“My heart has a secret, and its name is you”

This might be the truth for two-thirds of the characters in “Secret Relationship”. Adapted from the webtoon “Secret Relationship” (비밀 사이) by McQueen Studio (맥퀸스튜디오), the story follows Jung Da-On (Kim Jun-Seo) and his complicated relationships, literally and figuratively. The show stems past its title to feature four complex relationships, that are somehow connected to Da- On; he seems to be at the epicenter of them and is certainly leading the narrative rather intriguingly. The show has a high production value, so it seems like you are watching a mainstream Korean drama with gay characters. The first two episodes just touch on the periphery of the riveting romance that encompasses jealousy, betrayal and deception. You don’t know who is deceiving whom, who is being honest and what is the exact problem between these characters. Like Ju Seong Hyeon, you might find yourself to be an outsider who is watching all the melodrama that Da-On is entrenched in, willingly or unwittingly. So, instead of a review, we are going to discuss the nuances of those four relationships that course through the storyline!

Jung Da On & Sin Jae Min

Jung Da-On (Kim Jun-Seo) seems like a perfect guy with a handsome appearance, is intelligent and has graduated from a prestigious university. Everyone believes he belongs to a rich family and Da-On doesn’t feel the need to correct them. In reality, his life isn’t so great because his family relies on him and his parents are debt-ridden. The only person he can rely on is his college senior, Shin Jae-Min (Kim Ho-Young). Jae Min has always supported Jung Da-On by tutoring him for free during their high-school days. Jung Da-On trusts him and has a one-sided crush on Jae Min. Throughout the first two episodes, we are given a glimpse at the tight bond they share. Although, things aren’t as they seem; Jae Min is pretty elusive. He keeps Da-On close but refuses to act on his feelings; you are left scratching your head about Jae Min’s behavior when he outright rebukes Da-On for confessing his feelings. He seems controlling and manipulative. Maybe future episodes might give us a better idea about his mindset!

Shin Jae-Min & Kim Soo-Hyun

These two are a different kind of mess, that even I cannot decipher. It seems like Kim Soo-Hyun (Cha Jung-Woo) dated Jae Min during their college days. But they are pretty antagonistic towards each other. Also, Soo Hyun seems far more obsessed with Da-On and impatient with Jae Min. Did they date because Soo Hyun wanted to keep Da-On away from Jae Min or was it the other way around? Soo Hyun is like a loose cannon, pretty violent too. He endeavors to keep a tight control on Jae Min but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t like being around Jae Min that much. So, what is exactly going on here?

Kim Soo-Hyun & Jung Da-On

Despite his obsessive tendency, I’m quite invested in Soo Hyun & Da-On’s relationship. In the present, Da-On seems quite scared of Soo Hyun. Soo Hyun was abroad for a while and has returned to Korea recently. The first thing he does is haunt Da-On insistently. Even though, he finds Jae Min and threatens him, he never does that to Da-On. He keeps calling and texting him repeatedly, never accosting him first; that is until he loses control on learning that Da-On slept at Jae Min’s home. The second episode also gives us a glimpse of their past relationship which was endearing and sweet. Soo Hyun seems far more composed and calm when he was in college. So, what exactly happened between them? Why did Soo Hyun date Jae Min when it is obvious that he is obsessed with Da-On? Were they both in a relationship and did Jae Min break them up?

Jung Da-On & Joo Sung-Hyeon

These two have the most nontoxic relationship in this show and it is still in the undeveloped stage, because Da-On is preoccupied with the other two men in his life and hasn’t noticed Joo Sung-Hyeon’s (Cha Sun-Hyung) growing affections. Joo Sung-Hyeon is Jung Da-On’s co-worker, who has recently joined their ranks as an ace. He is kind, caring and understanding. The first meeting was slightly disconcerting where they misunderstand each other; but Sung Hyeon quickly makes amends and tries to win over Da-On. While Da-On is on the edge trying to figure out his feelings for Jae Min & avoiding Soo Hyun, Sung Hyeon is slowly falling for Da-On. Da-On hasn’t realised it yet, but it would be interesting to watch the change in their dynamics. Will Da-On accept his affections; given the fact that Jae Min has already rejected him, and he seems scared of Soo Hyun.

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

Frankly, this is one of those shows that leaves you craving for more!

Every character has an intriguing backdrop that is well hidden, their true intentions are under wrap. Da-On is struggling between his feelings for Jae Min & his obvious dislike for Soo Hyun. Soo Hyun’s violent, obsessive tendencies need to studied extensively, because under that handsome veneer, he is dangerous; his only trigger is Da-On. Jae Min is secretive, he seems to holding Da-On on a leash, he doesn’t let him reconnect with Soo Hyun; seemingly keeping them away from each other, makes you question his motives. “Secret Relationship” is indeed secretive!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- IQIYI/Gagaoolala