Since we are all caught up with the first edition of my personal favorites, let’s take this journey forward with the second round where I will be sharing titbit about BL pairings that became the rage/craze in 2024. Some of them are unlikely choices, so you can pretend to be surprised. In short, 2024 was eventful and it was all thanks to these phenomenal pairings!

1) Top Piyawat & Mick Monthon, Every You Every Me

I have no idea as to how this onscreen couple became my personal favorite. I first came across Mick when he starred in the 2022 romance “La Cuisine”. Slightly awkward and shy, his acting skills were quite questionable given his rookie status. Later, he was paired opposite Top in “My Universe” and that’s how they garnered attention. They were cast again as the lead pair in the recently concluded “Every You Every Me” and the rest as they say is history. Top & Mick have a natural chemistry, it could be attributed to the comfort they share. The storytelling revolves around them and everything else becomes nonexistent. They make a strikingly beautiful couple, which is an added advantage. I really want to see them paired in future projects, that challenge their chemistry and acting chops!

2) Perth Tanapon & Santa Pongsapak, Perfect 10 Liners

Just yesterday I was wondering what the casting directors in GMMTV were thinking when they paired Santa opposite Perth. Both have played dominant roles in their past projects, so how could they bridge the distance? It was only after watching last night’s episode, that I realized one thing. Santa was probably handpicked because he suits the role; he literally is a puppy and embodies the finer nuances of his character, Gun. Most probably the casting directors were counting on the probability that his chemistry with Perth would be as exceptional as his performance. Surprisingly, they were right on both accounts, because Santa outdid himself and his chemistry with Perth is awesome. Some couples are meant to be!

3) Thomas Teetut & Kong Kongpob, Your Sky Series

The only thought that comes to my mind whenever I see this couple is “Oh they are cute, how could anyone be so adorable”. They literally embody the image of a sweet, endearing picture perfect couple. “Your Sky Series” did not make waves like its contemporary shows, but surely Thomas & Kong managed to catch everyone’s attention. The storytelling, casting was good but somehow the show pales in comparison; the only good thing remains the abundant chemistry between the lead pairing, who had to carry the entire show on their shoulders. Especially Kong, who had to play a naive innocent character that is equal parts bewildering but adorable. No wonder, Muenfah fell hard and was never able to recover. They were literally the “Cutest Couple to Exist in 2024”.

4) Maxky Ratchata & Bas Hatsanat, Fourever You

I’m totally biased towards this couple, despite the fact that there are four refreshing pairings in this show. Maxky first made to the limelight when he starred in a comic role in “Why You… Y Me?”. Bas is literally a national star; from making a mark in the classic adaptation “2moons” to become a global hit as the vocalist in the boy group SBFIVE, he has done it all. How these two wandering souls met each other is a mystery but kudos to the casting directors for “Fourever You Project”. Maxky transitioned from playing a humorous character to becoming the sexy, handsome Johan overnight. His interpretation of this character won hearts and his chemistry with Bas outshone the other couples in the show. They make a truly handsome pairing and rumor mills say, they will be starring in another major project soon!

5) Jes Jespipat & Bible Wichapas, 4 Minutes

When this project was announced, I was curious about two things, will Bible be comfortable acting in a BL role with a new partner? Will Jes Jespipat who is a Ch3Thailand veteran and who has only ever starred in straight romances be able to seriously embody a gay character? These questions were answered when the show premiered and the new pairing showcased exceptional chemistry; especially Jes. Though criticism and comparisons were bound to happen, Jes took everything in his stride and led the narrative admirably. Their popularity grew so much, that they are currently set to star in “8 Hours”, sequel to “4 Minutes”. Jes & Bible are extremely comfortable with each other and their camaraderie shines through in their intimate scenes!

6) Sailub Hemmawich & Pon Thanapon, This Love Doesn’t Need Long Beans

Sailub & Pon were an unlikely pairing probably introduced as an experiment in “Pit Babe The Series”. As a supporting couple, no one expected them to make waves with their somber chemistry; but they did and the rest is history. Their growing popularity landed them the lead role in the adaptation “This Love Doesn’t Need Long Beans”. Sailub & Pon showcased sensational chemistry in this show and despite its short format, the couple’s popularity grew even more. Currently, they are all set to star in the second season of “Pit Babe Series” and we can look forward to some explosive scenes again!

7) Tanaka Koki & Tawada Hideya, Sugar Dog Life

The cutest couple of 2024, Tanaka & Tawada’s offscreen interactions are as exciting as their onscreen chemistry. Starring in an age Gap romance, Tanaka Koki & Tawada Hideya had to represent a sweet love story between a college student and a police officer. The actor’s embodied the finer nuances of their characters and their romance was lively yet enviable. They left such a deep impression on their fan’s mind, that people still flock to their Instagram lives just to watch them chat with each other. Here’s hoping we get a Season Two of this cute love story!

8) Tanaka Kei & Hayashi Kento, Ossan’s Love Returns

One of the craziest couples in the history of Japanese BL, Tanaka Kei & Hayashi Kento have been a part and parcel of this popular framchisee since 2018. When this show premiered back then, they were fresh out of the oven, their chemistry questionable. But over the years, with multiple sequels added, they have honed their chemistry and it is better than ever. Tanaka as Haruta is extremely hilarious while Hayashi manages the serious demeanor that is so characteristic of Maki. They are an unusual couple, there is no end to their arguments, and yet they always manage to find the middle ground to make things work. An exceptional pairing indeed!

9) Neo Hou & Tian Jia Rui, Fangs of Fortune

Neo Huo, the star of Chinese Bromances (The Lost Tomb 2, I Am Nobody, Dashing Youth) contributed to yet another amazing romance in “Fangs of Fortune”. Directed by Guo Jing Ming, the show was bound to have queer overtones. What was unexpected was the amazing chemistry between Neo Huo & Tian Jia Rui that overshadowed his subtle romance with the female protagonist, Chen Du Ling. Zhu Yan & Zhou Yi Chen started as enemies, became each other’s confidants who grow closer as a couple later. The obvious subtext in their relationship was carefully curated overtime, and they make a handsome couple.

We are rounding off the above said feature with this edition, but fear not, we have more goodies in store for next week!