“It’s going to take some time, but [boys love dramas are] going to be very popular in the near future,” A.C.E’s Jun told Teen Vogue last year. The best BL dramas of 2022 prove him right — the genre is only growing, and this year’s dramas brought everything we love about the romance and queer representation they bring to the table.
Some of the BLs from this year operate in a world where queerness is normalized; some approach queerness head on. South Korea’s STRONGBERRY production studio is getting their flowers with the release of Choco Milk Shake (though their content has always been great), and the Philippines offered a romantic serving in Beach Bros with Sean Tristan and Raven Rigor hitting the kilig button several times.
In June, I wrote about the evolving pride of BL Dramas, a cross-continent piece examining the significance of BL across Asia, with thoughts from people like Max and Tul, Ohm and Nanon, Off and Gun, Copter Panuwat, and Holland. In some ways, queer fantasy and queer reality are converging. The simple act of developing, scripting, producing and releasing fiction like these shows is aligning with platformed activism; actors First and Khaotung recently partnered with the Thai Red Cross Society to raise awareness of HIV stigma in Thailand — further proof that these faces on screen are not passive performers in queer stories.
Below, find a selection of some of the best BL dramas that met our criteria of airing their final episode in 2022; a mix of series that gained a staunch following on social media, but also shows that made bold statements, and some of our favorites.
Vice Versa
Delightful is one word that springs to mind here. Talay, portrayed by Sea Tawinan Anukoolprasert, drowns at the beach and wakes up in the body of a stranger. Turns out he’s also in an alternate universe, where things are a bit different than we know. There he reunites with Puen, portrayed by Jimmy Jitaraphol Potiwihok, an actor from his universe who’s similarly woken up in a stranger’s body. Together they search for their “portkey,” an individual who can help them return home — and it might just be each other (with JimmySea’s palpable chemistry, who is surprised?). With neat references and cameos from other BLs, a focus on color theory through Talay’s talent as a colorist (and each episode being visually-framed through a color), it’s a cute and moving romp with moments of pause and reflection. And even the alternate universe has heavy (but creative) product placement. (YouTube, Thailand)
Semantic Error
Chu Sangwoo, played by DKZ’s Park Jaechan, is a by-the-book computer science major who sees the world in binary code. Jang Jaeyoung, played by Park Seoham, is his free-spirited antithesis. In this drama based on J.Soori’s manhwa of the same name, Sangwoo removes Jaeyoung’s name from their class presentation on part of his lack of contribution, and it thwarts his plans for the future. Jaeyoung plots his revenge, needling Sangwoo in all the ways that can irritate the rigid. (The “Romantic Devil” OST also slaps). Jaechan as Sangwoo is great when the cracks start to show and we witness the cogs turning in his mind, and Seoham as Jaeyoung pines like his life depends on it. Their feud blossoms into feelings, as Sangwoo learns the value of opening yourself up to new experiences, free of mechanics — heart over head; looking beyond your four walls, and choosing to perceive what’s on the other side. Sure, these aspects are tried and true, but it makes for a wonderful time. (Viki & GagaOOLala, South Korea)
Not Me
There’s no universe in which Not Me is missing from this list. If you’re extremely online, you’ve seen the pride flag scene (and you’ve also seen the rise of Gawin Caskey, as he should). Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat stars as twins Black and White, as White masquerades as his brother in order to uncover the truth about an attack that’s left him in a coma. It’s no mean feat, and the holes in White’s performance attracts the eye of Sean, one of Black’s friends, played by Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn. They fight against injustice, but soon also fight their growing feelings for each other. (Both actors reflected on queerness in the show and wider society, in our Pride of BL story last June). It’s an example of the kind of politically-combustible material you have with a trans woman director like Nuchy Anucha Boonyawatana in charge; lingering on a QR code that links viewers directly to Thailand’s marriage equality petition. This show is a political act, because existing as queer is a political act — revolution can build to a roaring inferno, if only the people light a match. (YouTube, Thailand)
Old Fashion Cupcake
Launching us outside of the high school bracket, beyond the day-to-day of university faculties, and landing us in a charming gem of an office romance, Old Fashion Cupcake stars Takeda Kouhei as 39-year-old Nozue, and Kimura Tatsunari as Togawa, Nozue’s subordinate and ten years his junior. Nozue is a creature of habit; he’s walked the beaten path for so long, he’s forgotten the exhilaration of paving it for the first time. Enter Togawa, a worry-free foil to Nozue’s more restrictive personality, who introduces him to the world he’s shied away from. When their relationship blooms (yes, we’re all thinking of the thumb and teeth scene) it’s gorgeous, swoony stuff, and a perfect use of its five episodes. (Viki, Japan)
KinnPorsche The Series
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of uncertain production, KinnPorsche The Series hits the ground running in the underbelly of the mafia world, one that’s all opulence, sex and power trips. Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat lead a company of actors, as Kinn and Porsche respectively, in a thrilling, lush and gargantuan tale of love and sin. It’s fifty shades of gay, with every character on different settings, dimming their more unbecoming parts to appeal to one another. Bible Sumettikul as Vegas is a standout player here, born to skate between light and dark, and Perth Nakhun’s Ken gets some fun English lines. Speaking with Teen Vogue in May, Mile noted that “viewers will find that morality really can’t [easily] be defined,” and Apo summed up the main love story: “They basically fulfill each other’s hearts.” To plagiarize myself from a few months back, this is a mafia series, but it overflows with heart. (TW: violence; iQIYI, Thailand)
About Youth
Parts of this show feel like a trip down memory lane, feeling all the firsts you get when you’re young. Ye Guang, played by Li Zhen Hao, is everything you want to be in high school — popular, scholarly — while Xu Qi Zhang, played by Shen Jyun, lives perhaps a more relatable existence, fading into the background. A chance encounter plants the seeds for an eventual friendship and blossoming romance. Moments here feel intimate and earned while keeping it mellow and understated, and reminding us how much emotional intelligence young people can possess. Some will also resonate with Ye Guang’s struggle with an abusive parent. There’s angst with the secondary leads, and sweetness with the main leads (big hygge vibes) and it’s got a banger of an OST. About Youth, it does what it says on the tin. (Viki & GagaOOLala, Taiwan)
Blueming
The venerated Hwang Da-seul returned to the director’s chair this year with the gift of Blueming.
Cha Siwon (Kang Eunbin) is a film student whose childhood trauma has molded his insecurities, and become the inspiration for his latest project. Hyeong Daun (Jo Hyukjoon) is Siwon’s classmate, the son of wealthy and career-busy parents. Blueming tracks the pair as they get to know each other, becoming more comfortable, sharing their insecurities. It’s all so human, almost pedestrian — showing someone an open wound, hoping they’ll hold your hand long enough to see the scar tissue. Their sex scene was beautifully conceived, silhouetted against a backdrop of blue. In a way, this show is a tribute to filmmaking, to finding catharsis in film, in depositing reality into fiction to create distance from it. Also, anyone like Siwon who is a fan of Mean Girls can definitely sit with us. (iQIYI, South Korea)
The Eclipse
The Eclipse tackles systemic oppression with a dose of uprising (and of course, a love story), all packaged neatly in a narrative set at Suppalo, a totalitarian all-boys school, where a group of students are protesting against the regime. Rumor has it that as the solar eclipse nears, a curse acts against students who don’t fall in line. First Kanaphan Puitrakul as Akk, president of the prefect club, gives a layered performance of conforming to expectations versus doing the right thing. First thrives in that dichotomy. Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan brings a cheeky charisma to the role of Ayan, who enrols at Suppalo to investigate the suicide of his uncle. Director Golf Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, who is gender non conforming, brought decades of experience in film and their time in Thailand’s House of Representatives to the series, and that shines in the show’s ethos. It’s easy to draw parallels from this series to real life events with youth activists. As we know, if anyone can save the world (even though the burden shouldn’t be theirs), it’s young people. (TW: glimpses of and allusion to suicide, depression; YouTube, Thailand)
Cherry Magic: The Movie
Our beloved Kurodachi. The original Cherry Magic series, in which Adachi gains the ability to read minds, missed out on our 2021 list by finishing just one week shy of breaking into the new year, so it’s fitting to have them here now. It’s like catching up with old friends; seeing Eiji Akaso’s wide-eyed, mortified expression as Adachi, and the blessing of Keita Machida’s eye smile as Kurosawa. Adachi has come a long way from when we first met him in the 2020 series, learning to not use his gift as a crux, and Kurosawa is more galvanized, speaking his truth. Here is a couple who reinforce in each other a backbone and a lot of heart, realizing that a burden carried together lightens the load. A scene at the end, all flowers and suits, is a reminder (if not a wish for the future) that every couple should have their love recognized the same way as anyone else. (Japan)
To My Star 2
After an interesting first season (and an entrant on our Best BL Dramas of 2021 list), we exalt director Hwang Da-seul once again, whose Midas touch crystallizes the difficult sophomore season. Son Woohyun is back as actor Kang Seojoon, alongside Kim Kangmin’s talented chef, Han Jiwoo, two lovers once in harmony. Where the first season was short and sweet, like a hug, the new season comes with longer runtime and a focus on the couple’s break up. The best characterisation turns characters in the light, illuminating a different aspect of them, always turning, and we saw that in To My Star 2. Communication between them breaks down so easily, but it makes for great drama, the kind that makes you shout at the screen. And the angst. What a distressing month on Twitter. (Viki & GagaOOLala, South Korea)
Bad Buddy
Two university faculties both alike in dignity, or whatever Shakespeare said. Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee and Nanon Korapat Kirdpan star as Pat and Pran, characters who fall in love and break the cycle of generational trauma. Facing feuding families and opposing friend groups, all facets of their day-to-day lives that are decided for them, the universe seems determined to keep them apart. What follows is a series full of angst, fun, and a world where queerness does not equal conflict. Ohm and Nanon also offered their voices to our Pride of BL story in June, with Ohm sharing that “There is nothing bigger than love, only that we must overcome the obstacle together.” The show is held up by their chemistry, which is otherworldly; source, the tears shed watching their fanmeeting. Add to that some stellar performances by Milk and Love, who will soon (and finally) have their own GL series. With Bad Buddy, the vibes are immaculate. PatPran forever. (YouTube, Thailand)
