When it comes to BL dramas, Asia has given us some of the most unforgettable stories. Each country has its own unique flavor—whether it’s the delicate emotions of Japanese BL series, the high-energy romance of Thai BL series, or the growing wave of Chinese BL series.
Korean BL dramas stand out in their own way, often blending sleek production values with heartfelt storytelling that resonates with both local and international fans. From short web dramas to full-length series, they’ve become a vital part of the global BL landscape.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most memorable Korean gay series—shows that capture not just romance, but also the anxieties, dreams, and hopes of queer life in contemporary Korea.
Top Korean BL & Gay Series
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2024 | 🎬 Romance / Drama / LGBTQ+
Adapted from Park Sang-young’s acclaimed novel At Night, Soju, Me, and Blueberries in the Fridge, Love in the Big City tells the story of a young gay writer, Young (played by Nam Run-su), navigating ten years of messy love, fleeting relationships, and the chaos of urban life. It captures the spirit of a generation that loves freely, breaks apart, and still finds ways to keep moving forward. The original novel was nominated for the Booker Prize and the Dublin Literary Award, making this adaptation a landmark in Korean queer storytelling.
Finally, a series that lets me imagine what a future as a gay man could look like—without relying on heteronormative stand-ins or endless pink bubbles. Instead of mimicking heterosexual romance from a female lens, this drama focuses on the actual anxieties of living as a gay man in today’s world. It’s refreshing, raw, and deeply relatable. Watching it felt like catching my breath after years of clichés—I truly hope more stories like this find their way to the screen.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2024 | 🎬 Fantasy / School / BL
This drama follows Kim Deok-bae, a lifelong gangster whose biggest regret is never attending school. After saving bullied teenager Song Yi-heon, who attempts to take his own life, Deok-bae’s spirit somehow inhabits Yi-heon’s body. As he adjusts to this strange second chance at student life, suspicion arises from Yi-heon’s crush, Choi Se-gyeong, who notices his sudden changes. What unfolds is a mix of action, school drama, and a tender exploration of hidden feelings.
An unusual premise that blends gangster action with BL undertones, this series keeps viewers hooked with its bold storytelling. The romance thread may not be the only focus, but the subtle tension between Yi-heon and Se-gyeong adds layers to the body-swap plot. It’s not the standard fluffy BL—it’s darker, grittier, and surprisingly moving.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2023 | 🎬 Romance / BL
Based on a popular webtoon, Unintentional Love Story begins with a lie. A corporate employee is tasked with tracking down a reclusive genius potter after losing his prestigious job. To save his career, he hides his true intentions and builds a connection with the artist, but as they spend more time together, their bond transforms into something real. Alongside them, the secondary couple adds more charm and balance to the narrative.
The high ratings are well deserved. Both the main and secondary couples are engaging, and the series manages to maintain a satisfying balance—something many BLs struggle with. Most importantly, it avoids the dreaded “bad ending” trap and instead delivers warmth and resolution. As a viewer, I found myself equally invested in both pairings, which is rare. Unintentional Love Story is one of those dramas that proves why BL has such devoted fans.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2022 | 🎬 Campus Romance / BL
Jang Jae-young, a campus star in the arts department, and Chu Sang-woo, a logical and strict engineering student, are forced to collaborate on a mobile game project. Their clashing personalities—charismatic extrovert vs. stubborn perfectionist—spark constant friction, but slowly the “semantic error” in their relationship transforms into undeniable attraction. Adapted from a bestselling novel, the story also inspired a webtoon and anime before its live-action debut.
This is a top-tier campus BL, and the hype is real. The chemistry between the leads is electric—Park Seo-ham’s confident energy plays perfectly against Park Jae-chan’s reserved awkwardness. Every episode feels too short, leaving you craving more. As someone who also read the novel and webtoon, I can say the live-action exceeded expectations. It’s sweet, funny, and heart-throbbing in equal measure.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2020 | 🎬 Youth / BL / Romance
Han Tae-joo, heir to a wealthy family, and his bodyguard Kang Gook share a complicated relationship that blurs the lines between friendship and something deeper. Though inseparable since childhood, the unspoken power dynamic and fear of rejection keep them from acknowledging their true feelings—until jealousy and circumstances force their emotions into the open.
This short drama beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of teenage first love. The unspoken tension, the glances, the quiet moments of longing—it’s all there. What struck me most was how it portrayed the pain of unrequited love: not knowing if the person you like shares your feelings, not knowing if it’s safe to reveal yourself. Simple but incredibly heartfelt.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2024 | 🎬 Fantasy / Romance / BL
Taemin, a 29-year-old man, suddenly finds himself transported into a game world adapted from his senior’s BL novel. Reborn as his 19-year-old self, his mission is to ensure the happiness of his beloved character Cha Yuryun. To achieve this, Taemin must navigate the game’s challenges while rediscovering what love and self-acceptance mean.
This series is bold and refreshing, standing out in the sea of Korean BLs. While many focus on “mutual salvation,” Love for Love’s Sake goes further, exploring self-salvation and growth. The premise is meta, clever, and surprisingly moving. It shows how BL as a genre can innovate beyond tropes and deliver meaningful themes alongside romance.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2017 | 🎬 Comedy / Mini-Series / BL
Based on a popular webtoon, this mini-series follows two neighbors, Park Kyu-tae and Seong Gi-joo, who are forced to live together after a fire. Their daily cohabitation turns into a hilarious string of misunderstandings that blur the boundaries between bromance and romance. With 15 episodes at just 6 minutes each, it’s a fast-paced comedic ride.
One of the funniest Korean web BLs to date. The slapstick humor, awkward situations, and endless misunderstandings had me laughing out loud from start to finish. It’s addictive, lighthearted, and totally binge-worthy in one sitting. The chemistry is more comedic than romantic, but that’s exactly its charm.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2021 | 🎬 Romance / BL / Healing Drama
Rising actor Kang Seo-joon seems to have everything—fame, looks, and talent. But his life takes a turn when he moves in with Han Ji-woo, a disciplined chef. The two men, with completely different personalities, are forced into each other’s orbit. Over time, they discover comfort and love in one another, but their differences also test the strength of their relationship.
A gentle, healing BL that thrives in its simplicity. Instead of forced drama, the series takes its time exploring the small gestures of affection and the quiet moments of love. It feels realistic, soothing, and emotionally sincere. For me, To My Star is proof that a well-told, slow romance can be just as powerful as a flashy one.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2024 | 🎬 Drama / BL
Do-hoi, a high school boy living with his strict father in the countryside, despises the violent atmosphere of their family-run taekwondo gym. His life changes when Jun-young, a bright peer from Seoul, transfers in with dreams of studying taekwondo at university. Their innocent friendship blossoms into something deeper, but oppressive cultural expectations force them apart. A decade later, they reunite, confronting both past wounds and enduring love.
This series is warm yet painful, highlighting both the oppressive weight of tradition and the healing power of love. What makes it stand out is its emotional maturity—it portrays queer romance not as a fleeting teenage fling but as a lifelong journey of growth, separation, and reconciliation. The pacing is tender, the acting heartfelt, and the message universal.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2023 | 🎬 Workplace / BL / Romance
Two former classmates reunite years later while working together to develop a dating simulation game. Old wounds resurface, unresolved feelings bubble up, and the line between fiction and reality starts to blur as they rediscover each other through both code and heart.
Directed by a female filmmaker, the series shines in its small details—the soft editing, aesthetic choices, and clean storytelling. While straightforward, it’s adorable and fresh. The romance is direct, though the story itself feels a bit thin. Still, the charm of the leads and the sweet atmosphere make it an easy, enjoyable watch.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2024 | 🎬 Short Drama / BL
A proud top idol-turned-actor finds himself working with a principled stuntman, sparking tension that quickly turns into unexpected attraction. What begins as a clash of egos soon evolves into a passionate and complex romance.
This drama single-handedly raised the bar for short-form BLs. The directing, writing, and performances are all top-notch, proving that short dramas can still deliver cinematic quality. It’s thrilling, polished, and emotionally charged—definitely one of the strongest Korean BLs of 2024.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2022 | 🎬 Campus / BL / Romance
Based on the hit BL webtoon Who Can Define Popularity?, the drama tells the story of Si-won, who carefully manages his image to stay popular wherever he goes. When he enters film school, he meets Da-un, a naturally charming student who effortlessly draws attention. Their rivalry slowly shifts into something warmer as they navigate college life and first love.
Directed by Hwang Da-seul (To My Star, Where Your Eyes Linger), Blueming is stylish, emotional, and heartfelt. It balances humor with vulnerability, showing how insecurities can shape young love. With polished production and a strong cast, it’s one of the most beautifully made campus BLs in recent years.
🇰🇷 South Korea | 📅 2024 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy / BL
Jin-woo’s life is upended when an intruder, Ki-seob, suddenly moves into his home. Alongside them are friends Choi Ka-rang and Ji In-ho, whose unresolved high school feelings linger into adulthood. The story weaves together friendship, unspoken love, and the push-pull of relationships that have never been fully confessed.
A romantic comedy with both chaos and charm. The dynamic between high school and college friends creates a push-and-pull tension that’s both funny and frustrating in the best way. It’s playful, a little messy, but undeniably entertaining. The kind of BL that makes you laugh while also rooting for everyone to finally confess.
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