Semantic Error, a 2022 South Korean streaming television series, has gained widespread acclaim for its portrayal of a queer romance at its core. Based on the boys’ love web novel of the same name, the show tells the story of Choo Sang-woo, a precision-oriented computer science major, and Jang Jae-young, a charming design student, who initially clash but ultimately find themselves drawn to each other. Sang-woo’s exclusive credit for a group assignment leaves Jae-young without recognition, leading to petty revenge and a series of misunderstandings. As they work together on an independent video game project, they start to see beyond each other’s initial impressions and discover common ground, including a shared passion for design and a growing attraction.
The show’s narrative employs the classic “opposites attract” trope, with Sang-woo’s strictness contrasting Jae-young’s charm. As they spend more time together, Sang-woo comes to appreciate Jae-young’s genuine enthusiasm for design, while Jae-young recognizes Sang-woo’s dedication to his field. Despite their differences, the two find themselves drawn to each other’s distinct traits and develop a romantic connection.
A Still From Semantic Error (Photo: Semantic Error)
The romance between Sang-woo and Jae-young works due to the show’s careful balance of tension, misunderstandings, and reasonable explanations for their initial animosity. The actors’ believable chemistry, combined with the show’s effective use of lighting and soundtrack, makes their interactions both frustrating and attractive. Semantic Error’s focus on emotional intimacy, without relying on subtext or suggestion, is a refreshing change in the genre. This explicit representation of the couple’s emotional and physical intimacy, including a passionate kiss, is a welcome departure from the typical “will they or won’t they” drama.
In a reversal of the typical queer representation in Korean dramas, Semantic Error eschews subtlety and shows the couple’s emotional and physical intimacy openly. This explicit portrayal is a significant step forward in the growth of openly queer romances in Korean drama. As the show’s success indicates, there is a growing demand for openly queer romances, and Semantic Error is a notable example of this shift in the Korean entertainment industry.
