Program Note
The theatrical version of My Beautiful Man, which has many fans domestically, depicts the mid-20s of Kiyoi and Hira. Kiyoi has become a popular young actor, while Hira works as an assistant to a university graduate and a photographer. The two of them continue their lives together in a stable romantic relationship, but Hira’s adoration for Kiyoi remains unchanged. He takes on all the household chores to make Kiyoi feel comfortable. However, Kiyoi is somewhat saddened by Hira’s attitude, which is more like worship and admiration than love. Kiyoi hopes that Hira will take pictures of him, but Hira firmly believes that he isn’t a appropriate one to take.
Regardless one’s familiarity with the BL genre’s conventions, it is enjoyable to witness the shining youth of their twenties as they find confidence and certainty in themselves, and learn how to love their partners better. Through giving and receiving mutual affection instead of one-sided devotion, their relationship is redefined, and enters a more mature phase, moving towards “eternal love”. (KIM Sukyun)