While we are having a constant outpour of Japanese and Thai BLs, Korean BLs seemed to be slow on uptake this year. We didn’t have any continuous projections, but the shows that premiered were indeed a worthwhile experience. We had some complicated adaptations with nuanced storytelling and casting that made waves across the continent. Spilling the beans, let me share my favorites from 2024!

The Time of Fever- starring Won Tae Min and Do Woo

With its prequel gaining worldwide popularity, “The Time of Fever” was possibly the most anticipated release of the year. Starring the secondary couple, Won Tae Min & Do Woo in lead roles, the story brushes over their childhood romance and intimacy. A tale of erstwhile longing and yearning, “The Time of Fever” puts two phenomenal actors in a timeless romance; as they embody the feelings of confusion and intense passion that their characters went through. Teenagers are presumably unaware of their emotions and “The Time of Fever” serves the message that falling in love doesn’t always end with a “Happily Ever After”. It leaves a jarring effect on your soul; with an inclination to watch their future journey!

Where I watched: IQIYI

Blossom Campus- starring Son Byeong Hoon & Choi Dong Ho

There might be quite a few who didn’t find this show as entertaining as I did. The storytelling did need some improvements, but what made me immerse myself in this show was the natural chemistry stemming between the lead pairing. Son Byeong Hoon & Choi Dong Ho made a handsome pair; the story focuses on the romance between their characters who meet unexpectedly and slowly grow closer as Yoon Chan comes to terms with his sexuality and feelings for Kim Min Jae. Kim Yong Sol serving as the delicious third angle just added more flavor to this somber love story!

Where I watched: Gagaoolala

Gray Shelter- starring Lee Jae Bin and Jang Woo Young

The gray undertones in this complicated romance set the premise for this storyline. Both Lee Jae Bin and Jang Woo Young have complex portrayals, their characters being a part of broken household. While Lee Yoon Dae seeks safety and sense of belonging, Cha Soo Hyuk is looking for a stable life. As the two men converge on the same path, their lives get entangled bringing forth old attachments and a yearning so strong, that they both get carried away. Removing the mask they had hiding behind, our lead pair had a lot of growing up to do and the actors portrayed their character’s upheaval convincingly.

Where I watched: IQIYI

Love for Love’s Sake- starring Lee Tae Vin and Cha Joo Wan

Another star couple in making, Lee Tae Vin and Cha Joo Wan made waves with their dulcet portrayals of lead pair, Tae Myung Ha & Cha Yeo Woon. Their popularity is an uncharted territory, with a ninth episode announced recently followed by a special screening event. The story revolves around twenty-nine-year-old Tae Myung Ha who suddenly finds himself transported into a fictional online game where he inhabits the body of a nineteen-year-old character. Soon, Tae Myung Ha embarks on a quest within the virtual world to bring happiness to a character named Cha Yeo Woon. Throughout their interactions, Tae Myung Ha remains a silent supporter to Yeo Woon who had suicidal thoughts. As their steer past his emotional scars, Yeo Woon falls in love with Myung Ha. The show not just focuses on Yeo Woon’s healing process but also becomes a breakthrough for Myung Ha who was faced with failures of his own.

Where I watched: IQIYI

Jazz for Two- starring Ji Ho Geun & Kim Jin Kwon

A huge part of this musical romance focuses on the anguish and troubled past of the main lead pair. While Han Tae I struggles to move past his elder brother’s death, Yun Se Heon faces disapproval from his own father. Their entanglement is messy with Han Tae I constantly questioning his feelings for Yun Se Heon. The show also became hugely popular because of the rustic chemistry between the secondary couple, Song Han Gyeom & Kim Jung Ha. Both love stories ran parallel and were equally intriguing!

Where I watched: Gagaoolala

My Damn Business- starring Jung Jae Bin & Jeon Yu Bin

Two men in a failing company, falling for each other. The premise seems too simple but the underlying tension between our lead couple isn’t. The story focuses on Team Leader Han who has to wrap up business with the partner companies that he has managed within three months. Yun, an assistant manager from the support team, is dispatched to Sales Team 2. With just the two of them in the empty office, Han can’t help but notice Yun’s aloof demeanor. A slight misunderstanding leads to changes in their relationship. The first episode remains true to the premise and showcases the difference in their personalities. Their ensuing romance would be interesting to watch!

Where I watched: GND Studio’s YouTube Channel

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