Choco Milk Shake – Series Review & Ending Explained

Story

Antique Bakery

Choco Milk Shake is the modern take on Antique Bakery, a story I hold in high regard. The original Antique Bakery was penned by Japanese manga artist Fumi Yoshinaga. Although not classified as BL, it features an openly gay character and a bromance with his straight best friend. Over the years, there have been various remakes of Antique Bakery. The anime series is decent, but the Korean movie and Thai drama are dismal efforts. These adaptations don't convey the vibe of the source material.

Superficially, there are similarities between Choco Milk Shake and Antique Bakery. Both stories feature a cafe setting, lighthearted slice-of-life drama, and four handsome men in dapper uniforms. Most importantly, Choco Milk Shake captures the same melancholic tone as Antique Bakery. The first few episodes, it introduces memorable characters and their quirky personalities through casual subplots. Afterwards, it slowly inserts a gentle touch of sorrow into the narrative. The series mixes sweetness and sadness to create a tale of sophisticated emotions.

Despite the parallels, Choco Milk Shake isn't a direct copy of Antique Bakery. This Korean series puts its own spin on the classic tale, adding unique details like the humanoid animals. It has a distinctive identity and carries a different flavour. IMO, Antique Bakery has the better story with heavier melodrama and emotional resonance. However, Choco Milk Shake is the better romance with explicit relationship content instead of just subtext. Regardless, I'm fond of both series and their exquisite grasp on emotions. Antique Bakery walked so that Choco Milk Shake could run.

Loneliness

Before Choco and Milk's arrival, Jungwoo was terribly lonely. You may have noticed that he doesn't have any close friends or family besides Uncle. He lived alone without an active social circle. Jungwoo also went on unsuccessful dates, never maintaining a long-term relationship. He couldn't even make a romance work with the nice ex-boyfriend in Episode 8. Jungwoo intentionally isolated himself and kept an emotional distance from others.

In Episode 1, Jungwoo's first conversation with Uncle has a gloomy tone. It's a Friday night, but a single guy like Jungwoo has no plans except to retreat in his apartment alone. Uncle invites him for drinks, but Jungwoo makes an excuse and turns him down. This chat seems trivial initially, like small talk. Upon closer inspection, it hints at Jungwoo's detachment. He's closed off to other people and refuses to socialize. Later, Jungwoo walks home in the middle of the night. The series deliberately includes these bleak shots of Jungwoo's lonely journey to emphasize his solitude.

In Episode 4, Jungwoo cries after eating the food that Choco prepares. The meal is supposed to be a thoughtful gesture, yet it makes Jungwoo reminisce about the past. It draws attention to the missing loved ones in his life. Finally, Jungwoo drops the facade and reveals the sorrow he has repressed for so long. The truth is that Jungwoo doesn't feel fine with his crippling loneliness. After his family and companions died, he lives in a sombre daze. Jungwoo has been hiding his melancholy behind casual pleasantries. Deep down, he feels so alone.

Happiness

Despite his trauma, Jungwoo doesn't break down in hysterical tears every minute. He handles his grief quietly and discreetly. When we meet him, Jungwoo appears to be in a fine mood. A viewer wouldn't notice he puts on a brave face. In Episode 5's flashback, we see him in a dark apartment, wallowing in misery. The story jumps to the present, as Jungwoo tells his date, "Oh, it's nothing." This moment illustrates his coping mechanism. He internalizes his anguish and hides it from others.

"We're here to make you happy," Choco tells a sleeping Jungwoo at the end of Episode 2. Choco and Milk, who have observed their owner's loneliness, return to life to provide him with companionship. It wasn't included in the main narrative, but these animals endured many trials to arrive at the living world. No matter how much hardship they faced, Choco and Milk were determined to revive so Jungwoo could feel loved again. Jungwoo's solitude seemed so unbearable that they would do anything to alleviate his sadness.

Choco and Milk's arrival brings joy and levity to Jungwoo's life. He smiles a lot more while observing his pets' silly interactions. "It has been a long time since I've seen you this comfortable," Uncle tells him in Episode 3. Likewise, his ex-boyfriend echoes a similar sentiment in Episode 8: "I was surprised because you looked so happy." Typically, someone's good mood shouldn't come as a revelation. Yet, Uncle and the ex's remarks indicate that Jungwoo has seemed perpetually depressed. Choco and Milk are pivotal in helping Jungwoo experience happiness again.

Romance

Jungwoo and Choco

I don't feel passionate about the Jungwoo and Choco romance. Their scenes together are cute, making me go, "Aww, that's nice~" However, the couple doesn't inspire strong feelings in me. It has to do with the fact that their bond stems from the pet owner and animal relationship. Even though I know Choco Milk Shake is a ~fantasy series~, I can't overcome this mental barrier. Choco is infatuated with Jungwoo because of the love and affection he received as a dog. That doesn't seem romantic to me.

With that said, I enjoy their interactions! My favourite moment is when Choco pats Jungwoo on the head, hehe. Choco's character is adorable, exhibiting puppylike qualities in an adult human body. His exchanges with Jungwoo are always quirky and hilarious. Also, I like the warmth these two characters display toward each other. Choco comforts Jungwoo, showing him much affection and fondness. I appreciate their close bond, but I don't know if I can interpret it as a persuasive romantic connection.

Milk and Uncle

I really like Milk, who is full of personality. He's such a fun character. Initially, I adored him because of his brooding demeanour and independent streak, just like a cat. Later, I loved him because of his nervous and agitated behaviour around Uncle. The actor portrays him vividly too. He gives sharp glances and little pouts, conveying an air of cute belligerence.

However, Uncle's character seems underdeveloped. He receives the least amount of focus among the four leads. I don't have a good understanding of his personality, his backstory, or his thoughts. His limited development prevents me from embracing this couple. The characters have a few amusing exchanges, which provoke cute reactions from Milk. Yet, I don't have strong feelings for their romance.

Acting

Ko Ho Jung

May I give a bold suggestion to STRONGBERRY? Make Jungwoo's actor (Ko Ho Jung) the face of your studio lol. I want to keep seeing him star in various BL dramas playing a similar character archetype. Jungwoo is like fanfiction fuel with the glasses, bashful smile, sad backstory, sensitive personality, and faint air of torment. I have waited so long for a BL series to create a protagonist like Jungwoo, perfectly suited to my taste and aesthetic.

Besides Choco Milk Shake 2, there are many possibilities with his ~shy intellectual~ persona in other fictional settings. I'm picturing a quiet grad student in a long tweed coat, holding a cappuccino in one hand and his sociology thesis in the other. Also, I'm envisioning a small bookshop owner struggling to sustain his business against a corporate franchise. Or maybe he's a biochem major secretly in love with his lab partner. Other ideas include a private tutor, a botanist, and a butler. Oh my god, I have projected all my BL fantasies onto him!

Style

Journey

In Episode 10, Choco and Milk must depart the living world. I really love the atmosphere of this episode. After Milk gives his farewell, he wanders around outside. We see him walk through long roads, grassy fields, train crossings, bridges & tunnels. All these locations signify a long journey. I love the symbolism infused with the beautiful visuals. Plus, we get to see different places for once! The series tends to film in the same few areas, so it's refreshing to see a change of scenery.

I also enjoy the cinematography of all the kissing scenes in Choco Milk Shake. We get close-ups, multiple angles, lingering shots, clear visibility, and stylish flair. The series highlights every kiss between the characters, turning these moments into epic celebrations of love. Overall, this entire drama feels aesthetically pleasant. I resonate with the dreamy, ethereal vibe that suits the tone of the fantasy story.

Sad ending

Choco Milk Shake gives the impression of a happy ending as Jungwoo and Choco reunite in the last episode. Initially, it was time for the animals to depart from the living world. They only have temporary visas and must return to heaven before a certain point. Milk must leave alone since Choco refuses to separate from Jungwoo. However, Milk hints there are severe consequences to staying here forever. After all, Choco is dead and meant to be in the afterlife.

Jungwoo gently tells Choco that it's okay to leave. Choco cries and refuses, but Jungwoo urges him to change his mind. He will feel at peace knowing his beloved companion is watching him over heaven. "Thank you for coming into my life," Jungwoo tells him during the farewell. After Choco leaves, Jungwoo returns to an empty apartment and begins crying. He spends the next two years alone, still mourning the losses of Choco and Milk.

However, there is a reunion in the final moments! Two years later, Choco and Milk return to the living world again. Jungwoo is overjoyed and kisses Choco in broad daylight. Likewise, Milk and Uncle kiss outside the shop. Choco reveals that he can only stay approximately 100 days this time. It isn't a permanent visit. Regardless, Jungwoo and Choco enjoy their remaining time together. The series ends with Jungwoo's monologue: "Choco and Milk came back to me again. This time, not for making me happy. They came back because of their own happiness."

Ending explained

Despite the romantic reunion, Choco Milk Shake has a bittersweet ending. Choco & Milk's return only lasts a hundred days before they must depart again. This revival is temporary, not permanent. It took two years to make another comeback, indicating the difficulty of travelling between the afterlife and the living world. Will there be a third return for Choco and Milk? How many long years must Jungwoo wait before he sees Choco after this short visit? 

Let's use a metaphor to describe this ending. Choco and Milk's revival is like a glass of chocolate milkshake. This sweet beverage brings you joy and delight, much like how Choco's return makes Jungwoo's lonely life happier. Yet, the milkshake is a finite pleasure. It doesn't last permanently. You experience a sweet sensation when drinking, but it's short-lived and fades away quickly. Once you finish the last drop, the chocolate milkshake will be gone. When looking at the empty glass, you feel a faint sadness that you can't enjoy it any longer.

This series is called Choco Milk Shake to represent the feeling of bittersweetness. A chocolate milkshake is supposed to taste sweet, yet the final sip comes with a lingering bitterness. This ending conveys the same conflicting emotions. Jungwoo is overjoyed to reunite with Choco, but the pleasure won't last forever. Choco's departure will make him sad again. Even so, Jungwoo doesn't worry about the loneliness that lies ahead. He's only focused on enjoying the happy times with Choco. Let him savour this short yet delightful experience, however long it may last.