Bromances probably came into existence and became popular because of China’s rigid censorship on queer representation. Even though their popularity stems from heart fluttering moments that spur imaginary romance between the fictional characters, Bromances are fast becoming a stable part of the BL genre!

Bright Time

Hao Fu Shen is the “King of Bromance” literally. After playing a disciplined Go player in “Hikaru no Go”, he turns into a loofer in “Bright Time”. Paired opposite Bian Cheng, the story focuses on the subtle yet undeniable romance between two school students, one is the class topper and other is his wayward nephew. As his Uncle, Ling Dong decides to help discipline his mischievous nephew Lan Jing Hui who loves basketball and hates studying. Thus begins a hilarious reformation journey wherein they grow closer. By the end of the show, our main leads are living together, so you can say they got their “Happily Ever After”.

High School Frenemy

My current obsession, this remake from GMMTV camp is turning the tables in favor of Bromances. Starring Sky Wongravee & Nani Hirunkit in a brand-new combination, the show is already making waves because of their explosive chemistry (with fans hoping that the leads would star in a BL romance next year). The story focuses on Saint & Shin, childhood friends who are now at odds with each other. The fact that they belong to rival campuses strains their relationship further, with Saint trying his utmost to redeem himself and get closer to Shin. Sky & Nani look good together and their scenes are always trailblazers.

Peaceful Property

GMMTV dared to put TayNew in a bromance and hoped that fans wouldn’t dissect their scenes for romance. Starring Tay Tawan & New Thitipoom in a horror comedy, “Peaceful Property” hinges on the unusual camaraderie between the rich, spoiled heir Home & the Chef/Exocist Peach. Their extreme antagonism for each other grows mellow as they spend time together, exorcising ghosts in various properties owned by Home. The “Found Family” concept is quite viable in this show as Home goes from being a loner to getting a new family in the form of his new friends (including the crybaby bodyguard, Suradech).

Dashing Youth

If you are a fan of “Blood of Youth” (which had its own share of Bromance pairings), then the prequel “Dashing Youth” should be high on your watchlist. It traces the close friendship between Baili Dong Jun, the Liquor Deity and Ye Ding Zhi, the most dreaded antagonist of his generation. The show is a rustic journey of their relationship as their friendship turns sour with both standing at the opposite sides. Despite the viable rivalry and risky choices they make, Dong Jun and Ding Zhi never stop caring about each other. Neo Hou & He Yu had a refreshing chemistry that spurred the ratings for this show!

High School Return of a Gangster

After this show created a buzz about being a “Censored Adaptation Of Same-sex Original Work”, there were many who boycotted this show. Starring Yoon Chan Young & Bong Jae Hyun in lead roles, this is indeed a censored version, but that doesn’t dim the abundant chemistry between the main leads. The story focuses on Kim Deuk Pal, a 47-year gangster who unexpectedly ends up in the body of suicidal 19-year-old high school student, Song Yi Heon, who is constantly bullied at school. Since Kin Deuk Pal always wanted to attend school, he turns this unwarranted situation into an opportunity and starts attending school. There he comes in contact with Song Yi Heon’s bullies whom he vanquishes while solving problems at Yi Heon’s household. He also grows closer to Yi Heon’s classmate, Choi Se Kyung who himself suffers domestic violence at home by his father. The show might be censored, but they couldn’t censor the chemistry between the main leads.

Officer Black Belt

Not exactly a Bromance, but this movie showcases the strong camaraderie between main leads, Kim Woo Bin & Kim Sung Kyun while they work as probationers monitoring violent offenders who are on probation. The story is an emotional journey for Lee Jung Do, a prodigy in the martial arts. He is an ordinary guy who likes to play video games with his pals at internet cafes while delivering food for his father’s chicken restaurant. One day, Lee Jung Do happens to see a martial arts officer being attacked by a probationer wearing an ankle monitor, and he saves the martial arts officer. After saving the officer, Lee Jung Do begins to fill in for the injured officer for 5 weeks, where he is partnered with probation officer Kim Sun Min. From being a loofer with no ambitions, Lee Jung Do becomes a compassionate probationer who intends to save the victims at all costs. Kim Woo Bin is an actor par excellence, so you should definitely check out this movie!

Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West

The best duo were back with the second installment of this franchise. Starring Yang Xu Wen as Lu LingFeng & Yang Zhi Gang as Su Wuming, alongside their dynamic investigative team, the story focuses on their dangerous journey to the West as LingFeng is demoted from his position by the current Emperor. Throughout their journey, both heroes face various assassinations attempts as they investigate variant crimes at each juncture. The cases are as entertaining as ever; with LingFeng becoming better at investigations. If you are into crime thrillers with a bromance edge, then this show should be on your watchlist. Also rejoice because Season Three (Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 3: To Changan) was recently announced which will probably release next year!

Adventure behind the Bronze Door

There is bromance and then there is PingXie. Spanning across several adaptations that showcase their love for each other, Wu Xie & Zhang Qiling are an enigmatic couple. As Qiling enters the Bronze Gate to took over duties that Wu Xie was supposed to perform; Wu Xie is left behind, lonely, longing for Qiling’s presence. As such, he begins to investigate Qiling’s origins and the whereabouts of his familial ties. He chooses to resolve all issues that plague the erstwhile Zhang family so that when Qiling returns, he can live a free life and not be tied down by his responsibilities as the family Patriarch. Throughout this journey, Wu Xie’s yearning to reunite with Qiling is obvious. They were and will always be each other’s soulmate!

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!