Love Reset – Series Review & Episode Guide

Woo Jin and Jae Hyeon are a couple who have been in a relationship for seven years. They are currently living together. However, Woo Jin believes there has been some distance in their relationship lately. He notices his boyfriend doesn't spend as much time with him anymore. In the past, they used to eat breakfast together. Now, Woo Jin wakes up and eats alone because Jae Hyeon has already gone to work. The feeling of loneliness is gnawing at him.

The couple's seventh anniversary is coming soon. Woo Jin spends most of the day alone, waiting for his boyfriend to remember. In his old memories, he recalls how they used to dote on each other. Jae Hyeon would even surprise him with gifts. Not anymore. On the anniversary night, Jae Hyeon returns home after drinking with Ju Hyeok, his younger coworker. He got so drunk that Ju Hyeok had to bring him home. However, Ju Hyeok is unaware of their relationship. Jae Hyeon has told everyone at work that he lives with his "younger brother".

Although Woo Jin takes care of his drunken boyfriend, he's still upset about the missed anniversary. "You are so drunk that you had to be carried by another man," he says in an irritated tone. His comment annoys Jae Hyeon, who senses hostility from him. Jae Hyeon states he doesn't want to have this conversation now. His defensive attitude triggers Woo Jin even further. The night ends with Woo Jin asking if his boyfriend remembers what today is. Of course, Jae Hyeon doesn't know it's their anniversary.

Jae Hyeon wakes up the next day sober but cannot remember the night before. He notices his boyfriend is upset and asks what is wrong. Woo Jin won't communicate honestly. Jae Hyeon pushes further and says he can't clear up the misunderstanding unless Woo Jin tells him. Yet, Woo Jin stays evasive. At work, Jae Hyeon finally remembers that yesterday was their anniversary, which he had forgotten. His coworker offers to go with him to buy a gift to make amends.

Jae Hyeon returns home and gives a late anniversary gift. It's a popular cologne that his colleague recommends. However, Woo Jin is annoyed. His boyfriend bought him something he doesn't even like. This present becomes the last straw. Woo Jin has finally had enough of his boyfriend's thoughtlessness. He suggests they end their relationship, which comes as a shock to Jae Hyeon.

At the start of Love Reset, a seven-year relationship is about to collapse. SOS! We have a romantic crisis! Contrary to popular belief, I don't just like watching guys fall in love. Sometimes, a twisted part of me also enjoys watching their breakup drama. More specifically, I'm drawn to love stories where the couple faces trials and tribulations. Will they stay together despite their differences? Or will the lovers separate over too much conflict? Love Reset is fascinating because it explores these complex dynamics.

When a story focuses on a couple's relationship issues, it needs thoughtful writing to make the conflict compelling. Love Reset never reaches that standard. If I'm being nice, the writing is clumsy. If I'm being honest, it's godawful. In the opening scene, the protagonist holds a milk carton and mutters, "The expired date. It's just like us." I experienced second-hand embarrassment from typing this sentence into existence. The metaphor is flimsy (OLD MILK = OUR LOVE!) and the storyteller explains the symbolism in such a clunky way. This moment is just one example, but the rest of the scenes have a similar level of cringe.

Stories about struggling relationships are tricky to get right due to all the negativity. The couple may argue and treat each other poorly at times. The tension can wear down the viewer's patience, making them less likely to support the romance. Love Reset suffers from this exact problem. The flashbacks of happier moments are brief and unmemorable, as the series spends more time showing how sad Woo Jin is or how much Jae Hyeon neglects him. Instead of rooting for them to reconcile, I get the impression that they no longer love each other.

Tensions erupt after the couple's seventh anniversary. Woo Jin is finally fed up with his boyfriend and wants to end their relationship. Oh, it's time to toss out the expired milk! Jae Hyeon begs for forgiveness, but I don't trust that bastard. So far, the story has only highlighted his worst qualities. He's physically absent and emotionally distant. He also comes home drunk as a skunk. While that alone may not justify a breakup, Jae Hyeon is depicted too negatively and lacks redeeming qualities. The story offers no reason to stay with a crappy partner like him.

Woo Jin's actor (Seol Jong Hwan) gives an authentic performance. He captures his character's emotional turmoil convincingly, like a man who has been quietly suffering. The other lead (Park Jun Mook) struggles with the heavier scenes. Thankfully, they both nail the romantic moments. While I didn't watch the extended cut with the steamy footage, their passion comes through clearly on screen. The best part about small-studio Korean BL dramas is that they prioritize kissing over everything else. You may not get good writing or strong acting, but they know how to kiss!

Will Jae Hyeon and Woo Jin reconcile, or is it over for good? As a contrarian BL fan, my hot take is they shouldn't get back together. Despite his apologies, Jae Hyeon hasn't redeemed himself. The issues in his relationship are still there. I'm skeptical of this romance until he puts in the effort to treat his partner better. After the breakup, we're missing Jae Hyeon's character development. Unless he becomes a more attentive boyfriend, the story can't justify why Woo Jin should forgive his ex. Ultimately, Love Reset fails to convince me this couple is right for each other.