Exploring India for Three Months: A Couple’s Journey and the Unexpected Lack of Events

After finishing the movie, I reached out to a long-time friend whom I have known for over a decade. I inquired, “Have you seen ‘Love in the Big City’? It brings me back to our university experiences.” Since graduation, she has returned to her hometown for work and is preparing for her upcoming marriage. I took the opportunity to ask her directly, “What significance does having a gay friend hold for you?” Her response echoed a sentiment from the film: “It’s like having a friend who remains constant, allowing me to embrace my true self.”

She elaborated, “With my same-sex friends who lead similar lifestyles, our conversations revolve around topics like in-laws and plans for raising kids. However, during my interactions with my gay friend, I find that I’m discussing my own feelings and experiences, which I really appreciate.” She reflected on how, when she started dating her fiancé, it mattered to her whether he could accept her gay friend. She made a point to introduce me to him right at the start of their relationship, inviting me to their home to meet.

Memorable Moments Shared Between a Gay Man and a Woman

Our friendship truly flourished in 2014 during our backpacking journey to India, a destination known for its challenging travel experiences. For over three months, we shared rooms and spent our saved money on an occasional extra beer, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventure without any awkwardness or discomfort. Rather than viewing each other through a romantic lens, we had the freedom to discuss our individual challenges. She aimed to have a trip that felt safe and enjoyable, while I was focused on capturing stunning landscapes in photos. This unique combination of a gay man and a woman made us ideal travel companions, enabling us to fulfill our respective goals while honoring each other’s boundaries.

After she moved away from Seoul, I would often text her, “Do you miss Seoul?” I wondered whether she was genuinely happy living outside the hustle of a big city. I expected her to respond with something like “I wish I could return to Seoul,” similar to singer Lee Hyori’s sentiments during her time on Jeju Island in a variety show. However, she responded without any hesitation, “I’m much happier than I was in Seoul.”

The reason behind my inquiries stemmed from my own apprehension about leaving the city. There’s a prevalent notion that LGBTQ+ individuals must reside in Seoul, as it acts as a safe haven for people like us. This theme is also a significant aspect of “Love in the Big City.”

Living in the Big City

The film is inspired by the short story “Jae-hee” from the collection “Love in the Big City” by Park Sang-young, published in 2019. The main character, Jae-hee, is depicted as a “free-spirited woman,” unbothered by societal judgments and eager to explore her romantic journey.

Conversely, Heung-soo, the gay character, grapples with his inability to blend in with male groups, often feeling like an outsider. A pivotal moment occurs when Jae-hee witnesses Heung-soo sharing a kiss with a man in Itaewon, leading the two to gradually accept each other’s vulnerabilities and grow closer as friends. Their bond truly develops when they start living together out of necessity.

The film effectively captures many elements from the original story, but it notably presents a more balanced exploration of the two main characters’ lives. While the book primarily showcased Heung-soo’s perspective, the film alternates between the experiences of both protagonists from their twenties into their early thirties. The relatable scenarios faced by both a young woman and a gay man enhance their solidarity and engage viewers.

Their ability to forge a deeper connection stems from not just youthful enthusiasm, but also from their shared experiences as societal minorities. Within the stark realities of the bustling city, they intuitively understood the necessity of supporting one another. Even when Jae-hee encountered dating violence or faced an unanticipated pregnancy leading to an abortion, it was Heung-soo who remained by her side through it all.

Heung-soo dealt with his challenges as well, such as coming out to his mother, military service, and chasing his dreams. Both characters willingly provided support amidst these difficulties, which solidified their friendship. “Love in the Big City” wonderfully narrates the journey of two outcasts, successfully meeting the expectations of both women’s and queer cinema.

Marketing Strategies: A Critical Look

An important character in the film is the city itself—Seoul. The narratives of those not central to the plot unfold amidst the vibrant gay clubs of Itaewon and the rundown multi-unit apartments near universities. The emotional dynamics of the main characters starkly contrast against the glitter and isolation of urban living, depicting that life in a metropolis can feel elusive, much like the fleeting connections made in clubs. The stellar performances of lead actors Kim Go-eun and Noh Sang-hyun were particularly noteworthy, especially Noh Sang-hyun, who crafted a nuanced character without solely relying on stereotypical portrayals of a “gay” persona.

Despite its achievements as a commercially successful queer film, its marketing strategy is often criticized. Efforts to downplay the queer themes in trailers and advertisements before its release left many fans of the original work feeling disappointed.

In a memorable line from the film, Jae-hee asks Heung-soo, “How can being yourself be a weakness?” Yet, in reality, it illustrates a bittersweet irony—that being yourself can indeed be seen as a vulnerability. This situation reflects a societal failure to recognize that neglecting to categorize queer content as such is also a form of exclusion. Queer cinema should never be viewed as a liability; instead, unlike typical commercial films, positive word-of-mouth from appreciative audiences can significantly impact its box office performance.

Even with a marketing approach that risks undermining the viewing experience, the film’s messages resonate powerfully with its audience. I spoke with a female friend with whom I watched the film, asking her, “What resonated with you the most?” She responded, “I felt proud that we’re living in the same era as the characters.”

The film offers a comforting perspective, assuring Jae-hee and Heung-soo, who exist within this contemporary landscape, that they have thrived so far and will continue to do so as time goes on. This was true when the novel was first published, and the film serves as a mirror reflecting new avenues of love found in the bustling city.