#PONDPHUWIN LEAD SERIES

[kissablelips-desireslure-vol1]

WE ARE (2024)

THANAWIN PHOLCHAROENRAT (as...)

&

KITTIPHOP SEREEVICHAYASAWAT (as...)

[chicademartinica]

Watching We are was really like going to get myself a delicious treat every Wednesday afternoon in summertime.

[unpopularopinionbydemand]

Top 10 BL Series of 2024 !

Another list nobody asked for, but I'm bored, so here we are.

Overall, I saw 39 series this year (lower than it ever has been before, but I was not on my zoom for the first 6 months of 2024), and what I've noticed is that it has steadily gone down ever since I've been watching since 2020.

Previous years:

2020 - 60 series

2021 - 44 series (not sure what happened here??)

2022 - 68 series

2023 - 46 series

Even still, with 2021 and 2023 also being pretty low, I still can't believe that I only managed to watch 39 series within a year.

Ratings of 2024:

10 stars - 3 series

9 stars - 8 series

8 stars - 10 series

7 stars - 10 series

6 stars - 4 series

5 stars - 3 series

4 stars - 1 series

1-3 stars - 0 series (if i think it's that bad, then what's the point of watching...?)

I think with this year, I scored a lot differently than I did in the past, and I let the overall flaws or critics of a series overpower my overall enjoyment of it, which kinda stinks, but that's okay.

My Goal for 2025:

I can't really predict what I see and if I'll like it or not, but I'd like to at least rate 6 series with 10 stars.

I wanna pay more attention to the music and OSTs in series! I basically rate music between 5-7 because I never care to pay that much attention to it, and really only rate it a 7 if it was something I can remember. This time, I'll try to not skip through the intro and be able to remember the OST/Music.

And Lastly, my biggest goal that I have zero effing idea if I'll be able to do or just completely fall straight on my ass: watch at least 60 series this year. We'll see...

Anyways, getting into the actual point of this post, my top 2024 BLs! This list is as predictable as any other list seeing as I only watched what was popular or most talked about instead of going off of my usual list. I still haven't even watched a couple of the standout BLs of 2024 like My Stand-In, The Curse of Taekwondo, 4Minutes, Love in The Big City, or Monster Next Door (I will be on it this year 🫡).

From Most Favorite to Least Most Favorite: I will link my review for each series through the title (Potential Spoliers!!)!

1. Anti-Reset (9-stars)

I know, it shocks me too, but the reason it's my overall number one series of 2024 is because it was able to get me out of my very occasional BL slump. I desperately needed something new, something that wasn't a bunch of uniforms or office jargon, and this series was just perfect. It's the first in the BL genre (to my knowledge) that takes on the robot/human trope and I ate every single second of this series up.

Now the story isn't perfect, but it provided me with everything I usually love in a series, and all of it was wrapped in a pretty bow and left on my depressing door step.

2. I Became the Lead in a BL Drama (10-stars)

With only 3 episodes, each about 45 minutes long, IBTLIABLD hits hard in all aspects, specifically making me laugh my ass off, but also hitting you in the heart where it hurts. 

The leads' dynamic was so heartwarming to me. The perfect height difference, the perfect balance of cheeky and cute, portraying moments that made me pause so I could laugh, or moments when I had to pause so that I could regain my composure and not cry. A truly lovely pairing, played by some really fantastic actors.

3. Takara's Treasure (10-stars)

How can one be so perfectly handsome and incredibly endearing simultaneously? I'll tell you who, Eito, the mastermind behind the character Taishin who's an all-around cutey that I wanted to put in my back pocket. But besides how adorable he was, I thoroughly enjoyed this JBL. It balanced out the actual story plus romance very well, and I watched this without being bored or skipping through or wanting to scream at my laptop.

Taishin and Takara's relationship is my cup of tea. The stoic seme and the bubbly uke, urgh, they were perfect. And again, what added just the perfect cherry on top was Eito, who's the prettiest, cutest, most handsomest man I've seen in BL in a while, and he can also act!

4. Century of Love (9-stars)

I'm amazed at the amount of focus I had while watching this BL. I was able to watch it thoroughly and throughout without getting bored, or skipping past, or fast-forwarding. The entirely of the plot flowed perfectly, it never strayed into unwanted or unnecessary side arcs, it all was told in favor of the main couple, and I loved it. 

San as the man that waits 100 years to be back with his love, and Wee, the uncanny Ms.Wad reborn. This had my name written all over it. It reminded me a lot of the Korean series "First Love Again" which I adored for the longest time, and this trope has made it's way up the ranking of things I hope to see more of.

5. Two Worlds (9-stars)

I'm so happy that I decided against my better judgment and decided to watch this series because, in the end, I actually really liked it. Some parts give you a run for your money, and others I'm not so sure about, but overall, this series has more ups than downs, and tells a story interesting enough to keep me engaged.

Some of the best NC scenes in BL, and I don't say that because they were naked and we saw everything (and I mean everything), but because there was so much love poured into the way it was acted out, and you can tell it was genuine and organic. Great job to Max and Nat.

6. My Love Mix-Up! (7-Stars)

Had I been discussing the first 8 episodes of this series, I would've told you it was an amazing, jaw-dropping, brilliant series. Except, they went on for 4 more episodes and it completely plummeted on its face after that. What could've been a really neat and tidy 8 episode series was stretched to fill that usual GMMTV 12-ep series, but in reality, it should've just stayed 8 episodes.

Then you ask, "why is it in your top 10 of 2024?", because I loved Half and Mudmee more than I can explain in words... literally. There was one point I was specifically watching for purely only them, and even skipped through some of the boring stuff between Kong and Atom. Even though by the end of the series, Half and Mudmee are done terribly wrong, it doesn't matter cause that's just how much I stinking loved them.

7. This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans (9-Stars)

They executed this series so well, and it's seriously why I love this production company so much. They don't do the unnecessary long stares or dragged-out conversations or irrelevant side plots. They stick to the story, going from point A to point B, and everything that we see in the series happens for a reason. The conversations are all what they need to be, and the story flows with little to no unnecessary bumps.

They took their NC scenes to a completely different level, one that I don't feel like I see often. it's obviously well acted out, and the actors were comfortable enough with one another to execute such amazing scenes. But even with the jaw-dropping sex scenes, my utmost favorite part of the series is Oab holding Wan accountable for his actions and them having an open and honest conversation before getting back together. Lots of time the plot can be lost for a quick resolution between two characters, but the writers ensure to the audience that it's going to take much more than that, and that made me happy. 

8. We Are (7-Stars)

I actually really enjoyed this a lot, initially. The set up of the characters, their dynamics, the start of their relationships, I really really enjoyed it. However, once you get past the 11th episode, with some little hidden gems in the latter, this series falls completely on its face.

Tan and Fang. They were everything to me. The stoic uke and bubbly seme, literally my favorite trope ever, I absolutely loved it down to pieces. Aou, hands down, played the best out of all the characters. His personality doesn't waver, he continues being supportive and protective and clingy, and I loved him. There the reason this series makes it into my top 10.

9. Cherry Magic Thailand (8-stars)

The few first episodes were the best out of the entire series. The building of the characters and the setup of the overall plot was golden. I was sitting on the edge of my seat throughout it all, feeling so intrigued with Achi listening to Karan's thoughts, the connection between Achi and Jinta, the office relationship, and the overall pleasantness of the series. I'm glad they kept the iconic elevator scene and they executed it perfectly.

Junior (Jinta) was by far my favorite actor/character. He took this quirky role and made it work perfectly in this remake. His conversations with Achi, his reactions to MIn, his way of analyzing and thinking and reacting, all of it was legit perfect. It was also so nice to see Mark (min) again since Sky in Your Heart. He did an incredible job in this -- showing how versatile his acting is compared to his character in SIYH. Their setup was nearly perfect, and their continued build-up was so good that I was rooting for them more than I was for Achi and Karan at one point (even though their story was a bit upsetting).

10. Sahara Sensei to Toki-kun (8-Stars)

In the first couple of episodes, I was immediately hooked on the story. Toki, a delinquent falls for his PE teacher who is everything opposite, and it starts the tale of a wild, hilarious, and rather touching romance story.

There are some parts that hit the nail on the comedy, and while this series is heavily overexaggerated, that is probably my favorite part. Rinataro as Toki plays up the dramatics so perfectly in this, it's insane. From his facial expressions to the way he talks, to his body language, I loved all of it. 

very VERY excited to see what the new year brings us. A few of my most anticipated series of this year (in order) that I'll most likely do episode reviews on:

Happy Ending

The Next Prince

Boys In Love

Burnout Syndrome

I'm the Most Beautiful Count

Thanks for reading all of this :)

[bl-bam-beyond]

TIKTOK VIDEO SHARE

PONDPHUWIN CONFRONTATIONS

1. Fish Upon the Sky: After much push back and drama Mork and Pi are in a relationship. However presumably out to help them, Mork's friend Bam releases photos of Pi before his make over embarrassing him at Mork's birthday party. Mission Accomplished. Pi ends things with Mork. But it's not over. Mork sets out to reunite with Pi.

2. Never Let Me Go: Palm has just watched his mother murdered by the men sent to kill Nuengdiao. Palm snaps for a moment pushing Nuengdiao. Nuengdiao becomes angry and an argument ensues with Nuengdiao ending things with Palm lying that he doesn't love him. Nuengdiao pushes Palm away insisting he is returning to Bangkok. Palm begs him to not leave him.

3. We Are: The Series: Phum has ignored Peem's calls because of Phum's argument with his father. Phum sets out to make things right with Peem. Peem is not angry exactly he's more hurt but listens to Phum. Peem confesses his love for Phum and the two make up.

@pose4photoml @just-another-boyslove-blog

[madeinjapan-thailand-blbambeyond]

MADE IN THAILAND

KITTIPHOP SEREEVICHAYASAWAT

[Nickname: SATANG]

THANAWIN PHOLCHAROENRAT

[Nickname: WINNY]

[stormyoceans]

we are expecting gmmtv 2024 in october. what's your list of manifestations? share with us, dear!

GMMTV 2024 HAPPENING IN OCTOBER CAUGHT ME COMPLETELY UNPREPARED TBH LIKE LAST YEAR I HAD A WHOLE LIST OF PREDICTIONS AND THINGS I WANTED TO SEE AND RN IM MOSTLY LIKE ???????? JIMMYSEA AND THEN ???????????????????

i also don’t know how to feel about the line up being announced before last twilight and 23.5 even got the chance to air (unless we’re getting last twilight replacing hidden agenda which means it would start on october 1st, but i do not dare to hope), however i thought about it a little and here’s a very rough list of my hopes and dreams that im gonna actualize with the power of manifestation and delusion:

JIMMYSEA NEW SERIES DIRECTED BY P’JOJO. LISTEN I DON’T CARE IF IT’S UNLIKELY FOR THEM TO GET A SHOW 3 YEARS IN A ROW MY CLOWN WIG IS ON MY SHOES ARE SQUEAKING MY MAKE UP IS IN PLACE. the amount of p’jojo+jimmysea online interactions we’ve got since p’jojo visited them on the last twilight set is just TOO SUSPICIOUS to be meaning nothing I WANT TO BELIEVE. that being said, i feel like it will probably be an ensamble cast kind of series, so im praying for the medical drama QL of my dreams with jimmysea + earthmix OR the heist QL of my dreams with jimmysea + forcebook. im not picky though I REALLY JUST WANT A NEW PROJECT FOR JIMMYSEA AS A PAIRING but also..

SOME SOLO PROJECT FOR BOTH JIMMY AND SEA. they’re both great actors and sea in particular is able to portray an insane range of emotions so it’s time for GMMTV to start giving him more roles.

regardless of whatever happens with jimmysea, i do want earthmix and forcebook to have a new series next year.

PAPANG AS THE MAIN LEAD IN A BL. do i believe this is gonna happen? sadly, no. will i still be manifesting this every single day from here to october? DAMN RIGHT I WILL MY MAN DESERVES IT. actually i said this before but i think GMMTV should just give me papang+guy+pond+pepper in a BL. MY MEN DESERVE IT.

AT LEAST 2 GLs BUT PREFERABLY MORE. freenbecky got me gagged with their upcoming sci-fi movie and period drama series, so i think GMMTV should step up their game and give us ALL THE GIRLS. im frankly starving for more GLs so i don’t really have any specific plot i want to see, i just want the genre to thrive and be allowed to explore different stuff like BL has started to do. if i really had to pick tho, i would love to have a sizzy series (maybe with janaye and ciizejane) and to have prigkhing and piploy in a GL. and namtan. and jamie.

QL exploring other sexualities and gender identities. just give me ace main characters, trans main characters, non-binary main characters, ALL THE DIFFERENT QUEER MAIN CHARACTERS!!!!!!!

i want to say enigma season 2 because it was actually a great show but with bright leaving GMMTV i don’t think i should get my hopes up ;;;;;;; unless they recast his character since he appeared for 5 seconds at the end of the series.

these are the main things that come to my mind for now, but im sure that by the time october comes im gonna have some more!!!!

[chicademartinica]

I’m going to say something super cliché but fam they give “in a committed monogamous I don’t eve SEE other people” relationship so easily for actors so young.

NEVER LET ME GO (2022-2023) WE ARE (2024)

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Taiwan has one show, but that's all they need

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

April 2024 Wk 1

Ongoing Series - Thai

Two Worlds (Thurs IQIYI) ep 4 of 10 - I don’t say this often but I LOVE this love triangle. The longing gazes = chef's kiss. I like that we are finally getting flashbacks to Tai’s side of the love affaire. This show remains highly engaging. So pleased for MaxNat.  

Deep Night (Thurs iQiyi) ep 5 of 8 - More lesbians! Yay! Meanwhile, when our leads make up they make out! (Yes I’m proud of myself.) I think this might be BLs first rooftop sex scene. We’ve reached new heights, BLabies. (Yes I’m proud of that too.) Anygay, basically a soap opera at this point, I'm not thrilled but I don’t mind.

"Do you apologize for being straight?"

City of Stars (Fri iQIYI) ep 10 of 12 - It was lovely. Very well done celebrity leaving the closet ep. Nice ensemble work too. Next week is doom! As expected. 

Only Boo! (Sun YouTube) ep 1 of 12 - New main couple for GMMTV in an idol romance about a boy who dances good and a food stand vendor. It’s fine but overly very pulp feeling for something from GMMTV. I'm a little concerned.

1000 Years Old (Thurs iQIYI) ep 8 of 12 - meh.

To Be Continued (Sat C3 Thailand grey) ep 7 of 8 - Never turned up on my usual sites. So will have to wait until next week. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Unknown (Taiwan Tues YouTube & Viki) ep 7 of 11 - Qian was, indeed, the one who couldn’t let go. This show is fucking fantastic. It's the best thing I'm watching right now by a mile.

Jazz for Two (Korea Gaga/grey) eps 3-8fin - The bully and the blue-haired drummer side pairing were great. I hated the father. Hated him so much. Our main tsundere seme was a bit too tsundere for me. I was v annoyed by the time he finally softened. I'm amused by all the ways they finagled boys kissin-but-not-kissing in the first half of this show. 2024's "pan around the back of the head" has now become a "dipping of the brolly." We did, however, eventually get an okay kiss.

Honestly?

This was basically what I wanted from Given and didn’t get. So I’m pleased. The music still wasn't great, but you can skip those bits. A solid enemies to lovers BL, where the sins of brothers' past haunts the present. Great optics, decent chemistry, and a tidy script even if tsundere characterization went a bit extreme in some cases. 8/10 RECOMMENDED trigger for suicide

Love is Better the Second Time Around AKA Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 5 of 6 - We got the past betrayal in detail and it was decently bad. Bitterness understood. Too soon to live together! The BL U-Haul strikes again. I do like their weird curry passive aggressive argument. This is an interesting show. Do I LOVE it? No. But I think I like it.

On a not-really-related note: adoption, including adult adoption, is actually pretty common in Japan (comparatively). It's often tied to business scionism.

My Strawberry Film (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 8fin - It all turned out to be a tragic GL in the end. Not BL = not my problem. No rating. I will forget its existence right about… now. 

Love is like a Cat (Korea Mon Viki) eps 1-2 of 12 - Okay, weirdly kinky with the head scratching. Not much has happened and I’m not wild about what has. 

It's done, ready to binge, but I suck

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps

It's airing but...

We Are (Weds GMMTV iQIYI) ep 1 of 16 - University ensemble BL featuring PondPhuwin, WinnySatang, AouBoom, MarcPawinPoon - basically the good kind of messy gay friendship group (so more My Engineer and less Only Friends). Looks a bit like the Kiss series but everyone is queer. I'm IN but I need my other computer and I'm traveling as usual. So I'll get caught up next week and probably won't regularly be able to watch this one.

Graduation Countdown (Taiwan YouTube) - It's too much for me to keep up with 2 minute verticals, I don't have that kind of TikTok endurance training.

A Secretly Love (Thai Sat WeTV grey) 10 eps - Completed. Worth watching?

Lady Boy Friends (Thai WeTV grey) 16 eps - reminds me a bit too much of Diary of Tootsies only high school. Not my thing. DNF unless it turns a corner and is truly amazing.

Kiseki Chapter 2 (Sun iQIYI) 6 eps - It’s so boring DNFed at 2.

Close Friend Season 3: Soju Bomb! (Weds iQIYI) 6 - The problem with situational comedy BL is it must be situational, comedic and a BL. This show gets 1 of 3 claims correct. 33% is not a passing grade. Dropped at 3.

In the news

Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari is getting the undeserved honor of Furritsubs. Follow them for details. Tip 'em if you like 'em. (Will I watch it? Oh, probably. Damn it.)

Then Next Prince turned out to be a trailer only. Word on the webs is we will be lucky if we get it this year. It’s BL Princess Diaries. Jimmy has a new pairing (that boy from Night Dream) which is... interesting. All in all, this show does not look good. Pretty but not good.

Next Week Looks Like This:

4/11 Gray Shelter AKA Gray Currents (Korea ????) 4 eps - SooHyuk is only just surviving and reunites with YoonDae, an old friend. They end up living together. One of the leads is played by Choco of Choco Milk Shake.

4/12 Living With Him AKA Kare no Iru Seikatsu (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - Kindly Ryota goes off to uni only to find his new roommate is his childhood bestie, Kazuhito. Kazuhito doesn’t have a girlfriend and Ryota tries to help him figure out why, they fall in love along the way. Same director as Old Fashion Cupcake.

Still to Come in April

4/18 At 25:00, in Alaska AKA 25 Ji, Akasaka de (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - Yuki lands his first starring role in a BL drama alongside superstar Asami (previously his senior at uni). Said superstar suggests they form a sham relationship until filming concludes. As they actually begin to fall in love, the spotlight begins to burn. I think I've seen this before (joke) and also the trailer doesn't inspire confidence.

4/26 My Stand-In (Thai iQIYI) 12 eps - adaptation of Chinese novel "Professional Body Double" by Shui Qiang Cheng. Stars Up (Lovely Writer) and Poom (Bake Me Please) directed by the same team as KP (not a recommendation IMHO - my biggest criticism of that show was the clashing directing styles). This one looks well complicated, lemme try: Joe is a stuntman for famous actor Tong. Joe falls in love with Ming but Ming sees Joe as nothing more than a Tong-replacement. After learning this horrible truth, Joe dies. Joe then wakes up in the body of another man also named Joe. He manages to rebuild the same life as before—with the same people eventually re-meeting Ming. Ming wants Joe back but Joe doesn't understand why. But Ming seems to know what's going on and wants to give him some kind of explanation.

I'm exhausted just trying to describe the plot.

Knock-Knock Boys (Thai WeTV) - 4 college friends conspire to help their friend lose his virginity. Familiar faces like Seng (yes, Billy's previous partner) and Best, news here.

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.

NOTE: It looks like one of my personal favorites of last year Unintentional Love Story is getting a spin off!

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

See City of Stars & Unknown.

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are too much work.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire

If ya wanna be tagged each week leave a comment and I will add you to the template. Easy peesy.

[calciumcryptid]

Now that PROJECT JASP.ER is a thing, we deserve an ensemble (AouBoom, JoongDunk, PerthSanta, and PondPhuwin) dance themed Boys Love so here is my general plot proposal for it (obligatory when I refer to the actors names it is simply a placeholder for proper character names):

General Characters

Pond is the son of wealthy and strict parents who joins the resident dance team. He initially does it to rebel against his parents but genuinely falls in love with dance and wants to pursue it as a full career.

Phuwin is an off-the-walls flirty rebellious free-spirit who explores abandoned buildings and does graffiti who practices his art on the side of the dance studio building (and he is dressed genuinely punk).

Boom is Pond's older brother who obeys their parents, and tries to convince Pond to quit. The culmination of his arc is telling their parents to fuck off and let them pursue what they want. Maybe he is a stifled creative in his own right.

Aou is the captain of the dance team who is trying to restore it to its former greatness, so he is an enthusiastic mentor to Pond. He should be both compassionate and serious.

Joong is a "mysterious brooding loner" street dancer who is actually a huge dork which is gradually revealed throughout the show.

Dunk is a DJ and music student who the team recruits to find the best music to dance to, but Dunk has an assignment where he has to create a song people can dance to (he needs to be really intense about music to the point people think he is a snob).

Santa is already a member of the dance team, but his passion has kind of fizzled out.

Perth is the manager of the rival team, who is trying to get Santa to defect to his team.

For shits and giggles, the rival team should be played by LYKN. No other reason than shits and giggles (maybe even throw in Est as the manager of the main dance team), and the two dance team names should be very bad parodies of their real life group names (like, I'm just spitballing, Plan Tige.reye and OBPM).

General Romance Plot Ideas:

Pond catches Phuwin practicing his graffiti on the side of the dance studio and tries to get him to stop, until Aou catches them mid-scuffle and tells Pond Phuwin is allowed to practice there. Phuwin says Pond isn't fun, and if he ever wants to be fun he should call him. Seeing Phuwin as a way to piss his parents off more, Pond takes up the offer and Phuwin is very flirty as they go on a lot of vaguely illegal dates. At the big end of the series competition, Phuwin could be the one who makes their costumes.

Boom tracks down Pond and tells him to stop but Pond refuses, so Boom turns to their captain Aou and threatens him to let Pond go. Aou decides Boom believes that because he never experienced dance himself, and is determined to prove otherwise. Aou gives Boom the confidence to stand up to his parents, and leaves to support Pond and Aou at the big ending dance competition. (I don't know if there is enough crossover to understand this, but if you are familiar with School of Rock and the dynamic between Dewey Finn and Rosalie Mullins that is the sort of vibe I am going for.)

For an assignment, Dunk has to create a song people can dance to, so with Joong having nothing to do he recruits Joong to help him out. They try to play it cool to each other before they both reveal their dorky side, which leads to a very fun and goofy dance number. Dunk gets an A on his assignment. I imagine they would be the first couple to truly get together.

Santa's passion is fizzled out and Perth thinks his talent is being wasted so he tries to recruit him to his own dance team, except they fall in love and have a big falling out when Santa learns the reason Perth approached him in the first place (where it is revealed Santa had a crush on Perth for years and thought Perth was genuinely interest back) and Perth is all teary eyed because he loves Santa.

No Clothes Scene Proposals:

PondPhuwin in an abandoned building (bonus points if they do it against very artistic graffiti).

JoongDunk in a recording studio.

PerthSanta in a dance studio (mirrors and all).

AouBoom in Boom's parents' office.

Regardless, lots of dances where one party is seducing the other. It would be sexy.

Bonus: A lot of cameos from other GMMTV artists where they play other dance teams or creatives.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this little ramble. I'm open to any suggestions, alternatives, or expansions to the ideas presented. I tried to give them all something different than what they usually play because I believe in letting actors showcase full ranges.

[thunder-point]

Long ramble ahead

I've talked a bit about some things I liked, and mostly qotey, but I mentioned already that I adore phumpeem also, and this episode just spurred my love for their dynamic even more BECAUSE

THIS REACTION???????

THIS ONE AS WELL???

HOLD UP SOMEONE HOLD ME SOMEONE HOLD PHUM'S UNSTABLE ASS

For the love of everything on this planet I LOVED LIVED BREATHED FOR IT.

Not only because I adored how positive it was on both ends, but because of the differences and the genuine quality it gave me. The kiss was absolutely delightful, once again pondphuwin just delivered on that aspect, as they did throughout the entirely of Never Let Me Go.

BUT LISTEN Y'ALL

I just????? Fucking love???? HOW DIFFERENT PHUM AND PEEM EXPRESS THEIR LIKE TOWARDS EAC H OTHER

First of all I don't know how others feel about phum's character. Personally, I enjoy it very much. He has very visible flaws, emotional constipation in some aspects, but those in some way give way for other moments that just express how free he is with his feelings.

Because he likes Peem, and this episode he expressed it so openly that it gave me LIFE.

We don't know much about Phum yet, but he seems to have a complicated relationship with his parents. It gives the feelings that he lacked the affection he needed in the past. That, of course, leads to the attitude of seeking it so selfishly like he does with Peem.

And it's enjoyable to watch. He's a needy asshole, he's arrogant and he's attractive and he's attracted to Peem and he doesn't let ANY chance slip to get that attention that he wants. And even if it started in a rough way in the beginning, I genuinely think it's mostly because, for the most part, some people who never really had the attention they needed resort to getting it in very obnoxious manners later on. Phum is doing exactly that.

There are many things to talk about when it comes to Phum, and I hope that as the series goes on we get more from him, and good things while we are at it, but I just love how his crush developed. I loved that as soon as he realized he truly fucked up, he apologized THREE times, I love how remorseful he's looking in episode 6 when Peem's ruined painting is mentioned.

And I absolutely love how blunt he is with his feelings for Peem. He doesn't waste any time in episode 6. Not even caring if his friends catch on, if Peem's friends catch on. My man Phum is on a mission and he is RELENTLESS.

I think it gives me so much joy because they could have totally made a character like Phum, who is prideful and stubborn, hide his feelings behind teasing and this 'you are my slave' act that he puts forward. But instead, we got the softest smiles from him after the kiss. We got him coming into the art gallery TO TAKE PICTURES, TO START A CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED.

We got him calling Peem adorable and pleading Peem to draw on a cup with him. He just wants LOVE. He wants it and as soon as he saw Peem reciprocated in some way it's like it exploded from him. And there's so much to say about it. God.

But Peem? Listen, I love it even more on Peem's side.

Not only did this man INITIATE THE FIRST KISS, the way he's processing these emotions are so funny AND SO REAL.

I loved it from the very beginning that we see that Peem is attracted by Phum as much as he's incensed with him. He admitted it - Phum is handsome, but he's an asshole. And that's real. As someone who fell for a person who I bickered with a lot at first, I had such joy watching Peem's way through his bond with Phum and how it developed.

Because Phum has his bad sides, and he seems to bring them up around Peem for that attentions and reactions it gets him, but when Phum goes soft? That's when his attractiveness and his personality clash in a way that seems to make Peem WEAK.

"You're so demanding, Peem," said softly had Peem BY THE THROAT. And I felt that.

Phum apologizing so softly, Phum eating Peem's atrocious cooking. Peem? Absolutely GONE for it. And that's certainly such a rushing feeling to have. Peem is clearly not experienced with relationships, and that just makes the fact that he initiated the kiss SO MUCH BETTER.

Because we know that he's not scared of showing his emotions. Even if he's a people pleaser, he's not a pushover. He kicked Phum's balls back into his goddamn body as soon as he had the chance. HE THREW A CHANCLA AT HIM.

Him going for the kiss when he felt the need to MAKES SENSE. it's wonderful.

And don't get me started on how often my man seemed to fantasize back to those soft moments with Phum. Don't get me started ON HIS CONVERSATION WITH Q this episode about affection and relationships and FUCK. Don't get me started on his gay panicked ass.

that's a ramble for another post. I feel like this is already too long and too incoherent. I jumped from so many topics but I have so many feelings for these two. As many as I have for Qtoey.

[kissablelips-desireslure-vol1]

WE ARE (2024)

NARAVIT LERTRATKOSUM (as...)

&

PHUWIN TANGSAKYUEN (as...)

@pose4photoml

[justme-1723]

So according to Kapook, GMMTV 2025 is scheduled for November. Here are just a few of my guesses for the lineup. (part 1)

PapangPodd- mature workplace BL (main leads)

WinnySatang- university romcom BL

MilkLove- darker GL

FirstKhaotung- solo projects (no cp series)

JimmySea & NamtanFilm- ensemble BL/GL

OffGun, TayNew, and KristSingto- ensemble series (non-BL)

Ciize GL lead role

Lego BL support role

AouBoom- Ensemble cast BL

PondPhuwin, ForceBook, and GeminiFourth- no BL series (part 1)

Book(Love?)- office/university romance

Our Skyy 3

Chimon comeback

Mond BL role

View GL lead role

Pahn lead actress with new male partner

[talkingbl]

For BL Newbies: What to Expect from GMMTV BL Pairs

"NC" as used in this post is equivalent to US Rated R or TV MA for sexually explicit content.

OffGun

Gun - L, Off - R

The average OffGun series is slice of life with Off playing a more stoic/unfeeling character and Gun playing a very receptive and sensitive character. Set pieces tend to be apartments and university classrooms. Expect very little by way of physical intimacy, but lots of knowing glances, yearning, and playful dialogue. Gun' s character will almost always be implied to take a more passive role in the physical intimacy while Off's character will be very avoidant at first but ultimately the aggressor. Their series tend to lean toward heartfelt with many supporting characters (who have interesting stories of their own), western-style mise-en-scene, and good-to-strong acting. Expect virtually no NC scenes with these two and few strong themes outside of the romance itself (with exceptions, of course).

Notable Series: Theory of Love (2019), Not Me (2021), The Trainee (2024 - most recent)

Upcoming Series: Burnout Syndrome (expected 2025)

TayNew

New - L, Tay - R

The average TayNew series is a slice of life romcom with Tay playing the the pursuer and New being pursued. New almost always plays a reluctant bottom with some kind of social issue (be it social awkwardness, being an outcast, etc.). Tay's characters tend to read as extremely self-assured in most aspects of life yet always facing some insecurity in love. Support characters feel more like co-leads and lots of care and attention is given to the development of all characters in a TayNew series. The comedy aspect leans more toward the Thai-style of comedy, but not heavily so (likely because one of their main series is an adaptation of a Japanese property). Expect virtually no physical intimacy but very strong chemistry and an almost caregiver-cared for type of relationship. TayNew series are perfect for those who want an adult romance with no possibility of a true NC scene.

Notable Series: Dark Blue Kiss (2019), Cherry Magic TH (2023 - most recent)

Upcoming Series: A Dog and a Plane (expected 2025)

PondPhuwin

Phuwin - L, Pond - R

The average PondPhuwin series is a slice of life university-set romcom with Pond playing a soft-hearted but obsessive character pursuing Phuwin's tsundere character. Pond almost always out-romances Phuwin, though neither actor outacts the other. Expect Pond's characters to always be making heart eyes at Phuwin's characters and Phuwin's characters to resist even the lightest of pecks on the lips. PondPhuwin series are always about Pond and Phuwin's characters first and foremost. The second leads feel like second leads in a way that OffGun and TayNew second leads don't. Also, the color grading will almost always be gorgeous and Pond will always be styled in such a way that he is a feast for the eyes.

Notable Series: Fish Upon the Sky (2021), Never Let Me Go (2022), We Are (2024 - most recent)

Upcoming Series: Me and Thee (expected 2025)

FirstKhao

First - L, Khao - R

The average FirstKhao series is a drama exploring darker themes. First plays a reluctant top while Khao plays a horny bottom. Khao is almost always an antagonistic character who is a bad boy who does crimes, while First is a law-abiding citizen just taking life one day at a time. Expect lots of sexual innuendos, aggressive physical intimacy, and portrayal or discussion of taboo sex topics. The lighting in a FirstKhao series will be notably blue or have a slight yellowy haze. The tone of a FirstKhao series is the uncanny line between serious and silly that Thai BLs are known for. Acting-wise you will either be blown away or feel that there's a bit of overacting going on... Their stories tend to have ensemble casts but still feel focused firmly on First and Khao's characters.

Notable Series: The Eclipse (2021), Only Friends (2023), The Heart Killers (2024 - currently airing)

Upcoming Series: Cat for Cash (expected 2025)

[madeinjapan-thailand-blbambeyond]

MADE IN THAILAND

Series: We Are

PHUWIN TANGSAKYUEN

NARAVIT LERTRATKOSUM

[Nickname: POND]

[scrumptiousstuffs]

Thank you @firstkanaphans for tagging me in this. Also, thank you for the lovely template by @rythyme (link)

GMMTV 2025 was a lot and I’m still reeling from the series we are being bombarded. I’m not expecting we will be getting all of them released in 2025 because we still have so many leftover from 2024 that has yet to air (all the hetero? 4-5 if I’m not mistaken)

But without further ado, my very bias list of what I am most looking forward:

S tier

Cat for Cash - People who visit my blog will know I am a FK girlie through and through. Add that combination with gazillion of fluffy cats set in the prettiest, coziest looking cat cafe ever existed, I am seated. The plot is secondary. I am ready to cuddle my own cat while watching this comfort series and sip hot chocolate every week. If I have to suffer through food cat ads as sponsors for the show, so be it (but they better make my boys the ambassadors for them as well).

Dare You to Death - JoongDunk in a mystery/crime detective series? I am intrigue. This series also seems to allow Joong to be the more playful of the duo while Dunk plays the more serious detective. Either way, there is murder, mayhem and the excellent chemistry between these two. So, bring it on!

Girl Rules - This will be messy and I am sure I will be watching this with my heart thumping while I try to work out the connections between our 6 main characters. I like NamtanFilm and I have always thought View is such as under-rated actress. I am less certain about MilkLove (is this a good time to confess I drop 23:5 halfway cause I got bored by their acting?). Nevertheless, this has Jojo directing and MilkLove seems to have top it up a notch with this messy, toxic lesbian show.

A tier

Only Friends Dream On - I mentioned in a previous ask, the only way I thought OF Season 2 can work is if we have a different cast altogether in a different settings (or GL ensemble! - and I got that with Girl Rules hehe). So, this is like a dream come true x2. It also has Mix (who Jojo has mentioned will be like Boston in terms of personality?) - so yeah, I am very ready to see Mix in his slut era. Plus, Ninew is directing and he is one of the best acting coach in Thailand (and also co-directed with Jojo for OF season 1). I am less certain about OhmLeng because I think Leng is a little green but eh, we have 6 beautiful men sleeping with each other (and did I just see EarthMix humping on the theatre stage?), so I'll be happy to tune in all the horny mess.

Melody of Secrets - I have no idea what's going on and I admit I got confuse when I watch the trailer. However, it has ForceBook finally graduating from university uniforms (for good, hopefully) and we have the excellent Jan and Ploy as well. From the snippet we have of ForceBook during their cameo in Peaceful Property and as TopMew in OF, I know they can act. So, I will give this a chance.

B tier

Wu - Again, I have no idea what's happening when I watched the trailer. But the trailer showed something about fate and I see the red string of connection? I am sucker for any stories that have fate intertwined.

That Summer - It has Jojo directing. It has Satang/Winny as a lead and I have Mond kissing boys again. What more can I ask?

Me and Thee - This seems campy mafia story to me. It also has the beautiful PondPhuwin starring in this show. I can see myself tuning in without needing to concentrate on the storyline too much.

A Dog and A Plane - Again, it has Jojo directing. Plus, it has TayNew who is of the OG lineup from GMMTV. Of course, I will be tuning in!

C tier

Ticket To Heaven - Not my cup of tea. I know GemFourth are good actors and it has P'Aof directing. However, I will be watching this from the distance (via my moots who will be tuning in and flooding my dashboard with beautiful gifs)

Memoir of Rati - Also, not my cup of tea. I struggle to watch lakorn. Maybe I will give it a try if people tell me this is exceptional.

My Romance Scammer - Is it safe to say I do not connect with the 2 main couples at all?

Whale Store XOXO - I prefer MilkLove in Girl Rules (I admit I tune out when this trailer came out)

My Magic Prophecy - I have already forgotten what this is about....

Love You Teacher - They lost me when Santa regressed to 7 years old.

Burnout Syndrome - it has OffGun and P'Nuchy of Not Me fame. However, I am not feeling the vibe at all. This may change once the official trailer come out.

D tier - pretty much anything with school/university settings (I'm sorry, I am over school/university storylines, for now. The only thing I will watch on repeat that is set in a school setting are The Eclipse and MSP).

Head 2 Head - school setting (see above)

I "Love a Lot" of You - Nanon in his token straight storyline about split personalities. I'll pass.

Mu-Te-Luv - I got so confused with so many characters. Is it like an anthology? Or is it a long series of interwoven/connected storylines?

Boys in Love - Even the side couple of PoddPapang can't save it for me. I may watch their parts only?

Anyone who wants to join, please feel free to do so.

[gothicbarbie]

TOP 30 BL'S OF 2023

It's that time again! The end of 2023 is here, and 2024 is upon us! Once again, we were blessed with some truly amazing BL series and I have tried my hardest to rank them all. I could only narrow it down to 30 this time cuz there were so many good ones. If a BL is not listed, it probably means I haven't watched it yet, but it is likely on a "for later" list.

GOD TIER 10/10

1. The Eighth Sense (KOREA) Absolutely ADORE this series, it was so well done. Beautiful filming and locations, each episode felt very different in terms of setting, the pacing was nice, and the chemistry was really good too between the main pairing. It was great to get some nice kissing moments as well. Def. one of the best KBL's I've seen ever and easily fits into my top 5 BL's of all time.

2. I Cannot Reach You (JAPAN) One of Japan's best series imo. Very cute storyline, I found both characters extremely likable and fun. I love their cute friendship and subtle build up. I really enjoyed watching this one.

3. My Personal Weatherman (JAPAN) Another great one from Japan, with lots of high heat scenes. Parts of the storyline were a little confusing to me at times but I think a change of scenery could have benefited the series, but regardless, I still really enjoyed it week to week.

4. Kiseki Dear to Me (TAIWAN) Probably my favorite Tawain BL ever after We Best Love. I mainly just loved the chemistry between the two couples, they were both really fun to watch and had wonderful chemistry as well as lovely kissing scenes. Def excited to rewatch this one in the future.

5. Our Dating Sim (KOREA) It's hard to believe this was from 2023, but I recently rewatched the whole thing and it held up! It was a very fun and cute series, and the build up with the main pairing was so well done. It really felt like the writers took their time with this series.

TOP TIER 9/10

6. Stay With Me (CHINA) Shocking to see a chinese series on this list, but this is one of my all time favorite BL series. Some people might argue that it isn't BL, but I highly disagree. We got a few "cheek" kisses and most romantic scenes were heavily implied but for me, it was still worth the watch. The ending was rough to say the least, and I really hope we get a season 2 to sort of rectify that, but regardless, I really loved it.

7. My School President (THAILAND) Another series that feels like it was SO long ago, but is def. at the top of my list for Thailand. Gemini/Forth's chemistry was on point and I loved the cute moments and subtle build up in this one.

8. A Shoulder to Cry On (KOREA) My only critique with this series is the lack of a kissing scene. I know for some people that isn't important, but to me it is and I was a bit frustrated to get nothing after such incredible build up, but regardless, the series was really nice and I loved the tension between the main two characters.

9. City Boy Log (KOREA) This one is still ongoing and not quite a BL series technically, but its scripted, and we get lots of BL moments, so I will count it in my list. I am loving the web style filming of this series and both couples a lot. I hope the main pairing gets the opportunity to be in an actual series together.

GREAT 8/10

10. Utsukushii Kare 2 (JAPAN) Sadly haven't been able to see the movie just yet, but the 2nd series was pretty well done. Not as enjoyable for me as season 1 but I still really enjoyed watching the main pairing navigate their relationship.

11. Never Let me Go (THAILAND) One of the better series from Thailand this year imo. I really liked the chemistry between pondphuwin and the episodes were packed with some pretty interesting storylines and build up, it was very fun to watch.

12. Ameiro Paradox (JAPAN) I've seen some people hate on this series, but personally I loved it. I found the chemistry between the leads to be super strong and I loved the build up to them recognizing their feelings. The kissing scenes were great as well. There were a few blah plots but overall I really enjoyed it.

13. Moonlight Chicken (THAILAND) Something about this series felt a bit more mature to me and it was a nice change from some of the cheesier bl's that try so hard to be funny? I really loved all the pairings in this series and the storyline was nice.

14. Tokyo in April (JAPAN) For me this one started out great but then kinda lost me near the end. I did love most of the storyline but other parts were super frustrating to watch. I enjoyed the manga a bit more I think? But still, it was nice.

15. Bed Friend (THAILAND) Loved this one on first watch but on rewatch it was just okay for me. I think some of the plots were just over-dramatic and too depressing. But the friends with benefits plot was well done and the chemistry between the main two was really strong. It was fun.

16. A Breeze of Love (KOREA) I might have enjoyed this one a bit more had I seen the eps slower. Because I binged it's hard to get a good grasp on it but I did really like it. I liked the chemistry between the main couple and there was a sweetness to it I enjoyed.

17. Love Class 2 (KOREA) I think I slightly preferred the overall storyline of season 1, but in this one I preferred all the couples. For me that was the biggest draw. It was a tad bit confusing at first, but then it started to come together near the middle. Not the absolute best from Korea but enjoyable.

Good 7/10

18. Bump up Business (KOREA) Great chemistry between the leads but unfortunately the plot fell a bit flat for me. I feel like they could have done so much more with it. The kiss was also extremely weak, but that was expected. It was a nice series to binge, but not one of my favs this year.

19. Destiny Seeker (THAILAND) Parts of this one were really odd and I think part of my issue was having wonky subs, but regardless, I really enjoyed the series and especially the chemistry between the main pairing. Loved watching their story build, their banter was so fun. I also liked the side pairing but wish they had a bit more focus.

20. Why R U Korea (KOREA) This one did not remind me of the OG at all, which is fine, but overall I found this series to be a tad slow. There were good and bad moments.

21. Love Mate (KOREA) Some of the KBL's this year get a bit confusing and I mix them all together... this is one that sort of got lost in the shuffle for me and I would need to rewatch to give a better opinion on it but I know I did enjoy it.

DECENT 6/10

22. HiStory 5 (TAIWAN) Sadly didn't enjoy this season of HiStory as much as past seasons but it was okay. I think it had some good moments but overall left me a bit underwhelmed.

23. The New Employee (KOREA) Didn't love this one as much as others have seemed to. I didn't find the chemistry to be that strong and I also am not fond of office romances, but it was okay.

24. Dangerous Romance (THAILAND) This one was forgettable but again, had some enjoyable moments. I think I liked it more in the beginning rather than the end.

25. If It's With You (JAPAN) Sweet series that simply just fell flat for me because it just felt too short so I couldn't really get invested in it. But it was cute.

26. My Story (FILO) This one was good, I liked both pairings a lot and there were some decent kissing scenes, but there were also a lot of cringey moments and moments I had to fastforward. For The Philippines I think it was one of the better series this year, but it's not at the top of my list.

27. Sing My Crush (KOREA) Another KBL that is so quick that you can binge in one night... this one didn't deliver for me as much as it did for others. The chemistry was good and it was sweet but I just found myself a bit bored of it. Still cute tho.

28. The Director Who Buys Me Dinner (KOREA) The plot is weird AF and I am not a big fan of like historical past lives romance type of plots but I did enjoy the chemistry between the main two. It might be a bit higher if the ending wasn't so weird...

29. Starstruck (KOREA) Another KBL that is a bit forgettable to me but from what I remember I enjoyed it.

30. Bon Appetit (KOREA) See above. lol.

Honorary mentions: These were good but not quite good enough for my list. I liked them but had small issues with them. Either cheesey or boring plots, or the chemistry was lacking for me. Also they are in no particular order:

1. His Man 2 (KOREA) - Not BL at all, but a reality series which was AMAZING. LOVE LOVE LOVED the ending pair... but couldn't put it on the main list because it's not scripted.

2. Minato’s Laundry 2 (JAPAN) -season 1 was amazing, this one didn't hold up. Hated how awkward they were as a couple and it just felt too unrealistic to me. Regardless, i still love the chemistry between the main two and liked seeing them again.

3. Hidden Agenda (THAILAND) - love joondunk and wish they would get a better storyline. This plot was all over the place but the chemistry was there. The kisses were top tier!

4. Only Friends (THAILAND)- i did love the messiness of this one and there were some fun pairings with hot scenes, but overall I felt the SL was a bit chaotic and some characters never really grew. I wish they had leaned into the sexy/messiness of it a tad bit more tbh.

5. Stay by My Side (Taiwain) - cute but a bit forgettable. I did enjoy the chemistry a lot in this one tho.

6. You Are Mine (Tawiain) - same as above, except the pairing wasn't as exciting for me.

7. Our Dining Table (JAPAN) - i know everyone loves this one and it was very cute and sweet, but a bit too slow for my taste.

8. End of the World With You (JAPAN) - some interesting plots and fun to watch, but overall a bit messy and problematic at times? lol.

9. Til the World Ends (THAILAND) - see above.

10. Jack O Frost (JAPAN)- decently cute series but the tone of it was a bit too depressing for me.

11. The Day I Loved You (FILO) -started great but was too emotional/sad for me after a few eps in.

12. Unintentional Love Story (KOREA) - seems a lot of people loved this one but it wasn't really my cup of tea. I found the plot very slow and the main couple was kinda bland imo. But I am willing to rewatch it and give it another chance soon.

13. Between Us (THAILAND) - technically this started in 2022 but it finished in 2023, so I'll include it. It was okay but not great. Much better series for bounprem but still found myself a bit bored.

Watched these ones in 2023 but they didn't make much of an impact in me. They had good and bad bits but to me, mostly bad. lol (No particular order)

1. Jun and Jun

2. Past-tenger

3. Love Tractor

4. Egoist Movie

5. Happy Merry Ending

6. Be My Favorite

7. A Boss and a Babe

8. Step by Step

9. Naked Dinner

10. Wedding Plan

11. My Dear Gangster Oppa

12. Cutie Pie 2

These series were forgettable or annoying imo and and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them to anyone. However, they might be worth skimming through like I did? Good luck! lol. (In no order)

1. Hit Bite Love

2. Naughty Babe

3. Laws of Attraction

4. Remember Me

5. Love Bill

6. 609 Bedtime Story

7. All the Liquors

8. Be Mine Superstar

9. House of Stars

10. La Pluie

11. Our Sky 2

12. Venus in the Sky

13. Tin Tem Jai

14. Middleman’s Love

15. Future the Series

16. Tie the Knot

17. Luminous Solution

18. Bake Me Please

19. Our Winter

20. Stay Still

Shows I watched in 2023 but that are from previous years:

1. Bad Buddy (loved it!)

2. Advance Bravely (weird but enjoyable)

3. Why You Y Me (good)

4. Ghost Host Ghost House (okay)

5. La Cuisine (meh)

6. Win Jamie’s Heart (forgettable)

7. Kabe Sa Doujin (blah)

8. Catch Me Baby (skimmed for netjames only)

9. 21 Days Theory (what is this again?)

10. Innocent the Series (already forgot it)

Tried and Quit: I just couldn't get into these at all... I will probably not watch these ever.

Crazy Handsome Rich

Dinosaur Love

Low Frequency

Love Syndrome 3

If a show is from 2023 and not listed above, then likely I plan to get to it later. Either I tried the premiere and it didn’t capture me at first, I couldn’t find the episode when I tried to look for it, or I simply just haven’t had time for it yet.

A few on my list that i plan to watch because I heard good things about them are: I Feel You Linger in the Air, Lost in Translation, Beyond the Star, Shadow, My Universe. Plus many others. Let me know if there is a show you really loved that I didn't mention so I can check it out!

Oh, and here are all previous lists since TUMBLR is being a little bitch and not saving the tags.

2022: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705139242020618240/my-top-20-bl-series-of-2022

2021: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705227666795741184/my-top-15-bl-series-of-2021

2020: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705674738528354304/my-top-15-bls-of-2020

2019 and earlier: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705678223200174080/my-top-bls-of-2019-and-earlier