Many people appreciate Korean dramas for their excellent storylines and cinematography, and Korean Boy Love (BL) dramas are no exception. In fact, their popularity is skyrocketing, and they’re even displacing some of our favourite K-series. Because of their excellent production qualities and engaging plots, Korean BL dramas have swiftly garnered popularity among viewers, and a swarm of series has been released since 2020.
They may not be as dramatic as other BL dramas in the region, but you will enjoy how beautifully they represent and portray the characters, as well as the stunning cinematography that’ll grace your screen. Plus, fluffy romance is always entertaining to watch, right? Here are some famous and upcoming Korean BL dramas to watch.
Semantic Error
Let’s start off with a series that has been the talk of the town since its premier: Semantic Error. These two feuding university students, played by Park Seoham as Jang Jaeyoung and Park Jaechan as Chu Sangwoo, are at odds following a dispute over a school assignment. From childish pranks to heated confrontations, these two rivals will go to any length to retaliate against one another, driving the enmity to new heights. Jang Jaeyoung, for Chu Sangwoo, is the ultimate error that destroys his immaculate and systematic life, even generating an error in his emotions and thoughts once their vendetta is resolved.
This series is adored by Korean and even international fans due to the wonderful chemistry between the two actors as well as the well-paced narrative. Not to mention the cinematography for each scene is just divine. The series nails every facet of what BL fans want to see, especially the kissing – because nothing beats a good kissing scene between two rivals. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories, you should definitely check out this series!
Blueming
Blueming is a K-BL drama series based on the webtoon “Who Can Define Popularity?” It follows two film students, Cha Si Won and Hyeong Da Un, who didn’t have the best first impression of each other. Si Won, who was insecure about his appearance as a child, works hard to be handsome, which leads to his becoming extremely popular.
However, his popularity dwindles when Da Un enters the picture, bringing not only his good looks but also his charm. Tensions between the two classmates start to rise as they continuously clash. However, as the misunderstanding subsides following a heated argument, a new and unexpected feeling blooms between the two.
The connection between the two performers is breathtaking to see, especially when they realise they have affections for each other. What made this series so popular, though, is how the plot deals with coping with insecurity and instilling confidence in oneself. It’s refreshing to see – and proves that BL is more than simply what it is. But don’t be fooled: the romance in this story is *chef’s kiss*.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndr0QvG4Xzc
Cherry Blossom After Winter
If you want nothing but sugar and spice and everything nice, look no further than Cherry Blossom After Winter. Adapted from a webtoon with the same title, this series will have your teeth rotten to the core with how sweet and fluffy the storyline is. Sure there’s some drama here and there but what everyone should be focusing on is the romance between the two characters.
The story follows two childhood friends, Seo Haebom (played by Ok Jin Uk) and Jo Taesung (played by Kang Hui), who are not necessarily close friends anymore. The former is currently living in the same house as the latter, as he was adopted by his mother after Haebom’s parents died. Despite growing up together, the two youths drifted apart over time. Their worlds collide when they enter high school together and share the same classroom; they now have the opportunity to reconcile while managing their complicated feelings for one other.
There are so so so many adorable and cute moments shared between the two characters that BL fans will gush over them. There’s also a kissing moment that’s very steamy for a Korean BL drama, which says a lot! If you’re going to watch this series and can’t get enough of it, check out the webtoon, which is a LOT spicier than the drama.
First Love Again
What if you have the chance to see your first love again after you are reincarnated 300 years later? You’d take the opportunity, right? Well, so does popular web novelist Yeon Seok – but his only problem is that his first love is not the woman he had been loving, but a MAN! After searching for his first love, Jeong Ha Yeon, never thought that his love could be reborn as a man. So it’s not unexpected that Yeon Seok first pushes Ha Yeon away. When Ha Yeon applies to be Yeon Seok’s editor, the author can’t seem to get away from him, and they become closer as time passes.
A sweet and adorable story that will instantly hook you like a bait with its premise, I promise you. There’s a lot of drama and conflicting emotions, especially for Yeon Seok, so don’t be surprised when he turns into a total jerk. Believe me, his redemption arc is fantastic, and the character development elevates this story to an A+.
Upcoming Korean BL Dramas
A Shoulder To Cry On
Nothing beats a good high-school love story – but to put a cherry on top is the sprinkle of angst, around which this story is wrapped, in a bow. A Shoulder To Cry On is based on a popular BL webtoon of the same name and is about a high school student named Dayeol who overhears two guys messing about in the nursing room and accidentally knocks over the curtain rod. When the nurse arrives, the deviously charming Taehyun informs her that Dayeol attempted to make out with him.
The gossip spreads like wildfire, jeopardising Taehyun’s archery scholarship. To make matters worse, Taehyun shows no guilt and continues to spend time with Taehyun. Their fledgling bond begins to teeter between love and hatred, and we will see how they handle it.
The Director Who Buys Me Dinner
Much like the K-BL drama series, First Love Again, The Director Who Buys Me Dinner also centres on a man yearning for his first love after being reborn, except this time, he only has one more chance to date them before they both die. Dong Baek is one of Min Entertainment’s newest workers, and his director, Yu Dam, is flawless in every aspect – except when he says they should start dating.
Crazy, yet interesting enough to keep BL fans on the edge of their seats. This series will star Park Young Woon as Min Yu Dam and Park Jeong Woo as Dong Baek.
More on all things BL? Read this:
Thai Boy Love Dramas You Should Get Into (Yeah, We’re Going There!)