The Time of Fever – Series Review & Ending Explained

The Time of Fever is a Korean BL series about two childhood friends in a small town.

The Time of Fever is a Korean BL series about two teenagers in a coastal town. After his father's death, the main character and his mother return to their hometown for a fresh start. His childhood friend moves in with them due to family troubles. Although the protagonist enjoys their time together, he develops romantic feelings for his companion. Their friendship turns complicated as the secret desires grow, threatening to disrupt their bond.

As the prequel to Unintentional Love Story, you may need to watch the original series to understand the subtle nuances in The Time of Fever. This visually spectacular drama stuns with its cinematography. Some scenes look so picturesque that they remind me of a painting. In addition, the charismatic leads give superb performances. They portray this romance with tenderness and sensational chemistry, especially when the couple kisses.

The Time of Fever Summary

Title:

내 손끝에 너의 온도가 닿을 때

Series Info:

South Korea (2024)

Length:

2 hours

Total Episodes:

6 episodes

Genre:

School romance

About:

The Time of Fever is a sad & emotional BL drama.

Plot

Hotae and Donghee are high school students and friends.

Hotae is a teenager whose father recently passed away. He and his mother return to their coastal hometown for a fresh start. Hotae is excited to reunite with his childhood companion, Donghee. Their mothers are close friends, so their sons also hang out together. The lively Hotae and the gentle Donghee might have different personalities, but they still get along. However, Hotae and Donghee haven't communicated in a while. Donghee and his mother didn't attend the funeral after Hotae's father died.

Donghee is the student council president. He receives excellent grades and wants to apply for medical school after graduating this year. However, Donghee recently experienced trouble at home. He clashes with his violent father, who physically abuses him. Donghee's mom worries about her son's well-being, so she arranges for him to live with Hotae's family. Hotae's mom, a kind-hearted woman, welcomes her friend's son into their home. She knows about Donghee's abuse and feels protective over him.

Hotae is clueless and doesn't realize Donghee's distressing situation. He only thinks Donghee lives with them because their house is near the high school. Yet, Hotae notices a change in his friend's behaviour. Donghee used to be happier and laughed a lot. Nowadays, he is more reserved and seems so serious all the time. Hotae can't help but think they aren't as close as before. Despite Hotae's attempts to bond with him, Donghee keeps his distance. Donghee's excuse is that he's busy as a high school senior and needs to focus on academics.

Hotae doesn't worry about receiving poor grades. Instead, he invests most of his energy into sports. Hotae is part of the school's swim team and feels confident about his athletic abilities. Hotae has also started dating his female classmates. However, he doesn't take these relationships seriously. Hotae's nonchalance makes his girlfriends feel annoyed and neglected. Their breakups typically end with a violent slap across Hotae's face. He has gotten quite a few cuts and bruises for being a lousy boyfriend. Donghee always treats his friend's injuries with ointment.

Donghee and Hotae have a playful rapport. Donghee likes to tease his younger friend and insists he uses honorifics around him. Recently, Hotae has resisted calling Donghee his older brother. Although Hotae won't admit it to anyone, he is developing feelings beyond friendship. He tries to become more intimate with Donghee, especially when they share a bedroom at night. Donghee also develops a secret crush on his friend. However, he knows he must fight against these feelings. He doesn't dare to act on them.

The Time of Fever Cast

Characters

Hotae

Won Tae Min (원태민)

Hotae is portrayed by the Korean actor Won Tae Min (원태민).

Hotae is a carefree teenager and Donghee's childhood friend. After his father's recent death, he and his mother return to their coastal hometown. His mother runs a restaurant and spends long hours at the shop. Hotae is a member of the school's swim team. Although he dates many girls, Hotae doesn't take these relationships seriously and prefers to spend time with Donghee instead.

Won Tae Min

Won Tae Min (원태민) is a Korean actor. He is born on September 16, 1993.

Won Tae Min (원태민) is a Korean actor. He is born on September 16, 1993. His first BL project is the 2021 drama, You Make Me Dance. He also appears in the 2023 series, Unintentional Love Story. He is the lead of the 2024 prequel, The Time of Fever.

Donghee

Han Do Woo (한도우)

Donghee is portrayed by the Korean actor Han Do Woo (한도우).

Donghee is a high-achieving high school senior who aspires to attend medical school. He is also the school council president. Donghee struggles with a physically abusive father. He moves in with Hotae, his childhood friend, to escape the distressing situation at home. Donghee hides his emotional pain behind a serious and reserved demeanour.

Han Do Woo

Han Do Woo (한도우) is a Korean actor. He is born on September 23, 1996.

Han Do Woo (한도우) is a Korean actor. He is born on September 23, 1996. His first BL project is the 2023 drama, Unintentional Love Story. He is the lead of the 2024 prequel, The Time of Fever.

Supporting Cast

Hotae's mom is portrayed by Korean actress Lee Yoo Jung (이유정).

Hotae's mom

Lee Yoo Jung (이유정)

Donghee's mom is portrayed by the Korean actress Lee Eun Ju (이은주).

Donghee's mom

Lee Eun Ju (이은주)

Jisu is portrayed by a Korean actor Lee Woo Tae (이우태).

Jisu

Lee Woo Tae (이우태)

Wonyoung is portrayed by the Korean actor Gongchan (공찬).

Wonyoung

Gongchan (공찬)

Cast Highlights

Won Tae Min

Ho Tae's actor is the lead of the 2021 Korean BL series You Make Me Dance.

Gongchan

The lead actor of the 2023 series Unintentional Love Story makes a cameo appearance in Episode 5 of The Time of Fever.

The Time of Fever Review

Review

Drama Review Score: 9.1

A-
Hotae and Donghee almost kiss each other.

Wow, The Time of Fever looks spectacular! From the vibrant colours to the scenic landscapes, each episode dazzles the viewers with beautiful visuals. Some scenes, like the characters frolicking in the rain, are so picturesque that they resemble a majestic painting. I'm used to BL dramas looking hopelessly low-budget, so this polished production feels refreshing. The dreamy cinematography sets the tone for an intimate love story. Every emotion is amplified in vivid detail, whether it's a lingering glance or a wistful expression.

The Time of Fever takes a simple romance between two childhood friends and turns it into a profound journey. Both protagonists experience joy, sorrow, passion, heartbreak, and many complex emotions. Early on, the story depicts their bond through delightful banter and tender moments. As their attraction deepens, the interactions become charged with ambiguous sexual tension. While the couple grows closer and takes bolder risks, they hesitate to express their feelings completely. You'll be captivated by the relationship's highs and lows, not knowing who initiates the next move or how the other may respond.

This love story is compelling mainly because of how the actors interpret the material. Won Tae Min gives a phenomenal performance, radiating warmth and charisma in every scene. From his cheeky smile to his soulful gaze, he commands your attention effortlessly. He makes Hotae so genuine, enthusiastic, and lovable that you will root for him. His costar (Hang Do Woo) transforms himself significantly. In Unintentional Love Story, Donghee is very bubbly. But here, the actor portrays his character as fragile and sensitive, conveying a remarkably different vibe.

Best of all, the leads have sensational chemistry. We saw their natural rapport in Unintentional Love Story, but their connection peaks in The Time of Fever. They seem relaxed around each other and share a comfortable camaraderie. Of course, the crème de la crème must be the iconic kissing scenes. Every BL fan's loins have erupted in flames because of how hot the makeout sessions are! The Time of Fever succeeds because the brilliant actors elevate the relationship moments. If you cast two different leads in the roles, this romance would be far less engaging.

The Time of Fever is a prequel. While it can work as a standalone drama, watching Unintentional Love Story provides context for understanding Hotae & Donghee as a couple. Regrettably, the prequel doesn't include all the necessary details. Without the original story, you may miss the relationship's subtle nuances in this drama. Yet, Unintentional Love Story is an inferior BL series, in my opinion. Hotae and Donghee only occupy a small fraction of the narrative. This six-hour prerequisite may not be the best introduction for those who want to start The Time of Fever.

Despite a strong beginning, The Time of Fever stumbles toward the end. The plot is rushed in the last two episodes, which don't explain Donghee's motivations clearly. The series suffers from a lack of family scenes, especially with Hotae's mom. She forms the emotional crux of the story, but the character isn't prominent enough. Her lack of presence weakens the finale's impact. However, I can overlook these narrative flaws and still cherish the heartfelt romance. The charming actors and their passionate chemistry carry The Time of Fever, making it a BL classic.

Summary

Emotional story

The Time of Fever tells an emotionally rich love story between childhood friends. Despite a strong start, the plot feels rushed in the last two episodes, which don't explain all the details clearly.

Passionate romance

I'm engrossed in Hotae & Donghee's relationship journey! Their friendly bond evolves into an ambiguous love charged with sexual tension. The couple's passionate chemistry ignites this romance.

Sensational acting

Hotae's actor (Won Tae Win) exudes boundless charisma and enthusiasm. His costar (Hang Do Woo) transforms Donghee into a sensitive character. Both leads elevate the material significantly.

Sad ending

The Time of Fever has a sad ending as Donghee makes an emotional decision about his relationship with Hotae. Unintentional Love Story, the sequel, continues their romance and finishes more hopefully.

Picturesque artistry

This highly polished series dazzles with gorgeous cinematography, from the scenic landscapes to the warm, radiant colours. Some moments look so picturesque that they resemble a majestic painting.

91%

The Time of Fever delivers captivating performances, sizzling chemistry, and breathtaking visuals. The actors elevate this romance, creating an iconic BL couple that many fans will cherish.

The Time of Fever Episodes

Episode Guide

Donghee gives Hotae his schoolbag.

The Time of Fever has a total of 6 episodes. Each episode is around 20 minutes long. It is a medium-length drama, and you can finish the entire series in around 2 hours. The Time of Fever was initially released as a movie on May 15, 2024. The same story was released as a series on September 12, 2024.

The Time of Fever is the prequel to Unintentional Love Story, which released on March 17, 2023.

Episode 1
Episode 2

Episode 1

Loss
Donghee comforts Hotae after losing the swimming race.

The Time of Fever begins with a tragedy. Hotae's father dies, leaving behind a widowed wife and a teenage child. Hotae responds to these sad circumstances with an unexpected lightheartedness. We all grieve in different ways, but is it typical for a teenager to laugh and kick a ball at their parent's funeral? Based on his unusual reaction, either Hotae is incredibly tough, or he may be bottling up his emotions beneath his carefree facade.

When Hotae's mom talks to her friend, she comments on her son struggling after his father died. She sees through his cheerful bravado and presents a different version of Hotae than what viewers know. Later in the episode, Hotae loses a school swimming race. It's only a warm-up and an insignificant competition, yet he responds by sobbing uncontrollably. It seems like an overreaction until you realize his tears aren't only about the race. Hotae finally releases the grief he has repressed over losing his father.

Donghee stays behind to comfort his childhood friend. He starts with a cheeky joke, hoping to appeal to his humour. When that doesn't work, Donghee switches to a gentler tone. He encourages Hotae to cry it out, reassuring him this emotional response isn't a sign of weakness. Although Hotae's dad is never referenced during this exchange, Donghee's advice applies to the unspoken loss. Hotae doesn't need to put on a front and feign happiness when they're alone. Hotae can mourn if he wants to, and Donghee will see his friend's vulnerability as a strength.

Childhood friends
Hotae and Donghee chat at night.

Donghee and Hotae's reunion contains symbolic imagery. Donghee has fallen to the ground, while Hotae extends his hand and pulls him back up. Sunlight streams brightly behind Hotae's head, illuminating him like a beacon of hope. The story wants to emphasize Hotae's positive impact on Donghee's life. Donghee has fallen into despair from his father's abuse. Thankfully, his childhood friend is here to help Donghee rise above his pain.

Hotae doesn't know the whole story. Neither his friend nor his mom tells him about the abuse. Yet, he notices an alarming change in Donghee's behaviour. His childhood friend used to be happier and wanted to play with him. But now, Donghee has become sullen and keeps his emotional distance. Donghee acts like a stranger when he meets Hotae. These two haven't seen each other for years, plus Donghee's dad just died. They should've spent time catching up, but Donghee retreats to his desk and barely speaks. Hotae can sense that he has drifted apart from his companion.

Despite his friend's guardedness, Hotae initiates the first steps to rebuild their bond. It begins with a small talk at night, followed by an invitation to a swim race. By the end of the episode, they have gotten closer. When Donghee teases Hotae for being a crybaby, he doesn't do it out of malice. Instead, he wants to lighten the mood and start playful banter. His friend's pouty expression makes Donghee giggle. Meanwhile, Hotae's anger vanishes when he sees Donghee's familiar smile return. Both feel relieved as they rekindle their old friendship.

Episode 1 Review
Hotae jumps over a wall to meet Donghee.

My first impression of The Time of Fever is that it looks beautiful. I'm used to lowering my expectations when watching BL because most productions have a limited budget. But oh wow, this drama's cinematography meets professional standards! My favourite moment is when Hotae jumps over the wall beside the tomato tree. It's a dynamic shot filmed from an unusual angle, grabbing your attention. This visual seems full of life and captures Hotae's bright, energetic personality.

Besides the gorgeous outdoor landscapes, I love how the cinematographer captures the characters' emotions meaningfully. In the beginning, Donghee reads over Hotae's school journal. The camera gives a beautiful close-up shot of Donghee's eye. The distance is so intimate that you can see his eyelashes clearly. This visual draws viewers closer to Donghee's perspective, allowing us to experience his nostalgia. Although Donghee acts aloof when reuniting with Hotae, he secretly cherishes their childhood memories.

Wow, Hotae's actor (Won Tae Min) is bursting with personality and charisma! His radiant smile lights up the screen in every scene. Meanwhile, his costar (Han Do Woo) seems quite different from his portrayal in Unintentional Love Story. Donghee changes from a bubbly chatterbox to a more sensitive character. It's nice seeing a different side of him. I'm so glad both leads have this opportunity to star in their own drama. They only had supporting roles in the original series, but now the two get their spotlight in this prequel.

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3

Episode 2

Attraction
Hotae dries Donghee's shirt in the rain.

Donghee is gay. His homophobic father beats him after finding out, as revealed in a flashback from Unintentional Love Story. However, this context isn't explicitly mentioned in The Time of Fever, so it may be lost on viewers who haven't watched the original series. The storyteller keeps some details ambiguous to mirror Hotae's confusion about Donghee. Hotae is unaware of his friend's sexuality or abusive father. Like the protagonist, the audience is kept in the dark, deepening the mystery behind Donghee's trauma.

While Donghee never comes out to his friend, he speaks in coded messages during a conversation. Donghee asks a random philosophical question, "If I turned into an insect one day, would I still be me?" The simple-minded Hotae doesn't grasp the deeper meaning, but this is a metaphor for Donghee's internalized conflict. Donghee struggles with his identity and dehumanizes himself. Hotae gives reassurance: Whether you come out as gay or an insect, I'll still understand you. Although he doesn't say those exact words, his well-meaning intentions warm Donghee's heart.

Donghee is attracted to Hotae. Earlier, he peeks at his friend's physique in a comical scene. Later, he shares an intimate moment in the tunnel and notices a flicker of interest in Hotae's eyes. Donghee grows curious about Hotae's love life, secretly excited there may be a mutual attraction. However, Hotae slaps Donghee's hand away when they touch innocently. This reaction shows that while Hotae may harbour feelings, he's uncomfortable expressing them. Donghee is left even more conflicted, struggling with both rejection and ambiguity.

Fever
Hotae looks frustrated in the swimming pool.

The title, The Time of Fever, has a poignant meaning. When Donghee's father beats him, he accuses his son of being "sick" due to his sexuality. This trauma shapes Donghee's perception of his same-sex attraction as an illness. Like a fever, his desires are intense, uncontrollable, and stigmatized. To continue this analogy further, a sick person may infect those close to them. As Donghee and Hotae fall in love, the story explores the idea that Hotae has caught the same condition and shows feverish symptoms.

"It's so hot!" Hotae says this line twice in the episode. Both times occur when he's alone with Donghee. The story implies that Hotae feels hot and bothered around his friend, interpreting his warmth as a sign of growing passion. As the romance heats up, so does Hotae's sexual frustration. After spending an intimate night with Donghee in bed, Hotae stares introspectively in the mirror and suspects he may have a crush. Yet, he isn't ready to confront these feelings. Donghee goes swimming, a metaphor for his attempt to cool down his temperature, but it doesn't work. His fever still remains.

Hotae tries to deny his same-sex attraction by finding a girlfriend. He accepts every female classmate's love confession and cycles through a rapid rotation of short-lived relationships. However, he puts no effort into these romances, which always end in breakups. Clearly, his heart already belongs to another. Hotae often ditches his girlfriend of the day to spend time with Donghee, prioritizing their bond more. Hotae's actions are contradictory. He's outwardly pursuing women, yet he constantly gravitates toward the man he yearns for.

Episode 2 Review
Hotae and Donghee are in the rain.

Of course, the naughty BL fan in me loves this episode's opening scene. Donghee uses a pocket mirror to secretly check out Hotae's physique, only to almost get caught for spying. lmaoooo~ 🤭 I noticed how Donghee wouldn't look initially. He kept his head down even though Hotae flexed his muscles in the background. Donghee only dared to steal a glance after Hotae's mom left. It's a small but telling sign of their relationship dynamic. Donghee won't express his feelings for Hotae while Auntie is around.

I like how female characters in BL dramas are always so gutsy. They'll approach a stranger like Hotae and directly ask him on a date. "Hey, what's up? I like you. Wanna go out?" No introductions are necessary. Meanwhile, a male protagonist like Donghee hesitates episode after episode. He must repress his feelings, speak cryptically, and pine for his love interest from the background. You can't drag a confession out of him. "But I… No, I can't… I simply mustn't…" Imagine how tired we all are. Speak up! Tell him how you feel!

The Time of Fever is a visually spectacular drama from start to finish. If I must pick my favourite shot, it's when the characters frolic in the rain in this episode. Oh my goodness, the cinematography looks so majestic! The warm colours, the light drizzle, and the rustic landscape create an ethereal atmosphere. It reminds me of a romantic painting, like something so beautiful can only be crafted by hand. I also love the scene where they retreat inside the tunnel. From their intimate expressions to longing gazes, every moment feels so delicate.

Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4

Episode 3

Brothers
Donghee and Hotae spend the birthday together.

Donghee often teases Hotae about not using honorifics. He expects Hotae to address him as an "older brother," attaching a familial label to their relationship. However, Hotae rejects this term due to his affection for Donghee, whom he sees as more than a brother. Later, Donghee jokes that he can be Hotae's father figure. Once again, he emphasizes a family dynamic to deflect from a romantic connection. Donghee wants labels like "brother" or "father" to stop their attraction from escalating.

This episode includes several of Donghee's affectionate gestures. After noticing his friend's injuries earlier, Donghee puts medical ointment in Hotae's bag in the middle of the night. Also, Donghee reveals he secretly attended the funeral and kept an eye on Hotae from afar. Both moments demonstrate Donghee's predicament. As much as he cares about Hotae, he won't express his feelings openly. His love can only be conveyed in the shadows.

When Hotae discovers Donghee's sketches of him, he suspects his crush isn't one-sided. A confrontation occurs in the art room, but Donghee is full of excuses and won't admit to anything. Both are attracted to each other, so they should confess and be together. Yet, Donghee has many reservations. Later, a phone call interrupts the couple's time on the beach, reminding them that family is always an obstacle. Both come to an understanding that they must prioritize their parents first. The story hints that family is the main reason Donghee won't pursue this romance.

Wounds
Hotae applies ointment on Donghee's lips.

Both protagonists are suffering. In Hotae's case, his wounds manifest physically. His ex-girlfriends lash out and attack him after realizing he doesn't love them. He continues a pattern of dating and being dumped violently, unable to break free from the cycle. Hotae's denial of his same-sex attraction drives him into these hollow relationships. Hotae is stuck in a self-destructive cycle until he can admit his feelings.

Donghee suffers injuries from his father's abuse. He returns home for his birthday, only to get beaten up badly. While the physical wounds are severe, the emotional scars cut even deeper. As Donghee says, the heart is where it hurts the most. At least you can apply ointment for the bruises on your body, but how do you treat the damage inside your soul? Donghee's father is supposed to be a loved one, yet he resents his son enough to hurt him. Donghee faces betrayal, shame, and rejection from his family. This inner turmoil takes much longer to heal.

Beyond physical and emotional pain, Donghee suffers from psychological trauma. One of his coping mechanisms is to internalize the blame. He makes disturbing arguments to justify the abuse, convincing himself that his father is the victim. Influenced by his homophobic parent, Donghee believes his sexuality is shameful and makes him deserving of punishment. He thinks, "I hurt my dad for being gay." Donghee's self-loathing stops him from pursuing a romance. He has absorbed his father's harmful beliefs and doesn't feel entitled to love another man.

Episode 3 Review
Donghee stares at his birthday cake.

During this episode, Donghee sneaks out of bed to put something in Hotae's schoolbag. However, I couldn't figure out what he put inside the bag for the longest time. I missed all the context cues and had no idea what the item was. My first instinct was that he gave Hotae a watercolour paint tube, even though that made no sense. I racked my brain around this puzzle until the last episode. That's when I realized Donghee gave Hotae ointment. Ohhhh lol.

I'm digging Donghee's sophisticated intellectual vibe, hehe~ I'm very partial to this type of fictional character. 😙 He's like this young philosopher, artist, and academic who spends long days and nights in the school's art room. Ahhhh, j'adore! In Unintentional Love Story, Donghee is the chatty guy who runs the cafe. I didn't expect him to have such cultured tastes during his youth. Donghee's interests contrast with Hotae's athletic background. The romance between a sensitive artist and a lovable jock is a dynamic that fuels my BL fantasies.

Although the circumstances are sad, I enjoy the scene where Hotae applies ointment to Donghee's injured lips. It's the reverse of their usual dynamic since we're used to Donghee treating Hotae's wounds. I like that their emotional support is reciprocated. Also, this moment shows Hotae's tender side. His character is typically brash and rough around the edges, so I'm glad to see him act sensitively around his love interest. The episode ends with Donghee crying on his birthday. My heart aches for him. I want to hug Donghee and reassure him that life gets better. 😢

Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5

Episode 4

First kiss
Hotae and Donghee have their first kiss.

The couple have their first kiss in the infirmary. Hotae takes the initiative and encourages Donghee. "Just think of me as a doorframe," he says. It's an unusual pick-up line, but his goal is to downplay the romantic intensity. He also addresses Donghee with the "brother" honorific, another attempt to disguise their relationship. Despite his inner turmoil, Donghee lets his guard down and succumbs to his feelings. He kisses Hotae in a memorable series highlight.

After the kiss, Donghee regrets their intimacy. "I rubbed my lips against a doorframe and was hurt by splinters." As he says this line, the camera centres on his bruised lips. This injury, inflicted by his dad, reminds Donghee of the hardships he faces for being gay. The kiss hurts because he believes starting a relationship with Hotae will bring them pain. Donghee tries to avoid Hotae, downplays his feelings, and insists the kiss means nothing. Hotae won't accept this cop-out response. For him, he has received confirmation their attraction is mutual. Don't push me away when we both want the same thing.

"What should I do? Tell me. I'll listen to you," Hotae pleads sincerely. He seems lost and doesn't know how to handle his romantic feelings. Donghee's resolve softens as his childhood friend shows so much vulnerability. He responds by giving his schoolbag to Hotae. This symbolic gesture represents Donghee's willingness to let Hotae shoulder his emotional burden. Instead of struggling alone, they'll conquer the hardships together. Their dialogue confirms Donghee and Hotae's commitment to each other. At last, the future looks bright for our protagonists!

Future
Hotae and Donghee enter a railway tunnel.

The Time of Fever includes subtle symbolism as Donghee and Hotae navigate their future together. After their conversation about commitment, they enter a dark railway tunnel. This powerful imagery alludes to the darkness ahead of their romantic journey. While there's a light at the end of the path, they must endure the challenges of being a same-sex couple in a harsh world. The uncertainty can feel daunting for our teenage lovers.

The next scene shows Hotae studying in the classroom, which is the first time we've seen him put effort into academics. He doesn't do well on the assignment, but at least it's a start. He's motivated because Donghee plans to attend medical school, and Hotae wants to follow him. A university romance sure sounds appealing! Donghee understands his intentions and smiles warmly at Hotae's efforts. He's glad Hotae works hard to secure their future together.

Another meaningful moment is when Donghee and Hotae relax at home. Surprisingly, Donghee is reading manga next to Hotae. In the past, the only books he touched were textbooks. Donghee was solely focused on studying for school to prepare for the future. Yet, he has learned to relax and enjoy Hotae's hobby. He lives in the moment instead of worrying about what comes next. It's a small yet significant change for Donghee's character development.

Infection
Donghee reacts after kissing Hotae.

Our protagonists are at home in the middle of the night. Hotae takes advantage of their privacy and makes out with Donghee. It begins with a peck on the lips, but the intensity escalates. One fierce kiss follows after another as Hotae's movements become aggressive. Donghee reciprocates until he grows uncomfortable and pulls away. Hotae pauses before resuming again. He lifts Donghee's shirt, signalling another escalation. This time, Donghee forcibly stops his partner.

Donghee feels alarmed since the intimacy has exceeded his expectations. Their romance reaches a point where he can't pretend they are just friends experimenting with each other. As Hotae's kisses persist, he seems consumed by a ferocious passion. His desires appear so untamed that he becomes delirious, like a senseless man acting instinctively on lust. Hotae's aggression reminds Donghee of an intense fever. From Donghee's warped mind, he compares his same-sex attraction to a sickness. If he continues this relationship, he fears infecting his friend with the same condition.

"I can't become a doctor anymore. I'm not qualified," Donghee says at the end of the episode. This line alludes to how he gave his friend a metaphorical disease, making him unsuitable to heal people. Donghee also believes the best treatment is absence. He removes himself from Hotae's life by applying to a city university instead of a nearby school. Donghee thinks the romantic feelings will vanish if he limits their time together. Like a gay experimental phase in a teenage boy's youth, Donghee hopes that Hotae's lovesick fever will be cured.

Episode 4 Review
Hotae and Donghee kiss at home.

I bit my fist to stop squealing and screaming when the characters kissed. I ate up every second of this scene, especially when Hotae grabbed Donghee's waist! Lines like "Teach me how to kiss" made me giggle. I also enjoyed Donghee's expressions. He'd either glance up hopefully or drop his gaze nervously, and his inner conflict added to the excitement. The exchange was filmed intimately, from the close-ups of their faces to the shaky camera movements. It looked exquisite!

And the second kissing scene? OMG. The intensity of the makeout sessions keeps escalating. Whenever they pause, I assume the moment is over. But nope, Hotae is back at it again a second later, kissing even harder than the previous time. It surprises me because I don't remember the actors being this affectionate in Unintentional Love Story. I also like the scene's ambiance, especially with the lighting from the nearby heater. It amplifies Hotae's passion, giving him a feverish glow that mirrors the fervor of the moment.

For the past month, I have watched and reviewed many Japanese & Korean BL dramas. I sat through countless couples kissing timidly or brushing their lips and pretending that was enough. The on-screen passion felt reserved, although I still enjoyed some of the stories without the steamy scenes. When Donghee and Hotae kissed in The Time of Fever, it was like someone put an adrenaline shot into me. Oh my god, finally! It has been so long since I saw a BL couple make out. The dry spell is over! 😭

Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6

Episode 5

Auntie
Donghee tells Auntie that he's going to a city university.

Auntie, or Hotae's mom, is Donghee's saviour. She rescues Donghee from his abusive father and offers him a safe place to live. Without her generosity, Donghee couldn't escape. Chances are that he'd stay with his family and endure more trauma. While not explicitly mentioned in The Time of Fever, Unintentional Love Story reveals that Auntie is aware of Donghee's sexuality. She also secretly observes his close bond with Hotae. Auntie knows more than she's letting on.

Donghee feels grateful to Auntie, who has given this vulnerable teenager a lifeline. Yet, he feels guilty for seducing her son. Like many traditional Asian parents, Auntie may expect Hotae to marry, start a family, and have kids. By falling in love with another man, Hotae has disrupted his future. He'd lead a stigmatized life because of his same-sex relationship. To be clear, Auntie has never imposed family obligations on Hotae. Even so, Donghee projects his own insecurities and assumes they exist. He fears interfering in a mother's dreams for her only child.

During the chat, Auntie states, "I hope this baby doesn't get sick. I wish for him to have a happy life." Using the word ~sick~ is an interesting choice because it echoes Donghee's insecurities about his sexuality. Donghee thinks having a gay child will break Auntie's heart, just like how he has disappointed his own father. When Donghee decides to move away, he sees his departure as a self-sacrifice to repay Auntie for her kindness. His absence encourages Hotae to pursue a "happy life" as a straight-passing man without the complications of a gay relationship.

Cooldown
Hotae wraps his scarf around Donghee.

Auntie cautiously expresses her support for Donghee's relationship with Hotae. She doesn't want to be the barrier to their teen romance. "No matter what you do, I could never hate you," she reassures him subtly. When Donghee announces he'll move away, does a flicker of relief appear on Auntie's face? Or was there some other complex emotion in her teary-eyed expression? The story doesn't clarify exactly, leaving you to interpret the ambiguous response.

Despite Auntie's vague words of support, Donghee still feels insecure about his same-sex romance and believes she would be upset. As much as he cares about Hotae, his gratitude to Hotae's mom comes first. He decides to end this relationship by leaving his hometown. Donghee doesn't tell Hotae as they spend one last day together to create their memories. There's symbolic imagery during their beach date. Hotae wraps his scarf around Donghee, almost like he wants to attach a part of himself to his partner. Donghee returns the scarf later, confirming his decision to cut ties with Hotae.

While the couple takes pictures, Hotae asks, "Aren't we back where we started?" Donghee replies, "It's the angle, okay?" This meaningful exchange foreshadows their future as adults after Donghee changes his perspective of their relationship. For now, they must leave each other. Donghee uses university as an excuse for disappearing, but the real reason is to break up with Hotae. The couple's farewell occurs on a snowy day, symbolizing their cooldown period. Donghee's departure forces them to retreat from the heat of their passion. It's time to make Hotae's fever go away.

Episode 5 Review
Donghee dries Hotae's hair in their bedroom.

Since Auntie influences Donghee's decision to break up with Hotae, I wish the story gave her more prominence. Despite appearing a few times, she doesn't leave a strong impression. Auntie needs additional scenes to help the audience connect with her character. Her chat with Donghee is excellent, but imagine the emotional impact if the story had built up to this moment better. Emphasizing Auntie's kindness and Donghee's gratitude would make his moral dilemma more poignant.

I wish the series included more scenes establishing Donghee's relationships with his parents. Family disapproval shaped his trauma, so more focus would've strengthened his backstory. We know about the dad's homophobia from Unintentional Love Story, but it isn't clearly conveyed in The Time of Fever. I fear the storytelling is too subtle, and some viewers may not realize Donghee's motivations stem from internalized homophobia. This drama can benefit from making its ideas more apparent to the audience.

Donghee's breakup with Hotae isn't a surprise. We knew it would happen since this is the prequel to Unintentional Love Story. However, I'm still mad about the way Donghee leaves Hotae. Poor Hotae seemed so excited about spending time together. I loved his giddiness when Donghee let him sleep in the same room as him. Hotae is so adorable~ 😙 My protectiveness over Hotae made me RAGE when Donghee broke his heart in the final scene. How dare you!? Donghee doesn't even explain his rationale properly. Using school as an excuse is a cop-out!

Episode 5
Episode 6

Episode 6

Burnout
Hotae is emotional over Donghee's departure.

Instead of cooling down, Donghee's departure drives Hotae's emotions to a feverish intensity. As his frustration boils over, he behaves deliriously. He drowns in the pool and hallucinates a confrontation with Donghee. Seeing his friend's artwork is the final trigger. This proves that Donghee has intimate feelings for him, yet they can't be together. Overwhelmed by heartbreak, Hotae injures himself in a reckless motorcycle accident. It's a consequence of his self-destructive behaviour since their separation.

After Hotae's hospitalization, Donghee calls his friend out of concern. Compared to an in-person visit, the phone conversation emphasizes their physical and emotional distance. During their chat, Hotae seems to be in good spirits. "I'm fine. You know I'm tough," he laughs. Hotae is putting on a facade, similar to how he coped with his father's death at the start of the series. The story hints that he bottles up his feelings beneath a strong exterior. As heartbroken as he may feel, Hotae won't let himself be vulnerable around Donghee anymore, unlike the boy who cried after the swimming race. Their prior intimacy is gone.

The ambiance changes during the phone call. As the leads talk, their backgrounds are illuminated with a bright glow. Once the conversation ends, Hotae's hospital room returns to cold, clinical lighting. It reflects his sombre mood as he lies on the hospital bed alone. Hotae can't swim anymore due to his severe injuries. This accident destroyed his athletic ambitions, which gave him so much joy. Donghee intended to protect Hotae's future by breaking up with him. Ironically, he may have unintentionally derailed Hotae's life and left him without a sense of purpose.

Hallucination
The Time of Fever has a sad ending where Donghee and Hotae break up instead of pursuing their romance.

Donghee visits Hotae at the hospital in secret. He acts discretely, fearing that a reunion may reignite feelings, both in himself and Hotae. Donghee behaves similarly during the funeral. In both cases, he keeps his physical distance to prevent an emotional connection. Despite his commitment to boundaries, Donghee still visits the hospital because he cares for Hotae. The recurring theme in their relationship is that Donghee loves Hotae, but he can only express his affection without Hotae knowing.

The narrative jumps to years later, around the same timeline as the start of Unintentional Love Story. Donghee has returned to his hometown as an adult. The story includes meaningful imagery of him crossing a railway track. Despite the many road barriers and warning signs, he strides forward with a confident smile. It symbolizes Donghee's character growth, representing his willingness to overcome restrictions. The story suggests that Donghee may have moved on from the internalized fears during his youth. He can reconnect with Hotae in a better state of mind.

In the last scene, Donghee visits a familiar location on the beach, where he spent time with Hotae in the past. He holds up a photo of them as teenagers. When his hand lowers, a smiling Hotae appears before him. Is this the real Hotae? We just saw his character walking away in the opposite direction moments ago. I interpret Donghee's vision of Hotae as a figment of his imagination. He experiences a hallucination, a symptom of an intense fever. This ending suggests that Donghee's love hasn't faded over time. His burning passion for Hotae remains as vivid as ever.

Ending Review
Donghee crosses the railroad track confidently.

My appreciation for The Time of Fever has grown after rewatching the drama. I picked up on many subtle metaphors and symbolic imagery that weren't apparent on my first viewing. In particular, this finale is a goldmine of visual storytelling. It suits my tastes since I love analyzing hidden meanings and artistic choices in a narrative. As I notice a new detail here and there, it feels like I've uncovered a different interpretation of the story. Whoa, there are complex layers that I didn't realize initially! 🤯

Was Donghee's vision of Hotae a mirage? I can't determine whether my interpretation of the ending is accurate. Donghee imagines seeing his old lover as part of a fever dream. The idea feels very romantic, doesn't it? Of course, the ending may simply be literal. Hotae could have turned around, returned to the beach, and stood before Donghee to surprise him. However, this contrived reunion seems too cheesy for my tastes. I prefer my version of the events instead lol.

Since The Time of Fever is a prequel, I understand why the story ends here. Hotae and Donghee's relationship can't progress further than what was established in Unintentional Love Story. Yet, a part of me is dissatisfied with leaving the romance at this point, where nothing is resolved. They aren't even officially together by the end of Unintentional Love Story, so there's no closure. I want to see more! Is there a sequel in the works? Give me the next chapter of Hotae and Donghee's love story until we get a happy ending!

The Time of Fever Information

Sequel

The Time of Fever is the prequel to Unintentional Love Story. The original series has 10 episodes and is released in March 2023. Donghee and Hotae are the secondary couple in Unintentional Love Story. Their storyline occupies a small portion of the series. Although they aren't prominent characters, Unintentional Love Story still contains important information about their backstories. You should watch the original series before (or after) The Time of Fever to completely understand this couple's relationship arc.

Unintentional Love Story

Unintentional Love Story is the sequel to The Time of Fever, although it was released first in 2023. The main characters in The Time of Fever are the secondary couple in Unintentional Love Story.

Director

Yang Kyung Hee (양경희) is a Korean director. Her first BL project is the 2021 drama, The Tasty Florida. She has also directed Kissable Lips (2022), The Director Who Buys Me Dinner (2022), Love Tractor (2023), and The Time of Fever (2024).

  1. Hello BL Watcher. This is my first comment since you have resumed posting. So happy you are back! We all missed you!

    I don't know how I missed The Time of Fever when it first came out, but I didn't even hear about it. This is why you are such a great resource for us BL fans. Sometimes you post a review about a BL series or movie that didn't get much fanfare, but turns out to be a real gem. The Time of Fever is a perfect example of that. I loved it!

    As you mentioned, the visuals were stunning. I felt the acting and chemistry were great! And it was great to get this backstory from their relationship in Unintentional Love Story.

    Thanks again for your content!

     

  2. The Time of Fever was great. These actors are superb. Now I really want the sequel to Unintentional when we get to see what happens next for Donghee and Hotae after the "can't I do this much" scene.

    Now I must say, welcome back BLW! This is the first post of yours I've seen since you vanished in late March. I was worried. Thank you for coming back. Can't wait for your takes on major series in 2024 including Unknown and The On1y One (both outstanding) and currently running series that have my attention, including Caged Again, Every You Every Me, and Love is Like Poison.

  3. So happy you're back!!!!

    The Time of Fever was so good!! I honestly had forgotten about Unintentional Love Story, but I instantly regognized Hotae and Donghee. I liked their storyline in Unintentional, but in this show they were just phenomenal!!
    Won Tae Min's acting stands out for me. So good.

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