The year 2023 is picking right off from where it left off in 2022 as we have already had our fill of amazing BL Dramas released in the space of 2 months. And with an already long list of dramas scheduled to be released this year, the year already promises to be an eventful and interesting one for Korean BL fans.

Like 2022, in 2023, we have seen an impressive growth when it comes to BL dramas. From its production, shooting locations, OSTs, central plot or storyline, the actors, and most especially, the acting and dialogue.

Now, realistically, there have been that one or two that just fall short below par, however, the majority of the BL dramas are proving to be of great quality and standard, and gaining much popularity and great positive response not just because of the desire for more content from the genre but for quality these dramas possess.

With 2023 already off to a great start in terms of BL releases, we can see some of our ideas have reached the ears and eyes of the BL production gods as we can aptly see a great number of changes and growth in these dramas in comparison to others from previous years. You can read some of the notes we pointed out in the article below.

As we mentioned earlier, the year 2023 promises to be an interesting one for Korean BL fans and so far, we have already been treated to amazing BL dramas, with dramas like "The New Employee" and "The Director Who Buys Me Dinner", leading the pack and we can rightly say that many producers finally have the right recipe for what makes for an interesting and popular drama that doesn't just rely on the popularity or hunger for the genre alone. You can check out the list of BL dramas scheduled to be released this year below.

So far, the month of March seems to be the busiest as there is a flock of interesting dramas set to be released this month, one of which already aired its first two episodes and others, which will be airing in the upcoming days.

Still on the fence as to whether you should be watching them? In this article, we will be sharing some of the reasons why these dramas should be on your watch list this month.

 

1. The plot

The plot of the drama is always the most interesting quality that potential viewers look forward to, and from the synopsis released for these dramas, we can predict that in terms of a good storyline, many viewers would be satisfied with these dramas.

Starting with "A Shoulder To Cry On", the drama tells the story of two high students Lee DaYeol (JaeHan) and Jo TaeHyun (YeChan). Lee DaYeol is seen as an outcast, who isn't popular in school, but he doesn't really mind as he only cares about Archery, a sport he earned a scholarship for in the school. However, he would see his beloved passion and scholarship in jeopardy when a popular student Jo TaeHyun claimed that Lee DaYeol tried to make out with him after they were caught fooling around in the nurse's room.

Their ill-fated encounter doesn't stop there as Jo TaeHyun's interest in making life hard for Lee DaYeol is piqued and he decides to follow him around everywhere. However, even though Lee DaYeol tries to shake off his nuisance, he slowly begins to realize his feelings for the free-spirited character who is the polar opposite of him, and causing him to try to understand the thin line between love and hate.

For "Unintentional Love Story", we are treated with a more mature storyline as the webtoon-based drama tells the story of a young and hardworking office worker, Ji WonYoung (B1A4’s GongChan) who finds himself fired from a company he loves after his superior was entangled in a corruption scandal. Seeking to gain the favor of the Chairman and get his job back, he tries to find the Chairman's favorite artist, Yoon TaeJoon (Cha SeoWon). However, his plans come to a halt as he finds that the said artist is now a Potter in a remote town and has no desire of going back to the city.

Undeterred from his cause, he hangs around the town seeking to report everything he can about the artist to the chairman. However, as he finds out more information about the quiet man, he soon realizes a complicated feeling, as he goes from being curious about him to being interested in him. A story of love, self-discovery, and acceptance, this already seems like a wholesome and enjoyable storyline.

Its second lead couple's story has also piqued the interest of viewers. This would perhaps be the first BL drama with a 2nd lead couple. While there is not much about their story yet, from what we have gathered, it seems Kim DongHee (DoWoo)  is a cafe owner and is the best friend of the main lead Yoon JeHoon. He is seen as a kind-hearted and warm person. While Go HoTae (Won TaeMin) is an unemployed man, who after getting into trouble in the past, came back to the town to help his mother with her shop. People tend to misjudge him thanks to his tough appearance but he is also a kind-hearted individual who seeks to get his act together and live a good life.

"Our Dating Sim" tells the story of two friends from high school who are reunited when they meet again to create a dating game. LeeWan (Lee JongHyuk) and Shin KiTae (Lee SeungGyu) were best friends while in high school, however, their relationship turns sour when LeeWan suddenly confesses his feelings for Shin KiTae and kisses him.

After many years, the two friends reunite when LeeWan, now a genius illustrator, applies for and gets a job at Shin KiTae's company. With their history looming its head, will LeeWan get over his unrequited love for Shin KiTae or will their reunion spark to flames a romantic story between these old friends?

 

2. The production company

Often the unsung heroes of many interesting and popular works, the production company or agency behind the development and release of many BL are just as important as it is in non-BL dramas. An upcoming bl with a well-known production company, which has a reputation for delivering amazing works, will also add to the interest and anticipation of the drama as fans know to expect only the best for them. Over the years, OTT production teams have become even more popular thanks to the successes of their dramas. And continuing in their amazing strides to create and release impactful works, some of them have become well-known amongst BL fans today.

One of the said teams is Heavenly. Known for having an incredible roaster of dramas like "Love Class", "Where Your Eyes Linger", "The Director Who Buys Me Dinner", "Blueming" and a host of others, they keep churning out great projects which in turn solidifies our position and expectation that the drama "Our Dating Sim" will follow suits with the level of quality that many of the other dramas the team produces have.

Another well-known production team that is in charge of the drama "Unintentional Love Story" is TVING. Perhaps one of the biggest names in Korea, the team is at the helm of dramas and variety shows like "Island", "Yumi's Cells", "Jinny's Kitchen', etc. A drama from a relatively big production company like this, will no doubt mean, a full-fledged storyline with incredible scenes, great locations, beautiful cinematography, and all-around a better production value.

 

3. New actors to keep a keen eye on

One of the things we believe the BL genre offers to its actors is an instant popularity. With the sheer desire for more of the themed dramas to be released regularly, every drama in this genre is received with open arms, and its actors, even more so. The BL genre in some way has become a stepping stone for popularity, as many of its actors have kicked started their careers and others, reflaming global interest in them or their groups again. For more details on this, you can check out the article below.

The string of actors starring in these three dramas will no doubt join this list and earn more popularity as well. And before their dramas air, here are some of the things you should know about them.

1. "A Shoulder To Cry On"

This drama serves as the acting debut of both idols and since its announcement last year, there has been a fiery anticipation for its release as fans have been eagerly waiting to see the colors they show as actors and the kind of chemistry they display as well.

Both members of the same group, they made their debut with OMEGA X in 2021 with their first EP "Vamos". Their formation might have made them unique but what further solidifies their positioning is their sound and style of music. Powerful, vibrant, and yet very engaging, they showed that they were a group brimming full with potential and seeking the opportunity to show off their talents.

Despite the saddening setback the group faced due to the maltreatment by their now former company, the love for the members by global fans is ever-increasing as everyone is patiently waiting for them to grace the stage once again as a group. While we all wait for that day, perhaps having just two members starring as main leads in a drama would serve as the positive start the group and their fans need.

You can follow the idols on their personal Instagram @jaehan_k and @shin__yechan. You can also follow the OMEGA X Instagram account here for regular updates from the group. P.S. they post some of the cutest content.

 

2. "Unintentional Love Story"

The drama sees a more experienced cast playing its lead roles. Starting with actor Cha SeoWon, the popular actor made his acting debut in 2013 with the drama "The Heirs". He is signed to the famous agency Namoo Actors and over the years, he has starred in dramas like "Liver or Die", "The Rich Son", and "Second Husband". This would be his first BL and web drama. His Instagram is filled with a variety of quality contents, from ads to photoshoots, movie posters, and his ambassadorial works. You can follow him on Instagram here.

B1A4's GongChan is a name many K-Pop fans would recognize as the lovable maknae who has been swaying hearts with his expressive charms since he made his debut in 2011. He made his acting debut in 2015 and has starred in dramas like “Mokkoji Kitchen”, “Dear My Name”, and the movie "Lonely Enough To Love". Many fans already know him as the cute and warm idol who enjoys capturing nature. You can feel his vibe by following him on Instagram here.

The 2nd lead couple are also rising actors who are steadily showing off their acting charms. Won TaeMin is no stranger to Korean BL fans as he's starred in the popular drama "You Make Me Dance". Asides from this, he's also been a regular in non-BL dramas as well, playing either support or guest roles in many popular dramas. Some of which include "Rookie Cops", "Adamas", "Why Her?" and "Mental Coach Jegal". He seems like a fun-loving spirit as he shares some of the most adorable pictures as well as behind-the-scenes updates from his dramas. You can follow him on Instagram here. He is signed to Dahong Entertainment.

Like actor Won TaeMin, DoWoo is also earned both support and guest roles in many dramas like "Dear.M", "Cafe Minamdang", "Moorim School", and "Our Gap Soon". He is signed to the famous agency, Vast Entertainment. Jugding by the contents he shares on Instagram, he is very free-spirited and playful. He enjoys bike riding, visits to the park, painting, and going on puppy dates. You can follow him on Instagram here.

 

3. "Our Dating Sim"

This drama would not be the first time these two rookie actors have acted together as they have both played supporting roles in the web drama "User Not Found" released in 2021.

Lee JongHyuk is a rookie actor who made his debut with the web drama "No Bother Me" released in 2021. He is signed to Walk House Company and asides from his debut drama and "User Not Found", he has also starred in "Heart Way". He has a growing following on Instagram and he seems to enjoy sharing contents that showcases his handsome good looks, fun past times, and hobbies. You can follow him on Instagram here.

Lee SeungGyu is also a rookie actor who made his debut with the drama "User Not Found" in 2021. He has starred in the movie "Dream Maker" released in 2022. Judging by his Instagram he is a pet lover, an avid gym goer, and he also shares the cutest boyfriend material pictures as well. You can follow him on Instagram here.

Which of these dramas do you already have on your watchlist? Let us know in the comments section.

 

K-Dramas and Korean webtoons are both popular so when webtoons are adapted into K-Dramas they certainly interest! Korean production companies make more and more adaptations every year.

At Kpopmap, we keep listing all the dramas and web dramas based on webtoon for you. After 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 dramas based on webtoon, we listed up all the 2023 dramas based on webtoon!

The year has been filled with exciting releases. Webtoon fans ended up watching the drama and K-Drama fans ended up reading the webtoon. Here are the dramas based on webtoon that aired in 2023.

Note: Only dramas starting in 2023 are included.

Note: This article has been updated throughout the year.

Stay updated in 2024 with the list below:

 

1. "Duty After School" / Release Date: March 31, 2023

Studio Dragon has adapted the thriller webtoon "Duty After School" (in Korean "방과 후 전쟁활동", literal translation "After School War Activities") by Ha IlKwon into a web drama. It tells the story of students of the country about to pass the CSAT who have been conscripted to fight an unidentified object for extra points.

PD Sung YongIl ("Class of Lies") and writer Lee NamKyu ("The Light In Your Eyes") was in charge of the production of the webdrama. Shin HyunSoo, Hwang SeIn, Ahn DoKyu, Kim SuGyeom, Kwon EunBin, and more are part of the cast. It is a TVING original.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

2. "Moving" / Release Date: August 9, 2023

The supernatural webtoon "Moving" (in Korean "무빙") by Kang Full was adapted into a drama. A supernatural story about high school students and their parents who keep secrets that others don't know.

The director Mo WanIl ("Misty" and "The World of the Married") was in charge of the production of the drama. Zo InSung, Han HyoJoo and Cha TaeHyun are part of the cast in this Disney+ drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

3. "Bloodhounds" / Release Date: June 9, 2023

The thriller webtoon "Hunting Dogs" (in Korean "사냥개들") by JungChan was adapted into the drama "Bloodhounds." It tells the story of three men who got entangled with each other due to debt and their attempt to get out of it.

It is a Netflix Original drama with 8 episodes. Director Kim JuHwan (movies "Midnight Runners", "The Divine Fury") was in charge of the adaptation. Woo DoHwan, Lee SangYi, Park SungWoong, and Jung DaEun are part of the cast.

For more information about webtoon and its characters, you can check here.

Read more about Woo DoHwan's character in the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

4. "Black Knight" / Release Date: May 12, 2023

The webtoon "Delivery Knight" (in Korean "택배기사") by Lee YungYun was adapted into the Netflix drama "Black Knight". The story takes place in a dystopian future where the air pollution has become so serious that people only live out of delivery.

Kim WooBin, Esom, and Kang YouSeok are cast for the drama.

Find out about the characters and the webtoon here.

Check out our cast and summary for more about the drama including posters and teaser here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

5. "Mask Girl" / Release Date: August 18, 2023

The webtoon "Mask Girl" (in Korean "마스크걸") by MaeMi and HuiSe was adapted into a Netflix drama. It tells the story of Kim MoMi who has a great body but an unattractive face. She dreamed of becoming a celebrity, but she gave up because of her face. She lives as an office worker during the day and is the 'BJ Mask Girl" at night.

Ahn JaeHong, Ko HyunJung, NaNa, and Yeom HyeRan are the lead actors of this Netflix drama.

Check out the introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

6. "See You in My 19th Life" / Release Date: June 17, 2023

The romance webtoon "See You in My 19th Life" (in Korean "이번 생도 잘 부탁해", "Please Take Care Of Me In This Life as Well") by Lee Hey was adapted into a drama. It tells the reckless romance of a woman who remembers her past lives.

Shin HaeSun and Ahn BoHyun are cast for this drama.

Check out our dream casting for the role of the male lead, Moon SeoHa here!

Check out the cast and summary and learn more about the characters here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

7. "Daily Dose of Sunshine" / Release Date: November 3, 2023

The webtoon "Morning Comes To The Mental Ward" or "Nurse Sheena's Asylum Diary" (in Korean " 정신병동에도 아침이 와요") by Lee RaHa was adapted into the drama "Daily Dose of Sunshine". It tells the story of a nurse working in a mental ward.

Park BoYoung, Yeon WooJin, Lee JungEun, Jang DongYoon, and more are part of the cast for this Netflix drama.

Find out more about the webtoon and its characters here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

8. "Divorce Attorney Shin"/ Release Date: March 4, 2023

The webtoon "Divorce Attorney Shin" (in Korean "신성한 이혼") by Kang TaeKyung was adapted into a JTBC drama. It tells the story of a lawyer specializing in divorce.

Jo SeungWoo and Han HyeJin are cast. The drama started on March 4 on JTBC.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

9. "Doona!" / Release Date: October 20, 2023

The popular romance webtoon "The Girl Downstairs" (in Korean "이두나!") by Songah Min was adapted into a drama. It is a light-hearted yet meaningful webtoon about two young people who cross paths and change each other's lives forever.

Suzy and Yang SeJong are the leads of this Netflix Original Series.

Check out our dream cast and more information on the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

10. "Sing My Crush" / Release Date: August 2, 2023

The BL webtoon "Follow the Wind" (in Korean "따라바람") by Geomdong and JUSTOON was adapted in a drama. It is a music romance story about the dreams of the band "Follow the Wind", with its vocals "Wind" and the band's manager HanTae.

Jang DoYoon and Son HyeonWu are casted in this BL drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

11. "Vigilante" / Release Date: November 8, 2023

The webtoon "Vigilante" (in Korean "비질란테") by CRG and Kim KyuSam was adapted into a movie and a Disney+ drama. In a world where the law is flawed, the lead character will try to make it perfect.

StudioN is in charge. Nam JooHyuk, Lee JunHyuk and Cho SeungWoo are cast.

Check out the introduction to "Vigilante" here.

Check out the cast and summary to learn more about the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

12. "Joseon Lawyer" / Release Date: March 31, 2023

The webtoon "Joseon Lawyer" (in Korean "조선변호사") by Sim Gun and Writer Jeong was adapted into a drama. It is a refreshing and heartwarming story about Kang HanSu, a lawyer who plans lawsuits and even takes advantages of the feelings of wronged victims. Due to unintended events, he becomes revered as the people's "solver" and hero, which causes him to really grow into a just lawyer.

Woo DoHwan and WJSN's BoNa are cast for this MBC drama.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

13. "A Shoulder to Cry On" / Release Date: March 15, 2023

The BL webtoon "A Shoulder to Cry On" (in Korean "소년을위로해줘") by DongMul was adapted into a drama. Here is the summary: Due to TaeHyun's joke, DaYeol gets falsely accused of scandalously attacking him. Among the archers, DaYeol's athletic path is in danger. DaYeol asks TaeHyun to explain the truth; however, he discovers that he is getting swayed by him.

OMEGA X's JaeHan and YeChan are casted for the drama. The drama was planned to air in 2022 but finally was aired in 2023.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

14. "Death's Game" / Release Date: December 15, 2023

The webtoon "Death's Game" (in Korean: "이제 곧 죽습니다") by Lee WonSik and Ggulchan was adapted into a drama. The story revolves around YiJae Choi, a 31-year old job seeker who couldn't find a job for 5 years after graduating from college. His ex-girlfriend, who he dated for 6 years, will be marrying another man 3 months after breaking up with him. YiJae commits suicide by jumping off a building, and experiences a reincarnation.

Seo InGuk and Park SoDam are casted for this drama.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

15. “Moon In The Day” / Release Date: November 1, 2023

The webtoon “Moon In The Day” (in Korean "낮에 뜨는 달") has been announced to be adapted in a drama back in 2018 and finally aired in 2023. It is a story about a man whose time has stopped and a woman who is passing through past and present. It is not a simple love story but a ‘romance thriller’.

Kim YoungDae and Pyo YeJin are cast for the drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

16. "A Good Day To Be a Dog" / Release Date: October 11, 2023

The romance fantasy webtoon "A Good Day To Be a Dog" also called "Lovely Again Today" (in Korean "오늘도 사랑스럽개") was adapted into a drama. It tells the story of a woman who has been cursed to change into a dog every night and a guy who is afraid of dogs. She tries to remove the curse.

ASTRO’s Cha EunWoo, Park GyuYoung, and Lee HyunWoo are the leads of this drama.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

17. "The Perfect Deal" / Release Date: October 6, 2023

The webtoon "Deal" (in Korean "거래") by WooNam20 was adapted into a Wavve drama. It tells the story of three high school alumni who meet for the first time in a while and drink a lot. They put one of them to sleep because he was too drunk but they received a phone call saying that he was kidnaped. Will the two of them get him back safely?

Yoo SeungHo, Kim DongHwi, and Yoo SuBin are cast.

Check out the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

18. "Unintentional Love Story" / Release Date: March 17, 2023

The BL webtoon "Unintentional Love Story" (in Korean "비의도적 연애담") by PB was adapted into a web drama. It is a romance that tells the story of a relationship that starts with a lie but eventually blossoms into real love.

Cha SeoWon and B1A4’s GongChan are cast for this BL drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

19. "The Killing Vote" / Release Date: August 10, 2023

The webtoon "National Death Penalty Vote" (in Korean: "국민사형투표"), written by Eom SeYoon and illustrated by Jeong LeePoom, was produced into a drama. The story is about a so-called "devastation" that judges the "innocent demons" in Korea, causing friction with other figures such as the police.

Park HaeJin, Im JiYeon, and Park SungWoong are part of the casting.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

20. "Love Tractor" / Release Date: June 7, 2023

The BL webtoon "Love Tractor" (in Korean "트랙터는 사랑을 싣고") by AngryMonster and HmmYongYong was adapted into a drama. It is a romance story where we meet SeonYool, a man from the city who comes to the countryside for a while and meets YeChan, a country guy who loves the countryside so much.

The drama was produced by the same production of "Semantic Error". DoWon and Yoon DoJin are cast.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

21. "The Heavenly Idol" / Release Date: February 15, 2023

The webtoon "The Heavenly Idol" (in Korean "성스러운 아이돌") by Studio M and illustrated by AkSa, was adapted into a drama. It is a fantasy comedic romance story about the entertainment industry where one day, a High Priest of a suddenly finds himself in the body of an idol.

Kim MinGue, Go BoYeol, and more are part of the casting.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

22. "The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract" / Release Date: November 24, 2023

The webtoon "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract" (literal translation, in Korean "열녀 박씨 계약 결혼뎐") by Kim NeoWool and B was adapated into a historical romance drama. The main character Park YeonWoo, who lived in the Joseon Dynasty, suddenly falls to Korea in the 21st century after her husband dies. When she came to her senses, dead husband was in front of her.

Lee SeYoung and Bae InHyuk are the leads of the drama.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

23. "Not Others" / Release Date: July 17, 2023

The webtoon "Nam Nam" (in Korean "남남") by Jung YoungRong was adapted into a drama. It is a family story about a strange mother and a cool daughter living together and show various happenings that happen during their daily life. It drew attention by recording more than 25 million views.

Park SungHoon, Girls' Generation's SooYoung, Jun HyeJin and Ahn JaeWook are part of the casting.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

24. "Perfect Marriage Revenge" / Release Date: October 28, 2023

The web novel "Perfect Marriage Revenge" (in Korean "완벽한 결혼의 정석") by Lee BeomBae was turned into a drama. The romance revenge drama is about a woman who chooses a contract marriage to be able to stage her revenge.

Sung Hoon and Jung YooMin are the leads of this drama.

Web Novel: Korean / English.

 

25. "Secret Playlist" / Release Date: November 18, 2023

The romance webtoon "Secret Playlist" (in Korean "플레이, 플리") by 2F was adapted into a drama. It tells the story of Hanju, a university student who is also a cover artist named PLII. She does everything to hide her secret identity when Levi, a popular idol, asks for a collab. However, the two of them grow closer as they are classmates. Will she be able to hide her identity?

Kim HyangGi, Shin HyunSeung, and Yeon Oh are casted in the drama.

Check out more information about the webtoon and its main characters here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

Season 2

26. "Taxi Driver 2" /  Release Date: February 17, 2023

The webtoon "Deluxe Taxi" (in Korean "모범택시") (official English title "Red Cage") by Carlos and KeuKeu JaeJin was adapted into the drama "Taxi Driver" in 2021. SBS released a season 2 of the drama. It tells the story of a special taxi company Rainbow Transportation and their deluxe taxi driver Kim DoGi's complete acts of revenge on behalf of unfair victims.

Lee JeHoon, Esom, and Pyo YeJin are the lead actors of the season 1, but Esom is no longer acting in the season 2.

For more information about the season 1 and the webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English

 

27. "D.P. 2" /  Release Date: July 28, 2023

The webtoon "D.P Dog Day" (In Korean "D.P 개의 날") by Kim BoTong was adapted into the Netflix Drama "D.P." on Netflix in 2021, and its season 2 was released this year. It is a story about JoonHo and HyoYeol, two members of the D.P. Arrest Team in charge of capturing army deserters, and the stories they learn about the deserters along the way.

Jung HaeIn, Koo KyoHwan, Son SukKu, and more are casted in this season 2.

Check out the cast and summary of the 1st season, for more about the characters and teasers, here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

28. "Sweet Home 2" /  Release Date: December 1, 2023

In 2020, Netflix released the season 1 of "Sweet Home" based on the popular thriller horror webtoon "Sweet Home" (in Korean "스위트홈") by Carnby Kim and YoungChan Hwang. It tells the story of a loner high school student who lost his family and the bizarre and shocking things that happened to him in his new flat.

Song Kang, Lee SiYoung, Go MinSi and Park GyuYoung are cast for the season 2.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary of the 1st season here.

Webtoon links: Korean, English

 

29. "The Uncanny Counter 2" / Release Date: July 29, 2023

The fantasy and thriller webtoon "Amazing Rumor" (in Korean "경이로운 소문") by JangYi was adapted into the drama named "The Uncanny Counter" in 2020, and its season 2 aired in 2023. It tells the story of evil spirits of the afterlives who come down to earth to have eternal life and the counters that are capturing them.

Kim SeJeong, Cho ByeongKyu, Yu JunSang, and Yeom HyeRan are the lead actors. The drama was broadcast on tvN, and is now available on Netflix.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary of the 1st season here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

Stay updated in 2024 with the list below:

 

Are you a fan of BL (Boys Love) drama?

Korean BLs made an impressive entry into the BL world back in 2020 with "Where Your Eyes Linger" and other releases that year. In 2021, plenty of other exciting dramas were released, check the list here. But the genre got more and more popular worldwide in 2022 with a lot of releases (check the list here). And again, 2023 seems to be a great year for BL fans.

We've gathered the Korean BL web dramas that were aired in 2023.

The dramas are not listed according to a specific order.

 

1. "Sing My Crush"

Cast: Jang DoYoon and Son HyunWoo

Summary: Follow the story of acquaintances BaRam and HanTae after an incident occurred during their school years. Now that they are adults, will BaRam be able to suppress the feelings for HanTae that he has harbored for so long?

When: August 2nd

You can watch it on: iQIYI

 

2. "Bon Appetit"

Summary: A romance between an office worker and his neighbor who cooks well.

Cast: Lee KiTaek, Yoo JeongHoon

When: September 27th

You can watch on: iQIYI

 

3. "Love Tractor"

The web drama is an adaption of the webtoon by the same name written by AngryMonster and HmmYongYong. To be produced by the same production of "Semantic Error".

Summary: A romance story where SeonYool, a man of the city who comes to the countryside for a while, meets YeChan, a country guy who loves the countryside so much.

Cast: Han SeungHo, Do Won

When: June 7, 2023

You can watch on: iQIYI

 

4. "A Shoulder to Cry On"

The web drama is an adaption of the webtoon by the same name written by DongMul.

Summary: Due to TaeHyun's joke, DaYeol gets falsely accused of scandalously attacking him. Among the archers, DaYeol's athletic path is in danger. DaYeol asks TaeHyun to explain the truth; however, he discovers that he is getting swayed by him.

Cast: OMEGA X's JaeHan and YeChan

When: March 14th

For more about the web drama, check our cast and summary here.

You can watch on: Viki

 

5. "Starstruck"

A BL based on the web novel "Starstruck" ("스타스트럭") by Ha TaeJin.

Summary: It tells the story of Jo WooJae and Seo HyunJun, who have been close friends since middle school. Seo HyunJun has been hiding his one-sided love for Jo WooJae for years, thinking that Jo WooJae will never love him back. But one day, Seo HyunJun saw his gift under Jo WooJae's feet and confessed to him his feelings from him out of anger.

Cast: SF9's ZuHo, Kim InSeong

When: May 18th

For more about the web drama, check our cast and summary here.

You can watch on: Heavenly TV OTT

 

6. "Unintentional Love Story"

The BL web drama "Unintentional Love Story"  is based on the webtoon “Unintentional Love Story” ("비의도적 연애담" in Korean) written and illustrated by PB.

Cast: B1A4’s GongChan, Cha SeoWon, Won TaeMin, DoWoo

Summary: “Unintentional Love Story” is a romance that tells the story of a relationship that starts with a lie but eventually blossoms into real love.

When: March 17th

For more about the web drama, check our cast and summary here.

You can watch on: TVING

 

7. "Happy Merry Ending"

The BL web drama "Happy Merry Ending" is based on the webtoon "Happy Merry Ending" ("해피메리엔딩" in Korean) produced by BOMTOON Webtoon.

Cast: KNK's Lee DongWon, Byeon SeongTae, Kim KyuJong, Sin MyungSung

Summary: It is a music drama that revolves around the 2 characters SeungJun and JaeHyun, who have known each other through music, and how they became close again through music to heal each others's wounds.

When: April 27th

You can watch on: Viki

 

8. "Individual Circumstances"

Cast: MYNAME's JunQ, Han JeongWan

Summary: The story revolves around Ha YeonWoo, Chungmuro's face genius movie director who was once a promising prospect in his field, and Sung WooJae, a writer who has wounds from his past when he had to disappear for the sake of breaking with his first love

When: January 19th

You can watch on: GAGAOOLALA

 

9. "Why R U"

Cast: Lee JungMin, Lee YeHwan, Park ChangHoon, Lee SangMin

Summary: This is a Korean remake of the Thai BL drama of the same title. The drama starts with the story of Zon who, after his sister made a wish for him to live in a BL world, starts to imagine he fell into a BL world and eventually ends up catching feelings for Saifah. However, most of the drama revolves around Tutor and Fighter, who starts as each other's arch-nemesis but develops a close relationship later.

When: August 24th

You can watch on: TBA

 

10. "Bump Up Business"

Cast: OnlyOneOf

Summary: The story revolves around a 5th year trainee and soon-to-debut idol, Eden and JiHoon, a celebrity from the same agency, and the love story between these 2 people who are not good at expressing what they truly feel.

When: October 20

You can watch it on: iQIYI

 

11. "Jun & Jun"

Cast: Ki HyunWoo, Yang JunMo, Jo ChanHyun, and Park HyeongSeop

Summary: It is an office romance story between an idol who became an intern, Lee Jun, and his office manager, Choi Jun.

When: July 20

You can watch it on: Viki

 

12. "Love Class 2"

Cast: Han HyeonJun, Kim TaeHwan, Lee GwangHee and BAE173's J-Min

Summary: This is the second season of "Love class", a love story between two classmates.

When: August 11th

You can watch it on: Rakuten Viki

 

13. "Wuju Bakery"

Cast: Jeff Satur, Barcode Tinnasit, Dion, and Q

Summary: Wuju Bakery is another Thai-Korean collaboration part of the Hanyang Studio project that is set to be filmed in Korea this summer. After a spaceship crash in a bakery, this one is ruined. The boss of the spaceship encounters the owner of the bakery and a chaotic life begins for the both of them. At the same time, other aliens who hid in different parts of the city are looking for them.

When: December

You can watch it on: TBA

 

14. "All The Liquors"

Cast: Kim JunHyung, Won DoHyun, Jeong HoGyun, and RoShin

Summary: This drama tells the story of two who cannot understand each other unless there is alcohol, and with that, they get to understand each other and help each other heal their pains.

When: March 2, 2023

You can watch it on: GagaOOLala

 

15. "Our Dating Sim"

Cast: Lee SeungGyu and Lee JongHyuk

Summary: This drama follows the story about what happens when two men who have been friends since school days meet again at work. Together, the create a dating simulation game.

When: March 9th

You can watch it on: Viki

 

16. "The Eighth Sense"

Cast: Lim JiSub and Oh JunTaek

Summary: A university romance about the confusion often felt by college youth regarding life and love.

When: March 29

You can watch it on: Viki

 

17. "Love Mate"

Cast: Cho HanGyeol and Cho HyunMin

Summary: A heart-fluttering office romance between Haram, a bold newcomer, and Seo YiJun, a person who doesn't believe in love.

When: May 26

You can watch it on: Viki

 

18. "Weather Forecast Love"

Cast: Shin JeongYou, Woo JiHan

Summary: Follows two people who thought they were meant for one another and knew everything about each other, although they didn't talk much. But just like the weather forecast, their love is unpredictable.

When: November 10

You can watch it on: iQIYI

 

Bonus:

"Boys' Voice" - Web Variety

Cast: Han GiChan, Jeong MinGyu, Newkidd's Lee MinWook, Oh JinSeok

Summary: "Boys' Voice" is a reality program featuring four amateur voice actors and professional, Park YoHan. Together, they will embark on a journey to improve their voice acting skills in preparation for the Bomtoon webtoon, "Art Of Taming A Tiger". Fans will be able to see how the four rookies progress and immerse themselves in the art of voice acting.

When: August 17th

You can watch it on: YouTube

 

Which 2023 BL drama was your favorite?