Romeo and Romeo and Juliet – Series Review & Episode Guide

Jisu and Heejun are the stars of an upcoming stage play, which reimagines Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with a gay twist. Both leads are men. Unlike the original tragedy, this version gives the couple a happy ending. Jisu plays Juliet, while Heejun takes on the role of Romeo. Originally, the two were set to be the only leads. However, the director shakes things up by introducing a third starring actor. Juyeon joins the cast and will also play Romeo in an additional performance.

Heejun is upset about the unexpected addition to the cast. The director insists it's necessary for financial reasons since the extra show will increase ticket sales. Juyeon, a former child star, has greater name recognition and more marketability than Jisu or Heejun, both unknown actors. However, Juyeon struggles during the first rehearsal. He suffers from stage fright and freezes in front of the others, unable to deliver his lines. Overwhelmed, he leaves in the middle of practice. Later, Jisu finds him rehearsing alone and nailing the performance when there's no audience watching.

Jisu offers to practice alone with Juyeon to help him feel more comfortable. They rehearse lines together in the studio, and Juyeon gains confidence as he overcomes his nerves. Jisu also gives him advice. He tells Juyeon to imagine just the two of them on stage and block out the fear of performing in front of others. However, their session is disrupted when Heejun interrupts. He seems annoyed that Juyeon left the earlier rehearsal and accuses him of not taking the play seriously. Juyeon insists that he's committed to this role.

The others don't know about Jisu and Heejun's secret relationship history. When Jisu was still in high school, he took the initiative and asked Heejun out. They dated for a while, but their relationship ended a year ago. At the time, Heejun struggled with his stagnant career and was in a bad mental space. His depression led him to break up with Jisu. However, Jisu still holds a grudge over getting dumped. As they work closely on the play, the tension from their past remains.

A year after their breakup, Heejun is in a better mental state. He reaches out to Jisu, asking him to join the play. Although Jisu accepts the role, he remains skeptical and distant around his ex. He still can't forgive Heejun for abruptly ending their relationship. While Jisu keeps his guard up, Heejun is more optimistic and secretly hopes for a reconciliation. He believes that working on this play together might bring them closer again. However, Jisu isn't ready to let go of their strained past so quickly.

Romeo and Romeo and Juliet is an enjoyable short drama about two actors who fall in love. I like this series because of the couple's scenes together. As the leads grow closer, their interactions are surprisingly engaging. I listen intently to the conversations, smile at the playful rapport, and gush over the flirtation. Despite the story's simplicity, it has convinced me these characters are genuinely attracted to each other. I care about their blossoming relationship and feel emotionally invested in their happiness.

This romance develops smoothly. At the start, Jisu and Juyeon have a believable reason to spend time alone as they rehearse for their upcoming show. They talk meaningfully, open up about themselves, and build an emotional connection. Their exchanges feel lighthearted when joking around, yet they're sincere while discussing serious topics. They also trust each other, never letting tiny misunderstandings hurt their bond. Finally, the spontaneous kisses help their relationship move forward. Every intimate scene arrives at the right time to bring the couple closer. The love story is well-paced for a short narrative.

The leads have a natural chemistry, making the romance feel authentic. From their genuine smiles to the warmth in their expressions, they seem smitten with each other. As always, Juyeon's actor (Kim Seong Hyuk) looks dreamy. You may recognize him from Choco Milk Shake or other indie projects. While I dislike vertically filmed dramas, I'm glad they create opportunities for stars who embrace gay roles. His partner (Seo Jung Hyun) is new to BL, yet he carries himself confidently. I also like Heejun's actor (Chun Woo Jin), whose expressive eyes convey emotional depth.

Jisu's storyline involves working with an ex-boyfriend as he struggles between professional boundaries and personal feelings. While Heejun wants to reconcile, Jisu's bitterness over their breakup creates a compelling source of tension. However, the series fails to explore their past or develop their characters in detail, making the conflict seem shallow. Despite the actors' efforts to elevate the material, the love triangle lacks emotional weight. The story needs more flashbacks of their relationship, allowing us to connect with the couple better and understand their heartache.

Juyeon has a fascinating background as a former child star with a domineering mother. Ironically, this celebrity struggles with stage fright. I love the gentle moments where Jisu comforts Juyeon and supports him in conquering his trauma. However, the short narrative limits the depth of the storyline. Juyeon's growth would feel more profound with additional scenes to expand his past. The series should have been longer than 50 minutes. There isn't enough time to balance multiple complex plots and character arcs. It's a shame since the themes have so much potential.

While the storylines lack depth, the characters get satisfying endings. Jisu and Heejun find closure by letting go of the past. I like how they leave on good terms, but their farewell still carries a little bittersweetness. Juyeon also overcomes his trauma in a meaningful way, as completing the stage play reflects his character growth. Best of all, I love the final scene, which is so cute and clever! The romance finishes on a high note, making Romeo and Romeo and Juliet a series I liked more than expected. This simple yet pleasant BL drama earns my recommendation.