Summary
“Love and Leashes” is a Korean romantic comedy, released in 2022, that takes a different approach to the genre by exploring BDSM—specifically a consensual submissive-dominant relationship set in a typical Korean office. Directed by Park Hyun-jin, and put into film from the popular webtoon “Moral Sense” by Gyeoul, the movie offers a refreshing comedic take on trust, consent, boundaries, and non-normative relationships as society views them.
The movie focuses on two main characters: Jung Ji-hoo (Lee Jun-young) and Jung Ji-woo (Seohyun). Both work at the same company, and have strictly professional commusication until a delivery mix up in their office leads to shocking twists. Ji-woo mistakenly receives a package meant for Ji-hoo, which contains a dog collar. The package’s contents expose Ji-hoo’s less known secret: he is a submissive in restraits BDSM and dog role play.
At first Ji-woo is shocked to make a discovery about Ji-hoo, but she does not mock or dismiss Ji-hoo unlike others. Ji-hoo, feeling flustered by the incident, reveals that he does wish to engage in a dominant-submissive relationship with someone who respects the boundaries and rules of such a relationship. To his surprise, Ji-woo considers taking on the role of his dominatrix—or “Master”— and the two decide to explore the terms of their relationship through the lens of BDSM, beginning an experimental, relationship based on the principles of safe, sane, and consensual BDSM.
The film captures the ever-changing dynamics of their relationship. Firstly, their arrangement does not include sexual activities, however Ji-woo’s emotional intimacy does seem to grow every time they interact. Ji-woo undertook her role, embracing the research with Gwendolyn as she learned how to be a Dominatrix and gradually adopting the tender side of a Dominion. Ji-hoo, perpetuating submissive roles in patriarchal narratives, displays astonishing vulnerable emotions and initiative, thereby challenging romantic storytelling’s gendered portrayals.
The couple faces a wide array of other insecurities, workplace relationships, and the societal judgment are some of the boundaries the couple must face on the outside. With sharp emotional tension, clashes filled with awkward laughter, deep discomfort and even deeper discomfort surface in the characters’ exploration of their lives entwined with their desires.
Ultimately, Love and Leashes is not merely about sexual inclinations; rather it captures the essence of respect, self-acceptance, and how constructive dialogue can initiate a true connection between people.
Cast and Crew
Seohyun (Jung Ji-woo): The actress Seohyun plays the role of Jung Ji-woo, which is arguably her most sophisticated and adult role to date, especially considering she was a member of K-pop band Girls’ Generation. She gives a captivating portrayal of Ji Woo that incorporates elements of strength, fragility, inquisitiveness, and friendliness. This is the first time I have seen her in a movie and it seems to me that she has been given the opportunity to deal with deeper emotional and psychological issues which is really rare in her career.
Lee Jun-young (Jung Ji-hoo): Now a rising actor, Jun-young is best known as a member of the boy group U-KISS. Lee Jun-young plays Ji-hoo, a character who speaks very softly but feels extremely deeply. The portrayal of a submissive character in a BDSM setup is often quite harmful, but there is something tender about how he depicts this side of himself. A portrayal of such a submissive figure is very rarely done without condescension, so it is strikingly refreshing that he applies so much emotion and gentleness to such a neglected idea.
Director – Park Hyun-jin: We can confidently assert that Park Hyun-jin has specialized in romantic comedies because of her previous works, but with Love and Leashes she is taking a bold approach. The direction makes the film tasteful, balanced between humor and heart. Park does not sensationalize BDSM; rather, it is portrayed as an expression of intimacy that trust—not taboo—shrouds.
Screenwriter – Park Hyun-jin: The film adaptation from the webtoon features a screenplay that balances entertainment and education, ensuring the romance is realistic and emotionally sincere.
IMDb Ratings & Critical Reception
At the time of this publication in 2025, globally Love and Leashes averages a moderate 6.3/10 IMDb rating. This reception reflects mixed appreciation and hesitation contingent on the viewer’s background and exposure to BDSM, which, as indicated by the rating, is rather divisive in nature.
The film has been appreciated, some critics going as far as praising it, for its portrayal of a subculture that is often forgotten, showing deeply rooted boldness. The same praise is also given for its efforts in breaking the stigma that comes with BDSM: it being framed within a relationship that is communicative, affectionate, and layered, with all members actively consenting. Many highlight the chemistry between Seohyun and Lee Jun-young as a major strength, noting that the pair’s performances infused charm and authenticity into the material, elevating it past its superficial novelty.
However, some viewers feel that the film fails to complexities of BDSM relationships — both psychological and erotic — choosing to maintain a PG-13 rating level of intimacy. This may have been a narrative choice aimed at widening the target demographic the story is accessible to, avoiding extremes of sensationalism. Others argue that the film, softened in numerous aspects, feels overly sanitized.
The film may lack in some aspects, but its boldness in addressing topics not frequently seen in filings from East Asian cinema is commendable. Not limiting itself to comedy or romance, the film focuses more on character and narrative, exploring the themes of acceptance, embracing vulnerability, and being one’s self without the restraints of judgment.
Conclusion
Out of the expansive list of romantic comedies, Love and Leashes uniquely stands out due to its bold approach and its stunning maturity. The film tackles the issues of humor and power exchange with an insightful approach, making it possible to teach and entertain while destigmatizing discussions on alternative relationships.
This is not a love story in the conventional sense, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Accompanied by strong performances from its leads, tasteful direction, and an undercurrent of raw emotion, Love and Leashes reexamines the need for critical reflection on the notions of love, desire, and identity in relationships in contemporary society.
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