We know how much our audience is a fan of BLs. We see the love every day, and we’re always thrilled to create new and special content for you. So, this time, we sat down for an exclusive interview with BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave” actors Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn to give you the best insider scoop on all things BL, “Boys Be Brave”, and more.

For those who might not know, “Boys Be Brave” is an upcoming BL K-Drama based on the popular webtoon called “Roommates” by Seok Young. The webtoon received immense love from readers for its simple yet meaningful storyline and art, adorned with characters that felt relatable and heart-fluttering at the same time.

Years after its serialization, the webtoon got picked up for a K-Drama adaptation, helmed by director Lim HyunHee of “Our Dating Sim” fame and emerging writer Lee SinWon. This BL K-Drama is called “Boys Be Brave” – telling the story of three friends who are falling deeper and deeper in love yet are unable to confess, and one young man who is the complete opposite and opens up his heart at once.

As such, the drama will feature two couples – JinWoo & KiSub on the one hand and Sunny and InHo on the other.

KiSub is a handsome and popular boy next door who moves into his friend JinWoo’s house! You see, he is curious about JinWoo, who likes him but does not confess to him.

A playful push and pull begins when JinWoo reveals that despite having a crush on KiSub, he’s totally not his type. What does KiSub do? If you're curious, find out when "Boys Be Brave" airs in April. Trust us, you do not want to miss this!

From watching this couple bicker to witnessing their domestic bliss, “Boys Be Brave” assures a memorable experience that will make you want to confess to your crush too!

Then, we have Sunny – a bright and optimistic part-timer whose life is turned upside down when his friend from high school, InHo appears in front of him after a long time.

After an unexpected encounter, InHo moved abroad to study but can't forget Sunny. So, he returns abruptly and asks Sunny to go out with him. However, Sunny rejects his advances until InHo pleads with him to go on just three dates.

As these young men navigate their feelings for each other and come to terms with their own hearts, a gentle romance blooms that will satisfy all your BL needs.

JinWoo and KiSub are played by rookie actors Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn, whereas Sunny and InHo are played by Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin, also fresh faces in the industry.

Kpopmap had the chance to visit the filming set of the BL drama “Boys Be Brave”, interview the cast and production team behind the scenes, and play some fun games with the actors – which you can see on our YouTube channel very soon!

With the refreshing earnestness of newcomers who are eager to show their potential to a global audience, all four actors had a lot to share with fans through our interview. They were also unbelievably kind to our staff on set, which just makes them even more endearing.

In this article, we’ll be sharing our conversation with the JinWoo and KiSub couple, that is, actors Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn, followed by Part 2, where we speak to Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin!

So, if this is your first time getting to know Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn, look no further than this interview to find out all you need to know about these young stars! Let’s get into it!

Hello. I am Kim SungHyen, who plays the role of JinWoo in “Boys Be Brave”. Nice to meet you.
Kim SungHyen
Hello, I am Nam SiAn, who plays the role of KiSub in “Boys Be Brave”. ^^
Nam SiAn

“Boys Be Brave” is both Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn’s first BL K-Drama. We were curious about why both actors chose this project and their answers were as impressive as we expected.

The solid storyline and well-developed characters were appealing. While challenging myself to the new genre of BL, I felt that I could showcase various aspects of myself.
Kim SungHyen
When I looked beyond the characteristics of the BL genre and focused on the storyline of the script, it was excellent. When I first met the director, she had a profound understanding of the work, which made me confident and willing to choose it.
Nam SiAn

The actors’ answers are reflections of the fact that BL, and Korean BL dramas in particular, are rising in popularity not just as a niche genre among a limited audience but also as a significant medium for expression and representation of queer relationships in the mainstream. Beyond the fact of being a BL, K-Dramas like “Boys Be Brave” tell innately human stories that anyone can relate to and feel comforted by.

Specifically, in the case of “Boys Be Brave”, the drama is a plot-driven story, but its real charm lies in its characters. Let’s allow the actors to introduce their characters themselves, shall we? It might reveal some aspects that we didn’t even notice at first glance! Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn also went into detail about how their own personalities are similar to or different from their characters' dispositions.

JinWoo is a character with a perfectionist tendency who lives his life according to the plan he has set for himself. However, one day, he falls for KiSub, who is totally his opposite and who he believes is not suitable for him, and starts to be swayed by him. Eventually, he reaches a point where he denies his own feelings. In reality, there are aspects of my personality that are similar and others that are different (from JinWoo). Basically, I share a similar disposition of being cynical, thoughtful, and experiencing inner conflicts. However, I am different from the image (JinWoo's) of being indecisive or having difficulty revealing one's true feelings in front of someone specific. That's because speaking sincerely is not difficult for me.
Kim SungHyen

In the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave”, JinWoo is a perfectionist who dreams of having the perfect relationship with the perfect partner. He even has an ideal type checklist. We were curious about Kim SungHyen’s thoughts about his character’s hopes for such perfect love and if such a thing can even exist in real life. We also asked the actor about the kind of love he wants and his ideal type.

I don't consider this kind of love as perfect love. I don't wish for love as a specific form. Despite being a practical and realistic person, I believe in destiny and romance, especially when it comes to love. I just love the act of loving. I hope for someone who is my "most intimate person”.
Kim SungHyen

In the beginning, KiSub shows a one-dimensional clumsiness, but as the story progresses, he learns to express his own emotions and find his identity. KiSub dislikes complicated emotions and situations, so he often portrays a positive image. I feel that within me, there are similarities with his clumsiness and the tendency to express positivity towards others.
Nam SiAn

As you can tell, both the actors and the characters they portray are incredibly unique, distinct, and special in their own way. For instance, JinWoo might appear uptight and judgmental, but he just finds it hard to accept his own feelings and open up. Similarly, KiSub may seem like just another good-looking popular guy who has to get what he wants, but he is actually a gentle soul who wants to be loved.

The characters are not only well-written but also imbued with deep meaning and emotion. Portraying such characters requires effort, nuance, and detail that could not have been easy to achieve. We assume this includes thorough discussions with the director to convey her vision, taking care of one's health and skin to bring out the most shining visuals, and so much more. On this, both Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn shared their respective approaches to playing their characters, including challenges faced and more.

Before the shoot, I had many discussions with the director about character development. There were aspects of JinWoo's personality that I personally found hard to accept, but the director provided clear guidance, and I trusted and followed it well. Since JinWoo might not be a character commonly seen or easily empathized with, I focused on delivering him as a "believable" character to the audience. I approached JinWoo as a character slightly younger than his actual age to make him more relatable. I typically don't engage in ad-libs on set.
Kim SungHyen
It was challenging to change my tone of voice, different from my natural voice, to portray the character. I think I went to the dermatologist almost every week for the first time. I believed that having clear skin would serve as the basis for portraying (KiSub’s) handsomeness. Also, on set, the director, hair and makeup team, and costume team did a great job of making KiSub look handsome and charming!
Nam SiAn

If you were friends with your characters in real life, what love advice would you give them?

[To JinWoo] You're not perfect either.
Kim SungHyen
[To KiSub] I would advise him to follow his heart without worry and go and confess! Don't let go!
Nam SiAn

What about your own confession style?

I am the direct type.
Kim SungHyen
I am the direct type!
Nam SiAn

Alexa, play ‘JIKJIN’ by TREASURE!

Jokes aside, seeing how the actors brought their characters to life, we were even more curious about the filming process and if there were any memorable scenes or outtakes on set.

There's a scene in the drama where I have to get on a train. It had a strange thrill because there was only one chance to get on and off the train. Passengers were looking at us from inside, and I was afraid of getting on and having the door close.
Kim SungHyen
A memorable scene is the one where I slyly enter JinWoo's house saying it’s cold.
Nam SiAn

Don't these answers make you look forward to the mentioned scenes even more and wish the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave” was airing already? Are you also swooning, just thinking about how JinWoo and KiSub’s chemistry and longing will transpire on our screens? Well, apparently, it wasn’t that difficult for the actors to get along well for their chemistry to develop in the drama because they’re all around the same age.

At first, naturally, there was some awkwardness and parts where we were adjusting, but as time went on and we faced challenges together, we became close and got along well. SungHyen is also a very good friend, so I think we matched well. Before the reading, we (the cast) met, had meals together, drank coffee, and built friendship.
Nam SiAn

After working together for so long with co-actors, the production team, staff members, and more, we can imagine goodbye must have been difficult. So, the actors shared some words for everyone who worked together on “Boys Be Brave”.

It was a great time because I was able to work with great staff and actors. We will meet again. The director was a humane and friendly director who communicated well with the actors.
Kim SungHyen
During our time together, the staff and actors listened to me a lot and took great care of me, so parting with them is truly regrettable.
Nam SiAn

Nam SiAn further shared how he would be spending his daily life once filming was complete.

First of all, I want to get the sleep I've been putting off at home!!
Nam SiAn

Finally, the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave” is coming soon, so let’s hear about the points to look forward to in the upcoming BL K-Drama!

I think the points of interest lie in how JinWoo, who is meticulous in every aspect, and KiSub, who goes with the flow, change for each other and how the characters' actions and emotions change. Also, KiSub's endless aegyo attack on JinWoo could be one more fun point!! ^^
Nam SiAn

We cannot wait to see the heart-fluttering and butterfly-inducing charms of JinWoo and KiSub. All the hard work the actors and the team have put into this work will surely be repaid with much love and attention from fans all over the world.

To conclude this interview, Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn had a few words for fans who are looking forward to the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave”.

We worked hard. Please show a lot of interest.
Kim SungHyen
Firstly, four of our male actors, each with different charms, are taking on their first BL drama challenge. As the four of us come together, I think our characters blend exceptionally well in every scene. People with charms that you can't find anywhere else have gathered here, so it's a must-watch!! Surely, you'll find yourself watching it two or three times ^^, so please show lots of love to "Boys Be Brave"! And Happy New Year, thank you!
Nam SiAn

"Boys Be Brave" premieres on April 25. You can watch it on Viki.

Will you be watching "Boys Be Brave"? We know we'll be tuning in this spring!

Is your drama watchlist ready for April? If not, don't worry. We are here to help you make your selection for the new month.

Make sure to check out our K-Drama recommendations list, as well. Let's have a look at the web dramas streaming this month.

Here is a selection of 4 web dramas streaming in April not to forget to watch. (This list only includes web dramas).

Note: Web dramas starting on the final days of March have been included as they will air throughout April.

 

1. "Please Teach Me"

When: From March 29

Cast: Lee SangMin, Park HyeongSeop

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: The lovely story of DoYoon, an ace acting student, and SiWoo, a famous idol actor, who cross paths in an acting workshop class.

Why look forward to it?: This drama stands out from other BLs because it takes on a unique format. The drama will be made up of multiple episodes in vertical format (in the format of reels) and thus be that much more accessible to K-BL fans as they can watch the drama more easily on their phones. On top of the unique format, fans are also looking forward to seeing Park HyeongSeop on screen again after the success of "Jun & Jun" and Lee SangMin after his last drama "Why R U?", too.

 

2. "Love Is Like A Cat"

When: From April 1

Cast: Mew Suppasit, JUST B's GeonU, JUST B's JM, Kim KyoungSeok

Genre: BL, Romance, Comedy

Summary: "Love Is Like A Cat" is a Thai-Korean romance between P'Uno, who has trauma because of dogs and is now scared of animals, and Lee DaeByeol, who is working as the director of a dog kindergarten and his employee JiMin.

Why look forward to it?: Not only are BL fans looking forward to the crossover between K-BL and Thai BL, especially with this star-studded cast, but fans have been raving about how unique the storyline is, too. Many are ready to get their cheeks hurting from laughing and smiling too hard whilst watching this comedy.

 

3. "Gray Shelter"

When: From April 11

Cast: Lee JaeBin, Jang WooYoung

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: Cha SooHyuk is focused only on his survival, without any grand goal. He reunites with Lee YoonDae, who he was very close with. YoonDae was living with his girlfriend but now has nowhere to go. They end up living together.

Why look forward to it?: Many are looking forward to seeing Lee JaeBin on screen again after his successful acting in "Choco Milk Shake". The behind-the-scenes stills of the drama have also shown a lot of chemistry between the characters even ahead of the drama's release, raising anticipation.

 

4. "Boys Be Brave"

When: From April 25

Cast: Kim SungHyen, Nam SiAn, Jung YeoJun, Ahn SeMin

Genre: BL, Romance, Youth

Summary: JinWoo, is a young man who finds himself living with his crush, KiSub, who entered his home uninvited and crashed on his couch for a little too long. The narrative also explores the relationship between Sunny and InHo, who hold onto a secret from their high school days.

Why look forward to it?: Not only is the cast of this BL drama being praised for their all-around handsome visuals and visual chemistry, but the drama is being highly anticipated by fans of the webtoon it is based on. Not to mention that the director, Lim HyunHee, is also the director of the hit K-BL drama "Our Dating Sim" which guarantees the entertainment factor of this drama.

Which web drama will you be adding to your Korean web drama watchlist for April? 

Is your crush acting hot and cold? Are they playing hard to get? What they're doing is called "mildang" in Korean. Let's learn the meaning of "mildang".

"밀당" (mil-dang) is a Korean term used to describe someone's behavior when they intentionally create a "push and push" dynamic with someone else. One minute, they are pursuing you and showing their feelings, and the next, they are holding back their interest and distancing themselves. It is usually used in the context of romantic relationships and flirting.

To better understand the meaning of "mildang", check out the sentence below:

내 남자친구가 항상 나를 밀당하는 것 같아.

Nae namjachinguga hangsang nareul mildanghaneun geot gata.

Meaning: It seems like my boyfriend is always playing hard to get with me.

In the upcoming BL K-Drama "Boys Be Brave" (directed by "Our Dating Sim" director Lim HyunHee and produced by the producer of "Move To Heaven"), the story revolves around the "mildang" of 2 couples who are stuck between confessing their feelings and holding back.

JinWoo (Kim SungHyen) starts living with his friend KiSub (Nam SiAn). He likes him but won't confess to him, which intrigues KiSub even more. On the other hand, Sunny (Jung YeoJun) is asked to go on just 3 dates by InHo (Ahn Semin). The series depicts their romantic comedy, portraying the cute and agonizing push-and-pull of unconfessed love.

"Boys Be Brave" premieres on April 25, and you can watch it on Viki.