Love in the Big City- (Final) Episode 8
Episode 8 of Love in the Big City takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, splitting its narrative between a wistful flashback to Go Yeong’s past trip to Bangkok with Gyu-ho and his present-day trip with William, highlighting the complexities of love, loneliness, and self-discovery.
The episode begins in Bangkok, where Yeong finds himself alone as William is tied up with work meetings. Tired of the recurring loneliness that seems to follow him no matter the city, Yeong reflects on his vibrant yet bittersweet trip to Bangkok with Gyu-ho.
The Bangkok Flashback: A Love That Burned Bright and Brief
In vivid flashbacks, Yeong recalls the highs and lows of his time with Gyu-ho. The trip starts on a light note—an upgrade to a luxury suite due to a curtain malfunction and fun-filled sightseeing. Yet, even amidst the joy, Yeong’s internal struggles with being HIV-positive linger. While picking up his medication, he notices Gyu-ho casually browsing condoms but not buying them, a stark reminder of their differing realities.
When a sudden rainstorm drenches their plans, tempers flare. Yeong, frustrated by the situation, lashes out at Gyu-ho, but Gyu-ho’s response is unexpected: he lies down in the rain, basking in the moment. Reluctantly, Yeong joins him, caught off guard when Gyu-ho admits that he’s happy, even in the chaos.
Seeking shelter in a shady hotel, they confront the elephant in the room—their faltering sex life. For the first and only time, they have sex without condoms, a moment filled with raw vulnerability but also resignation. The rain doesn’t wash away their hot-and-cold dynamic; it follows them to the club that night, where a passionate kiss briefly reignites hope. Gyu-ho reassures Yeong that despite their fights, they’ll always make up, but Yeong fears the reality waiting for them back home.
The Present in Bangkok: A Glimpse of Something Familiar
Back in the present, Yeong is still playful and flirtatious with William, who shows up to whisk him away for dinner. They drink and flirt at the bar, with Yeong marveling at William’s wealth and indulgence. The mood shifts when William shares a haunting story about temporarily losing his eyesight and how he now photographs every hotel ceiling as a way to cling to his vision.
Later, Yeong finds William slumped in the shower, his phone buzzing with missed calls from family. They crash, missing the fireworks they’d planned to watch, and Yeong leaves a heartfelt note behind. In it, he admits that while he wishes he could comfort William, his feelings are rooted in familiarity, not love. He reflects on how he once had true love with Gyu-ho but didn’t realize it at the time.
Back to Seoul: Closing Old Chapters
Returning to Seoul, Yeong moves out of his cramped apartment with Eun-soo’s help. Before leaving, he sprays perfume and leaves a rose on the windowsill, a small tribute to the memories he shared there with Gyu-ho. In his new, nearly empty apartment, Yeong is joined by his friends for a rooftop drink. The boys banter and bicker, their camaraderie offering a brief escape from the weight of Yeong’s introspection.
As fireworks light up the night sky, Yeong reflects on his habit of preserving failed relationships as perfect love in his novels. He once believed writing would teach him how to love, but he realizes he’s still learning what love truly means.
A Flashback of Love and Loss
In a poignant flashback to the Chinese New Year, Yeong and Gyu-ho write their wishes on a sky lantern. Midway, their lantern burns and crashes into the river—a symbolic echo of their turbulent relationship. Yeong blames himself for crossing out his wishes too many times, tearing the lantern, but one wish remains: Gyu-ho. To him, love is all he ever wanted. Gyu-ho, unbothered by the failed lantern, simply holds Yeong’s hand, embodying the love Yeong struggled to see.
As Episode 8 closes, Yeong watches fireworks with his friends, caught between the fragments of his past and the glimmers of hope in his present. It’s a tender, bittersweet chapter that reminds us love isn’t always perfect—but it’s worth fighting for.
DramaZen's Opinion
Episode 8 of Love in the Big City hit me right in the feels. Yeong’s trip to Bangkok—both in the past with Gyu-ho and the present with William—was so beautifully bittersweet. The flashbacks with Gyu-ho were raw and emotional, especially that rainy street scene and the doomed sky lantern. It’s heartbreaking to watch Yeong realize too late that he had real love with Gyu-ho, but that’s what makes it so relatable.
William brought a different kind of energy, and I loved the subtle way the show explored his struggles. His story about losing his eyesight was so poignant, and I couldn’t help but feel for him when Yeong decided to leave. That note Yeong left was just the right mix of bittersweet and hopeful.
The rooftop scene back in Seoul was such a lovely way to end the episode. Watching Yeong reconnect with his friends and reflect on his past relationships felt like a step forward for him, even as he admitted he still has so much to learn about love. Episode 8 was heartfelt, messy, and totally captivating—exactly why I love this show.
