The genre of BL (Boy Loves) is slowly getting the attention it deserves, especially in a country like South Korea where same-sex relationships are stigmatised. Now, we are seeing a wide range of Korean dramas featuring same-sex couples also known as Korean BLs. The Korean BL industry only blossomed a few years ago and 2023 saw a total of 18 gay romance dramas that aired on different web platforms.
Being way shorter than a typical K-drama, Korean BLs are mostly web dramas that do not get a TV network release but are enjoyed by fans all over the world nonetheless.
If you are a fan of BLs and would love to watch short and intense romantic boy loves in the form of K-dramas here is our list of the 10 Best Korean BLs released from 2023.
The Eighth Sense
This 10-episode show has received a lot of attention online after its release and it is undoubtedly one of the best Korean BL dramas so far. The show follows the story of Ji-hyun, a new student who moves to a University in Seoul from a small and peaceful town. There, he meets Jae Won, who has just returned to college after completing his military service.
The two end up crossing paths as members of the surf club and begin to develop feelings for each other. However, Ji-hyun’s calm and peaceful life is messed up because of Jae-won’s confused feelings and his mental health issues.
Our Dating Sim
Another contender for the Best Korean BL of 2023 is Our Dating Sim, a feel-good second-chance office drama. The show has 8 episodes in total and follows the story of Shin Ki-tae and Lee Wan, who were friends in high school. After losing contact for years, Lee Wan ends up working in the same team as Ki-tae.
Working together, Ki-tae and Lee Wan reconnect which brings back many memories from their teen years. In the meanwhile, Lee Wan also realises Ki-tae’s true feelings, something that he had misunderstood all those years ago.
A Shoulder To Cry On
The show is a webtoon-based drama that follows the story of enemies who turn into loves. Da-yeol and Tae-hyun first meet in the nurse’s office where Da-yeol finds the latter in bed with another boy. The nurse wrongfully punishes Da-yeol for Tae-hyun’s mistake which leaves the two to be each other’s arch nemesis. However, to their surprise, both boys end up falling in love with each other.
Jun & Jun
Another office drama on the list follows the story of Jun & Jun. After Lee Jun’s dreams of becoming a pop star are shattered, he starts working as an intern at a cosmetics firm. At the firm, he meets his highly talented and flirtatious manager, Choi Jun. While the workload starts piling up for Lee Jun, so does the romantic tension between this former pop star and Choi Jun.
Unintentional Love Story
This is also a webtoon-based drama that follows the story of Won-young, an office worker who leaves his job after a public scandal. Won-young moves to a small town in search of someone who can help clear his name in the scandal. There, he meets Tae-joon, a sculptor and the two hit it off instantly.
After spending some time with him, Won-young finally understands why Tae-joon wants to live in a small town. Unbeknownst to both of them, feelings begin to develop between the two. Won-young starts to question his sexuality, his motivations, and whether he even wants to go back to his old life in Seoul.
A Breeze of Love
Another popular contender for the best KBL of 2023 is A Breeze of Love which follows the story of Do-hyun, the captain of the basketball team who is preparing for the championship. The sudden reappearance of Do-hyun’s first love Hye-in in the basketball team brings back the same memories of the time they spent time together.
That also brings back the sour memory of how things ended between the two when Dong-wook had to transfer schools. Now, as the two play for the same team, there grows more hope for a second-chance romance.
Love Tractor
The show follows the story of Seon-yul, a temporarily relocated city man, who meets a country bloke Ye-chan. Seon-yul comes to the countryside to experience life knowing nothing about farming. Ye-chan becomes Seon-yul’s saviour as the latter learns to adapt to rural living. This also increases the proximity between the two as they embark on a chaotic and romantic countryside journey of healing and love.
Sing My Crush
The show Sing My Crush follows the story of two enemies-turned-friends, Ba-ram and Han-tae. After a disastrous first encounter during their school years, Ba-ram and Han-tae strike up an unlikely and close friendship. However, there is a secret that Ba-ram has managed to keep from Han-tae.
Love Mate
This Korean BL follows Seo Lee-jun, a leader at So What Media where he works as a member of the content production team. Lee-jun is the company’s best and toughest team leader who is seen by all as an iron-clad man who’s set in his ways.
When the new employee Jung Ha-ram gets under his skin, Lee-joon somehow starts developing feelings for the rookie employee. Finding themselves in a bit of a push-and-pull relationship, Lee-jun and Ha-ram begin to understand each other better, as they slowly learn about each other’s past and present struggles.
Bon Appetit
The final addition to this list is Bon Appetit which follows the story of Do-hoon, a dedicated office worker who immerses himself in his job. He is living a monotonous life, shuttling between home and the office. Do-hoon is often lonely and sad but all that changes when Yoon-soo moves in next door. The bright and charming Yoon-soo brings his energy into Do-hoon’s life and the two end up falling in love.
And there we have it, our list of the 10 best Korean BL dramas that were released in 2023!
What do you think of our list? Have we included your favourites? Or have we missed any must-watch dramas? We love to hear from you so do feel free to let us know in the comments below.