Tune In – Series Review

Jiho is Siwoo's favourite radio host.

Jiho is an online radio host who works from home. He runs a show called Tune In, where he plays soothing music for his listeners. Between songs, Jiho chats with the audience and sometimes dishes out heartwarming life advice. One of his biggest fans is 8750, a regular listener who frequently sends stories to the program. Jiho reads 8750's messages on air and offers a few encouraging words in return. Their exchanges have become a familiar part of the show.

In real life, 8750 is actually Siwoo, a barista who dreams of becoming an actor. Unfortunately, showbiz isn't rolling out the red carpet for him. Siwoo keeps going to auditions, but every single one ends in rejection. After so many failures, his confidence is collapsing. He wonders if he'll ever get his big break. Thankfully, Siwoo has Tune In to cheer him up after another lousy day. He listens to the program while working and has become a huge Jiho fan. At this point, the radio show is the highlight of his day.

After another disappointing audition, Siwoo messages Tune In and vents about his struggles. Jiho responds with some comforting advice, which means a lot to him. From Siwoo's perspective, the radio host always sounds calm and reassuring. Yet, Jiho isn't as composed as he seems. Behind that soothing voice is a lonely guy who barely socializes with anyone in person. Some days, he can't even motivate himself to leave the house. Jiho may be great at cheering up his listeners, but he's much worse at taking care of his own happiness.

Siwoo meets Jiho in person.

One day, Jiho visits the coffee shop where Siwoo works. The second he places his order, Siwoo recognizes that voice. Wait a minute… Isn't that his favourite radio host!? Siwoo is thrilled to meet Jiho in person, but suddenly his social skills disappear. He's way too shy to introduce himself as 8750. Instead, Siwoo gets all giddy whenever Jiho is nearby while desperately trying to act normal.

Jiho returns to the cafe another day, and Siwoo is delighted when he compliments the coffee. Aww, validation from your celebrity crush! Then, Siwoo's boss asks about the store Wi-Fi password, which happens to be 8750. Yep, the same username Siwoo uses for Tune In. He explains that the number comes from the frequency of his favourite radio show, all while Jiho listens nearby. Jiho obviously recognizes 8750 as his regular listener's name. Siwoo realizes he may have exposed himself and gets embarrassed. Even so, Jiho leaves the cafe before Siwoo works up the courage to introduce himself properly.

Later, Siwoo goes to another audition and walks away feeling pessimistic about his chances. As he leaves the building, he runs into Jiho. They recognize each other from the cafe and exchange a polite greeting. Jiho explains that he's there to drop off some work at the same building. Finally, these guys have an excuse to talk for more than thirty seconds! Jiho seems interested in getting to know Siwoo better, while Siwoo feels comfortable enough to confess that he's a huge Tune In fan. Jiho surprises Siwoo with an invitation to attend a live recording of the program.

Tune In has a surprisingly interesting plot! I haven't seen many BL series about a radio host and his loyal listener. That's an unusual way to start a romance. Most couples meet at school or work, but these two characters develop a connection before they've even seen each other's faces. I'm actually intrigued by their relationship dynamic! Somehow, this short drama found a unique idea that other BL studios haven't explored yet. It's a simple premise, but there's potential for a really original love story.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked Tune In at the beginning. Siwoo meets his favourite radio host and recognizes that familiar voice right away. Most people would casually introduce themselves and say they listen to the show. Easy peasy, right? Instead, he gets all nervous around his celebrity crush. I find his social awkwardness adorable! When Siwoo finally reveals that he's Jiho's #1 listener, the radio host turns out to be quite a nice guy. He even invites his biggest fan to a live recording. Aww, how sweet! The romance is off to a promising start. I'm enjoying these cute little scenes more than I expected.

Afterwards, Jiho & Siwoo's romance develops too fast. Jiho suddenly invites Siwoo to move in with him, even though they're strangers. Slow down! You barely know the guy! These roommates spend no meaningful time together before they're already kissing. Huh!? When did they fall in love!? We haven't seen enough of their relationship yet. The series is scared that fans will get bored if the couple doesn't hook up soon enough. But rushing the romance only makes things worse. When a kiss doesn't make sense at that point in the story, it ruins the viewer's immersion.

The rest of the story gets weird. Apparently, Jiho is traumatized by some past scandal. Yet, the series does such a lousy job of explaining his backstory that I don't understand anything. Out of nowhere, Jiho exclaims, "I killed someone with my voice!" OMG, what the hell!? The series wants this revelation to feel emotional, but I'm just really confused. After that ridiculous jump-the-shark moment, Tune In never recovers. This short drama isn't equipped to handle such a heavy storyline. Instead of adding depth to Jiho's character, it just exposes how bad the writing is.

Siwoo's actor (Ji Seung Jin) makes me laugh with his exaggerated mannerisms. He's kinda funny! I can see him doing really well in a pure comedy. However, he's so awkward during the serious moments. When he's supposed to show some intense emotion, his performance doesn't feel convincing at all. His co-star (Kim Beom Gyu) also struggles in the angsty scenes and comes across as amateurish. As for their kissing, it's okay-ish. The couple makes out a few times. There's a tiny spark between them, but their physical chemistry isn't enough to excite me.

If I were writing this drama, I'd change the entire second half of the series. Scrap it all! In my version, Jiho would invite Siwoo onto his radio show. Siwoo starts as a guest and then becomes a regular co-host. They grow closer during their broadcasts and share intimate moments when the microphones are off. Doesn't that seem like a more natural way to develop their romance? It makes more sense than randomly turning them into roommates! Sadly, that's not what happens in the actual series. Despite its early potential, Tune In ends up being a poorly written mess.