Now that we have crossed the halfway point of 2024, it’s time to tally and celebrate some BL dramas from the first half of this year. From heartwarming romances to thrilling adventures, these dramas have delivered enjoyable experiences. Let’s dive into dramadojo’s top picks from Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Thailand!
Unknown (Taiwan)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Found Family
Starring: Chris Chiu, Kurt Huang
Aired: Feb 24, 2024 – Apr 20, 2024
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Viki, Youtube
Synopsis: Unknown tells the story of Wei Qian, a young man who shoulders the responsibility of supporting his biological sister. Their lives take an unexpected turn with the arrival of Wei Zhiyuan, an orphaned boy Qian takes in. Years pass, and Qian juggles work and studies to build a future for his family. However, things get complicated when Zhiyuan develops romantic feelings for Wei Qian, culminating in a shocking confession. Torn between societal expectations and his burgeoning emotions, Qian sends Zhiyuan abroad. But can you ever really put a stop to a love so strong, especially when it is not one-sided?
Review: Adapted from the danmei novel Da Ge by the prolific writer Priest, this Taiwanese drama is a shining example of the high-quality BL productions coming out of Taiwan. Unknown is a slow-burn romance with a strong emphasis on family, resilience, and self-discovery. It explores the complexities of love that blossoms between two people who found solace and a home in each other.
The changing dynamic of Wei Qian and Zhiyuan’s relationship from hesitant care to profound love is portrayed with such depth that it pulls at your heartstrings. Chris Chiu and Kurt Huang deliver stellar performances that bring their characters’ struggles and emotions to life. The intimacy between the characters is both tender and tasteful, showcasing the series’ ability to handle sensitive topics with finesse. Additionally, the stunning soundtrack is an integral part of the experience, leaving you humming the melodies long after the finale.
Love for Love’s Sake (South Korea)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Starring: Lee Tae Vin, Cha Joo Wan
Aired: Jan 24, 2024 – Feb 1, 2024
Episodes: 8
Where to Watch: iQIYI
Synopsis: Disillusioned with life, Myung-Ha gets sucked into a video game based on his friend’s romance novel. Now a teenager with a surprising mission: bring happiness to a lonely student named Yeo-Woon. With the threat of deletion in case of mission failure looming, Myung-Ha navigates high school life, sparking a heartwarming friendship that might blossom into something more.
Review: This one was an easy and quick watch and joins the short list of Korean BLs I have enjoyed. It starts light and fluffy, following a 29-year-old man trapped in a high schooler’s body inside a video game. The show cleverly uses the game setting to explore deeper themes, transitioning into a more emotional and suspenseful story. It offers a mix of romance, humor, and a touch of darkness.
Lee Tae Vin perfectly captures Myung-Ha’s initial confusion, while Cha Joo Wan delivers as the socially awkward and unhappy Yeo-Woon. Their dynamic starts as an unlikely friendship, fueled by Myung-Ha’s mission. But as they navigate the virtual high school life, a genuine connection grows. It is a short drama of 8 episodes and perfect for binge-watching.
The Spirealm (China)
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense
Starring: Xia Zhi Guang, Huang Jun Jie
Aired: Feb 2, 2024
Episodes: 38
Where to Watch: Viki, iQIYI
Synopsis: The Spirealm throws Ling Jiushi, a VR game designer, into a mind-bending reality. He finds himself inexplicably trapped within a mysterious VR game. His escape hinges on passing twelve doors, each one presenting unique challenges and cryptic rules. These enigmatic doors hold the key to returning to his life, but failure could have deadly consequences. Jiushi encounters a skilled gamer named Lanzhu on the other side of the first door. Ruan Lanzhu, who runs a company dedicated to helping others navigate the dangers of the Spirealm, becomes Lin’s unlikely guide and potential ally.
Review: The Spirealm is adapted from the danmei novel Kaleidoscope of Death by Xi ZiXu. Jiushi, a jaded VR designer, stumbles upon a beta game that becomes a terrifying reality. The suspense is masterfully built as he encounters a series of nightmarish scenarios. What truly hooks you is the bond that forms between Jiushi and Lanzhu.
While the romance might be subtle due to Chinese censorship, the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. The drama might have been portrayed as bromance, but trust me y’all, the bromance was not bromancing. This is perfect for those seeking a unique BL with a delicious dose of mystery. The plot moves at a fast pace and the suspense is gripping. If you’re looking for a show with a blend of fantasy, horror, and mystery, The Spirealm is definitely worth checking out.
Only Boo (Thailand)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Starring: Suvijak Piyanopharoj (Keen), Dechchart Tasilp (Sea)
Aired: Mar 31, 2024 – Jun 23, 2024
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Youtube
Synopsis: Kindhearted Kaeng owns a popular curry stall at a high school. Enter Moo, a student with a hidden passion – becoming a pop idol. As they keep encountering each other and interact, Moo finds himself drawn to Kaeng, both for his delicious curry and his warm personality. However, the idol industry has a strict “no dating” policy. So the question now is, how are they gonna overcome this long-set barrier, or will their love have to become a sacrifice to achieve another dream?
Review: First and foremost, what captured my attention was that Only Boo offers a breath of fresh air with its unique focus on the idol industry. The drama tackles the rarely seen issue of normalizing idols dating, adding a layer of social commentary. The story follows Moo, a dedicated idol trainee, who falls for Kaeng, the local curry stall owner and also an aspiring painter. We see Moo’s determination to succeed alongside his sweet and awkward interactions with Kaeng, creating a funny and relatable story.
The show also explores the challenges young stars face while balancing their careers with their personal lives. Only Boo offers a charming escape with a delightful romance and a dash of social commentary. This was one complete wholesome drama, and while a lot of people might give this a pass because of the high school setting, I have to say you’ll be missing out. This was one lovely and wholesome watch that also had substance.
We Are the Series (Thailand)
Genre: Youth, Romance, Comedy
Starring: Naravit Lertratkosum (Pond), Phuwin Tangsakyuen, Thanawin Pholcharoenrat (Winny), Kittiphop Sereevichayasawat (Satang), Thanaboon Kiatniran (Aou), Tharatorn Jantharaworakarn (Boom)
Aired: Apr 3, 2024 – Jul 17, 2024
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Youtube, iQIYI
Synopsis: We Are follows a lively group of university friends. They juggle the typical challenges of student life – academics, friendships, and figuring themselves out. But on top of that, they also find themselves navigating the complexities of love and attraction. The series promises a fun and chaotic ride as these friends navigate university life with a good dose of BL romance thrown into the mix. We Are promises a delightful blend of heartwarming friendship, chaotic situations, and the inevitable twists of love.
Review: University BL dramas can feel repetitive, but sometimes a show comes along that captures the essence of youthful nostalgia, We Are is that show. While the plot might be simple, it’s executed with such charm and lightheartedness that it becomes a pure delight to watch. This isn’t a drama weighed down by heavy conflicts, it’s a joyride filled with laughter, heartwarming friendships, and just the right amount of emotional vulnerability to endear you to the characters.
The “haters to lovers” trope between our main leads Phum and Peem is particularly well-done. Their playful barbs mask a deeper affection, creating hilarious situations. The supporting couples, especially Tan and Fang, are equally lovable and leave you craving more (a sentiment shared by many viewers – I need a sequel!).
What truly elevates We Are is the undeniable bond between the friends. They share their emotions openly, fostering a sense of vulnerability and camaraderie. Conflicts are resolved quickly, keeping the story fast-paced and engaging. Prepare to squeal with laughter, have your heart warmed, and find yourself completely immersed in every episode. There’s not a dull moment to be found. If you’re looking for a feel-good watch, We Are is the perfect choice.
My Stand-In (Thailand)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Starring: Poompat Iam-samang (Up), Phuripan Sapsangsawat (Poom)
Aired: Apr 26, 2024 – Jul 12, 2024
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: iQIYI
Synopsis: My Stand-In is a Thai drama with a touch of the fantastical. Joe, a skilled stunt double for the famous actor Tong, finds himself drawn to Ming, a member of a wealthy family. As their relationship deepens, a shocking truth is revealed: Ming has always seen Joe as a replacement for Tong. Heartbroken, Joe accepts a dangerous job on a foreign film set, only to be involved in a life-altering accident. When he awakens, Joe finds himself in a new body – another young man named Joe who had an accident on the very same day. Just as he is finding his feet in this life, he gets entangled with Ming again.
Review: My Stand-In is adapted from the novel Professional Body Double by Shui Qiang Cheng. It explores fate, second chances, and the complexities of human connection. Fair warning: this drama isn’t for everyone. The central relationship is far from healthy. But it is a drama best suited for viewers who enjoy a spicy romance with a side of angst. If you crave a story that’s both beautiful and messy, then this one’s for you.
The reincarnation twist fuels an emotional rollercoaster as Joe grapples with past feelings and a connection that transcends lifetimes. The chemistry between the leads, Up and Poom, is undeniable. They create a spark that keeps you glued to the screen, even when Ming’s behavior borders on toxic. The show thrives on this push-and-pull dynamic, making you both loathe and love Ming at the same time. Steamy scenes simmer alongside darker themes of unbalanced power dynamics, grief and loss.
The production team of this drama shares the director and cinematographer with the popular BL KinnPorsche, delivering a series with excellent pacing, allowing the angst and emotional turmoil to unfold naturally. The lead actors’ undeniable chemistry and strong performances further elevate the experience. If you’re seeking a BL with a captivating story, complex characters, and a second-chance romance, give this a try.
Did your favorite make the list? If not, I’d love to hear about the BL dramas that have resonated with you this year. Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!
P.S. If you’re a language enthusiast like me and enjoy learning new languages through dramas, check out these articles:
From Drama to Dialects: Lessons in Taiwanese Mandarin from ‘Unknown’ (2024)
Exploring Thai with BL Dramas: Essential Phrases & Vocabulary
Happy watching and happy learning!
The Drama Dojo 
Hey everyone! I hope we can chat about dramas, share drama recommendations, language learning and more on here. So, comment away!