Sing My Crush – Series Review & Ending Explained

Episode 1

Episode 1 Review

My first impression is that the music instructor seems too touchy-feely with his student. During their one-on-one time together, Sangin keeps finding excuses to touch Baram's body. Oh, lemme feel your heartbeat, hehehe~ *places my grubby hand over your bosom* Is this a music lesson or a body check-up? Although Baram doesn't act uncomfortable, I feel apprehensive. Based on my observations, a parental guardian should be in the same room to maintain supervision.

Hantae makes an excellent first impression on me. I adore his goofy personality. He injects lots of bubbly enthusiasm into the episode, especially since many of Baram's scenes are sad. Every time Hantae appears, there's a burst of energy! My favourite moment is when he compliments himself ("I'm such a good person!") after giving away his guitar. LMAO. His self-aggrandizement is oddly endearing. From that one moment, I can already tell Hantae is a quirky character with a spunky personality. He's a much more appealing love interest than the sleazy Sangin.

I enjoy the compelling emotional drama in the first episode. Baram faces sympathetic circumstances, from a failed music audition to a rejected love confession. Just when Baram reaches his lowest point, he encounters Hantae and his infectious positivity. I love how Hantae cheers up the crying teen, turning his heartbreak into happiness. It's such a sweet way of bringing the two leads together. This first episode marks a promising starting point for their friendship. I look forward to seeing how the rest of their relationship blossoms.

Episode 2

Episode 2 Review

Wow, I have a crush on Hantae! I understand why Baram becomes smitten with his bestie. Yeah, I get the appeal. Hantae is adorable~ 😚 He's kind-hearted, has a playful sense of humour, and always wears a cheerful smile on his face. Hantae gives off strong ~dream boyfriend material~ vibes. It helps that his actor (Son Hyun Woo) is highly charismatic. I like how he portrays his character's cheeky, happy-go-lucky personality. Hantae builds from a positive first impression and increases his likability with each episode.

This episode transitions from adolescence to adulthood. However, the time skip seems rather abrupt. Maybe the series could've included a montage or another smooth way to denote the passage of time. Similarly, I don't like how the story glosses over a few milestones for the protagonists. Hantae suddenly works at a bar, while Baram is in a band with random characters. The leads have also moved in together, which is a massive step in their relationship. These plot developments come out of nowhere as if there's a gap in the narrative. The storytelling feels clunkier than the first episode.

There are several moments during Episode 2 where I can't tell if Baram & Hantae are friends or boyfriends. The leads seem so chummy with each other that I thought they became a couple after the time skip. When Hantae holds Baram's chin or rests his head on his companion's shoulder, these gestures feel intimate. Later in the episode, a drunken Hantae wraps himself around Baram and gives him a peck on the cheek. OMG, the boundaries between friendship and romance seem indistinguishable. I have to remind myself that the characters aren't dating yet.

Hantae and Baram's drunken picture resembles a couple's selfie. It's the type of ~anniversary photo~ you may see while someone flaunts their blissful love life on social media. Just look at them! From their expressions to their body language, everything screams: "WE'RE DATING!!!" My favourite part is where their fingers subtly touch. OMG, that is the *chef's kiss* right there. Maybe I'm viewing the story through BL lenses, but can two platonic bros take a picture like this and not question their feelings for each other? They're a couple, your honour!

Episode 3

Episode 3 Review

I'm sympathetic toward Baram, who suffers another case of unrequited love. However, he spends almost the entire series longing for a guy. First, he falls in love with Sangin. Then, he switches his focus to Hantae. Baram is in a perpetual state of unfulfilled desires, which can be frustrating to watch as a viewer. He often mopes around in a cloud of self-pity, torturing himself over his secret affection. At some point, Baram tests my patience. Stop pining for unattainable men if you can't set emotional boundaries.

This love story is intriguing because of the blurred lines between friendship and romance. The sexual tension comes from the characters navigating the ambiguous boundaries. Baram may yearn for his bestie romantically, but Hantae only sees them as buddies. He doesn't realize yet that his feelings run deeper than platonic relations. When Hantae hugs Baram, he only wants to cheer up a sad friend. He has no other hidden agenda. His affection around Baram stems from friendliness and compassion, not because he has a crush. 

OMG! Plagiarism drama! Sangin stealing Baram's song is an exciting way to bring back his character into the narrative. Initially, I was intrigued to see how he'll stir up some tension. However, the storyline seems straightforward. Many interactions between Baram and Sangin unfold as I anticipated from the start. Baram also never expands beyond a shallow, self-serving villain. Instead of creating poignant drama, the series delivers a simplified conflict that doesn't have much substance. Any enthusiasm I felt about this subplot fizzles over the next few episodes.

Episode 4

Episode 4 Review

I love the cute cat and dog dolls that the leads bought! The animals remind me of the characters' personalities. Hantae has canine qualities, like an overactive golden retriever with tons of excitable energy. Likewise, Baram resembles a feline because he acts poised, graceful, and self-reliant. Cats and dogs don't always get along in real life. Similarly, Baram and Hantae have a personality clash in this episode, proving they aren't always compatible.

This episode highlights Baram and Hantae's personality differences. Baram is reserved, so he keeps secrets and doesn't speak his mind. In contrast, Hantae is an open book. He's forthright and transparent with his feelings. When Hantae is happy, he can't hide his excitable enthusiasm. Or when Hantae is upset, he throws a tantrum and gives you a piece of his mind. They also approach the Sangin problem differently. Baram wants to bury the issue, whereas Hantae confronts it recklessly. The story presents two distinct protagonists with unique personalities.

Sangin is vile for weaponizing Baram's sexuality and threatening to out him. You wouldn't see this storyline in a straight love story. The nasty dose of bigotry is only reserved for BL dramas. 😫 Sing My Crush suggests that having a same-sex attraction is a negative quality that can be used against you. Realistically, having a gay romantic history would concern a young musician trying to make it in the Korean entertainment industry. The topic is worth examining. However, the series doesn't dig deeply, missing an opportunity to explore grittier themes.

Episode 5

Episode 5 Review

I'm kinda over the Sangin saga. Can we wrap up this annoying conflict and move on to something else? I don't want to watch a love story where half the series is about a damn stolen song. The characters seem stuck in a rut. Baram keeps being weepy and feeling sorry for himself. Likewise, Sangin acts increasingly desperate and resorts to horrendous threats. Meanwhile, Hantae runs around without a clue. The plot is going in circles instead of entertaining me. Let's stop dragging out the drama.

Baram finally confesses his love to Hantae. Yet, it ends terribly for him once again. Although Hantae doesn't explicitly reject him, the tepid response is disheartening. I feel bad for Baram. The poor guy faces constant heartbreak whenever he expresses his feelings. After the confession, Hantae sits down and ponders what happened. A montage sequence plays, showing flashbacks where Hantae gave signals that Baram misconstrued. Tears fill Hantae's eyes. I appreciate this quiet moment of introspection for his character. The scene highlights his remorse without the need for words.

The boxing scene is a good turning point for the ongoing drama. This storyline is getting heavy and dreary. I'm relieved there's finally a shake-up to revitalize the narrative. Instead of feeling defeated, Hantae encourages his friend to fight back. Don't be the victim anymore! Stand up and retaliate! Yet, the encounter doesn't just emphasize aggression. There's also a tender moment when Baram asks, "Why is it so tiring to like someone? What did I do wrong?" Hantae responds with a reassuring embrace. I like this sentimental interaction between them.

Episode 6

Episode 6 Review

Sangin receives his comeuppance. Get lost, loser! I'm glad the drama is over. His story arc is okay, but it drags on for four episodes. Also, I'm relieved Sangin won't retaliate against Baram, proving his threats are empty. Maybe Sangin finds his conscience and realizes he wronged Baram. Or perhaps he recognizes his career is dead, so there's no point in dragging out the public feud. Either way, Baram can close this chapter of his life and move on from his first love.

Baram's busking performance marks the first time he completes "Letter of Apology". Baram used to struggle to finish this song, which he associated with heartbreak and remorse. He felt apologetic for falling in love with an unattainable guy in a one-sided crush. However, Hantae empowers his friend, giving him the courage to transform his perspective. The music, which caused Baram pain, also has the power to heal him. With Hantae's help, Baram can embrace his emotions and no longer feels ashamed of his romantic past. He can sing about his crush proudly without reservations or regrets.

Fangirls, no!!! I gasped when the mob of Sangin fans threw eggs at Baram. Oh my god, they're so dramatic! Egging a celebrity is something I'd never imagine doing, so I find their actions completely bewildering. I may understand if just one unhinged superfan attacks Baram out of delusion. However, a group of toxic fans forms an organized squad for the sake of harassing him. How bizarre!? Let's see what's on my schedule today. Meet up with other fan club members, orchestrate a violent ambush, and then go home to make dinner with the leftover eggs.

The other moment that makes me gasp is when Hantae grabs Baram's hands to blow his breath on them. OMG. That gesture seems intimate, exceeding the boundaries of what you'd do with your platonic bro. Shockingly, Hantae doesn't recognize the romantic undertones. Taking care of Baram comes as a natural response for him. Yet, Baram feels self-conscious about the affection, especially after the failed love confession. He pulls away, suggesting these two friends can't be as close as before. There's tension between them.

Hantae must come to terms with his feelings for Baram. Sangin calls him out during their exchange: "Who do you think you are? Why do you keep meddling in Baram's life?" Hantae should've answered that he is the best friend. Yet, he pauses and seems uncertain about how to define their ambiguous relationship. Unlike previously, Hantae feels confused about the blurred lines between friendship and romance. He is going through the questioning phase. Later, Youngmi also calls him out on having a crush. Hantae begins to understand the nature of his feelings.

The last scene is interesting. Hantae grabs Baram's hands again, mirroring the interaction earlier. "I want to be like you and think more," he says fondly. Then, Hantae places his head on Baram's hand. Their body language looks intimate. The "thinking" mentioned by Hantae describes him sorting out his feelings. Slowly but surely, he gains clarity about what Baram means to him. Hantae still felt confused when he grabbed Baram's hands in the tunnel earlier. Now, he seems more assured in the closing scene. Hantae holds onto Baram and won't let go of him anymore.

Episode 7

Episode 7 Review

Hantae uses these words to describe Baram: sexy, pure, cold, and cute. But he quickly corrects himself and says, "Well, I'm not sure about sexy…" Why did he retract sexy from his description!? LOL. I love this hilariously backhanded compliment. Use four positive adjectives to describe someone, but then you immediately take one back. Sorry, you only fit three out of the four criteria! 😅

The tables have turned. Hantae is now the one with the secret crush, pining after his best friend. He experiences the nervousness that Baram felt in the past. However, this storyline also seems unnecessary. Hantae already knows that Baran likes him. He should have the reassurance to express his feelings openly. Yet, Hantae behaves neurotically with his self-inflicted agony. The relationship drama is annoying, except for the scene where he panics and chucks the boxers at Baram's face. Hehe, that's a cute piece of comedy.

I love the ambiance of Baram and Hantae's first kiss. The lakeside location looks picturesque. This series has a knack for choosing gorgeous filming locations that dazzle on screen. In addition, I like the colour combination in their wardrobe. Baram wears a rosy pink top, a soft and delicate colour that evokes love. Hantae complements the outfit with his purple hoodie, conveying passion and intimacy. As the characters touch lips, their gentle movements have a captivating gracefulness. This first kiss feels serene, capturing the aura of a beautiful romantic fantasy.

I adore Baram and Hantae's flirtiness after they start dating. My favourite moment is when Hantae brings out two pairs of matching gloves for them to wear. Baram looks so happy that he can barely hide his enamoured smile. Ahhh, they're so cute together! 😚 The relationship scenes are also enjoyable because they showcase Hantae's playful charm. His character is the most endearing whenever he behaves cheekily and vivaciously. These romantic encounters allow the actor to flex his charisma.

As much as I enjoy the couple's romantic fluff, the plot takes a backseat around this point. In most series, the penultimate episode is supposed to be a critical point. It builds toward a climax and sets the stage for an exciting resolution. In Sing My Crush, all the drama already seems settled by Episode 7. There isn't any tension left before the finale. The series shifts gears and focuses on lovey-dovey moments instead of significantly expanding the narrative. The story seems limited in scope when it should have fleshed out the characterizations or various arcs better.

Episode 8

Ending Review

Wow! This romantic finale is impossible to resist for any BL lover. The series packs many sweet lovey-dovey moments in thirty minutes, highlighting the couple's adorable and affectionate relationship. From a lighthearted movie date to cheeky banter on the couch, Sing My Crush sweeps us away on an enchanting journey. The protagonists seem so smitten with each other. They convey a sense of fresh, invigorating love. The BL content is highly persuasive, making me enjoy Baram and Hantae together even more.

My favourite moment in the finale is when Hantae plays the guitar for Baram by the campfire. In most BL dramas, the protagonist appears suave as he serenades his love interest with a dreamy song. In contrast, Hantae performs a botched rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Despite his clumsiness, he comes across as so endearing in this scene. Although Hantae isn't good at the guitar, he tries his best to impress his boyfriend. He knows music is a meaningful language to Baram and wants to connect with him. His sincerity, with a touch of goofiness, makes Hantae such a lovable character. 

Can we talk about the kiss? Oh my! Firstly, this moment comes at an excellent point in the story. Baram has composed a new piece of music ("Second Wind") with his boyfriend in mind. He doesn't play that sad love song from before. Baram moves on to more hopeful lyrics, signalling a new beginning. Secondly, the kiss is full of passion. Their cute flirting scenes earlier are like foreplay that tease the couple's attraction. The sexual tension unleashes powerfully with an affectionate kiss, like a convincing showcase of their emotional intimacy and physical desires.

I like how the finale wraps up the character arcs for both leads. Baram's accident is a clever callback to the premiere. Once again, he experiences adversity before a music performance. Hantae gave away his guitar in the first episode, but Baram didn't appreciate him back then. Since then, his fondness for Hantae has grown over the series. When Hantae retrieves the guitar in this episode, Baram recognizes his companion's sincerity. Haram's love gives Baram the comfort to perform on stage confidently.

Baram has grown significantly throughout Sing My Crush. He began as a shy protagonist who felt insecure. Baram often internalized his feelings and faced heartbreak whenever he expressed his affection. Thankfully, Hantae gives him the courage to open up about himself. Baram learns from his boyfriend and lives without inhibition. Loving someone shouldn't be a shameful secret. His heartfelt emotions are valid and worthy of recognition. Now, Baram can stand confidently on stage and sing about his crush. At last, Baram can be honest about voicing his love.

Hantae has also picked up Baram's best qualities. Hantae started the series as a carefree youth without aspirations. His mom chastised him for chasing his whims than sticking to a passion. Baram's musical gift inspires Hantae, giving his life a newfound purpose. By helping Baram achieve his dreams, Hantae forges his own path. His hard work lands him a suitable job in the music industry. Hantae learns to be focused, responsible, and ambitious without losing his signature spontaneity. With Baram by his side, Haram now pursues the future in a clear direction.