I’ve been having a rather terrible streak with South Korean BLs lately. Given that the ratings Semantic Error were pretty high, I naturally went in with high expectations for this one.

The main characters are fairly compelling as individuals. (Mercurial extrovert meets an uncompromising stickler for orderliness.) This clever trick of ‘opposites attract’ never gets old because 1) it makes for mildly amusing exchanges and 2) it creates some wonderful tension that builds up to spicier scenes.

As with many other characters in Asian BLs, Sangwoo struggles with his feelings and finds it challenging to express words of affection. To understand the shifts taking place in his heart, it is necessary to read between the lines. He doesn’t say “I’ve missed you”, he goes to see the person he adores the most and waits for them. He doesn’t say “I think I feel the same,” but initiates a kiss instead.

The pair is likeable precisely because they have so many tender moments of endearment like these. Each character subtly changes their behaviour to accommodate the other in their life. And that is how the wonderful, slow creep into romance begins.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/03/15/semantic-error-2022-review-when-eccentric-geek-meets-quirky-designer/