Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (5)

In the quiet, everyday world of a Chinese restaurant, delivery boy Soon-ho finds his life upended by a single, serendipitous encounter. On his very first delivery, he meets Yu-jin at the door, and it’s an instant, heart-stopping connection—a secret crush that soon becomes the center of his world. As Soon-ho begins to make frequent deliveries to Yu-jin’s apartment, his shy smiles and lingering glances speak volumes, but the feeling may not be mutual. When Yu-jin discovers Soon-ho’s sexuality, the atmosphere shifts from tentative sweetness to painful uncertainty. This intimate South Korean short film lays bare the raw vulnerability of a young gay man navigating love, acceptance, and the fear of rejection in a society that often turns a blind eye. With tender, observational storytelling and a hauntingly real performance, *The Turning Road* captures the agony and hope of a love that might never be returned—a poignant snapshot of queer longing and the courage it takes to simply show up at someone’s door.

Romance

Cast

Short Film

Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

6.1

out of 10

577

433

1011

866

labcat

February 2024

8/10

I appreciate how this short film refuses to be a typical BL fantasy. It’s uncomfortable and real, and that’s exactly why it works. Yu-jin’s character is frustratingly opaque, but I think that’s deliberate – he represents the wall of silence and fear that queer people face. Not a happy ending, but an honest one.

her_cinematic_eye

March 2025

5/10

The intentions are good and the lead actor does a decent job, but the direction is far too sluggish. The slow pacing and long takes don’t build tension – they just make the 15 minutes feel like 30. I wanted to connect with the story, but the shallow character development and lack of closure left me cold. There are better queer shorts out there.

queer_analysis

December 2024

7/10

As a social value analyst, I found this short incredibly valuable for depicting the quiet terror of being outed in a society that punishes difference. The scene where the woman taunts Soon-ho while Yu-jin stands by silently is a masterclass in showing complicity. It’s not easy to watch, but it’s necessary. The nudity is uncomfortable, which is the point.

hopeful_romantic

January 2025

4/10

I came for a sweet romance and got a punch in the gut. The chemistry between the leads is barely there because Yu-jin is so cold. I get the realism, but I watch BL to escape, not to feel depressed. The ending just left me angry. If you want a love story, skip this.

indie_short_fan

October 2023

6/10

The cinematography has a certain DIY charm – handheld, natural light, claustrophobic framing that echoes Soon-ho’s emotional trap. But the editing is choppy and the sound design is flat. A worthwhile watch for the central performance, but the technical flaws keep it from being great.