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On November 13, 2024, actor Jin Ho-eun, who was recently seen in TVING's Love in the Big City (대도시의 사랑법), posted a long heartfelt note on his official Instagram handle about his work in the series. He also took a moment to address the critical feedback the queer romance show received upon airing.
Alongside posting slides of pictures and a clip with his co-actor Nam Yoon-su, who plays the lead in the BL (Boys' Love) story, Jin Ho-eun divulged his experience of having to wait nine months after being cast for his role, Sim Gyu-ho.
While he admitted there were many challenges, he was also positive about how he embraced his character as an actor. He further referred to the show as a chronicle of the highest and purest moments of youth, regardless of what others believed it to be.
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Midway through the letter, he revealed his thoughts on the backlash Love in the Big City received, as he mentioned feeling "hurt," "uneasy," and "frustrated" despite having expected some criticism. At the same time, he expressed relief at knowing that fans would continue to show unwavering support. He wrote,
"At the same time, I felt uneasy. I had expected some backlash, but it still hurt to think about the criticism Love in the Big City has received. I feel sorry and frustrated when I think about the hate directed at it. However, I also felt comforted knowing there were fans who would shout, "Either way, it's Love in the Big City." (translation via X/lil_bb0un)
However, he is not the only cast member to have spoken up about the issue, as Nam Yoon-su, playing Go-yeong, also addressed such negative reactions during a Love in the Big City press conference.
Per Cineplay's October 21 report, when asked to present his thoughts on the backlash he might have received on social media, Nam Yoon-su stated that the negative reactions did not bother him much and that he laughed them off. He further revealed that since the production received more positive feedback, he was encouraged by it and voiced hope for Korea's evolving approach.
Jin Ho-eun's letter to fans of Love in the Big City reflects his emotions while playing Gyu-ho
The long note by Jin Ho-eun also included his experience of when he first met the directors, Hong Ji-young and Kim Se-in on one autumn day in a bustling production office. They referred to him as "Gyu-ho," which seemed touching to the 24-year-old actor, who expressed joy in working with such talented names. He wrote,
"The fact that I was here, working with such talented people, acting in this way, and contributing to this project, felt like a dream come true. In some ways, I’m proud that I told people that Love in the Big City was pushing forward, refusing to stop." (translation via X/lil_bb0un)
He shared how, after his final scene, he sent a text to the screenwriter, Park Sang-young, who is also the writer of the original book by the same name. He remembered thanking the latter with the words,
"Today was my last day living as Gyuho, writer-nim. Thanks to you, I was so happy. Seriously." (translation via X/lil_bb0un)
He recalled walking by himself in the early Bangkok evening when he typed that message and claimed that those feelings would never change.
He added that while it would seem like he was overreacting, as a 25-year-old (Korean age) actor, he felt every detail sincerely as he displayed fierce love and passion for Love in the Big City. He showed eagerness to receive all types of feedback, stating,
"Some may think I’m overreacting with these words, but since this project was something I truly loved with all my heart when I was 25, I don’t mind hearing any kind of feedback. Eventually, this moment will fade into the past, just like so many memories in our lives. But we continue on, living with these faint, blurry recollections." (translation via X/lil_bb0un)
Before concluding, he urged fans to revisit Love in the Big City whenever they happened to be missing the show,
"If, after some time, you find yourself missing the love story of Love in the Big City, I hope you’ll revisit this work. As always, Gyuho—a country boy from Jeju Island, who spends his weekdays in nursing school and his weekends bartending at a club—will be at Young’s house near Hyehwa Station with Young. Thank you for loving Gyuho and Young. May everyone find a love like Gyuho’s." (translation via X/lil_bb0un)
Meanwhile, Love in the Big City takes the main character, Go-yeong, through several romantic encounters. As he comes to embrace his identity while facing a judgemental society and a mother who lives in denial of her son being gay, he grows as an individual. When he has to let go of his one true love, Gyu-ho, he tags along with a stranger for a late monsoon vacation in Thailand.
The show, created by four acclaimed directors from the Korean Academy of Film Arts, premiered on October 21, 2024. Viewers can stream all eight episodes on TVING and Rakuten Viki.
