South Korea initially didn’t start making numerous Korean BL dramas and movies once the Boys’ Love genre began to soar in popularity. However, in contrast to other nations in the area, interest in and popularity of the Korean BL series have just recently grown. As a result, around 2020 and 2021, a wave of brand-new drama series will be released.
Due to their excellent production standards and captivating plotlines, Korean BL dramas have become quite famous among BL enthusiasts. The relationships are pretty pleasant and pure, despite the fact that they have a tendency to be a little more culturally conservative. The plays also frequently have brief runs, which makes it simple to finish them all at once.
Where Your Eyes Linger. #Kdrama #koreanbl #whereyoureyeslinger #너의시선이머무는곳에 pic.twitter.com/qr1dZIeTem
— BL Critic (@BLcritic) August 19, 2022
Although the BL genre was created in Japan through manga and anime, it has now gained popularity in various Asian nations, including Thailand, China, Taiwan, and Korea. Along the process, more people are advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ people due to the normalization of the male-to-male love story. If you’re a lover of K dramas and want to try out the genre, these are the top Korean BL dramas and movies to stream.
Historical Korean BL Dramas & Movies:
1. Tinted With You (2021)
- Director: Ha Na
- Writer: December-I, Kim Yong-gyu
- Cast: Park Jun-Hee, Hyun Woo Yoo, Tae Jung Kim
- IMDb Ratings: 6.3
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki, Apple Tv
- Genre: Historical Drama
Tinted With You Plot:
A classic BL series from South Korea is called Tinted With You. A high school student who serves as the main character is miraculously transferred to the feudal era.
He finds an exiled prince and his dedicated bodyguard while perplexed by his circumstances. Living together, the three protagonists become involved in a love triangle.
Tinted With You Review:
Tinted With You‘s idea has ambition and originality, yet the narrative is confusing. There isn’t enough time to fully develop the personalities, the narrative, or the romance. Even if the BL content is occasionally interesting, the clunky storyline of this historical drama disappoints me.
2. Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding (2021)
- Director: Park Gun Ho
- Writer: Jang HyeSu, Kim SeulgKi
- Cast: Kang In Soo, Sejin Lee, Eui-soo Jang
- IMDb Ratings: 6.5
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Historical Drama
Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding Plot:
Since historical black-and-white dramas are quite uncommon, Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding’s distinctive setting is one of its most vital selling points. The narrative starts on the day of a planned wedding, but the fleeing bride has second thoughts about being married.
The bride’s brother will play her and act as though they are infatuated newlyweds in the presence of the groom’s family in an unusual arrangement.
Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding Review:
I really wanted to enjoy Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding. The performers are all well-known names that I remember from previous Korean BL dramas, and the historical backdrop and storyline are also intriguing.
Sadly, the relationship falls flat, and the plot doesn’t make the most of its enormous potential. There is much potential for development, but this program is a strong start for the genre.
3. A Crimson Mark (2004)
- Director: Hyun-Jin Park
- Writer: Hyun-Jin Park
- Cast: Dong-gyu Lee, Dae-suk Oh
- IMDb Ratings: 6.4
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Historical Drama
A Crimson Mark Review:
A charming tiny wee movie. Due to its length and constrained funding, it falls short in a number of areas, which is why I gave it a poor grade. I felt that the narrative wasn’t discussed in enough detail, and some of the scenes went on. But it’s still worth seeing.
4. A Frozen Flower (2008)
- Director: Ha Yoo
- Writer: Ha Yoo
- Cast: Zo In-sung, Ju Jin-Mo, Song Ji-Hyo
- IMDb Ratings: 7.1
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki, Amazon Prime.
- Genre: Historical Drama
A Frozen Flower Review:
Though perhaps not my cup of tea, the movie is still good. If you’re searching for genuine BL, you may wish to avoid this one because it concentrates more on the budding connection than it does the established homosexual one. I didn’t like how it came out.
Romantic Korean BL dramas & movies:
1. Where Your Eyes Linger (2020)
- Director: Hwang Da-Seul
- Writer: Hwang Da-Seul
- Cast: Seungho Cheon, Jeon Jae Yeong, Han Gi-Chan
- IMDb Ratings: 7.8
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Romance
Where Your Eyes Linger Plot:
In the Korean BL drama Where Your Eyes Linger, an affluent student and his dedicated live-in bodyguard are featured. Their strong bond grows as they work through their complex, ambiguous, and sly feelings for one another.
Where Your Eyes Linger Review:
Where Your Eyes Linger presents an intense teenage love story that is full of intense emotions despite its simple concept. The eight-episode drama that was the first broadcast was eventually collected into a movie with a few minor adjustments to the soundtrack.
2. Semantic Error (2022)
- Director: Kim Su Jeong
- Writer: Jeiseon
- Cast: Park Seoham, Jae Chan Park, Kim No-Jin
- IMDb Ratings: 8.7
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: School Romance
Semantic Error Plot:
A BL series called Semantic Error centers on two rival university students. Over a school assignment, a serious coder and a disobedient artist clash. Their hostility, which is characterized by petty jokes and heated arguments, is reaching new heights.
However, the protagonists learn that their affections for one another are far more nuanced when their vengeance begins to expire.
Semantic Error Review:
Semantic Error, a slick and fashionable drama that understands how to create an engrossing narrative, will be adored by many BL fans. The tense relationship dynamic is fueled by feisty protagonists, witty repartee, and searing chemistry, and it is packed with adrenaline. From episode after episode, this captivating story gains pace, building to an amazing finale that left me speechless.
3. You Make Me Dance (2021)
- Creator: So Joon Moon
- Cast: Hyung Hoon Won, Young Woo Chu, Gun-rak Park
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Romance
You Make Me Dance Plot:
A student dancer is the subject of the Korean BL narrative; You Make Me Dance. His odd affair with his money lender develops. You did read that correctly. He develops feelings for the man who is pursuing him for unpaid debt.
You Make Me Dance Review:
Regardless of the BL genre, this coupling between two characters from various spheres of life seems so out of the ordinary. Regrettably, I wasn’t a big fan of You Make Me Dance. The personalities were too one-dimensional, the romance was too haphazard, and the narrative was too fantastical. So, it’s tough to be sucked into this ridiculous, shoddy plot.
4. To My Star (2021)
- Director: Hwang Da-Seul
- Writer: Park Young
- Cast: Son Woo-Hyun, Kim Kang Min, Jeon Jae Yeong
- IMDb Ratings: 8.1
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Romance
To My Star Plot:
In the Korean BL drama To My Star, a well-known star goes into hiding after being the subject of public controversy. He meets his roomie, an everyday man who leads a simple, inconspicuous existence in his hideaway. A relationship develops between these two companions from quite different backgrounds as they spend more time together.
To My Star Review:
To My Star gives a well-known and enduring love story a bright, vivid twist while being carried by an animated main actor. Even if the narrative follows the expected course, it is nevertheless entertaining. Overall, the BL series has a strong, balanced feel to it.
5. To My Star 2 (2022)
- Director: Hwang Da-Seul
- Writer: Park Young
- Cast: Son Woo-Hyun, Kim Kang Min, Jeon Jae Yeong
- IMDb Ratings: 8.1
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Romance
To My Star 2 Plot:
The second season of said Korean BL series To My Star is titled To My Star 2: Our Untold Stories. The relationship between a well-known actor and a regular cook is continued in this sequel.
At the start of the narrative, the pair is no longer together. One year after their devastating breakup, the distraught main character searches for his missing ex-boyfriend for explanations.
To My Star 2 Review:
To My Star 2, which is an improvement over the first season, feels like a startling change from the straightforward first season. The follow-up has deeper backstories, more protagonist growth, and intricate relationship dynamics.
It examines a couple’s heartbreaking split with mystery, sensitivity, and strong feelings. To My Star has developed into a complex, black-lit story that takes the reader on an exciting trip.
6. My Sweet Dear (2021)
- Director: So Joon Moon
- Writer: Jang Jeo Meon
- Cast: Seung-Jun Oh, Seohu Jo, Eui-soo Jang
- IMDb Ratings: 6.7
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Romance
My Sweet Dear Plot:
A restaurant affair is the subject of the Korean black-light drama My Sweet Dear. The central protagonist is a gifted gourmet chef who struggles in the kitchen with a self-assured newbie. After some time together, they become accustomed to one another, and their unpleasant relationship turns sweet.
My Sweet Dear Review:
The arrangement of the elements in My Sweet Dear is aesthetically magnificent and chic. Regrettably, the plot is a confusing muddle, and the final two episodes drastically deteriorate. Nevertheless, with decent acting and a laid-back relationship, the series can still be saved, but don’t have high hopes for the story.
7. Ocean Likes Me (2022)
- Director: Lee Su Ji
- Writer: Team Wol Pi Dong
- Cast: Han Gi-Chan, Tae-Seob Go, Bum-jun
- IMDb Ratings: 6.4
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Romance
And the adorableness continues in Ep 6 🥹#OceanLikesMeEP6 #OceanLikesMe #오션라이크미 #kbl #koreanbl pic.twitter.com/240ttqheDD
— truko (@TheTruko) May 11, 2022
Ocean Likes Me Plot:
A restaurant on the beach seems to be the subject of the Korean BL series Ocean Likes Me. The lead character moves alone to a beach town, intending to start his udon store. However, he finds it difficult to get clients to his new company until he has a fateful encounter with a colorful free spirit. Together, they grow the business and their relationship as they go along.
Ocean Likes Me Review:
Despite the fact that fans don’t have the finest opinions on this criminally undervalued BL drama, I enjoy Ocean Likes Me. The sweet romance, interesting plot, and two outstanding leads had me hooked. Perhaps the strange conclusion detracts from it, but practically everything else is endearing and pleasant.
Other Genres Korean BL dramas & movies:
1. Color Rush (2020)
- Director: Park Sun Jae
- Writer: Park Sun Jae
- Cast: Tae-ui Hong, Hyun Jun Heo, Seo Hoo Baek
- IMDb Ratings: 7
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Mystery
Color Rush Plot:
A colorblind protagonist leads the drama, Color Rush. When the central protagonist finds his soul partner, the colors in his eyesight mysteriously return. However, this astonishing power only persists while they are close to one another.
There is a hazardous power dynamic here between the two youngsters as a result of their peculiar bond. The protagonist will soon have to face his own demons as he gives in to codependency and authority difficulties.
Color Rush Review:
Color Rush‘s original idea is amazing. This BL series takes the reader on an emotional trip that tackles a variety of psychological concepts. With a standout performance from the leading character, the tale is engrossing right away. Although the romance isn’t quite as well-developed, this interesting BL story has a lot of potential.
2. First Love Again (2022)
- Director: Kang Ho Jung
- Writer: Park Pil-joo
- Cast: Gianluca Zoppa, Po-Yu Shih, Amy Haoyu Chen
- IMDb Ratings: 8.4
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Fantasy
First Love Again Plot:
In the Korean fantasy BL serial First Love Again, a reborn man seeks out his long-lost love. The main character is a well-known novelist who still remembers his two former lives. Both times, he fell in love with the exact same woman; however, their relationship ended tragically.
The central protagonist is adamant about finding her in the current timeline. But when he learns that his old sweetheart has become a man, he is horrified.
First Love Again Review:
I’m immediately drawn in by First Love Again‘s intriguing idea. I adore this transhistorical romance’s daring and original premise. Unfortunately, the BL romance drags and doesn’t progress at a natural rate. What might have been a breathtaking love story goes empty and seems fake.
3. Kissable Lips (2022)
- Director: Yang Kyoung Hee
- Writer: Lee Yeon Joo
- Cast: Seobin Yoon, Ji Woong Kim, Jihoo Moon
- IMDb Ratings: 6.1
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Horror
Kissable Lips Plot:
A Korean vampire-themed BL drama is called Kissable Lips. A decaying vampire with decreasing health is the primary character. As per urban lore, he can only survive by ingesting a human lover’s unusual blood. Against all chances, he crosses up with someone who has this blood type, and they go on a tumultuous adventure together while forging a quick romance.
Kissable Lips Review:
Kissable Lips has good production standards, but it has an overly complicated plot and a clumsily portrayed relationship. When we don’t see anything to suggest it, the protagonists act as if they had gone on an amazing romantic adventure. As a result, the final few episodes are monotonous, absurd, and nearly unwatchable as the storyline progressively deteriorates.
4. Mr. Heart (2020)
- Director: Park Seon Jae
- Writer: Park Seon Jae
- Cast: Sejin Lee, Seungho Cheon, Shin Ae Moon
- IMDb Ratings: 7.3
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Sports Drama
Mr. Heart Plot:
A collegiate athlete who runs marathons is the subject of the drama Mr. Heart. He meets a gorgeous boy who inspires him to improve, and you can probably predict what occurs next in this happy love tale.
Mr. Heart Review:
Although this series abruptly becomes tragic in its second season, it mostly maintains a playful tone. Mr. Heart is a decent BL series with just enough enjoyable moments to sate your hunger, even though it doesn’t exactly pioneer any new ground.
5. Oh! Boarding House (2022)
- Director: Park Eun Joo
- Writer: Team Wol Pi Dong
- Cast: Sung-Kyun Im, Yong-Seok Shin, Hee Joong Kim
- IMDb Ratings: 6.3
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Comedy
Oh! Boarding House Plot:
An oddball comedy sitcom called Oh! Boarding House. The zany lead character is a landlord who shares a boarding home with the other oddball individuals.
The landlord falls in love with the new resident when an attractive renter enters the apartment. The two guys first make uncomfortable introductions, but they quickly form a strong bond.
Oh! Boarding House Review:
I enjoy Oh! Boarding House‘s silliness. This light-hearted comedy occasionally exhibits silliness, optimism, and endearment. The symptoms of amateurish work, though, are the meandering storylines and meaningless situations. Additionally, the romance is drab, and I don’t feel interested in this BL couple.
6. Long Time No See (2017)
- Creator: Kang Woo-suk
- Cast: Tak Woo-suk, Seung Ho Yeon
- IMDb Ratings: 7.2
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki
- Genre: Crime Drama
Long Time No See Plot:
A Korean BL drama Long Time No See, focuses on an assassin whose life transforms once he falls in love. There has been a movie version of this BL drama that has the same material as the original short five-episode television series.
Long Time No See Review:
Long Time No See is a tremendously ambitious plot that is supported by strong acting performances, despite its minor flaws. This small gem of a series contains some original concepts and delightful surprises.
