We all know that when it comes to BL, Thailand is the king. Their productions are countless, their dramas go viral, and their couples are always adorable. But what happens if we step out of our comfort zone and look at other Asian neighbors once in a while? We guarantee they're just as exciting!
Now, because there is a possibility that some Thai shows are being adjusted (for example, due to a period of national mourning), this is the perfect time for us to explore. Or maybe you just need a different vibe.
Come on, let's check out 10 Asian BL Series recommendations that are NOT from Thailand, complete with reasons why they should be on your watchlist!
1. Ball Boy Tactics - South Korea
Synopsis: Han Jiwon, a former Olympic medal-winning gymnast, must adapt to campus life. There, he meets Kwon Jung Woo, the basketball star and most popular guy at the university, who slowly turns Jiwon's world upside down.
Why You Must Watch? This is a light, sweet, and smile-inducing campus love story. Although the story doesn't have exaggerated life-or-death drama, the characters' internal dilemmas make us think along. It's perfect for you who want a feel-good and not-too-heavy watch.
Available on: iQIYI.
2. My Tooth Your Love - Taiwan
Synopsis: Bai Lang, a bar-restaurant owner with an extreme phobia of dentists, is forced to visit a clinic. There, he meets Jin Xun An, a super patient and gentle dentist. Xun An's different approach begins to relieve Bai Lang's anxiety, and from there, the seeds of love start to grow.
Why You Must Watch? It's so fresh! It's rare to have a BL with a dentist-patient concept, far from the typical college student setting. The dynamics of this couple also feel mature and functional—minimal petty drama. Psst, the side couple is also an absolute scene-stealer!
Available on: Viki.
3. Secret Relationships - South Korea
Synopsis: Da On, a hard-working guy who successfully rose out of poverty, has a super stingy habit that drives his coworker, Sung Hyeon, half-mad. But, after a family incident, Da On starts seeking comfort in Sung Hyeon, while also feeling confused about his feelings for his former tutor, Jae Min.
Why You Must Watch? Get ready to be shocked! This series is full of unexpected, heart-pounding moments. The plot is smooth, full of intrigue, and often makes you scream in disbelief at the screen. They play with the audience's curiosity in almost every episode. Mind-blowing!
Available on: iQIYI.
4. A Breeze of Love - South Korea
Synopsis: Dong Uk, an insomnia sufferer, can only sleep soundly if he sleeps next to Do Hyun. Do Hyun then becomes Dong Uk's ‘shelter,’ and feelings of love emerge. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding takes away their first love story. Five years later, fate brings them back together on campus, forcing them to confront old feelings that haven't faded.
Why You Must Watch? This series is beautiful and touching. The story shows how someone's love and support can be a strength to overcome life's difficulties. The vibe is warm and truly heartwarming.
Available on: iQIYI.
5. Our Youth - Japan
Synopsis: Adapted from a Korean webtoon, the story centers on Jin Minase, a model student who deeply hates Haruki Hirukawa, the school's delinquent leader. Jin chooses to remain an observer until he accidentally finds out Haruki's secret. Not long after, they fall in love.
Why You Must Watch? This series is great because it shows two different ways of living a love story, and how both can succeed as long as there is mutual respect for each other's time and wishes.
Available on: GagaOOLala.
6. Love Tractor - South Korea
Synopsis: Seon-lu, a stressed city guy, decides to temporarily move to the village. There, he meets Ye-chan, a young village man who is super passionate about farming life. While learning to farm, Seon-lu becomes more attracted to Ye-chan's sincerity.
Why You Must Watch? This is a soothing and healing "slow-burn" romance. There are no villains, and no excessive conflict. The focus is truly on the calm development of the relationship and how the city character finds peace in the countryside. Perfect for those who need inner peace!
Available on: iQIYI.
7. The Time of Fever - South Korea
Synopsis: Ho Tae and Dong Hee grew up together in Gangneung like brothers. But, after Ho Tae's father passed away, he moved to Seoul. After many years, Ho Tae returns and lives with Dong Hee again, his best friend and first love. Living together again triggers feelings that are hard to suppress, changing their friendship into something more serious.
Why You Must Watch? This is a spin-off of the hit Korean BL, Unintentional Love Story. Finally, the audience's beloved secondary couple gets their own story! The story is adorable, gentle, and the chemistry between the two actors is undeniable.
Available on: iQIYI.
8. Anti-Reset - Taiwan
Synopsis: Chu Yi Ping, a guy without emotions, injures his hand in a school accident. His uncle, an AI scientist, assigns Ever 9—an experimental robot—to be his caretaker. Who would have thought that Yi Ping would start falling in love with the robot and question whether emotions belong only to humans?
Why You Must Watch? Only 10 episodes, but packed with ethical and moral dilemmas about the boundaries of AI in personal relationships. Although heavy, romance remains dominant. A BL with a sci-fi theme, which is very rare!
Available on: Viki.
9. I Cannot Reach You - Japan.
Synopsis: Yamato, a charismatic and popular student, and Kakeru, his introverted childhood friend, share a strong bond. The problem is, Yamato is deeply in love with Kakeru, but Kakeru, who has never explored his sexuality, is oblivious to Yamato's signals. Their friendship is on the line because Yamato is confused about whether to confess or not.
Why You Must Watch? Although it raises issues of fear and insecurity in relationships, this series focuses on the difficulty of expressing feelings. There is always the risk of losing everything—both friendship and the potential for a romantic relationship. Very relatable!
10. The Eighth Sense - South Korea
Synopsis: Ji Hyun, a freshman from a small town, struggles to make friends in Seoul. Everything changes when he meets Jae Won, his senior in the surfing club. They become close, until they share an unexpected kiss. Is this just a momentary attraction, or the beginning of a long-lasting romance?
Why You Must Watch? This series is brave and sensitive in raising complex issues such as mental health, depression, PTSD, loneliness, and family pressure. The representation of depression feels realistic and supportive, showing a slow and supported healing process, not one instantly cured by love.
Available on: Viki
There you have it, 10 non-Thai BL recommendations that can be a new fix for you! From fluffy to heavy, they all have their own unique qualities.
So, have you watched any of them yet? Or is there one that immediately made it onto your watchlist?
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