Korean BL dramas have surged in popularity recently. Back in the day, South Korea didn't jump onto the Boys Love phenomenon like other nearby countries. It took a while for the Korean BL series to gain traction over the years. You'll notice a flurry of new dramas and series coming out around 2021 and 2022.
Since then, Korean BL dramas have quickly gained favour among many fans. Their high production values and exciting storylines are the staples of the genre. Although the romances tend to be more culturally conservative, they are sweet and wholesome. Most dramas are also relatively short, making them easy to finish in one go.
In 2022, Semantic Error became a cultural phenomenon. This sleek and fast-paced romance resonated with millions of fans worldwide. It set a new bar of excellence for the Korean BL industry. In addition, its success catapulted the two leads to stardom, proving there is a mass market for this genre. Following in its footsteps, many other studios have begun producing new Korean BL series in 2023 and beyond.
You'll enjoy Korean BL dramas if you like:
- Good production values
- Emotionally charged storylines
- Sweet and wholesome romances
Check out the list of Korean BL dramas and series from South Korea made over the years! Read the reviews of each series for in-depth information about the plot, cast, episode guides, and scene analysis.
List of BL Dramas in South Korea
2022
- Blue of Winter
- Blueming
- Cherry Blossoms After Winter
- Choco Milk Shake
- Color Rush 2
- First Love Again
- Happy Ending Romance
- Kissable Lips
- Love Class
- Ocean Likes Me
- Oh! Boarding House
- Oh! My Assistant
- Once Again
- Roommates of Poongduck 304
- Semantic Error
- The Director Who Buys Me Dinner
- To My Star 2
2021
- Behind Cut
- Light On Me
- My Sweet Dear
- Nobleman Ryu's Wedding
- Peach of Time
- The Tasty Florida
- Tinted With You
- To My Star
- You Make Me Dance
2020
Pre-2020
Korean BL Dramas in 2022
Blue of Winter (2022)
Blue of Winter is a Korean BL series about a high school love triangle. The main character is in the judo club, where he meets a new student with a secret crush on him. Soon afterwards, the protagonist receives an unexpected love confession from a friend. As these teenagers navigate their feelings, they struggle with confusion, insecurity, and heartbreak.
Made by an indie studio, Blue of Winter has many noticeable limitations in its low-budget production. The incoherent narrative struggles to introduce characters properly or develop the relationships organically. Overall, the series is confusing, frustrating, and unsatisfying to watch.
- School romance
- Sad & emotional
- 5 episodes
- 45 mins
Blueming (2022)
Blueming is a Korean BL series about two film school students with a rocky relationship. The protagonist has a terrible first impression of his popular classmate, who seems to belittle everything he does. He becomes wary of his new rival as tensions rise uncomfortably. During a heated confrontation, the two characters discover their perceptions of each other are very different. There might have been a misunderstanding from the start.
Hindered by clunky storytelling, Blueming feels awkward in several parts where the plot doesn't always flow smoothly. The series wins back points by doing some moments exceptionally well, including the artistry, acting, and romantic passion. Despite showing occasional brilliance, this uneven BL drama has pacing issues and falls short of greatness.
- School romance
- Nice & gentle
- 11 episodes
- 3 hours
Cherry Blossoms After Winter (2022)
Cherry Blossoms After Winter is a Korean BL series about two childhood friends throughout their time in high school and university. The main character is an orphan living with a single mother and her son. Although the two teenagers grew up together, they drifted apart over the years. Now, they have a chance to reconnect again, navigating their complicated feelings for each other.
The cute and affectionate moments in Cherry Blossoms After Winter might appeal to BL fans. However, I can't stop cringing during every episode due to the juvenile writing and contrived pandering. This mushy BL drama crosses my inherent threshold for second-hand embarrassment.
- School romance
- Cute & sweet
- 8 episodes
- 3 hours
Choco Milk Shake (2022)
- Fantasy
- Cute & sweet
- 11 episodes
- 3 hours
Color Rush 2 (2022)
Color Rush 2 is the sequel of the Korean BL series Color Rush. The second season continues the story of a colourblind protagonist, seeking the whereabouts of his missing loved ones. He is joined by a new companion, as they work together to uncover the conspiracy behind a mysterious organization.
The Color Rush sequel comes with many changes, including a charismatic love interest and his excellent rapport with the protagonist. Unfortunately, the overambitious storylines don't always translate well, limited by noticeable budget constraints and rough writing. I still like this BL drama despite its flaws, and the innovative plot continues to fascinate me.
- Mystery
- Dark & toxic
- 8 episodes
- 2 hours
First Love Again (2022)
First Love Again is a Korean fantasy BL series about a reincarnated man searching for his long-lost love. The protagonist is a famous author who carries the memories from his two previous lives. He fell in love with the same woman both times, but their romance always met a tragic end. The main character is determined to reunite with her again in the present timeline. Yet, he is shocked to discover his former lover has reincarnated as a man.
The fascinating premise behind First Love Again hooks me from the start. I love the ambitious and innovative concept of this transhistorical romance. Regrettably, the BL romance is clunky and doesn't develop at a comfortable pace. What could have been an epic love story falls flat and feels ingenuine.
- Fantasy
- Deep & mature
- 6 episodes
- 3 hours
Happy Ending Romance (2022)
Happy Ending Romance is a Korean BL series about a love triangle between two authors and a book publisher. The main character used to be a famous writer until he crossed a powerful enemy. Since then, his career and reputation have plummeted. He meets the owner of a small publishing house, who admires his talent and wants to release his next book. Yet, they face many setbacks, especially from the protagonist's meddling boyfriend.
I was often frustrated and bored with the book publication storyline in Happy Ending Romance. This dramatic plot becomes tedious as it progresses, overshadowing the romantic content. Fortunately, one of the leads exudes an overpowering charm. His bubbly enthusiasm elevates the entire series. Every time I look at his heartwarming smile, I forget all my complaints about the narrative.
- Drama
- Sad & emotional
- 8 episodes
- 4 hours
Kissable Lips (2022)
Kissable Lips is a Korean BL drama about vampires. The main character is a dying vampire who suffers from deteriorating health. According to urban legend, his only way to stay alive is by drinking the rare blood of a human lover. Against the odds, he meets somebody with this blood type, forming a whirlwind romance that takes them on a turbulent journey.
Although the production values are solid, Kissable Lips suffers from a convoluted story and a shallowly depicted romance. The characters behave as if they experienced an epic relationship journey when we see nothing of the sort. As the plot deteriorates rapidly, the last few episodes are dull, nonsensical, and almost unwatchable.
- Horror
- Sad & emotional
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Love Class (2022)
Love Class is a Korean BL series about the romance between two university students. The leads attend the same class, paired together for a group project. Initially, the main character has a crush on his pretty female friend. However, he grows confused about his feelings after spending more time with his male classmate.
I enjoyed Love Class at first, which impressed me with its colourful cast, elegant aesthetic, and vibrant atmosphere. However, each episode goes on a steady decline. I became increasingly fed up with the frustrating characters, obnoxious love triangles, and incessant melodrama. Almost everything annoyed me, including the tedious finale.
- School romance
- Spicy & romantic
- 6 episodes
- 2 hours
Ocean Likes Me (2022)
Ocean Likes Me is a Korean BL series about a restaurant by the beach. The main character relocates to a seaside community by himself and wants to open his own udon shop. He struggles to attract customers to his new business until a fateful encounter with a quirky free spirit. As they work together, the store and their relationship steadily gain momentum.
I enjoy Ocean Likes Me, even though this criminally underrated BL drama doesn't have the best reputation among fans. I'm won over by the cute romance, the engaging story, and the two fabulous leads. Maybe it loses points for the bizarre ending, but almost everything else is charming and delightful.
- Romance
- Happy & funny
- 8 episodes
- 2 hours
Oh! Boarding House (2022)
Oh! Boarding House is a quirky Korean BL comedy series. The goofy protagonist is a landlord who lives with the other eccentric characters in a boarding house. When a handsome tenant moves into the residence, the landlord becomes smitten with the new arrival. The two men begin as awkward acquaintances, but they soon develop a solid connection.
I like the goofiness in Oh! Boarding House. This lighthearted comedy can be silly, upbeat, and endearing at times. However, the aimless plots and pointless scenes are the signs of an unpolished script. The romance is also lacklustre and I don't feel engaged by this BL couple.
- Comedy
- Happy & funny
- 8 episodes
- 2 hours
Oh! My Assistant (2022)
Oh! My Assistant is a Korean BL comedy series about a webtoon artist and his new employee. The protagonist draws for a living and recently hires a assistant to help with his projects. Romantic feelings develop as they work together day and night. However, the characters don't know if their crush is reciprocated. They must navigate their attraction and confusion in many funny situations.
The first half of Oh! My Assistant is silly, energetic, and hilarious. It demonstrates a delightful sense of humour, combining goofy characters and naughty scenarios with surprisingly astute LGBT themes. Yet, the plot takes a sharp nosedive during the last few episodes. As the ridiculous story becomes unbearably dumb, you'll almost forget all the charming qualities in the beginning.
- Comedy
- Happy & funny
- 8 episodes
- 2 hours
Once Again (2022)
Once Again is a Korean fantasy BL series about going back in time to stop a murder. The main character was almost kidnapped by a child abductor fifteen years ago. A young man saved him, but this hero lost his life during the rescue. The adult protagonist is traumatized until he discovers the ability to revisit the past. He feels determined to change the timeline and stop the tragedy before it unfolds.
Backed by an innovative premise, Once Again shines on a few occasions with sentimental moments and genuine performances. The series knows how to maximize the emotions from its poignant storyline. Yet, the narrative struggles with many plot holes and pacing issues. The awkward romance also develops incoherently, producing an unsatisfying BL couple.
- Fantasy
- Sad & emotional
- 8 episodes
- 3 hours
Roommates of Poongduck 304 (2022)
Roommates of Poongduck 304 is a Korean BL series about an office worker, his boss, and their odd living arrangement. The main character is a marketing intern who lives by himself. His friend slyly recruits a tenant and collects the rent money. Due to the misunderstanding, the two roommates clash and form an awful first impression. Later, the protagonist is mortified after learning his houseguest has become his new manager at work.
Surprisingly, Roommates of Poongduck 304 becomes a fun, lighthearted workplace romance after a rocky start. I wasn't fond of power dynamics at the beginning. Seeing a boss mistreat his employee isn't my idea of entertainment. Over time, I warmed up to the couple, their humourous interactions, and the charismatic leads. This BL series blends charm and comedy into a winning combination.
- Office romance
- Happy & funny
- 8 episodes
- 4 hours
Semantic Error (2022)
Semantic Error is a Korean BL series about two feuding university students. A serious programmer and a rebellious artist clash over a school project. Their animosity keeps escalating to new extremes, defined by petty pranks and feisty arguments. When their vendetta starts to dissolve, the characters discover their feelings for each other are a lot more complicated.
Many BL fans will adore Semantic Error, a sharp and stylish drama that knows how to tell an engaging story. The volatile relationship dynamic is full of adrenaline, propelled by sassy protagonists, snappy exchanges and sizzling chemistry. This exciting romance builds momentum from episode to episode, leading to a phenomenal climax that takes my breath away.
- School romance
- Cute & sweet
- 8 episodes
- 3 hours
The Director Who Buys Me Dinner (2022)
The Director Who Buys Me Dinner is a Korean BL series about an office romance with a fantasy twist. The protagonist is supposed to start his dream job. Unexpectedly, he transfers departments and becomes the company director's personal assistant instead. His new boss reveals they used to share a complicated past. The two characters begin meeting for dinner as they navigate their ambiguous relationship.
At times, The Director Who Buys Me Dinner is impressive due to its creativity. This innovative series amuses me with its unpredictable twists and entertaining scenarios. However, the clunky narrative doesn't flow smoothly. It's like watching random events pieced together instead of a cohesive story. I also find the romance lacklustre. Even though the actors look good together, their characters don't forge a persuasive connection.
- Fantasy
- Wild & intense
- 10 episodes
- 3 hours
To My Star 2 (2022)
To My Star 2: Our Untold Stories is the second season of the Korean BL series, To My Star. This sequel continues the romance between a famous actor and an ordinary chef. However, the couple is no longer together at the beginning of the story. A year after their heartbreaking separation, the devastated protagonist seeks answers from his missing ex-boyfriend.
Improving upon the original series, To My Star 2 feels like a remarkable departure from the simplistic first season. The sequel contains richer backstories, more character development, and complex relationship dynamics. It explores a couple's poignant break-up with intrigue, intimacy, and intense emotions. To My Star has matured into a sophisticated BL drama that unfolds in a riveting journey.
- Romance
- Sad & emotional
- 10 episodes
- 5 hours
Korean BL Dramas in 2021
Behind Cut (2021)
Behind Cut is a Korean BL series that focuses on an aspiring fashion designer. As the protagonist tries to break into the competitive industry, he searches for the perfect model to represent his clothes. Contrary to professional standards, he recruits an inexperienced newcomer. The two characters form a romantic connection as they pursue their careers together.
The problem with Behind Cut is its mediocrity across the board. The flat storytelling, dull character development, and rushed romantic content are unremarkable. While the overall product is still watchable, this milquetoast BL drama fails to excite me and feels average at best.
- Romance
- Nice & gentle
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Light On Me (2021)
Light On Me is a Korean BL drama that takes place in an all-boys high school. The main character is a lonely outcast until he joins the school's student council. Although he is welcomed by a new group of friends, there's one particular student who clashes with him and makes his life more volatile. As they get to know each other better, the line between their feud and friendship becomes blurred.
Recommended for BL fans, Light On Me is an incredibly bubbly series packed with lots of vibrant charisma. This innocent high school romance is supported by its charming story, the captivating characters, and a perpetually cheerful energy. You'll have fun throughout the sixteen half-hour episodes, which are capped off with a sweet and satisfying conclusion.
- School romance
- Cute & sweet
- 16 episodes
- 7 hours
My Sweet Dear (2021)
- Romance
- Cute & sweet
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Nobleman Ryu's Wedding (2021)
Historical BL dramas are very rare, and the unique setting in Nobleman Ryu's Wedding is a major selling point for this innovative Korean series. The story begins on the day of an arranged marriage, except the runaway bride got cold feet on her wedding day. In an unconventional arrangement, the bride's brother will impersonate her and pretend to be loved-up newlyweds in front of the groom's family.
I wanted to like Nobleman Ryu's Wedding so badly. The historic setting is exciting, the premise is completely unique, and the actors are all familiar faces that I recognize from other Korean BL dramas. Unfortunately, the romance is just too lacklustre, while the story failed to capitalize on its immense potential. This series is a promising start for the genre, but there's a lot of room for improvement.
- Historical
- Cute & sweet
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Peach of Time (2021)
Peach of Time is a Korean BL drama with a mix of family melodrama and sweet romance. The main character is from Thailand and visits South Korea to meet up with his friend. However, what was supposed to be a fun casual vacation gets derailed by an unpleasant and unexpected discovery. The protagonist becomes entangled in a series of extraordinary events with a supernatural twist.
I like the ambition shown by Peach of Time, an adventurous series that tells a complex story beyond the confines of BL. Although it gets points for trying, the plot feels too contrived and the emotions don't connect as well as they should. This drama shines in a few moments and falls flat at other times, resulting in just an okay viewing experience for me.
- Supernatural
- Sad & emotional
- 10 episodes
- 4 hours
The Tasty Florida (2021)
- Romance
- Cute & sweet
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Tinted With You (2021)
Tinted With You is a historical BL series from South Korea. The protagonist is a high school student who gets magically transported to the feudal period. Confused by his surroundings, he encounters a banished prince and his devoted bodyguard. The three characters live together, getting entangled in a love triangle.
While Tinted With You shows ambition and creativity with its premise, the story is told incoherently. It doesn't have enough time to flesh out the plot, develop the characters, or expand on the romance. This historical drama underwhelms me with its awkward narrative, even if the BL content is sometimes compelling.
- Historical
- Nice & gentle
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
To My Star (2021)
To My Star is a Korean BL drama about a famous celebrity who goes into hiding after he’s rocked by a public scandal. In his hideout, he gets acquainted with his new roommate, an ordinary man who leads a modest, unassuming life. As they spend time together, a romance blossoms between these two roommates from very different walks of life.
Carried by an energetic lead actor, To My Star puts a fun, vibrant spin to a classic and familiar love story. The plot plays out exactly as you'd expect, but it remains enjoyable nonetheless. Overall, this BL series feels solid and well-rounded in every aspect.
- Romance
- Cute & sweet
- 9 episodes
- 2 hours
You Make Me Dance (2021)
You Make Me Dance is a Korean BL drama about a student dancer. He forms an unlikely romance with his loan shark. Yes, you read that right. He falls in love with the guy who chases him over his debt payments. Even for the BL genre, this pairing seems like such an odd combination between two characters from different walks of life.
Unfortunately, I didn't like You Make Me Dance very much. The plot was too farfetched, the characters were too shallow, and the romance was too random. It's impossible to feel immersed in this absurd and poorly written story.
- Romance
- Spicy & romantic
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Korean BL Dramas in 2020
Color Rush (2020)
- Fantasy
- Dark & toxic
- 8 episodes
- 2 hours
Mr. Heart (2020)
Mr. Heart is a Korean BL drama about a university athlete who competes in marathons. This upbeat love story begins when he’s introduced to a cute guy who motivates him to do better, and you can pretty much guess what happens next.
Actually, this series does take a sudden dramatic turn in its second half, but it remains fairly lighthearted for the most part. Mr. Heart doesn’t exactly break new ground, but it’s a pleasant BL series with enough delightful moments to satisfy your appetite.
- School romance
- Cute & sweet
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Sweet Munchies (2020)
Sweet Munchies is a Korean drama featuring a restaurant chef, who pretends to be gay in order to land a lucrative TV hosting gig. As the show becomes popular, he struggles to cope with his lie when romantic feelings grow towards his female producer. Meanwhile, he is unaware that his male friend has a crush on him, creating a love triangle made complicated by the public spotlight.
The best way to enjoy Sweet Munchies is to keep your expectations low, especially in terms of anticipating any meaningful LGBT representation. Although this series displays rare moments of brilliance, the quality is inconsistent as the plot gets more and more infuriating near the end.
- Non-BL drama
- Spicy & romantic
- 12 episodes
- 13 hours
Where Your Eyes Linger (2020)
Where Your Eyes Linger is a Korean BL drama about a wealthy student and his devoted live-in bodyguard. Their close adolescent friendship intensifies over time, complicated by a love triangle and family disapproval. The two characters must navigate through their coy, confusing, and complicated feelings for each other.
The elegantly simple Where Your Eyes Linger tells a compelling teenage story. The narrative is packed with meaningful melodrama and heightened emotions, conveyed powerfully by the talented actors. If you love BL, this satisfying series is among the best in the genre.
- School romance
- Sad & emotional
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Wish You (2020)
WISH YOU: Your Melody From My Heart is a Korean BL drama about an aspiring musician at the start of a promising career, and the obstacles that he faces along the way. Wish You was initially released as an eight-episode BL series, but was also released in a movie version, which came out later. Apparently, the movie has some extra scenes, but it’s pretty much the same content as the series, just combined into one big package.
Wish You is packaged very well with beautiful cinematography and lovely music, but the romance here is severely lacking in depth. You’ll get all style and no substance in this very basic love story.
- Romance
- Cute & sweet
- 8 episodes
- 90 mins
Korean BL Dramas Pre-2020
Long Time No See (2017)
Long Time No See is a Korean BL drama about an assassin whose life changes course after he falls in love. The drama was originally released as a short five-episode series, but there’s also a movie version available with the same content.
Although Long Time No See is slightly rough around the edges, it tells a super ambitious story backed by solid acting performances. There are some creative ideas and pleasant surprises found in this little gem of a series.
- Crime
- Dark & toxic
- 5 episodes
- 75 mins