Within the great world of BL, this yr noticed fascinating new storylines and basic themes—from falling in love with a “brother” and gender-benders to digital video games with the ultimate boss being love (aw!). From revolutionary Okay-dramas like “Love within the Large Metropolis” to quirky gems like Japan’s “Love is a Poison,” this yr actually confirmed how far the BL style has come and what enjoyable is bound to come back subsequent yr.
Listed below are 12 of the very best BLs that graced 2024; which did you watch this yr?
Warning: Gentle spoilers forward!
Korea
1. “Love within the Large Metropolis”
Beginning off robust, “Love within the Large Metropolis” simply ranks as the most effective Korean BLs to come back out this yr. Go Younger (Nam Yoon Su) is a person dwelling within the shiny, go-go-go metropolis of Seoul in the hunt for one factor: a passionate love. On a seemingly infinite odyssey in the hunt for romance as a homosexual man in Korea, his thought of self and love change whereas experiencing totally different sorts of relationships.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This one will actually shock Korean BL watchers as a result of it’s actually totally different in each means. However don’t let that scare you off, as a result of the methods it’s totally different are why it’s completely definitely worth the watch. “Love within the Large Metropolis” provides one of the crucial lifelike and unapologetic depictions of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Korea that different mainstream Okay-BL earlier than it simply haven’t carried out but. The considerate cinematography and unfiltered portrayal of the style can actually solely be in comparison with what was in all probability 2023’s finest Korean BL, “The Eighth Sense.”
Watch “Love within the Large Metropolis”:
2. “Love for Love’s Sake”
Tae Myung Ha (Lee Tae Vin), a 29-year-old who has misplaced religion in glad endings, wakes up after a number of too many drinks to search out himself in a digital survival recreation of affection. Now again in highschool as a 19-year-old, he has 300 days to make the sport’s primary character, Cha Yeo Woon (Cha Joo Wan), glad. It sounds easy-peasy, besides with no mates and a latest loss, making the chilly Yeo Woon glad doesn’t come simple in any respect.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This undoubtedly has the same vibe to “Our Relationship Sim” and “Semantic Error.” Besides this time round, the sport concerned really turns into a actuality, with Myung Ha having to finish duties and comply with the sport’s directions to get out. It’s a thriller as to what’s actual and what’s some type of digital simulation, together with the leads’ creating relationship. Together with the enjoyable recreation idea, this one is a extra light-hearted watch with numerous feel-good vibes. The truth that the present makes it verbally clear, on a number of events, that being homosexual is just not improper or irregular, should even be recommended. Option to go!
Watch “Our Relationship Sim” too:
3. “Boys Be Courageous!”
“Boys Be Courageous” is about two school mates with reverse personalities, Jung Ki Sub (Nam Si An) and Kim Jin Woo (Kim Sung Hyen), who all of the sudden begin dwelling collectively. Truly, Ki Sub invitations himself in as Jin Woo’s roommate, that’s. That is no good for Jin Woo, who has all the time had a reluctant crush on Ki Sub. Chaotic silliness ensues when Ki Sub, who’s goofy and clueless more often than not, proclaims he not solely is aware of about Jin Woo’s crush, however he may also get Jin Woo to admit and ask him out.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This one is a comic story that hides deeper undertones of affection and self-love underneath its lighthearted exterior. Past the enjoyable characters and laughable moments, there’s an fascinating backstory that’s price uncovering. Ki Sub’s character, specifically, is so extraordinarily lovable and hilarious, even together with his faults. It’s all about discovering the braveness to (you guessed it) be courageous and confess your emotions.
Watch “Boys Be Courageous”:
Thailand
4. “My Stand-In”
Joe (Poom Phuripan Sapsangsawat), a stand-in for actor Tong (Mek Jirakit Thawornwong), is wholeheartedly in love with actor Ming (Up Poompat Iam-samang) till he finds out that he’s solely ever been a second alternative for Ming. Throwing his common sense out the door, Joe accepts a harmful stunt job and dies within the course of.
Years later, he wakes up within the physique of another person. Quickly, he meets Ming once more, who continues to be grappling with the lack of Joe. Regardless of their turbulent previous, their unavoidable connection brings them collectively once more.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
“My Stand-In” dives into unhealthy relationships and poisonous companion remedy. It has very fascinating, flawed characters who aren’t picture-perfect or idolized. Making an attempt to know the characters and settle for their flaws and potential for development is why it’s actually definitely worth the watch. A number of BL followers are glad to see extra of those complicated, grownup themes coming into the BL style. That is removed from the highschool or school BL that Thailand is thought for.
Watch Up in “Step By Step” additionally:
5. “Century of Love”
San (Daou Pittaya Saechua) is as devoted and dependable as they arrive — when his love tragically dies, he agrees to a magical curse that may let him dwell for the following hundred years to ensure that an opportunity to search out his reincarnated lover. The tradeoff is that he should endure excessive ache every night time, and if he doesn’t discover his love in her subsequent life, he’ll die.
With nearly a century having already handed, his reincarnated love lastly falls proper into his arms, Vee (Offroad Kantapon Jindataweephol). Vee is shockingly totally different from the love he knew, in addition to additionally being a person. San most undoubtedly didn’t learn the wonderful print when making this deal.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This one beneficial properties main brownie factors on originality for its supernatural storyline. The storyline is unquestionably “Guardian” coded for those who’re acquainted with that 2018 C-drama. The surprising moments as a result of gender flip and Vee having a very totally different character than what San had wished for add to the enjoyable. The subliminal message that you just love an individual for who they’re on the within relatively than exterior qualities or labels can also be top-tier knowledge.
6. “The Trainee”
Off and Gun, one in every of Thailand’s favourite OTPs in BL land, introduced one other memorable efficiency this yr in “The Trainee,” a drama a few group of interns becoming a member of a manufacturing firm with totally different desires, expertise, and expectations. Ryan (Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat) is a timid but hardworking scholar who’s not sure about his future. His supervisor is a talented, no-nonsense Assistant Director named Jane (Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn).
At first, Jane looks like a standoffish supervisor relatively than the caring mentor Ryan had hoped for. Whereas Jane doesn’t ever appear to make errors, Ryan turns into a magnet for unlucky occasions within the workplace. However issues change when Ryan begins to get to know the true Jane, who’s extraordinarily devoted to his work, is gifted, and caring.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
Whereas this one is concentrated on the connection between Ryan and Jane, there’s a complete lot extra to like. Together with an inside have a look at movie manufacturing, there are numerous varieties of relationships proven, together with a straight couple and even a sprinkle of GL. This one wins on equal illustration, and although there isn’t any grand climax or heavy plot, it’s a enjoyable watch with main re-watch worth.
You can also’t assist however love Ryan’s timid, typically melodramatic, character. He’s relatable in so some ways, particularly as a helpless intern simply making an attempt to get by way of the workday with none hiccups.
Watch Off and Gun in “Principle of Love” too:
Japan
7. “Love is a Poison”
Shiba Ryoma (Hama Shogo) is a stoic lawyer with eyes on turning into a profitable identify within the authorized area, regardless of the price. He believes that romance is a poison that may solely get in the best way of his targets. After an unplanned encounter at a bar, he unwillingly turns into entangled with a cute, persistent scammer named Haruto (Hyodo Katsumi). After a sequence of occasions, Haruto strikes in with Ryoma and turns into his authorized aide. Going in opposition to every part he believes in, Ryoma begins catching emotions for Haruto however tries his finest to disregard them. This goes about in addition to you’d anticipate.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
“Love is a Poison” is such a page-turner. For one, the leads have loopy chemistry you can really feel by way of the display. Secondly, you’ll be able to by no means actually inform what’s going to occur subsequent. It has such a humorous, out-of-pocket character to it that makes it surprisingly addicting to observe. Should you just like the distinctive quirk that J-BLs are inclined to have, you’ll undoubtedly take pleasure in this one. Bonus factors for Ryoma being so awkward and peculiar in the very best methods.
8. “Love Is Higher the Second Time Round”
Miyata Akihiro (Hasegawa Makoto) and Hoshizawa Takashi (Furuya Robin) had been in love as teenagers, however an unfulfilled promise breaks them aside with none actual closure. Now adults, Miyata runs into Hoshizawa throughout work. Unsurprisingly so, outdated emotions awaken between the 2. Regardless of Akihiro proclaiming he has moved on and goes to suggest to his girlfriend quickly, Takashi is set to win him again and proceed from the place they left off.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
Because the identify suggests, this one is all a few second likelihood at love that didn’t work out the primary time round. For 2 people who find themselves meant to be collectively, a second likelihood at love is absolutely all you’ll be able to want for. It’s additionally means an excessive amount of enjoyable to observe Akihiro attempt to preserve his distance and never make the identical mistake once more whereas Takashi persistently tries to get Akihiro to offer in.
Takashi’s jealous assistant, Shiraishi Yuto (Takamatsu Aloha), additionally needs to be given a shoutout. Yuto has an unrequited crush on Takashi and is iconic for not being afraid to voice his emotions.
Watch “Love Is Higher the Second Time Round”:
9. “I Hear the Sunspot”
With listening to issues, Sugihara Kohei (Nakazawa Motoki) has just about had no luck making mates and integrating into his school neighborhood. Someday, he unintentionally meets a talkative, pleasant schoolmate with a forever-hungry abdomen, Sagawa Taichi (Kobayashi Toranosuke). In contrast to others, Taichi doesn’t ostracize or pity Kohei due to his listening to incapacity. It additionally helps that Taichi speaks so expressively that Kohei can perceive him extra simply than others.
So that they strike a deal. In trade for sharing his selfmade lunch packing containers with him, Taichi will change into a notetaker for Kohei. The 2 join in surprising methods, and Kohei begins to interrupt out of his shell due to Taichi.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
“I Hear the Sunspot” is a heartwarming story with out something tremendous disturbing or sophisticated within the plot. It’s a slower-paced story about accepting others, development, and delicate love. It’s additionally an essential have a look at how disabilities like listening to loss can have an effect on the best way an individual lives and sees the world. This one actually looks like a much-needed hug after an extended day.
Taiwan
10. “Unknown”
Wei Qian (Chris Chiu) took Xiao Yuan (Kurt Huang) in when he was deserted as a child on the streets. Now an grownup, Yuan has developed emotions past cohesion for Qian, and his emotions solely develop extra passionate as he spends time with him. When Yuan lastly reveals his true emotions, Qian is unable to simply accept that they might have romantic emotions for one another. Yuan subsequently leaves overseas, and through their separation, Qian realizes he can’t dwell fortunately with out Yuan. When Yuan returns, all bets are off.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
You possibly can run away from lots of issues, however you’ll be able to’t run away out of your true emotions. The angst and rigidity that builds up between Yuan and Qian is wild. When Qian lastly realizes how Yuan sees him, it’s so satisfying to see the roles reverse, and Qian begins to get nervous and flustered round Yuan. The watch for these two is lengthy, however it’s so price it.
Watch “Unknown”:
11. “The On1y One”
Classmates Sheng Wang (Liu Dong Qin) and Jiang Tian (Benjamin Tsang) are pressured to dwell collectively as brothers when their dad and mom remarry. At first, they’ll’t stand one another, however they bond over mutual emotions of loss, loneliness, and being younger. Earlier than they understand it, their bond begins to develop into one thing extra. “The On1y One” follows the lifetime of Wang and Tian as they attempt to navigate faculty, household, and their complicated new emotions for one another.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This one is a comfy, comforting present with numerous lovely Taiwanese surroundings. It actually feels just like the visible illustration of a poem typically. The love between the 2 leads is a gradual burn that’s fulfilling to observe. It general provides off a vibe that simply feels so nostalgic and heat. Should you appreciated storylines like “Addicted” and “Keep With Me,” this one may be very comparable.
Watch “The On1y One”:
China
12. “Meet You on the Blossom”
Final however definitely not least is “Meet You On the Blossom.” Set in historical China, the carefree Jin Xiao Bao (Wang Yun Kai), the inheritor to the wealthiest household in Jiangnan, is a women man who falls in love at first sight with who he thinks is probably the most lovely, crime-fighting lady he’s ever seen. This elegant woman seems to be a cold-hearted dude named Huai En (Leslie Li). Hiding an ulterior motive, Huai En performs together with Xiao Bao’s crush. With a conspiracy and lies plotting behind the scenes, the 2 fall right into a deep, sophisticated love stuffed with betrayal, epic fights, and arduous journeys.
Why it’s price watching:
“Meet You on the Blossom” is so particular. It’s thought of the first-ever Chinese language wuxia drama that’s overtly BL. Moreover that, wonderful high quality, the setting, costumes, and iconic espionage, and drama related to the wuxia style all come collectively to make this a stellar present. Huai En stands out as an anti-hero, who does many questionable, red-flag issues, however you continue to can’t assist however root for him while you see his timeless devotion and love for Xiao Bao.
Watch “Meet You on the Blossom”:
And that’s a wrap! What BLs did you take pleasure in watching in 2024, and what are you wanting ahead to within the new yr? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
Asya’s a BL-biased Soompi author with a love of Okay-pop and all varieties of Asian dramas. A few of her favourite exhibits are “Psychopath Diary,” “Mr. Unfortunate Has No Alternative however to Kiss!,” “Gentle On Me,” “The Untamed,” “Go Go Squid!,” and “Cherry Magic!”
At present watching: “Spare Me Your Mercy,” “You Are,” “Our Youth,” and “Caged Once more.”
Wanting ahead to: “I’m the Most Stunning Rely,” “Love Carved within the Moonlight,” “Me and Thee,” “The Love Matter,” and “Ticket to Heaven.”