Let’s admit, BL’s have been dominating the world. The love between two boys that knows no gender easily has gained a cult following. It’s a world that says you’re falling in love with a person regardless of sex. I can’t even count on my fingers how many I’ve watched. I can however say my earliest account goes back to when BL was strictly a Japanese genre. I remember tuning in to the Takumi-kun series and thinking “hmm this is interesting”. Also, this was a time when BL series were unheard of. They were relegated to movies and if there was a BL couple on tv, they were secondary, never the main.
It amazes me how that has changed in the short years. It also boggles my mind how this phenomenon has reached all corners of the world including Korea. They’ve always had movies and side characters. Now they’re producing some high-quality shit.
If you’re one who hasn’t exactly dipped your toes in the BL world there’s a place to start where the kisses are tame, and some have no bed scenes. For most veteran BL watchers, bed scenes have become a requirement. They like when their ship gets frisky. Personally, storyline means more to me. I like it when we have a thriller where the love interests just happen to both be boys. Maybe that’s why I’m super excited for the premier of Manner of Death. Also, MaxTul, I don’t think I have to say anymore. This is where my list takes off.
Sotus the Series
Some would argue that Sotus was the series that paved the way for BL’s to become what they are today. The story about Engineering freshman Kongpob who doesn’t back down to 3rd year student and bully Arthit. He does anything to knock the Hazer off his high horse, but in the process ends up developing feelings that go beyond senior and junior. Produced between late 2016 and early 2017, this series called the attention of female Fujoshi’s everywhere. It was one of the first series where the main characters were male and there were no female love interests for them. This series manages to roll in young adult confusion, peer acceptance and love. This series contains about two kiss scenes and no love making, at least not on screen.
The chemistry between both actors is there and you can feel it through the screen. Seeing as this was one of their first roles, they had more to learn, but it’s definitely a beautiful series to watch. There’s also a second series- Sotus S that follows the two boys as they try to navigate the world of adulthood. You can find this series streaming on Netflix.
2gether
Where can I start with 2gether. It was one of my favorites of the year. This one may be different than the others, not regarding storyline, but due to the fact that neither of the main characters studied engineering. Based off of the novel by the same name, this follows Tine, a 1st year law student who convinces 1st year political science student Sarawat into pretending to be his boyfriend to ward off a male admirer. And yes, you guessed it, they fall for each other. There’s nothing original when it comes to plot, but the actor’s chemistry makes up for it. They have it. Loads of it. The acting was extremely natural and it felt real.
This series is 13 episodes full of will they or won’t they. I’ll admit there were times when I thought they were more bros than anything. Then they started admitting to themselves that there was something more. Can we briefly talk about the secondary characters. Tine’s friends, although coming off as ignorant sometimes, they mean well and will do anything for their friend to be happy. Sarawat’s on the other hand are the equivalent of Joey Tribbiani. They are stupid and funny and one of the best things on the show. If you’ve seen the fake relationship turned real lovers, then this one will be a comfort zone for you to start. There’s also going to be a five episode special following their story after they’ve gotten together.. This series is available on YOUTUBE on GMMTV’s official channel.
The Untamed
Hmm, most would say The Untamed is Bromance. There isn’t a single kiss in the series. For me the root of love is not in kisses or sex, but in the care you have for the other person and these two characters portray that. Lan Wanji would take a sword for Wei Wuxian and Wei Wuxian would rather walk the world alone than drag Lan Wanji down with him. These two guys have a bond that goes beyond physical.
Am I saying that adding BL would have tarnished the series? Hell no, it would have made it better. If we didn’t die enough with the cuteness that is drunk Lan Wanji, we would definitely have been digging our own graves if they were able to follow the original material, cover to cover. This one would probably be the one to start with for those who are curious but aren’t ready for any physical interaction besides hugging. Be warned there are fifty episodes and they are about an hour long. Be ready to give up two days or a week. This also can be streamed on Netflix for the time being.
Love By Chance
Love by chance is a needle in a haystack. There’s not much original in plot. Ae is a first year engineering student who is a small guy with a big bite. He meets Pete, a freshman from international college and who is big but extremely small. Their meeting is a chance that either didn’t think would become a future. I think what sets this one apart is Ae’s way of thinking when he starts growing an attraction to Pete. There’s no question to this attraction. His friend Pond is simply happy that Ae has become a real boy now and finally has learned what his equipment is for.
Pond, Pond, Pond. He is one of the most supporting friends in the world. Maybe a little too supportive. Overall, this series is sweet and shows a good depiction of first-time love, self-discovery, and self-acceptance. There’s also a second season being produced following the secondary couple Tin and Can. Also YOUTUBE streaming on Studio Wabi Sabi official.
Where Your Eyes Linger
Where your eyes linger | W-STORY
To the world this is the first ever Korean BL series. I think everyone forgets about Long time no see. This is however the first BL with a bigger budget and a crisper production. The story of Kang Gook an 18-year-old bodyguard who lives his life to protect 18-year-old best friend, playboy and heir to TB Group, Han Tae-joo. They’ve been inseparable for the past fifteen years. A dynamic duo. Enter Choi Hye-mi who brings some tension and makes them question if its only friendship between them. As far as storyline goes it was missing something. We could have used longer episodes to expand it, but beggars can’t be choosers. We got a FUCKING Korean BL and there’s another on the way by the same production company thanks to the popularity.
It’s undeniable that these two boys have chemistry and that may have been a main factor why people tuned in week after week. Han Gi-Chan did amazing in his first role and has quickly become one of my favorites. I’m secretly hoping to see Han Gi-Chan and Jang Eui-soo on screen again. Together. Start the petitions now.
When it comes to watching this one is available on Rakuten VIKI. Unfortunately this one will need a paid subscription to view the entire series, but it’s worth it.
HIStory Anthology
HIStory Anthology | Choco Media
The only anthology on our list, HIStory takes you through a rollercoaster involving college students, stepbrothers, jaded love, age gaps, confusion, cops and gangsters, and making our days count. With a total of three seasons, this series shows us that love knows no age and is forgiving. Some have happy endings; others are sad and bittersweet. I’ve always been the kind to shy away from the sad ending BL’s.
Real life is sad enough, but we all need actual portrayal sometimes. It’s not always chocolate and roses. That’s not to say this series isn’t a great start for newcomers. The first two seasons are happy and cute and that should be enough to put this on your starter list. Just like where your eyes linger this one can also be streamed on Rakuten VIKI.
BL’s allow us to escape reality for a while. It lets us forget how fucked up the world really is. For those stuck at home, it gives us a moment of entertainment. When you’ve watched the same shows on repeat because there’s nothing else to do why not give it a go. With BL’s, you’ll laugh and cry, but mostly they’ll make you feel extremely single.
