Within the great world of BL, this 12 months noticed attention-grabbing 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 Massive Metropolis” to quirky gems like Japan’s “Love is a Poison,” this 12 months actually confirmed how far the BL style has come and what enjoyable is bound to come back subsequent 12 months.
Listed here are 12 of the most effective BLs that graced 2024; which did you watch this 12 months?
Warning: Mild spoilers forward!
Korea
1. “Love within the Massive Metropolis”
Beginning off sturdy, “Love within the Massive Metropolis” simply ranks as among the finest Korean BLs to come back out this 12 months. Go Younger (Nam Yoon Su) is a person residing within the brilliant, go-go-go metropolis of Seoul in quest of one factor: a passionate love. On a seemingly limitless odyssey in quest of romance as a homosexual man in Korea, his thought of self and love change whereas experiencing completely 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 completely different in each method. However don’t let that scare you off, as a result of the methods it’s completely different are why it’s completely definitely worth the watch. “Love within the Massive 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 finished but. The considerate cinematography and unfiltered portrayal of the style can actually solely be in comparison with what was most likely 2023’s finest Korean BL, “The Eighth Sense.”
Watch “Love within the Massive Metropolis”:
2. “Love for Love’s Sake”
Tae Myung Ha (Lee Tae Vin), a 29-year-old who has misplaced religion in pleased endings, wakes up after just a few too many drinks to search out himself in a digital survival sport 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), pleased. It sounds easy-peasy, besides with no mates and a current loss, making the chilly Yeo Woon pleased doesn’t come simple in any respect.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This undoubtedly has an identical vibe to “Our Relationship Sim” and “Semantic Error.” Besides this time round, the sport concerned truly turns into a actuality, with Myung Ha having to finish duties and observe the sport’s directions to get out. It’s a thriller as to what’s actual and what’s some kind of digital simulation, together with the leads’ creating relationship. Together with the enjoyable sport idea, this one is a extra light-hearted watch with a number of feel-good vibes. The truth that the present makes it verbally clear, on a number of events, that being homosexual is just not fallacious or irregular, should even be counseled. Approach to go!
Watch “Our Relationship Sim” too:
3. “Boys Be Courageous!”
“Boys Be Courageous” is about two faculty mates with reverse personalities, Jung Ki Sub (Nam Si An) and Kim Jin Woo (Kim Sung Hyen), who all of the sudden begin residing 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 shaggy dog story that hides deeper undertones of affection and self-love beneath its lighthearted exterior. Past the enjoyable characters and laughable moments, there’s an attention-grabbing backstory that’s price uncovering. Ki Sub’s character, particularly, 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 remains 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 accomplice therapy. It has very attention-grabbing, flawed characters who aren’t picture-perfect or idolized. Attempting to grasp the characters and settle for their flaws and potential for progress is why it’s actually definitely worth the watch. Numerous BL followers are pleased to see extra of those advanced, grownup themes coming into the BL style. That is removed from the highschool or faculty 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 constant as they arrive — when his love tragically dies, he agrees to a magical curse that can let him reside for the subsequent hundred years to ensure that an opportunity to search out his reincarnated lover. The tradeoff is that he should endure excessive ache every evening, and if he doesn’t discover his love in her subsequent life, he’ll die.
With virtually a century having already handed, his reincarnated love lastly falls proper into his arms, Vee (Offroad Kantapon Jindataweephol). Vee is shockingly completely different from the love he knew, apart from additionally being a person. San most undoubtedly didn’t learn the fantastic print when making this deal.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This one good points main brownie factors on originality for its supernatural storyline. The storyline is unquestionably “Guardian” coded should you’re aware of that 2018 C-drama. The sudden moments because of the gender flip and Vee having a completely completely 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 quite than exterior qualities or labels can be top-tier knowledge.
6. “The Trainee”
Off and Gun, one among Thailand’s favourite OTPs in BL land, introduced one other memorable efficiency this 12 months in “The Trainee,” a drama a few group of interns becoming a member of a manufacturing firm with completely 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 appears like a standoffish supervisor quite 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 actual Jane, who’s extraordinarily devoted to his work, is proficient, and caring.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
Whereas this one is targeted 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 kinds 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, generally melodramatic, character. He’s relatable in so some ways, particularly as a helpless intern simply making an attempt to get by means of the workday with none hiccups.
Watch Off and Gun in “Idea of Love” too:
Japan
7. “Love is a Poison”
Shiba Ryoma (Hama Shogo) is a stoic lawyer with eyes on turning into a profitable title within the authorized area, irrespective of the fee. He believes that romance is a poison that can 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 towards all the things 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 could really feel by means of the display. Secondly, you possibly can 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 unusually addicting to observe. When you just like the distinctive quirk that J-BLs are likely to have, you’ll undoubtedly take pleasure in this one. Bonus factors for Ryoma being so awkward and bizarre in the most effective 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, previous emotions awaken between the 2. Regardless of Akihiro proclaiming he has moved on and goes to suggest to his girlfriend quickly, Takashi is decided to win him again and proceed from the place they left off.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
Because the title 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 de facto all you possibly can want for. It’s additionally method 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 present 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 faculty neighborhood. At some point, 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.
In order that they strike a deal. In alternate for sharing his home made lunch containers with him, Taichi will change into a notetaker for Kohei. The 2 join in sudden methods, and Kohei begins to interrupt out of his shell because of Taichi.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
“I Hear the Sunspot” is a heartwarming story with out something tremendous irritating or difficult within the plot. It’s a slower-paced story about accepting others, progress, and mild love. It’s additionally an necessary 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 appears like a much-needed hug after a protracted 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 concord 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 just accept that they might have romantic emotions for one another. Yuan subsequently leaves overseas, and through their separation, Qian realizes he can’t reside fortunately with out Yuan. When Yuan returns, all bets are off.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
You possibly can run away from a variety of issues, however you possibly can’t run away out of your true emotions. The angst and pressure 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 look forward to 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 reside collectively as brothers when their mother and father 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 college, household, and their complicated new emotions for one another.
Why it’s definitely worth the watch:
This one is a comfy, comforting present with a number of lovely Taiwanese surroundings. It actually feels just like the visible illustration of a poem generally. The love between the 2 leads is a gradual burn that’s pleasing to observe. It total provides off a vibe that simply feels so nostalgic and heat. When you favored storylines like “Addicted” and “Keep With Me,” this one could be very related.
Watch “The On1y One”:
China
12. “Meet You on the Blossom”
Final however definitely not least is “Meet You On the Blossom.” Set in historic 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 essentially 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, difficult love filled with betrayal, epic fights, and arduous journeys.
Why it’s price watching:
“Meet You on the Blossom” is so particular. It’s thought-about the first-ever Chinese language wuxia drama that’s brazenly BL. Apart from that, superb 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 12 months? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
Asya’s a BL-biased Soompi author with a love of Okay-pop and all kinds of Asian dramas. A few of her favourite exhibits are “Psychopath Diary,” “Mr. Unfortunate Has No Alternative however to Kiss!,” “Mild On Me,” “The Untamed,” “Go Go Squid!,” and “Cherry Magic!”
Presently watching: “Spare Me Your Mercy,” “You Are,” “Our Youth,” and “Caged Once more.”
Trying ahead to: “I’m the Most Stunning Depend,” “Love Carved within the Moonlight,” “Me and Thee,” “The Love Matter,” and “Ticket to Heaven.”
