2024 was surprisingly the “Year of GLs”. From a few succinct shows like “Gap The Series” & “Fragrance of the First Flower” which made their mark on the international platforms, we didn’t have any sapphic representation before. The tables have turned, with several prominent releases this year, and we have new fandoms coming into existence, more couples gaining traction.

The Secret of Us

One of the biggest hits of 2024, Ch3 Thailand made a fortune with this adaptation and introduced a new hit couple on the block. Starring Lingling Sirilak & Orm Kornnaphat in lead roles, the story focuses on two ex-lovers who were separated by unfavorable circumstances and reconcile years later, after going through trials and tribulations. The sensual chemistry between LingOrm turned them into a legend with catcalls for their next project. Heavens was quick on uptake and as such, the actresses will continue their winning streak in the upcoming thriller, “Only You Series”.

Reverse 4 You The Series

My second favorite GL of this year, “Reverse 4 You The Series” spins an unconventional storyline that toes the line between the sapphic and fantasy genre. Starring Christine Gulasatree & Mae Methakarn in lead roles, the story focuses on two sisters who have supernatural powers. While Jattawa has the power to rewind time, her younger sister Vivi has the power of vision. The orphaned sisters have been supporting each other since their parent’s death. Things begun to change when Vivi predicts that Jattawa’s soulmate is P’Four, a fourth-year international business major with a bad reputation. The storytelling is unique and the main leads have an affable chemistry which adds an intriguing edge to this mystery thriller!

Love Bully

If you are an “Englot” fan, then watching this anthology is a connundrum. Starring one of the most popular GL couples in the Thai industry, Charlotte Austin & Engfa Waraha; the show is a simple love story of longing and yearning, set in the midst of parental disapproval. The stars obviously have an awesome chemistry and the storyline hugely revolves around them; frankly, four episodes was less, but since it is a stable CHANGE2561 “Club Friday” story, we can’t expect more. Fret not, Englot are high in demand and will be starring in the upcoming crime thriller “Petrichor The Series” which is set to premiere next month.

Chaser Game W2: Utsukushiki Tennyotachi

The popular Japanese adaptation is back with its second season. Starring Sugai Yuuka & Nakamura Yurika in lead roles, the story brings our beloved couple together; only this time, they have to face new set of problems. Fuyu & Itsuki reunite with the understanding of Fuyu’s husband and their daughter. The new obstacles in their path being Fuyu’s homophobic mother who is adamant on maintaining the perfect family facade and Itsuki’s ex-lover, Yeo Reum who is hellbent on destroying their relationship. The surreal chemistry between the lead pairing is still the highlight, and we are banking on their happy reunion at the earliest!

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

One of the most anticipated shows in recent times, “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” is a censored adaptation of the sapphic romance of the same name. If you think that since it is censored, the lesbian vibes would be missing; you are wrong. The story focuses on the journey of Jeong Nyeon who has no money or education, but she is a Mokpo girl with a talent for singing. Her dream is to join a women’s traditional theater company, and make it big. Going against her mother’s wishes, Jeong Nyeon travels to Seoul and faces various trials before emerging as the star of her generation. Starring Kim Tae Ri in the lead role, the show strongly hints at her love-hate relationship with Shin Ye Eun, who plays her viable love interest. Apart from them, we have the established pairing, Jung Eun Chae & Kim Yoon Hye who portray the roles of the Prince & Princess of Maeran Theater Troupe.

23.5

The first GL adaptation from the GMMTV camp was sure to make the headlines and it did. Despite the lukewarm promotions and lackluster marketing, “23.5” has set the stage for the lead pairing, Milk Pansa & Love Pattranite who made their official debut with this show. The storyline focuses on Ongsa’s hidden attempt to hit at her crush, Sun. One day, she carelessly tells Sun “sweet dreams” using the Instagram name Earth. Sun assumes that she is talking to a guy, and they start flirting online. Insecure about her looks and personality, Ongsa doesn’t have the guts to reveal her real identity in front of Sun and continues to talk to her online. Milk & Love have a natural chemistry; it was endearing watching them together and I’m looking forward to watching their future projects!

Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko!

This was one of those shows that frustrated me to no end and yet I’m adding it to this list, simply because the lead pairing had an endearing chemistry. Starring Kato Shiho & Mori Kanna in lead roles, the show is an office romance between two colleagues who often misunderstand each other’s true intentions. Ayaka is madly in love with her senior, Hiroko who refuses to believe that Ayaka might be a lesbian and is in love with her. As a result, her attempts to woo Hiroko are pretty much useless and yet Ayaka never gives up on trying to win Hiroko’s heart. The lighthearted love story is so ridiculous, you can’t help but laugh at their hijinks.

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!