantastically magical, and yet longingly sad about looking up into a night sky full of stars. It’s a dark canvas full of pinpricks of light—a void filled with endless possibilities.

And that’s the kind of feeling the first two episodes of the new Korean BL Starstruck delivers.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Ha Tae Jin, Starstruck tells the story of two childhood friends, Seo Han Joon (Kim In Sung) and Jo Yoo Jae (Zuho), and the burgeoning unrequited love that blooms from it.

From the beginning, there’s a permeating wistfulness to Starstruck, like a reflective memoir punctuated by wishful yearning. While it’s hard to tell how it’ll feel as a whole, the first two episodes complement its title. It felt like being starstruck, a wish for someone elusive.

Unrequited love, childhood crushes, and youthful romance aren’t new tropes, but stumbling on artistic approaches to a familiar theme is always interesting. While it’s obvious the budget isn’t high, I was impressed by the intimate, almost documentary feel to the initial episodes.

Zoom shots versus wide or panoramic shots are always tricky because they either draw the viewer in or push them away. Zoom shots leave little room for flattering transitions. Such is the case with Starstruck.

It all comes down to artistic appeal. While the intimacy, wistfulness, and acting drew me in, the intense feelings in the first two episodes will need to carry over into the next, building and building, without becoming lost in its own artistry and time limit.

From the jealous anger to the crushing yearning to the obvious familial turmoils, Starstruck does a good job introducing its story. Where it takes us depends as much on its title as the drama itself. Will it fade out fast? Or will its light shine bright as it arches across the sky toward its finish?

For a drama full of longing and angsty, youthful emotions, check out Starstruck now on iQiyi & Viki.

Rating- 4 out of 5

Krishna’s Sidenote- 

☆ Starstruck will have its international premiere on Gagaoolala, starting 25th May, 2023.