Love for Love's Sake – Series Review & Ending Explained

Myungha is a 29-year-old who meets with his friend at a bar. He drinks heavily to drown out the dissatisfaction with his life. His companion announces that his romance novel will be adapted into a video game. The story features a male and female protagonist who fell in love after overcoming difficulties. However, Myungha sympathizes with the pitiful supporting character, who remains lonely at the end. Myungha believes Yeowoon deserves a chance at love and happiness.

Myungha wakes up from his drunken daze. He vaguely remembers his friend telling him to change Yeowoon's fate. As Myungha examines his surroundings, he's shocked to find himself in a high school classroom. He was transported to the past and became his nineteen-year-old self. In addition, he sees a virtual message stating the game has started. His goal is to complete the missions in the allotted time. After much confusion, Myungha realizes he's in a simulation of his friend's video game.

Myungha accepts his first mission, instructing him to find Yeowoon. According to the story, Yeowoon is an emotionally vulnerable 18-year-old student-athlete. His grandma just passed away. Likewise, his leg pain hinders him from competing in track-and-field competitions. Since he relies on a sports scholarship for his studies, this setback is demoralizing. Yeowoon is also bullied at school, adding to his despair. Myungha locates Yeowoon on a rooftop, seemingly contemplating suicidal thoughts. Myungha rescues the at-risk teen, thus completing his mission.

A confused Yeowoon doesn't know why Myungha has saved him. Myungha makes up a story, claiming he used to be acquainted with Yeonwoon's grandmother. Before her death, she had asked him to look after her grandson. Myungha suggests they get ice cream together. Afterwards, he accompanies Yeowoon throughout the night, not letting the teen out of sight. Myungha discovers he can see Yeowoon's affection level. The negative digit means Yeowoon dislikes him. However, the number improves after Myungha treats his companion kindly.

Myungha receives a new mission. He has 365 days to make Yeowoon like him. If he fails the task, the consequences are deadly. Myungha tries to involve himself in Yeowoon's life, but the teen is guarded and doesn't open up easily. Yeowoon has lost hope after his grandmother's death. He doesn't want to participate in activities or socialize with anyone. Myungha aims to raise his affection level with Yeowoon and bring his companion out of the emotional slump. Myungha relies on his social circle, Kyunghun, Sia, and Sangwon, to help Yeowoon discover happiness again.

From start to finish, Love for Love's Sake takes viewers on an extraordinary adventure. The series resembles a real-life video game, so the protagonist navigates decision trees, mission objectives, and affinity systems. The quirky storylines explore many unique scenarios, stimulating my imagination with all the clever ideas. Also, I admire its ambition. Here's a bold drama that takes creative risks and doesn't follow a predictable formula. Love for Love's Sake presents a fresh, exciting novelty to the BL genre.

Thrust into an unknown world, Myungha is a scrappy protagonist who must think quickly on his feet. I enjoy seeing him be resourceful and adapt to his surroundings. He overcomes each challenge with a roguish charm, making me grin due to his cheeky antics. Myungha is also surrounded by high school drama, from homophobic bullies to love triangles. Yet, he approaches these campus storylines with an adult sensibility. Myungha isn't your typical teenage lead who behaves thoughtlessly or immaturely. I appreciate his wisdom and compassion, like an experienced mentor figure.

Yeowoon's journey forms the emotional crux of Love for Love's Sake. My heart aches for this sympathetic lead, who begins the series in a bottomless pit of despair. Each episode focuses on his healing while he regains hope. As Yeowoon experiences profound growth, his successful character development arc achieves poignant climaxes. The actor (Cha Joo Wan) portrays his role authentically. Early on, he conveys Yeowoon's melancholy through sullen gazes and vulnerable expressions. Later, he transforms himself by showing a surprisingly adorable side.

In addition to the meaningful storylines, Love for Love's Sake creates a charming relationship between the leads. Myungha and Yeowoon's emotional bond blossoms into a romantic attraction. The couple shares entertaining interactions as they flirt, made better by the story's playful sense of humour. Although Yeowoon may appear stoic, he opens up and becomes a hilarious love interest. I adore him when he acts smitten! During production, the series faced allegations that it might change into a bromance. Rest assured, several scenes include physical affection.

Initially, Love for Love's Sake goes on a streak of enjoyable episodes. From the angsty drama to the lighthearted humour, the series balances its mood without sacrificing emotional depth. There's an ideal equilibrium of romance, comedy, and sentimentality. It maintains an engaging momentum until the second half. Unfortunately, the plots feel rushed toward the end. Around Episode 6, the narrative starts buckling under the weight of its overambitious plot. Too many random events occur without enough development. I was turned off by all the sudden chaos in the story.

Although the video game details are creative, they become heavy-handed plot devices. Myungha's side quests and random loot steer the narrative in arbitrary directions. The last few episodes are preoccupied with error messages, deadlines, and forced dilemmas, which all feel like contrived melodrama. As my enthusiasm dwindles, the emotional ending doesn't resonate powerfully. Despite the disappointing last stretch, Love for Love's Sake leaves a positive impression. I appreciate the series for telling an imaginative story with thoughtful themes & endearing protagonists.