Romance Drama Unfolds as Kim Hyang-gi's Secret BL Novel is Exposed in 'The Absolute Value of Romance'

Kim Hyang-gi faces a crisis in 'The Absolute Value of Romance' as her secret BL (Boys' Love) novel is discovered by Cha Hak-yeon.

In episodes 5 and 6 of the Coupang Play series 'The Absolute Value of Romance', released on the 24th, Yeojoo (played by Kim Hyang-gi) finds herself in a bind after being caught in the 'glasses incident' and is forced to enroll in an after-school math class, deepening her unfortunate connection with Ga Woo-soo (played by Cha Hak-yeon). To make matters worse, Ga Woo-soo discovers her secret of writing a BL novel.

In episode 5, Yeojoo is seen smiling contentedly as she realizes her BL novel is gaining popularity. However, her happiness is short-lived as she is blackmailed by Ga Woo-soo due to the glasses incident, forcing her to join a math class she has no interest in. During the class, Yeojoo falls asleep, prompting Ga Woo-soo to assign her math problems as punishment.

That night, Yeojoo spends time with friends and neglects her homework. The next day, Ga Woo-soo confronts her, expressing his disappointment: "I expected you to at least try solving one problem and apologize sincerely. I didn't think you were this hopeless." Inspired by his harsh words, Yeojoo comes up with a new idea for her novel and immerses herself in writing at the school library. Just as she uploads her manuscript, she senses someone behind her—it's Ga Woo-soo, who seizes her laptop and discovers her pen name, Lee Mook.

In episode 6, Yeojoo's secret is fully exposed. Despite her denial, Ga Woo-soo quickly realizes that the characters in her novel are based on him and their teachers. Yeojoo apologizes, saying she wrote it because she liked the chemistry between the teachers, but Ga Woo-soo demands she stop the serialization and delete all chapters immediately.

Yeojoo pleads, even kneeling, insisting she can't delete her work, and tries to persuade him with tears. Moved by her desperation, Ga Woo-soo gives her an ultimatum: "Delete it by tomorrow or bring your parents." Later, Ga Woo-soo finds himself amused as he struggles to separate the novel's content from reality.

The next day, Yeojoo approaches Ga Woo-soo again, trying to change his mind, but he remains firm. Unexpectedly, Ga Woo-soo proposes a new condition: "Why am I not the protagonist?" He demands to be made the main character of the novel. A new rule is established between them: either delete the novel or continue writing with him as the protagonist, subject to his approval.

Yeojoo is left in deep contemplation over her next chapter. As the serialization is delayed, Ga Woo-soo continues to pressure her, and Yeojoo tries to avoid him. Eventually, she completes the manuscript and submits it for Ga Woo-soo's review, but he critiques every aspect, from plot to character depiction, demanding revisions.

Frustrated, Yeojoo devises a clever plan: she decides to secretly upload the original manuscript instead of the revised one shown to Ga Woo-soo. The outcome of Yeojoo's decision and the evolving relationship between the two, now sharing a secret, draws anticipation for the next developments.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr