The Eight Sense / Studio Winsome / TVING
In 2023, many BL fans in their conversations regarding Korean BL production could have mentioned this statement "Korean BL are finally understanding the assignment and delivering accordingly." This is because, in comparison to other Asian countries that have been producing BL dramas at a rapid pace while still executing high-quality storylines, great acting, and chemistry between its leads, up until 2020, the Korean BL genre has been limited to insinuated romantic interest between two leads in non-BL dramas.
By 2020, with the release of "Where Your Eyes Linger" which earned massive global success, we could say that many production agencies saw that the global interest in Korean BL is alive and well, and like a babe, needed the right nurturing, care, love, and food for it to blossom beautifully into something extremely profitable. From having 4 dramas released in the whole of 2020 to now having 9 released within the first half of 2023, the rise in the production of Korean BL dramas has not just been noticeable but applaudable and appreciated.
However, an increased production rate doesn't also mean an increased level of quality as in the space of 3 years, while we have seen many dramas whose overall production value has been amazing there have been some that sadly just didn't get it right.
In the first half of 2023, we have been treated with a lot of amazing dramas, some of which had great plots, beautiful locations, interesting dialogue, engrossing storylines, and great chemistry between their leads. In this themed article, we will be sharing our picks for the top 3 best Korean BL dramas released in the first half of 2023.
1. "The Eighth Sense"
For many fans, this would be a no-brainer as the drama serves as one of the best-produced and acted dramas many have seen in years. The college-themed melodrama stars Lim JiSub as Seo JaeWon and Oh JunTaek as Kim JiHyun. It tells the riveting story about two college students, whose instant connection sparked a romantic interest between them as they found themselves drawing closer into each other's orbits. However, their flaming love story might take a halt as a traumatic experience brings back haunting memories from the past and leads to a distance being formed between them.
Interesting, engrossing, and wholesome, time simply slips away with each episode as you are vividly locked into the story of Seo JaeWon and Kim JiHyun. While their love story serves as the central plot of the story, what makes it even more interesting is the introduction of other subplots and prevalent topics affecting youths, especially ones in the LGBTQ+ communities. The topics of trauma, mental health, depression, intimacy, acceptance, and societal norms were visibly explored in the drama.
What also really pushes this drama ahead of the others released this year is the undeniable chemistry between the main leads. They showed intimacy in the best ways, subtle or literal, making us see and believe their interest, desire, and affection for one another. With so many amazing qualities this drama presented, this ranking comes as no surprise to many as in our books, it is a solid 9.5/10.
2. "Our Dating Sim"
Lovely, funny, cute, and interesting, starring Lee SeungGyu as Shin KiTae and Lee JongHyuk as Lee Wan, the office rom-com drama tells the story of two best friends who reunite when one comes to apply for a job in the other's company. Their reunion sparks reflamed interest and affection between them as they are finally presented with an opportunity to see their connection blossom into something more than friendship.
From start to finish, the cute love story serves as an enjoyable experience as viewers are not just treated to the hilarious banter between the main leads but we are also engulfed in the thrilling tension between them. It's in the lingering gazes, the soft touches, the clear longing and desire for each other, the thoughtful actions, and the moments of intimacy.
The chemistry between the two leads could very well be described as the driving force of this drama as with every word and action, we truly believed their love story and were unequivocally rooted for their happy ending.
In our books, this drama is one with great rewatch value and it earns a rating of 9/10.
3. "Unintentional Love Story"
The news of the release of "Unintentional Love Story" was received with high expectations from Korean BL fans as not only was the webtoon quite popular or the production agency behind it a famous one, but it also featured notable actors, one of which had already starred in a BL drama before. Starring Cha SeoWon as Yoon TaeJoon, B1A4's GongChan as Ji WonYoung, Won TaeMin as Go HoTae, and DoWoo as Kim DongHae, the melodrama tells the story of an office worker who is involved in a scandal that could get him fired from his job. In other to save his job, he strikes a deal with his boss to keep an eye on the Chairman's favorite artist, whom he found in a remote countryside while taking a break. However, he slowly sees his goals change as he gets to know more about the moody artist. With constant interactions, an unintentional love story begins between them, as they both find some semblance of intrigue, comfort, and healing in one another.
The simplicity of the love story between the two main leads is part of what makes this series so enjoyable. While their characters hold so much complexity, in their interactions, we see a simple and clear connection between them that makes us easily understand their growth from strangers to potential lovers. Also, the introduction of a sub-couple is perhaps a first of its kind in the BL genre as while for the most part, the story did revolve around the main couple, the second couple added a different layer of appeal to the enjoyment factor it presented. While the main couple was more serious and moody, the second couple was more on the playful and chaotic side, presenting a fine balance in the relationship dynamics we received from the couples in the storyline.
From its great production value to the impressive dialogue, convincing expressions, and amazing chemistry between every character, this drama earns a solid 8/10.
Which of these dramas was your ultimate favorite? Let us know in the comments section.
Kpopmap's BL Survey Report: Global Fans Taste In Korean BL, Find Out What They Like (Part 1)KDRAMA STORIES May 17, 2023
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Comments