K-dramas were my gateway to the Boys’ Love genre. Once I’d signed up for Viki, I started seeing them in my recommendations and finally decided to try one. It was a rough transition at first, but now I’m fully immersed in both worlds.

I wrote this list for the K-drama fans looking to get into BL series. Whether that’s you or someone you know, I hope this gives you a good place to start!

The Eighth Sense

Premise: A college senior adopts a shy freshman, not expecting their friendship to spark an emotional journey.

This sweet and heartfelt Korean BL surprised me with its depth. It’s short, like many KBLs, but it has all the emotional depth that makes so many great K-dramas stand out. I was impressed by how sensitively the show handled the trauma of one of the characters. The chemistry stands out, and I loved how responsibly the leads handled conflict.

Moonlight Chicken

Premise: A chicken shop owner can’t shake off his one-night stand, despite his desire to avoid a relationship.

If you’ve never watched a Thai show, this is my number one recommendation for K-drama fans.

It has all the yearning of a K-drama, well-developed side characters, and a great story. It doesn’t skimp on romance or emotions. It has so much heart and warmth for only 8 episodes of television. It has a story that will stay with you long after it’s ended.

A Tale of Thousand Stars (1000 Stars)

Premise: After receiving a heart donation, a young man sets out to follow his heart donor’s footsteps. He ends up volunteering in a remote village with a stoic chief.

This was the first Thai BL that really made me fall for the genre. It’s full of redemption, longing, and love. It reminds me of older K-dramas where that slow burn is truly slow. The build-up in the chemistry is so sweet. It’s moody in places, but it’s a sweet and tender watch overall. And if you like Moonlight Chicken, this show stars the same leads.

I Hear The Sunspot

Premise: A reserved student with hearing loss meets a loud and energetic classmate who changes his world and opens his heart.

This Japanese BL is just straight-up heartwarming. The romance builds between two people who couldn’t be more different. Both are a bit clumsy as they figure out how to be friends and then discover the feelings between them. I really enjoyed their character development over the course of the show.

Khemjira

Premise: Plagued by a family curse, a young man expects to die by his 21st birthday. He meets a shaman who gives him hope.

This show grounds a fantasy romance in Northeastern Thai culture. The details are breathtaking, with everything from the musical landscape to the shaman’s tattoos having origins in real traditions and beliefs. It’s a great story of star-crossed lovers plagued by fate and a truly vengeful antagonist. Great for any K-drama fan who loves fantasy romance and a little horror.

School Trip: Joined A Group I’m Not Close To

Premise: On a class trip, shy Hioki ends up rooming with the most popular boys in class. He becomes friends with them, particularly with the handsome Watarai.

This Japanese BL is truly adorable. It will feel relatable and refreshing to anyone who is, or was, chronically shy. The popular boys are kind and generous, working hard to include Hioki right away. It’s a quick watch, but it’s entertaining and bright. I recommend it to any K-drama fans who love school romances.

Last Twilight

Premise: An ex-con starts working as a caregiver for a former athlete with severe vision loss.

This is a warm-hearted Thai BL romance. These guys fall completely for each other, but in a way that feels natural over time. I liked the depth of the leads and how they navigate challenges together. It stands out for its emotional honesty. It’s a good watch if you’re looking for something comforting and hopeful.

Shine

Premise: An economist returns to Thailand where he meets a freewheeling musician. He faces impossible choices amid political turmoil in 1969.

If you’re looking for a great story, you’ll find it in this Thai show. It’s about grown men navigating a complex political reality. It’s sexy, evocative, and thought-provoking. The production is phenomenal, from cinematography to music. I loved how it resists putting characters in neat boxes, showing the full spectrum of the choices available to make the world a better place.

If you’re a K-drama fan who’s already initiated to the world of BL, which shows would you add to the list?

This article is written by Ruth’s Rec Room, adapted from one of her recommendation posts on Instagram.