Korean BLs are slowly evolving when it comes to their storytelling style and vibrant casting. The recent releases like Our Dating Sim and Unintentional Love Story are abundant proof of the same. While 2023 saw the rise of distinctive cinema, the dramas showcased in 2022 were equally diversified. In today’s feature, our authors will share their succinct choices!

Stayloki94’s Favorites

Annyeonghasseyo yeoreobun!

South Korea has made a significant impact on both- the Korean Pop and drama scenes as well as the emerging BOYS’ LOVE genre.

As the world grows more accepting and open-minded, people’s views on love and relationships have shifted tremendously. Gone are the days where heterosexual love stories dominated the entertainment media. Nowadays, the world is beginning to appreciate and acknowledge love stories that involve people of the same gender. Let me share with you my top Korean BL series of 2022.

Kissable Lips

Kissable Lips tells the story of Kim Jun Ho, played by the talented Kim Ji Woong, and Kim Min Hyun, played by Yoon Seo Bin. Kim Jun Ho is a vampire, immortal and breathtakingly attractive. But despite his eternal youth, he is plagued by loneliness, constantly searching for a companion to share his life with.

Kim Min Hyun, on the other hand, is a mortal human. But what makes him unique is that he is the only person who can give Kim Jun Ho the gift of immortality. So, when fate brings them together, they begin a tumultuous journey towards true love.

The series is filled with conflicts and obstacles, as the two main characters grapple with their vastly different worlds. But amidst all the challenges, it is their love that keeps them going. And that, for me, is the true beauty of Kissable Lips.

What I love most about this series is that it is not your typical love story. Yes, it is a fictional tale involving a vampire and a human, but it also depicts the realities of love. It is not always a bed of roses. It takes effort, patience, and understanding to make any relationship work. Even a love that transcends time and death.

The chemistry between Kim Ji Woong and Yoon Seo Bin is palpable, their awkwardness nonexistent. But what really makes their performances memorable is their ability to express the depth of their characters’ emotions. They make it easy for viewers to relate to their struggles, and they bring out the rawness of love in all its forms.

Overall, Kissable Lips is a memorable experience. It brings a fresh perspective to the BL genre, showcasing the complexity and beauty of love that transcends age, gender, and even time. It is a must-watch, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to see love in its rawest form, flaws and all.

Semantic Error

What sets Semantic Error apart from other BL shows is how well the plot is presented. The story is well-written and thought-provoking, with each episode leaving you guessing about what is going to happen next. There is never a dull moment in the show, with each episode packed with drama, action, and emotion.

The chemistry between the two main characters is one of the key factors that makes the show so compelling. Park Seo Ham’s portrayal of Jang Jae Young is flawless, and he perfectly captures the character’s inner turmoil and conflict. Meanwhile, Park Jae Chan’s portrayal of Chu Sang Woo is equally well-done, and he brings a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth to the character.

One of the things that makes Semantic Error so special is how it tackles themes that are not usually explored in BL shows. The show takes a more holistic approach to the characters’ lives, exploring their passions, interests, and ambitions. The show also does an excellent job of exploring the challenges that come with being in a same-sex relationship, such as discrimination and social stigma.

The cinematography in the show is another standout feature. The show is shot in a way that makes each scene feel like a work of art. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the camera work is impressive. The show’s soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it perfectly complements the mood of each scene.

Cherry Blossoms After Winter

The show follows the story of two boys who found themselves in a blossoming romance, sending the viewers onto a heartfelt journey of love and self-discovery.

The story revolves around two high school students, Seo Hae Beom and Jo Tae Sung. Hae Beom is a young boy who was adopted at a young age by a loving couple. Tae Sung is the biological son of the family, who sees Hae Beom as his brother. However, things start to get complicated when Hae Beom realizes that he has feelings for Tae Sung, making their relationship a little more complicated than just being brothers.

Throughout the series, viewers see how Hae Beom is torn between following his heart or ignoring it, not wanting to disrespect the family that brought him into their home. Meanwhile, Tae Sung is confused about his feelings towards Hae Beom and struggles with his identity.

What makes this series so special is not just the romantic elements; it also tackles important social issues, such as bullying, discrimination, and self-acceptance. These issues are seamlessly woven into the show’s plot, making it more relatable.

Cherry Blossoms After Winter also boasts a well-paced storyline and outstanding cinematography. The integration of scenic shots and poignant moments creates a touching viewing experience that keeps audiences engaged. Moreover, the heartwarming soundtrack amplifies the emotions of the characters and makes their journey much more memorable.

Both Ok Jin Uk and Kang Hui’s performances in this drama are breathtakingly authentic. The chemistry they bring to the screen makes it easy for viewers to become invested in their relationship.

In conclusion, Cherry Blossoms After Winter is undoubtedly a drama worth watching. It delves into important social issues while also taking the viewers on a journey of love, self-discovery, and the power of determination. This drama will leave you feeling all sorts of emotions and keep you invested until the very end. It is a must-watch for all romance and drama lovers.

As Korean BL continues to evolve and captivate its growing audience, it proves to be a trailblazer in the entertainment industry by showcasing a wide range of stories that go beyond gender norms and stereotypes. With its unique and refreshing approach, Korean BL has become a powerful tool in promoting inclusivity and equality and is definitely a genre to keep an eye on in the world of entertainment.

Sarinpai’s Favorites

To My Star 2

Before I begin to describe how much I loved To My Star 2, there needs to be a notable mention of some of my other favourites of the year- Semantic Error, Blueming, Choco Milk Shake, and Roommates of Poongduck 304. The list could probably go on because, seriously, how did South Korea release so many bangers last year?!

But anyways, To My Star 2, for me, affected me such that I was left reeling after I binged it in one go.

The prequel had ended on a tentatively happy note. It wasn’t that all was well, they hadn’t addressed many of the issues that were bound to plague their relationship in the future, but for the moment, they were happy. And that is how it is in most cases. Most romance media only show us the story up until the leads get together in a dramatic ending. Yes, there are ups and downs before that, but the passionate kiss at the end is meant to signal that they’ll continue their journey happily ever after.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and To My Star 2 is the story of what happens when two people do get together, but circumstances, including their own insecurities, push them apart. Seojun and Jiwoo loved each other, but love wasn’t enough to sustain their relationship and it fell apart in an instant.

The second season, with the simple premise that Seojun is looking for Jiwoo who disappeared abruptly, relied heavily on the dialogues as well as their chemistry with each other, and on both parts, delivered marvellously.

The show sees them learning how to communicate with each other once again, showing each other sides that they perhaps hadn’t before out of fear of disappointing the other, and for Jiwoo, learning not to run away from his problems.

Usually, I am not a big fan of adding another season, especially when the story seemed to have been concluded in the first part itself. I think of it as unnecessary, or needlessly convoluted just to pad the runtime because what needed to be told has already been done before. But I have also learnt to trust Hwang Daseul’s process for the To My Star universe, to delve into the gaps that had been left behind in the first season as Seojun and Jiwoo got together without knowing how to navigate their relationship and the fallout that caused.

This is one of the rare cases, where the sequel is not only a necessary counterpart to the first season, but arguably better.

We will be back next week with the third edition of this feature. So till then, keep watching this space as we bring you more updates from the Asian BL World!