#First note of love

[heretherebedork]

2024 in BL was the year of disabled representation (not always good but it was there) and the year of curing blindness and the year of learning sign language and honestly it was impressive to see this many in one year, may it continue and get better year by year. @absolutebl MY favorite trend of last year.

We did also have two character with anxiety disorders that everyone took seriously including the show!

[little-one-eyed-monsters]

Quick Pitch: Dream Projects for my Favorite Thai BL pairs

For context: When Singto Prachaya left GMMTV in 2021, and ceased all partner activities with Krist, I was truly heartbroken.

We all have our entry series into the BL genre. Many of us might have started with 2Gether-- the BL that helped usher the genre into the mainstream, or KinnPorsche, the most high-production BL series of its time.

For me, it was Thailand's Sotus. I absolutely adored KristSingto and was rooting for them to have more shows. When Singto left, I was devastated.

I don't blame Singto of course. By that point GMMTV really was giving him and Krist the short end of the career stick, but man, what a bummer. I used to joke with fellow Peraya fanclub members that my dream project for KristSingto, if in an impossible world Singto rejoins GMMTV, is about exes getting back together, just to be really meta about it.

Fast forward late 2024, and GMMTV announced a series called The Ex-Morning starring Krist and Singto.

And ya' know what? I'll take credit for that (even though I had nothing to do with it). Yes, I called that.

So since I'm obviously a wizard, Harry (proof above), let me conjure up a few more dream projects for my favorite Thai BL pairs, in the hopes that the BL gods, (a.k.a producers) will heed it.

Also, I did one of these for SmartBoom of Top Form already (because they deserve to have more shows yesterday) here.

Alright, let's begin with:

1. Yinwar- a BL remake of Korea's Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

War's truly expressive, overdramatic acting style is PERFECT for historical dramas. He's a shoe-in for scenes that require intense confrontations and betreyals. I'd even argue that War's technique often clashes with Yin's boy-next-door acting style, which fits more rom-com than drama. So the perfect vehicle to balance the two? A main character from the present (Yin) gets isekai'd into the past, and finds himself in the middle of a civil war, and the true heir to the kingdom (War) is mounting a coup to overthrow his father's evil advisers. I can picture the shenanigans already 😅

Just a tip tho, PLEASE do not follow the ending of Moon Lovers for YinWar. The original ending was depressing. Let's give YinWar happier endings in 2025 and beyond.

2. UpPoom- an adaptation of USA's Red, White and Royal Blue

Both Up and Poom are such masterful actors-- truly leagues ahead of the current BL roster. And most of it has to do with their experience (which I touched upon in a previous post). However, because they're both great at playing broody or villainous characters, the audience often forgets that Up and Poom are actually VERY good at one genre-- COMEDY.

Poom absolutely STOLE the show as the wisecrack sidekick in Jenny AM/PM (a series starring Singto), while Up had great comedic timing in Start Up TH. So imagine a romcom filled with both wild shenanigans, and a broody, political sideplot-- a dream project for Up and Poom. Up will play the son of Thailand's Prime Minister, helping in his father's re-election campaign while running for a cabinet position himself (perfect for Up, considering his doctorate in Political Science). He falls in love with the worst person he can possibly end up with due to Thailand's strict les majeste laws-- the King's second son and the only heir to the throne of Thailand (Poom). Chaos ensues.

Up and Poom can balance between the serious, tearjerking scenes of the plot, while maintaining the chemistry and rom-com core of the original. Bonus: Poom loves desserts! Let them eat cake! (Or get smothered in cake)

3. BossNoeul- a BL adaptation of USA spy film Mr. and Mrs. Smith

A sexy action thriller for BossNoeul. Need I say more? Both of them have previously expressed their desire to star in action-themed series. But Boss' acting style and persona aren't quite suited for the brute and macho demeanor that Kinnporsche, or even Manner of Death, has. His strength lies in being mysterious-- suave, predatory, but not too forward; like a fox. Boss would play a great James Bond character.

And Noeul plays desire devastatingly well. Say what you want about that boy's acting-- his sex appeal is still the best in the business. He can go from innocent to sexy in one glance. A femme fatale-type character who uses both his skill and beauty to get the job done? Magic.

Combine the two and you get a series that will break the internet the same way Brangelina broke our collective minds in the early 2000s.

4. TayNew- a remake of Taiwanese BL Papa and Daddy

As a Polca, I've always been well-fed by the GMM machine. Even when New refused to renew an exclusive contract with GMMTV years ago, he didn't cease to take projects with them, and star along Tay in any and all manner of shows and content. They've had so many BLs, and more to come. They have their own mascot now, dear God. They'll have their own building at the GMM compound at this rate.

It is therefore only fitting that the longest-surviving Thai BL pair gets the most mature storyline any ship can possibly get--parenthood. Tay and New have established such a comfortable, domestic dynamic that they'll blend seamlessly into the role of new parents navigating marriage and their own family unit. It can serve as a wholesome tribute to Thailand's legalization of same-sex unions. Show how the adoption system remains brutal for same sex couples. And let's be real: Tay and New have no need for storylines that establish romance and chemistry anymore. They're so in sync and recognizable that even their bromance shows like Peaceful Property read off as BL. They ARE the romance now.

Do it, GMM. Give us sweet domesticity.

5. Billkin and PP Krit- a BL remake of Japan's The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window

My biggest gripe with BKPP's remake of Marry My Dead Body is that, similar to its Taiwanese adaptation, it feels like the producers didn't commit to the bit. And what is that bit, you may ask? It's the bit where the main homophobic cop character is obviously queer-coded. At times he showed true attraction to his ghostly husband, and by the end, even starts to question himself and his motives. But that's a rant for another post. What I'm trying to say here is that Billkin and PP Krit were obviously hampered by the source material. I want them to redeem themselves with a better vehicle.

The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window features the same supernatural and mystery elements that MMDB does-- about the unlikely partnership between a clairvoyant bookstore clerk, who gets hired by an exorcist assisting in police investigations. It's the perfect show to showcase Billkin and PP Krit's dramatic chops, given the heavy plot, but also a chance for them to feature in something befitting their star quality-- an intelligent plot with great character dynamics, and the most horrifying fantastical scenes to boot. They would easily KILL these roles. And this time, I know they'll make it a true BL, since the original manga relied on the romance of its characters for later plot resolutions.

6. WilliamEst- a remake of Taiwanese BL We Best Love

I gotta admit, this was a tough pick. I've seen so many Taiwanese BLs, but We Best Love is still MY number one from Taiwan, and my number 5 of all time. There's something so charming and light about it, while delivering truly believable performances and a relationship dynamic that's so well-matched. In my book, William and Est have some very big shoes to fill.

But I really think they could do it. They match the age and personality of the characters well. William can play the moody, temperamental 2nd fiddle who's unrequitedly in love with his best friend, while Est can play William's quieter, and better-skilled rival who's always had a thing for William's character. Bonus: Est is a nationally-ranked swimmer, and William is a musical prodigy, which are integral traits of the original characters. William and Est also exhibit a comfortable familiarity with each other due to their long acquaintance, again similar to the original characters.

7. DaouOffroad- a remake of Taiwanese BL First Note of Love

How do Daou and Offroad NOT have a music-themed series yet? Their whole persona revolves around their musicality! I want them to navigate the highs and lows of the music industry, while being a little jaded about all of it.

Daou could really play off a character whose disillusioned about his fame and carries around a personal tragic backstory. I think Daou would relate to all this pretty organically, given his early struggles in the industry. Offroad can play the fan-turned-upstart who'll help Daou find meaning to his music again. And then they'll release an OST-adjacent album that will sell millions of copies around the world 😅

And for a bonus:

Neo Trai (yes, just Neo 😅)- a truly unhinged remake of Japan's legendary show A Man Who Defies the World of BL

In my head, they'll film this at the top floor of the GMM building, with all of GMMTV's established BL pairs just casually being lovey-dovey in the weirdest places-- the breakroom, the main office, the stairwell, even the bathrooms. Neo, traumatized, is out here trying to buy lunch at the concessionaire stall downstairs 😅

Neo resolutely rejects all manner of "pairings" being thrown at him, until at the end he latches on to the one guy nobody wants to pair him up with (Mond Tanutchai maybe? Hahaha the ghost ship in My Golden Blood lives in my head rent-free). Imagine the CHAOS- I love it dearly already.

That's all and thanks for finishing this mammoth-sized post. If you don't see your ship here, feel free to share which dream projects you have for yours, and feel free to make lists of your own. Stay kooky folks! 😁

[shijiujun]

Just Neil looking to Xiao Hai for reassurance (˃̣̣̥ᯅ˂̣̣̥)

— First Note of Love 弹一场完美恋爱 (2024) | EP. 3

[theside-b]

FIRST NOTE OF LOVE + Hitting all the right notes

[respectthepetty]

Upcoming Taiwanese BLs

We are over halfway through 2024, and as usual, I've only had two Taiwanese BLs (Unknown, Anti Reset), so even though I'm sitting on a stack of BLs to watch every single week from other countries, call me Smaug because I need MORE!

Honorary Korean BL: Uncovering the Curse of Taekwondo (2024)

Former friends (and possibly lovers) reunite at a funeral after going their separate ways for over a decade, but, honestly, I don't care about the plot because this comes from Hwang Da Seul who was behind Blueming, To My Star, and Where Your Eyes Linger, so I know it's going to be amazing. There is a movie and a series version, and the movie already premiered at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea at the beginning of July. The runtime was 154 minutes, but the series is eight episodes around thirty minutes each and is currently seeking distribution.

First Note of Love (August 2024)

My most beloved, Charles Tu, from my favorite BL HIStory 4: Close to You is finally returning to me in the form of a washed-up singer who stepped away from the spotlight due to a tragic event only to be dragged back in by an up-and-coming composer who is also a longtime fan. It is a joint production with Thailand's Star Hunter Entertainment (the company behind Big Dragon, Love Senior, City of Stars, and Sunset x Vibes) and features a side couple of a Thai singer and a Taiwanese agent. It will involve singing, but I'm already too comfortable in my seat with my snacks to care.

Fragrance of the First Flower Season 2 (2024)

The lone GL holding down this list finished filming late last year and Gagaoolala has been releasing BTS images since filming began, so it'll likely land there once it is released. The series is a continuation of the 2021 first season, which people were not thrilled about because of the ending, so this season should solve some of the angst we were left with by exploring the two women actually coming together to navigate life as a couple.

The Only One (August 2024)

Directed by Liu Kuang Hui, who directed Your Name Engraved Herein, written by the same folks behind The Untamed, and based on Mu Su Li's novel A Certain Someone which is about two boys whose parents are dating and move in together, so the mains go from enemies-to-??? and the only reason for the question marks on a Taiwanese BL is because the word on these BL streets (and his MDL page) is one of the actors works heavily in China, so this might be the reason this one has been was in limbo even though filming finished earlier this year, but the socials are still posting it's coming this year.

See Your Love (Filming Complete)

This co-production with Japan is about a rich man who falls in love with his hearing-impaired caregiver. It finished filming at the end of May and will have those sweet sweet Taiwanese BL cameos from some Be Loved in House: I Do and Plus and Minus folks PLUS it will be the first cameos for the Kiseki: Dear to Me guys since the company that produced their show is the same one for this show.

Impression of Youth (Filming Complete)

Very little is known about the plot of this teacher-student romance, but it comes from the same folks who produced DNA Says Love You and one of the mains, Muji Hsu, was also the lead in 2020's Because of You. Filming finished at the end of May, and the company stated it would be out before the end of the year.

Islanders (late 2024/early 2025)

This is based on a novel, Islands, by Lolita Hu, features some well known Taiwanese actors, and for a bit was under the name Sea of Intimacy. It's being presented as an 'older BL' but the MDL summary is sparse of the BL-plot: Hung, a successful entrepreneur, has three intimate relationships: his wife, his mistress, and his girlfriend. The lives of these individuals in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s are intertwined because of romance, but their story extends beyond that. When Hung faces criticism on social media and loses everything, the way they react tells us how they see the world.

Wishing Upon the Shooting Star & The Young Gangster (2025)

These two deal with completely different plots but are together because of one reason: Ray Jiang. He is the director for these two and was the director for Unknown, My Tooth Your Love, and We Best Love. The companies behind them have stated the series are coming next year, but the guess is Ray's busy schedule is part of the hold up since he has a Netflix series in the works and apparently a film featuring Sam Lin (We Best Love) on the way. The Young Gangster is based on a novel and deals with a research assistant gathering information on the mafia (and we know how the mafia works in BLs), while Shooting Star deals with a man wishing that nobody notices him once he returns to his hometown after being fired. The wish backfires and nobody recognizes him, not even his dad or the boy he confessed to in high school! BL Mafia, Sideways Wishes, and Ray Ray are my favorite types of snacks!

Pray in Love (2025?)

A police officer falls in love with a man only to realize that man is the son of a prominent leader on the day of his arranged wedding in which he was hired as security for the event. The series already released a short film of the basic premise for fundraising efforts and festival rounds. Apparently, filming has started on the series, but there is no concrete confirmation from the production company.

Eternal Butler (2025)

Edited to add thanks to @cankersoregirl! This is a sequel to VBL's Anti Reset and began filming in early July. It focuses on Ever 4 who is sent to be a bodyguard for a young rich man only to encounter a rebellious man.

That Year, 162 Rainfalls (In Production?)

Is this a movie? Is it a series? Is it happening?! Who knows, but last year, it finally got funding and a director attached to it, but the real kicker is Lin Pei Yu is the screenwriter, and she is the writer behind all of my favorite Taiwanese BLs: We Best Love, HIStory 3: Trapped, My Tooth Your Love, Kiseki: Dear to Me, and so much more. Basically, the company struck gold getting her for this story about two archers and best friends. One gets confessed to but admits he actually is in love with his best friend, but before love can happen, the best friend has an accident and falls into a coma. It is based on a novel of the same name, and the plot is way more hefty than this, but I know Lin Pei Yu will make it work!

Four Seasons (Pre, Pre, PRE-Production?)

This is supposed to be four different stories focusing on different seasons, and is rumored to be VBL's next group of shows since the company has stated it wants to continue its formula from last year of releasing slightly connected shows. VBL/Vidol was behind Stay by My Side, VIP Only, You Are Mine, and Anti Reset. Winter is about a scrooge CEO and a florist who is hired to decorate for the CEO's Christmas event. Spring is about two boys meeting on a bus and falling in love over music. Summer is about a market owner and a chef falling in love over food. Autumn is about two former best friends seeing each other ten years after graduating and exploring their hometown together.

Connecting to You (Pre-Production?)

It seems to have gotten funding, but it's been quiet since which isn't surprising because when it comes to Taiwanese BLs, nothing is really heard until filming begins or even after it ends. I still have my hopes high because this is *THE* BL for me as it deals with a man who can see colored threads connecting people and one day runs into a policeman whose thread connects to him. The thread between them begins to change color, from silver-grey to yellow, representing friendship, and even to red, representing love. If I have to sell an organ or two to fund this myself, I. Will. Do. It. I NEED THIS!

And this wouldn't be a Petty Post if I didn't include this final one:

HIStory 15: Freed (GIVE IT TO ME!)

I don't care if this a long shot. I don't care if I seem crazy always asking for this. I. Deserve. It. HIStory 3: Trapped ended with our best mafia boy in prison, and it's time he got out! The HIStory franchise has not had a series since 2022's HIStory 5: Love in the Future, and although there have been rumors that a HERstory story might be next, I think bringing back a popular story would be just as good. I will ask for this every chance I can until I get it, and I plan on living a long life, so I got time!

[babyangelsky]

My Favorite QL Couples* of 2024 💖✨

Welcome to Babyangelsky's 2024 Wrap Up! To commemorate my second year of watching QL dramas, and my first year of actually talking on my blog, I've compiled a series of lists to celebrate all the QL things I loved this year!

My only criteria was that the show had to have either aired entirely in 2024 or had the majority of its run in 2024. No other limits at all (except for tumblr's photo limit). Please feel free to take my categories and make lists of your own and tag me in them if you do! I'd love to see what stuck out to everyone this year 💜

💜 All the lists can be found here! 💜

Without further ado, I'm going to kick things off with my favorite couples of the year!

♡ Tongrak and Mahasamut (Love Sea)

My darlings. My absolute loves. I knew Fort and Peat were going to deliver something special when Love Sea was announced and I am so glad that I was right. My love for them is as boundless as the sea that bonds them.

♡ Almond and Latte (Knock Knock Boys)

These two snuck up on me something serious. I never expected them to be this sweet and soft and bring such comfort to each other. They were my unexpected delight this year and I'm so happy I got to watch them fall in love.

♡ Yu and Ai (I Saw You in My Dream)

These two snuck up on me too, honestly. Never ever thought I would love them as much as I do considering how late I came into this show, but I cherish them very deeply. They're the sweetest childhood friends to lovers and they love each other so much. I don't think I've ever been prouder of a confession than when Yu finally confessed to Ai.

♡ Ken, Seiji, and Japan (Deep Night)

*Not a couple, but a THROUPLE! 2024 was a year of many, many BL blessings, one of the best of which was the fact that we got CANON POLY SIDES COURTESY OF CHEEWIN! We all hoped, we all prayed, we all looked at the workshop photos and thought 'surely we cannot be wrong', and when it came right down to it, we all got exactly what we wanted! I only wish that we'd gotten more of them.

KenSeijiPan you will always be famous.

♡ Ozone and Pie (Battle of the Writers)

Speaking of wanting more, I cannot believe it took this long for Mark Sorntast to get to kiss a boy on screen but damn, was it worth the wait. I want an entire spin-off of daddy Pie and his puppy Ozone because they were truly the best part of this show.

♡ X and Namping (Every You, Every Me)

Thanks to its format, Every You, Every Me gave us lots of great couples and fun dynamics but X and Namping were my favorites, even though their story ended tragically. The love was brief but it was beautiful and real.

♡ Meiji and Freya (Deep Night)

As if giving us canon poly wasn't enough, Cheewin also decided to bless us with milf yuri and then stacked one more blessing on top and gave them their own spin-off miniseries so we could have more time watching them fall in love. They're beautiful and I love them. This is how it feels to win.

♡ Yuan and Qian (Unknown)

I can't think of anything to say about these two that doesn't involve making dying animal noises and gesturing helplessly and maybe crying so just imagine me doing that to convey how I feel about this couple BECAUSE THAT'S ALL I GOT FAM THAT'S ALL I'M CAPABLE OF I'M SURE SOME OF YA'LL UNDERSTAND

♡ Tai x Kram (Two Worlds)

These are by far my favorite roles Max and Nat have played to date. The utter soulmates of it all. The every version of me will love every version of you in every universe of it all. Perfection. I only wish the show had been longer so their love really got a chance to breathe.

♡ Anin and Pin (The Loyal Pin)

Now, if a love ever got a chance to breathe, it was this love. They made you feel it. The yearning, the joy, the sweetness, all of it. We followed it all the way from childhood and it was such a satisfying experience. I will always have a soft spot for couples that are deranged about each other, however loudly or quietly they may go about it, and my girls are no exception.

♡ Phee and Non (Dead Friend Forever)

*scream singing* WE COULD'VE HAD IT ALLLLLLLL, ROLLING IN THE DEEEEEEEEP *cries on the floor*

♡ Tan and Fang (We Are)

AouBoom are never not a delight when they're on screen together, and TanFang were a delight in a veritable sea of delights. They got together early on and spent the rest of the show giving nothing but the best most delicious established couple goodness.

♡ Muenfah and Teerak (Your Sky)

At the time of writing we've only had these two for a few weeks but that's more than enough time for their adorable sweetness to land them on this list. They're darling. The relationship may be fake (for now) but the love is real.

♡ Sun and Junior (Caged Again)

The same goes for these two, and isn't that just the surprise of the year? HOW DID THE PANTHER AND PENGUIN TURN INTO PEOPLE SHOW END UP GIVING US SUCH AN ADORABLE COUPLE?

♡ Shao Peng and Zi Xiang (See Your Love)

They're just so soft and so gentle and they make each other feel heard and understood and I love them so much. Their boyfriend era may actually kill me.

♡ Jack and Joke (Jack & Joker)

*gently shakes Yin and War* Would giving us just a little more horny, loving boyfriend era and fewer horrors have been so hard? Do ya'll think you can get away with it because you're so pretty and so beloved?

Because they are. And they can actually. And they did. I adore them.

♡ Yak and Dee (Wandee Goodday)

One of my favorite things in this life is when a fake relationship slowly turns into a real relationship and two people who think they can be casual about each other are actually completely incapable of being so. Yak and Dee gave me exactly that and I love them for it.

♡ Oyei and Cher (Wandee Goodday)

Another side couple for which I would absolutely love a spin-off, but we did get to see them have their wedding (the first GMMTV wedding since the marriage equality bill was passed!) which is just as good. The love they have for each other, the support they give each other is top tier. They have my heart.

♡ God and Diew (Monster Next Door)

If I were to give an award for amazing communication between a couple, I would absolutely be giving it to these two. It was so refreshing to see them not only love and support each other, but talk and listen to each other. They were a delight.

♡ Myung Ha and Yeo Woon (Love for Love's Sake)

They were so sweet and so sad and they saved each other by loving each other so much that it broke reality and I just love them with my entire soul.

♡ San and Vee (Century of Love)

When this was airing I talked a lot about how it didn't actually matter whether Vee was Wad or not and that what mattered was San making a choice but for the record? Vee was totally Wad. He and San were SOULMATES!

♡ Neil and Sea (First Note of Love)

What if a couple was so gentle and soft that it made you wanna cry? What if they saved each other with music? What if they made each other brave?

♡ Moo and Kang (Only Boo!)

My darling boys. My sweetest most adorable boys who make me wanna curl into a ball and cry happy tears because I adore them so much. Moo's singular desire in this life part from becoming an idol is to save up enough money to marry Kang and NOW HE CAN AND I'M IN MY FEELINGS ABOUT IT EVEN MONTHS LATER.

♡ Karan and Achi (Cherry Magic Th)

They're perfect. In every conceivable way. Their love was just so lovely, it was such a joy. Everything about it and about them was so lovely to watch.

♡ Haruki x Jin (Our Youth)

These two have so much potential to hurt me. In fact, I'm almost certain that they will. But they just --*gestures helplessly*--you know? They hit exactly right for me.

[wanderlust-in-my-soul]

The forehead kiss (Part 5/?)

It is the expression of emotional closeness, the way to say 'I love you' without using the words. It is used to show that someone deeply cares about the other person, to let them feel protected, respected, loved and comforted.

First Note Of Love

We Are

Love In The Air

My School President

4 Minutes

Sangmin Dinneaw

Anti Reset

Till The World Ends

Kidnap

History 3: Make Our Days Count

My favorite bl-trope collection

[usertoxicyaoi]

"You're the one who made me realize we don't need to change who we are."

FIRST NOTE OF LOVE (2024). EPISODE TEN.

[my-rose-tinted-glasses]

First Note of Love𝄞 Episode 4

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Lots of lovely kisses & an unwarranted upset in the standings

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Oct 2024 Week 2

Ongoing Series - Thai

Fourever You (Thai Thurs YT) ep 2 of 16 - Yes yes J&J should be first but I am weak in the face of, well, frankly this man's face:

Pond = greatest piner in a dog’s age. The yearning in that boy’s eyes is obscene, it’s like the most explicit sex that only he can see and we’re just voyeurs.

Thus I continue to adore this stupid show and everything it stands for. No notes. May the fluff continue eternal.

Jack & Joker (Thai Mon IQIYI) ep 5 of 12 - Everyone is so skilled in this show, but War is truly glorious. Considering the pacing, I think we are probably in for some long periods of darkness, suffering, and pain soon. I’m not mad about that prospect, it’s earned and foreshadowed, I just thought I’d lay it out there.

Kidnap (Fri YT) ep 6 of 12 - More boys from GMMTV with good communication. Who knew? Min has SUCH a white knight complex. NO SINGING. Good demanding kiss, though. Well, Ohm can handle anything. 

Meanwhile, this really is a bodyguard romance under another name. And I kinda wanna rewatch Never Let Me Go as a result.

Love Sick 2024 (Thai Sun iQIYI) ep 4 of 15 - Earn remains best boy and my favorite character. Phun is v jelly, as he should be. AND I like Ohm & N'Mik better in this version. I still prefer the original leads, but I’m enjoying this enough. 

I had no idea how much I missed Gunsmile! It’s so nice to see him on my screen again.

Monster Next Door (Thai Thurs Gaga ) ep 12 fin - I hate Diew’s mom. Hate her. So much. She may be my least favorite mom ever in BL. That’s saying a lot. No I don’t think she was redeemed. 

Conclusion

Adapted from the novel Godzilla Next Door by Jiwinil about an introvert who lives mostly in his room, until a loud annoying extrovert moves in next door. This was one of my top picks for 2024 and I’m delighted to say it satisfied expectations. A charmingly serene story of opposites attract, that featured good communication, patience, and genuine affection used to build a solid relationship.(I’m particularly delighted that our musician is a drummer and I don’t have to listen to him sing.) Yes it’s a tad slow but it’s very earnest and leans into the kind of sweetness that Thai BL does best. Doesn’t hurt that this starred an actor (Big) that many of us have been hoping would get a lead for years. I was pleased and comforted. This is not a kind of BL that suits everybody, but it suited me admirably. 8/10 

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 10 of 12 - Ozone and the Ice Prince (name still unknown) did their little dance. What an earnest and romantic confession from our Icy man. I literally said “no no no just kiss, no foreheads.” And it was a great crying kiss, my favorite. Honestly, that amount of emotion hadn’t been earned by this pair, but I don’t mind. I could watch a whole show just about them. Also woah! Major nekid on YT?

Thailand......

Risking demonetization for arse…...

I guess we’ve all been there. 

Where was I?

I’m happy with this episode since it was mostly my side couple. But the distribution of main couple and side couple and the focus of each episode is wildly erratic with this show. It’s very odd. (And let's be clear we ordered errotic not erratic.)

Every You Every Me (Thai Mon Gaga) ep 1 of 10 - Jade and Chin have lived over a thousand lifetimes. In each one they somehow manage to fall in love with each other. (This pair, TopMick was piloted in a My Universe ep, that was one of the only ones I liked.) Soulmate premise is a mix of Color Rush and La Pluie. Frankly, this isn’t as good as either, but it’s enjoyable in a slow cheerful way. Especially if you like this particular set of tropes. It’s quietly lovely and I like the leads. Sunshine is very very sunshine and our tsundere is a grumpy mysterious nerd. Trigger for domestic abuse. It looks like each episode is gonna be a completely different meet cute with the same pairing. It’s more linked vignettes than any overarching story. So if you don’t like this pair, you won’t like this series.

Addicted Heroin (Thai Tues WeTV) ep 9 of 10 - More sports day. (Everybody’s doing sports days right now.) Random sides kissing. Where did the glasses person come from? Was he introduced and I forgot about it? Oh that’s the evil cousin! Okay… anygay. Sides randomly flip-flop who they like and I don’t know what the fuck is going on. This show. I swear. Ooo caught kissing. And… killed? What a mind fuck of a soap opera. Honestly, I’m fine if he’s dead, I don’t care at this point I just feel jerked around. 

For some reason no eng sub for me for the first half. So I watched with Spanish subs (which is about as good as my Thai, only for different words). What a wild experience.

Bad Guy My Boss (Thai Sun Gaga) ep 4 of 10 - Oh dear. I just can’t imagine ever rooting for this couple. Which means… Why am I watching this? 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

My Damn Business (Korea Sat YT) eps 1-2 of 7 - Oh I love it. Casual flirty westernized-style boss. Reserved reluctant cutie (yes we’ve seen the actor before). Is it disgusting workplace harassment? Oh most certainly. Do I enjoy it anyway? Yep, I’m warped. No defense, but at least it’s something from Korea. 

Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YT) ep 3 of ? - I like the lead being bullied and pushed to his limit thus turning into a psychopath. It’s gonna be a fun ride if it really goes Devil Judge just teens and actually gay. I wonder if it has the strength of its convictions? 

Our Golden Times (Hong Kong YT) 5 fin? - I guess that is the reunion? What an odd little piece. I’m not entirely sure what I feel about it except that this feels more BL than anything Hong Kong has given us so far (which isn't much). The subs are truly terrible. Since I speak absolutely zero Cantonese I can’t really fix them in my brain. I thought this was the final ep but then a teaser for ep 6 dropped so I we have at least one more. 

First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) ep 10 of 12 - It was a nice, if entirely unearned reunion. And the leads do kiss beautifully. Trust Taiwan. I am so glad that Orca is back! There was even a little language play flip-flopping just for me. Very cute. Also GREAT kissing. How long have we been waiting for Thailand and Taiwan to kiss? 

Eccentric Romance (Korea Weds Viki) eps 1-2 of 12 - Silkwood’s 2nd Thai/Korean colab. This has been in production since 2022 which is a LONG time in the BL world (worrying). But I like the concept: friends of 10 years who’ve been hiding feelings for each other enter the same university. Plus MURDER. Stars Yoon Jun Won (The Man BLK) and Thai actor Save Saisawat (Ai Long Nhai). I begin to think every The Man BLK member will eventually lead out a BL at this point.

It’s enjoyable in a weird way. Grumpy (hottie with a crush) + sunshine (captain oblivious). I gotta say, since this is the second relationship dual lingo style in our BL rn that it’s ALWAYS weird if the other half doesn't occasionally code switch languages, especially for specific words. In other words, the Korean dude is supposed to at least understand Thai, occasionally he’s should use a Thai world to get a point across. And the Thai dude is there to STUDY KOREAN, he should be slipping in and out of Korean regularly. Bah. 

It's airing but...

Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan Tues Netflix?) 5 of 10 eps - I never managed to get hold of ep 5. Frankly, it’s going to Netflix (I don’t subscribe) so I might not finish this out of sheer laziness. 

The Hidden Moon (Sat WeTV) ep 1 of 10 - This is a supernatural romance (my ghost boyfriend trope) by Violet Rain (I Feel You Linger). A man is hired to write an article about an old mansion in Chiang Mai being converted into a café. He sees the ghosts of people who died at the mansion, falls in love with one of them. Was substantially recast. I loved IFYLITA except the ending so I think I'll let this one run it's course you can tell me if it's work tracking down... if they managed to land it. I have my doubts.

Gangster and His Boyfriend (Korea ????) 8 eps? - was supposed to air 10/10 Kim Dong Bin (famous trainee & idol reality competitor, yeah that happens) stars as a fallen idol who unexpectedly becomes entangled in a gangster family. Discovers that his friend’s father is responsible for the murder of his entire family years ago. I don't know much about this one, neither does anyone else and I'm not sure where I got that release date so……

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Still Coming Oct 2024:

10/17 Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (Korea Thurs Gaga) 8 eps - High school student Do Hoe lives with his violent and brutal father who runs a Taekwondo gym in a rural area. One day, cheerful Ju Young arrives, he dreams of going to college for Taekwondo. Joy begins to fill Do Hoe's dark life. An unexpected incident forces them apart, they reunite ten years later.

10/21 Love in the Big City (Korea ????) 8 eps - Okay, this is both a movie (already out) and a series. Neither one is likely BL and I can't imagine it will end happily. I'm giving both a pass but here's your synopsis.

Cynical fun loving student Young pinballs from home, to class, to on night stands. He and Jaehee, his female besie and roommate, frequent nearby bars where they push away their worries about life, love, and money with soju and hookups.

10/23 See Your Love (Taiwan Weds Gaga & Viki) 10 eps? - Zi Xiong, a third-generation heir, attempting to flee from taking over their family business, meets and falls in love with Shao Peng, who works as a hearing-impaired nurse. From the same production house as Kiseki Dear To Me in partnership with Shinehouse Theatre, funded by Taiwan’s BIGART + Japan's Rakuten (Viki). Show includes Lin Chia Yo (Be Loved in House: I Do). Director Chiang Ping Chen’s childhood experiences with his deaf uncle have inspired the drama.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Addicted Heroin

Incidentally he didn’t ask to “be with Ter” he asked if he could flirt/court him. jeeb doesn’t really have a direct translation, but it isn’t “be with.” 

Fourever You

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many at-ings.

[khunkinn]

The south and north poles of a magnetic field repel each other when they are strong and attract each other when they are at their weakest.

[ellsieee]

The moment Sea's childhood crush came roaring back. How could anyone resist that slow-mo idol strut, complete with side profile? Sea looked that man up and down, the only thing missing was a gulp.

[shijiujun]

SO ROMANTIC SAYING I LIKE YOU IN EACH OTHER'S MOTHER TONGUES!!!!!

( ๑ ˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و ♡

[theside-b]

BL Dramas + Families of Taiwan

See Your Love (2024) DNA Says Love You (2022) The Only One (2024) Be Loved in House: I Do (2021) First Note of Love (2024) My Tooth Your Love (2022) Kiseki: Dear to Me (2023) Unknown (2024) Stay By My Side (2023) Plus & Minus (2022)

[heretherebedork]

Neil's panic attack and Sea's practical and experienced and compassionate response.

[thisonelikesaliens]

teeny tiny note

我今天應該有帥吧？I look handsome today, right?

帥 handsome

ok small point but "yeah" is way too understated. this was a very affirmative yes sir you're handsome