Individual Circumstances – Series Review & Episode Guide

Woo Jae is a romance novelist working on his next book. His love story features a female protagonist, Mi So. He writes, "As if embracing its lover, the trail stretches long around the reservoir. Mi So is walking on that trail alone. Her walk seems heavy, as if she has lost her destination, and it seems that she has a long way to go." In the story, Mi So reunites with her past lover, Hyo Jae. He tries reconciling with her after a long separation. Yee, she seems reserved and standoffish. Mi So has complicated feelings for Hyo Jae.

Woo Jae hasn't finished the story so far. It's still a work in progress. Occasionally, he visits various outdoor destinations to gather his inspiration. Woo Jae envisions Mi So and Hyo Jae before him, having imaginary conversations about their relationship. Then, he takes these chats and includes them in his story. However, Woo Jae pauses between his writing when he doesn't feel creative. His manager Seong Joon constantly visits the author's house to check on the book's progress.

Meanwhile, Yeon Woo is a movie director struggling with his career. His most famous work, Heavy Drinker Mansion, was a successful hit. However, his following films were total failures. The studio staff members gossip that he isn't talented. He only became famous due to his looks, not his portfolio. The studio's boss, CEO Jung, wants him to direct a raunchy adult film. Yeon Woo feels insulted and opposes the idea. He promises to find an excellent story to adapt for his next project.

Yeon Woo is interested in an author named J-Dog, a university dropout who wrote a web novel called "How to Break Up with Your First Love". The story hasn't been finished yet, but Yeon Woo is a fan and wants to adapt it into a movie. He contacts his sister, whose boyfriend has work connections with the author. After pestering the couple, Jung Eun goes behind Soo Hyuk's back to give the info to her brother. She provides him with the author's address and phone number. Yeon Woo recognizes the number and knows J-Dog's identity is Yeon Woo, his university friend.

Yeon Woo and Jung Eun used to be close. However, they haven't kept in touch since parting ways at school. Yeon Woo visits Jung Eun's house, but he doesn't react kindly to seeing him. He refuses to sell the movie rights to his book. Nonetheless, Yeon Woo is determined to win over Jung Eun. He camps outside the author's home, hoping to change his mind. Although he tries to ignore him, Jung Eun can't concentrate on his writing with Yeon Woo nearby. Seeing his old university friend distresses him, bringing back repressed memories of their past. 

Individual Circumstances contains a thoughtful and sentimental love story, but it suffers from a lacklustre beginning. The early episodes do the series a disservice, introducing the characters clumsily. The narrative has a disjointed flow, while its attempts at humour feel awkward. I'm also not fond of the hostile relationship dynamic between the leads, whose initial feud is a pale imitation of To My Star 2. Individual Circumstances slogs aimlessly like it's in a prolonged limbo until the actual plot starts.

To my surprise, Individual Circumstances improves after overcoming a mediocre first half. I grew immersed in the plot midway, especially with the mystery of why Woo Jae disappeared from Yeon Woo's life. The story contains hidden depths, revealing nuances about the protagonists. The series doesn't divulge everything immediately. Instead, it leaves subtle hints that intrigue the viewers, encouraging them to speculate. As we learn each character's perspective, their individual circumstances become sympathetic. We understand why they behave tensely around each other.

The lead, Woo Jae, is writing a romance novel about a separated couple. Mi So and Hyo Jae have a complicated relationship, mirroring Woo Jae's real-life situation with Yeon Woo. I love this clever storytelling technique that draws parallels between the book's characters and the protagonist. Mi So reflects Woo Jae's emotional turmoil, like an avatar for his inner thoughts. What a creative way to explore his introspection! Individual Circumstances doesn't follow a straightforward narrative. It weaves flashbacks, symbolism, and subtext to produce an intricate drama.

Despite the sophisticated plot, Individual Circumstances doesn't deliver enough romance. The early episodes highlight the tension in the relationship, while the later episodes focus on angst. What's missing is the flirtation. The series lacks scenes emphasizing Woo Jae and Yeon Woo's attraction. While there are some typical BL moments, they feel inorganic and unpersuasive. These meagre interactions won't stimulate fans or get them buzzing about the love story. From platonic exchanges to passionless kisses, I can't feel excited about this couple.

Part of the problem comes from the lack of chemistry. The two leads produce little sparks in their interactions. Individually, they do a fine job. Woo Jae's performer (Jun.Q) carries his tsundere role believably. His costar (Han Jung Wan) is a telegenic hunk with a vivacious personality. By the way, I'm elated that a beauty pageant winner, Mister International Korea 2021 himself, is acting in BL. We're raising the standards of good-looking BL actors more and more! Sadly, this pairing shares a weak rapport and can't convey an alluring bond in their romance.

Individual Circumstances has a happy ending with closure for both characters. Thematically, it's a satisfying conclusion with meaningful significance. Yet, the lack of romantic chemistry diminishes the intended emotional impact. I don't feel that exhilarating adrenaline rush as the couple reunites. Their relationship is only lukewarm instead of bursting with fierce intensity. Overall, I enjoy the nuanced story in Individual Circumstances, which unfolds intriguingly in the second half. Yet, this series fails to create a vivid romance, one of the main criteria for BL dramas.