The momentum for change was surprising unfazed in 2024, we are not only talking about good dramas, but actors who left behind an impressive legacy. Starting from newbies starting their journey as main leads, to veteran actors tipping their toes in the BL world, the industry saw some great caliber. This indicates that the genre is in good hands and going forward, we can only anticipate exceptional performances!

Nagumo Shoma, Love in the Air Koi

After riveting fans with his seductive act in “25 Ji, Akasaka de”, Nagumo Shoma stepped into the shoes of popular BL actor, Boss Chaikamon. Playing the main lead in a remake isn’t an easy feat, especially when the original was extremely popular. Comparisons to your predecessor are inevitable; Shoma’s act was indeed commendable. Instead of blindly imitating Boss, he enacted the character role differently and imbibed it with his own charm. That was a class act, because a good actor knows how to emote on his own; he doesn’t need to follow-up on other’s criterion. His chemistry with co-star Hamaya Takuto was the icing on the cake too!

Jin Yun, See Your Love

Portraying a character with disabilities requires sensitivity and is a diffident job. As Jiang Shao Peng, Jin Yun had to portray a character who is frustrated in job seeking due to his deafness and muteness. He endeavors to become a caretaker but he is often scorned because of his disability. Most employers believe that caretakers should be able to communicate with their patients actively and Shao Peng’s inability to do so turns him into an outcast. That is until he meets Yang Zi Xiang, the spoiled rich heir who is currently in Taiwan to broker a new deal for his company. Despite the abundant differences in their personalities, Shao Peng falls for Zi Xiang when he insistently pursues him and even learns sign language, so they could communicate freely. These two set couple goals and their love was tearfully beautiful. Jin Yun’s portrayal was heartbreaking yet sensible!

Nam Yoon Su, Love in the Big City

After delivering the biggest hit of 2024, you can’t be noncommittal. Nam Yoon Su became a legend when he was nonchalant about his show’s release even in the midst of the homophobic public outrage. You can only be that confident when you have given your 100% performance and have no qualms about audiences judging you. As Ko Yeong, he portrays the story of an audacious yet vibrant gay man, living in the city of Seoul. Masking in glory yet hesitant and closeted, Ko Yeong is insistent on finding love, no matter how much it eludes him. The drama showcases his good old days that can never be retrieved, while he strives for personal growth. It is the story of a common man but it resonates with the masses. Nam Yoon Su was brilliant in his rendition, no one else could have depicted Ko Yeong’s yearning better!

Bible Wichapas, 4 Minutes

Indeed, a game changer, Bible became a part of the BL industry as an antagonist. Starring as Vegas, Bible’s portrayal was subject to interpretation. If you saw him as a dreaded villain, he certainly was; but if you saw him as a lonely soul seeking companionship and love, then he seemed less of a villain and more like a miserable person, who had a bad upbringing. Changing this image, Bible stepped into his new role as a university student, who out of the blue gains the supernatural power to see four minutes into the future. Whether he really does alter time is still debatable. Bible’s performance was risque yet mature; his chemistry with new co-star Jes Jespipat is explosive. There are very few actors of his calibre and Bible’s handsome looks are an added advantage!

Benjamin Tsang, The On1y One

Taiwanese BL is evolving but there are very few actors who have the talents to leave a long-lasting impression in our minds. As Jiang Tian, Benjamin had to portray an aloof character. His mother has single handedly raised him, as such when she decides to remarry, Jiang Tian resolutely accepts her decision to make her happy. Doesn’t mean, he gets along well with his new stepbrother, Sheng Wang. Both are stubborn, intelligent, have defiant personalities and are street smart. Clashes are inevitable but slowly love blossoms. The storyline doesn’t outwardly express their affection even until the finale episode. It is hidden and as teenagers they are confused about their affections. Benjamin emulates well and acts realistically, embodying the finer nuances of his character. Benjamin’s eyes are so soulful, no dialogues were required to depict Jiang Tian’s longing.

Hyodo Katsumi, Love is like a Poison

Playing a genius con artist comes easily to Hyodo Katsumi. As Haruto, he is shredded in mystery, we don’t much about his origins or true intentions. The fact that he easily ensnares Shiba Ryoma who is known to be an aloof and complicated lawyer show how convincing his act is. They dance around their affections, doubt each other and yet end up falling in love. The best part of this show was their partnership. Even though he doesn’t know or understand legal procedures as well as Shiba does, Haruto compliments him well with his investigation skills. Hyodo literally breathed life in a deceivable character and turned him into an endearing one instead.

Won Tae Min, The Time of Fever

There are very few actors in the Korean industry who would risk acting in BL dramas repeatedly without qualms. Won Tae Min is one of those few, after finding a stable footing in “You Make Me Dance”, he reclaimed his legacy by starring as the supporting lead in “Unintentional Love Story”. His chemistry with Do Woo was much appreciated and their popularity gave birth to the 2024 sequel “The Time of Fever”. As Ko Ho Tae, Tae Min portrays a character with suppressed emotions. While Do Hui is quite open about his sexuality, Ho Tae seems confused or rather hesitant to accept his own sexuality. As they live together, Dong Hui struggles with his feelings for Ho Tae, his first love, while Ho Tae begins to experience emotions he’s never felt before. Won Tae Min does an exceptional depicting Ho Tae’s confusion, his self doubts, fears and eventual heartbreak.

Special Mention-

☆ Kit Connor, Heartstopper S3

Kit Connor is literally a “Heartstopper”. In his third year as Nick, Kit depicts the heartbreaking reality of watching his boyfriend, Charlie suffers from anorexia. His endeavors to support Charlie were sensitive; even though he struggles with accepting this alternate reality, he never once gives up on Charlie or stops supporting him. To have such a caring boyfriend who is unbelievably sensitive is truly a blessing. Kit handled this role with a sensibility that is beyond his age. This coming-of-age drama would be lackluster without its main leads and Kit is indeed an exceptional performer. There are very few like him!

We will be back with the third edition of this feature next week, keep tracking!