Match Play – Series Review & Episode Guide

Doha is a member of a famous idol group. His agency arranges professional martial arts lessons as he prepares to film fighting scenes for his next project. When his original stunt coach is injured, Jaeyeon, one of the trainees, steps in as the replacement instructor. Skeptical of Jaeyeon's qualifications, Doha suggests waiting for the injured coach to recover. Yet, Jaeyeon insists they begin training immediately.

Doha is a mega-star whose fame constantly attracts media attention. News reports often highlight his clashes with his bandmates. The media paints him as misbehaving and difficult to work with, tarnishing his reputation. However, Jaeyeon is a strict and no-nonsense instructor who doesn't treat him differently despite his celebrity status. Jaeyeon's lessons are physically gruelling. When Doha requests to change instructors, his request is denied. He's forced to stick with Jaeyeon and learn from his tough lessons.

Doha's agency decides to film social media content of his stunt lessons. Naturally, Jaeyeon appears on camera as the instructor. The director is concerned that Jaeyeon's stern demeanour may not appeal to viewers. She urges him to be more camera-friendly and treat Doha warmly. Yet, Jaeyeon's attempts to soften his approach appear awkward. When the content is released, fans respond with overwhelming enthusiasm. They love seeing Doha's training process. They're drawn to Jaeyeon's tough persona since he doesn't coddle Doha.

The social media clips of Doha's lessons become so popular that Jaeyeon transforms from an unknown stunt actor into a mini-celebrity. Fans clamour for more content featuring him, and he even received media offers to make public appearances. However, Jaeyeon humbly turns down these opportunities, choosing to focus on his current job instead. His response surprises his coach and Doha, who assumed he'd embrace the chance to pursue fame. Doha frequently features Jaeyeon on his social media anyway. Fans love seeing more of the instructor through Doha.

As the lessons continue, Doha is surprisingly disciplined, contrary to the media reports painting him as difficult to work with. Doha trains late into the night and refuses to rest, which worries Jaeyeon. The instructor sets up a cot for him, which Doha reluctantly uses for a nap. Later, Doha joins Jaeyeon for a casual meal. Over time, their interactions extend beyond training sessions. After spending more time together, they get along far better than expected.

Match Play is a cheerful and charming love story that defies expectations. Surprisingly, one of the better Korean BL series is vertically filmed. As a staunch hater of the format, it annoys me to admit this is the rare exception to the rule. Even if the viewing experience sucks, the captivating romance, smooth storytelling, and charismatic actors still shine. Had Match Play been released traditionally on larger platforms, it would already be a hit. Sadly, it remains a hidden gem, hindered by its unusual presentation.

The story's strength lies in how naturally the romance develops. A stunt actor meets a celebrity, and their personality clash creates sparks. Jaeyeon delivers sass, Doha counters with belligerence, and their banter keeps you entertained. Eventually, the pair grows closer, but the series doesn't rush their journey of falling in love. It allows the leads to spend time together and form an organic bond. The way they speak or behave around each other seems genuine, mirroring how people interact in real life. Match Play builds the relationship so convincingly that the payoff feels rewarding when the couple expresses their affection.

Some storylines are condensed for the sake of time, a limitation of its short narrative. A longer drama would include more context or elaborate on the details in greater depth. Even so, this series does a good job of balancing romantic moments and lighthearted humour with thoughtful character arcs. It focuses on the leads without getting distracted by irrelevant subplots. When Doha and Jaeyeon are together, their interactions feel meaningful. If there's a conflict, the tension never drags for too long. Match Play keeps viewers interested by maintaining a smooth momentum.

The characters are like yin and yang, but the couple's chemistry makes this romance compatible. Doha's performer (Oh Jin Seok) captures the petulance of a young celebrity, but endearingly so. He also conveys a subtle vulnerability beneath his swagger. His co-star (Lee Tae Hyung) always looks relaxed, bringing a natural confidence to Jaeyong's portrayal. I like his bemused expressions around Doha's antics, as if he's inexplicably drawn to him. Plus, the actor's physique is eye-catching! I must remind myself to focus on the subtitles instead of the veins in his muscular arms.

My main critiques of Match Play revolve around its format. The pacing feels choppy since reel dramas are broken into extra short episodes, like reading a book and stopping abruptly each time after a few sentences. Longer episodes allow the plot to flow better without constant interruptions. Likewise, vertical filming limits the artistry because it can't fit all the visuals into a tiny box. That said, the cinematographer is creative and knows how to make scenes look interesting. I also enjoy the action sequences. It's fun to watch the characters spar and fight on screen.

Doha and Jaeyeon's relationship remains engaging as it builds to a fun climax. Their first kiss comes during a cute moment, and another kiss is hidden after the credits. The happy ending concludes their arc on a satisfying note. The actors and production team deserve kudos for creating something so enjoyable, but it's a shame the series hasn't become more popular. BL fans love to hype up dramas that are just mediocre, whereas this underrated story actually has a well-written romance. I recommend watching Match Play, even if you're skeptical about its vertical format.