A fascinating BL chamber play
“A chamber play is a play ... which can be performed with a small cast and practically no sets or costumes in a small space“ (wikipedia.org), often focusing on the characters’ conversations. The Korean BL miniseries “Delivered“ matches this definition, which makes it a very unusual BL series.
The plot is a simple, typical “opposites attract“ coming-of-age story.
Taein (Lee Jae Sung), a delivery boy, knocks on Yoonoh’s (Kim Hangeul) door to give him a parcel. Yoonoh is an introverted freelance designer and is angry at talkative extrovert Taein who he regards as an intruder, if not a threat to his self-imposed seclusion. But deep down inside he feels attracted to Taein at first sight.
Taein immediately falls for Yoonoh, but he realizes that he has to be very cautious and sensitive or he would be rejected. After their first encounter, Taein comes to see Yoonoh every day, no matter if there is a package to deliver or not. Slowly, step by step, the boys get closer, as Yoonoh opens the shell he is hiding in bit by bit.
Their conversations get more frank, and in a shy way they confess to each other. Taein is the perfect green flag by asking Yoonoh when he wants to kiss him “If you don’t like it just say so“, and Yoonoh courageously replies “I didn’t say I didn’t like it“.
The next step is Yoonoh allowing Taein to stay over and sleep in one bed.The conversations become intimate in a touching way. Lying in bed side by side, and in pyjamas, there is a dialog of pure poetry, and at the same time natural honesty.
Taein: “I think this moment will really stay in my mind for a long time. A night where everything is heard without saying a word.“
Yoonoh: “Surely, Taein came next to me for the first time. So it’s awkward. It’s awkward.“
Taein: “It’s awkward, isn’t it.
Yoonoh (smiling): “Good.“
The next morning they discuss their inhibitions, fears, and weaknesses, and when Taein sets aside all caution and asks Yoonoh for an answer, Yoonoh says “I like you“, and this time it’s Yoonoh who takes the initiatve and kisses Taein.
The next day, however, their relationship faces a first crisis as Yoonoh feels overwhelmed by his feelings for Taein. He doesn’t open the door and doesn’t reply to Taein’s messages, but when he realizes that he has fallen back to what he calls “cowardice“, he goes to find Taein on the roof terrace.
In an argument that can be called fierce, compared to the gentle, cautious way they usually communicate in, Yoonoh admits that he has experienced a lot of disappointments and is therefore scared of a close relationship. The hug that concludes their argument feels like one of the most honest and beautiful BL confessions, and so their first crisis actually lifts their relationship to a higher level.
The final episode has our boys talking openly, smiling, flirting and kissing, and I admit I felt utterly happy for Yoonoh when he says “I’m not scared any more“.
Their final dialog made me even happier as it hints at the possibility of a second season, and honestly, I’d love to see these boys again.
Taein: “This is our own season 1 ending.“
Yoonoh: “Is there a season 2?“
Taein: “Curious?“
Yoonoh: “Yes.“
Taein: “Then I’ll let you know tomorrow.“
Guys, you said it! I’ll be waiting.
This is not just a BL series – it’s a true-to-life coming out and coming of age story that is brilliantly executed – no artificial drama, none of the sometimes annoying BL tropes, no unnecessary side characters. Kudos to the writer who manages to create dialogs that are natural and poetic at the same time, and which display the two boys’ characters in a most relatable way.
Kudos also to the person who cast Kim Hangeul and Lee Jae Sung for their roles. They are cute, that’s true, but cute in a very natural way. Lee Jae Sung doesn’t act like, but he is a talkative delivery boy who may knock on your door, and Kim Hangeul doesn’t act like, but is the shy, nerdy boy who may live in the small apartment next door.
A chamber play requires actors who are able to carry the whole story, and these guys do that in an admirable way. They don’t shine with abs acquired by hundreds of hours in a gym, and their faces are the raw canvas that allows the artist to paint whatever emotion they want to express. What a difference from the porcelain faces of many BL actors that are the product of plastic surgery!
Like the actors, who come across like young men you may meet in your neighborhood, the setting is a small apartment that could be next door to you, not a palace like in many Thai productions. The background music is exactly this – background music that doesn’t have to cover poor acting or bad writing with orchestral sound. It is as sensitive as the whole story.
Mind you, I’m not saying I don’t enjoy expensive Thai or Chinese series with beautiful boys, huge palaces and expensive cars (if the series have an interesting plot and good writing), but Korean series like “Wrong Number“ or “Delivered“ prove that low-budget productions can compete with the most bombastic, expensive series, if they are well written and acted.
Do I need to say that I loved this show? I don’t think so, and it may be on my top 15 BL series list of 2025.
