The theme for this feature is “Emotional Trauma, Healing & Wellness”.

There are very few dramas that focus on emotional abuse or trauma experienced by the queer community. We are also talking into account the emotional turmoil faced by some of our favorite characters in the BL world, nevertheless of whether they incurred it because of their sexuality or generalities.

Love Is Like a Poison

A sensual rephrasing of a diffident relationship between Shiba Ryoma (Hama Shogo), a genius lawyer and Haruto (Hyodo Katsumi), a mysterious genius con artist, “Love Is Like a Poison” will tug at your heartstrings. The main issue within the queer community is acceptance of their own sexuality. Faced with the prospect of societal rebuttal, many fail to accept their own reality. While Shiba does take time in organizing his thoughts and feelings for Haruto, once he accepts them; there is no going back. He even goes to the extent of fearlessly defending Haruto in the front of a conglomerate leader and even makes him apologize to his lover for acting arrogantly. The ease with which Shiba accepts his new identity could be an example to many!

Where to watch- Netflix

Smells like Green Spirit

One of my favorite Japanese BLs this year, “Smells like Green Spirit” focuses on generational trauma, bullying and abuse. Led by an ensemble casting that includes upcoming actors, Araki Towa, Sono Shunta, Fujimoto Kodai & Abe Alan, even though the show is set in 1990’s, it addresses important issues like homophobia which are prevalent even today. Araki Towa is exceptional at his portrayal of Mishima Futoshi; a high school student who is constantly bullied for his flamboyant looks; he even enjoys secretly cross-dressing. Sono Shunta plays his clandestine bully turned best friend, Kirino; their friendship and acceptance of each other’s sexuality is the highlight of this show. Fujimoto Kodai plays Yumeno, who tries to hide his crush on Futoshi by bullying him; however in due course of time, he becomes Futoshi’s savior, comfort and future boyfriend. Abe Alan as Yanagida represents the regressive class of sexual predators who covertly hide their sexuality to abuse unwilling victims. This is one of those dramas that makes you think!

Where to watch- Fan-subbed

7 Days Before Valentine

Some adaptations leave you with an awkward sense of bewilderment and astonishment; “7 Days Before Valentine” is one such show. Another masterpiece by Punnasak Sukee, the show was adapted from the novel “7 Days Before Valentine” by Patrick Rangsimant. I’m a huge fan of Patrick’s novels; his stories are angsty, realistic and with a healthy does of self realization. Sunshine’s (Atom Nathaphop) love life is plummeting fast. On the very day he’s trying to decide what to do with his life, fate sends someone (Jet Somjet) with special powers to restore his previous relationship within seven days. The weight of his decisions in those seven days shapes his future; the story is a well choreographed journey of one man stumbling through life, making hasty decisions and regretting them later. Atom & Jet had a natural affinity which translated to excellent chemistry onscreen. You could witness the pain on Kyu’s face, everytime Sunshine did something regrettable. This show taught me valuable life lessons; not just me, it is for everyone!

Where to watch- Gagaoolala

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo

This is one of those shows that “Hurts so Good!”. A classic from Hwang Da Seul repertoire, “Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo” focuses on emotional trauma that cripples our main couple. While Lee Do Hoe (Kim Nu Rim) struggles with accepting his inadequacies, Shin Juyeong (Lee Seon) is tethered to his absolute love for Do Hoe. Both love each other too much and this love hurts them in different ways. Rather than solely focusing on the emotional abuse faced by Do Hoe, the show is centered on the healing that comes after. To some, their love might seem impossible, they are worst at communicating and that’s a decade spend apart. But what transforms this ordinary romance into something substantial is Juyeong’s ability to forgive and forget; to him staying beside Do Hoe is more important than anything else, no matter the consequences. Such a steadfast attitude can never be defeated!

Where to watch- Gagaoolala/IQIYI

Love in the Big City

If you still haven’t watched this story which has inspired a movie adaptation and a live-action drama series, then it is solely your loss. Though the movie adaptation is still unavailable to international audiences, the drama version released in the midst of conservativism protests. And yet, it became a global success; this popularity can be attributed to the main lead, Nam Yoon Su who portrays the character Ko Yeong with a sensitivity that will leave you heartbroken. The show charts his journey, as Yeong reminisces the highs and lows in his love life, the hidden gay culture in Korea, wounds from having a mother who is in denial of her son’s sexuality and his inner struggles as a HIV+ patient. The ensemble casting depict the taboo and stigma faced by the LGBTQ community in Asian countries and their desire for freedom.

Where to watch- Viki

4 Minutes

A psychological thriller, “4 Minutes” depicts the main lead, Great’s (Bible Wichapas) tumultuous life, when one day out of the blue, he gains the supernatural power to see four minutes into the future. Alongside, we are treated to his sultry yet serious romance with Tyme (Jes Jespipat) who has been manipulating him to seek revenge from Great’s parents. The storyline is complicated with inherent twists and turns, as Great struggles with an alternate reality where he is given the opportunity to undo his grave mistakes. Great faces major emotional trauma which pushes him into imaginary scenarios where he seeks redemption from recurrent mistakes.

Where to watch- Gagaoolala/Viu

The Secret of Us

Caught in a web of deceit and betrayal cast by her own homophobic mother, Dr. Fahlada (Lingling Sirilak) was left with a scar on her heart by old love, causing her to be unable to open up for someone anymore. As she reunites with her ex-girlfriend Earn (Orm Kornnaphat), old wounds are reopened and as they get closer again, Lada is hit with the hidden truth that her mother hurt her the most. “The Secret of Us” accurately portrays the toxic culture in most Asian countries where societal rebuttal and parental rejection are quite common. The show charts Lada’s journey as she reconciles with Earn and also wins her mother’s approval. Not everyone is that lucky!

Where to watch- Netflix

Gray Shelter

Set in the midst of dulcet tones and gray shades, “Gray Shelter” scripts the somber romance between two stepbrothers. While Cha Soo Hyuk (Jang Woo Young) is focused only on his survival, without any grand goals, Lee Yoon Dae (Lee Jae Bin) is a loafer, whiling away his life. As they reunite, old memories resurface, so do old wounds. Yoon Dae is a domestic abuse victim who uses veritable anger as his shield. Soo Hyuk on the other hand is desperately trying to survive while supporting a family whose income is being sucked dry by his gambling-addict father. Both are struggling in their own ways and as the story unfolds, they find a middle ground to survive together and love each other in their own ways!

Where to watch- Gagaoolala/IQIYI

These BLs will certainly haunt you, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to watch these classics because they depict quintessential queer culture!