#new BL

[absolutebl]

GMMTV'S BL Line Up - Part 2

Presented in order of trailers I find most appealing:

The Heart Killers

FirstKhao & JoongDunk

Jojo directing an action romcom about assassin brothers (Khao & Joong) meet a tattoo artist ex-booster (First) and a mechanic (Dunk). I'm highly amused that Joong plays the older brother to Khao, and that we have a at take on Taming of the Shrew for that pair. I like that everyone is morally gray. This has all GMMTV's best chemistry in one BL and some fresh concepts that I've only really seen tackled in m/m romance (check out Amy Lane's Racing for the Sun, thank me later). I'm excited my only quibble is Jojo, I like his style but his characters can get unreliably messy so...

I genuinely dithered over whether this one should be first. Still it was the only trailer I grinned the whole way through, and had to watch 2x, so it takes top spot for me, but closely followed by a surprise silver medal...

Thame-Po (Heart that Skips a Beat)

EstWilliam

A boy band member and his documentarian start a forbidden relationship. I LOVE Est and am delighted to see him at GMMTV but I've been getting a fatigued by celebrity BL of late. However, after watching the trailer I'm 100% in on this show. I've been waiting for a Blinding Lights style idol romance and this looks like it might be it (Korea, Japan, and Thailand have systemically disappointed me over the past 2 years). Bring it, boys.

Revamp the Undead Story

BounPrem

GMMTV have taken on this IP about a vampire prince and the human who awakens him that was with WabiSabi. Interesting that GMMTV are bring out two vampire BLs as a result. This one involves a coven (hello, who called it way back in 2019? Me. I DID.) Anygay, coven includes Santa (no lies spotter with that one).

(Previously: Vampire Project from Wabi Sabi - trailer now removed, also previously My Broccoli)

Wonder if they will tank that JossGawin one? There'd likely be rioting in the streets if they did. But they might just let it fade away.

Sweet Tooth Good Dentist

MarkOhm

Finally Mark is leading out a BL! This one based on a Jittirain novel about a weird sunshine student dentist and his sugar-addicted patient, described as a romcom meets romantic therapy. Also, Jimmy is there, primarily to give me second lead syndrome. It looks silly but kinda earnest, I'm intrigued.

Perfect 10 Liners

ForceBook, PerthChimon, JuniorMark

New directing yet another university BL with engineers + their mentees. Based on a Jittirain novel. Massive cast. ForceBook playing the same old characters. Enemies to lovers tsunder/sunshine jock/nerd thing. PerthChimon are doing the cohabitation cool guy/dork trope. JuniorMark are doing popular sunshine meets lonely sad boy (the only interesting pair IMHO).

Not sure if these will be interwoven (My Engineer style) or shorter stand alones (Y-Destiny style).

The Ex-Morning

SingtoKrist

This is an original script written just for the OG, direct by Lit (SOTUS) about a news reporter plagued by scandal must work with his ex-boyfriend to rebuild his reputation. A reunion romance that's hitting pretty close to the IRL pair branded mark.

I've never claimed these two had any kind of chemistry and that would appear to still be the case. I think this one will bore me silly. I'm contemplating a trash watch but feel that's best reserved for...

Ossan‘s Love Thailand

EarthMix

WHY MUST THIS BE?!! I really don't like this IP but I still HAVE OPINIONS (of course I do) Look, I doubt even legendary EarthMix can save Ossan for me.

Shall I explain? Too much, let me sum up:

It's a terrible script based entirely on an unsympathetic love triangle, the viability of the whole show actually hinges on the boss character so he MUST be likable, because the lead is an unsympathetic looser (and user of people), and the roommate/love interest has no personality. Looks like this version is doing the same. ALSO Earth is grossly miss-cast. (On the other hand, maybe I'll like it more because of that, I would rather my H were toned down a bit.) Finally... where tf are my ladies? The female characters were the best thing about the original.

Of course I'll still watch it. I'm trash.

My order based on descriptions (and biases) before watching trailers was:

The Heart Killers

Revamp

Sweet Tooth

Perfect 10 Liners

ThamePo

The Ex-Morning

Ossan’s Love Thailand

Now that we have finally gotten part 2 I have only one burning question left for GMMTV.

Why didn't my man Thor get to lead something, damn it?

I will also take this as an opertunity to remind you all that my predictions about my own taste are notorious terrible.

(source)

[bl-bam-beyond]

1000 YEARS OLD (2023, THAILAND)

Episode 1 (Premiere on Gagaoolala)

February 14

What is this...exactly? A rom com. A Supernatural Rom Com?

Pun (NUTCHAPOL CHEEVAPANYAROJ aka SHANE) is a mysterious young (old) man that carries an umbrella and eats blood at a local outdoor eatery. He keeps to himself.

Yoh (KRITSAPATORN NAPAWIWATTANAKUL aka OPAL) sees the mysterious Pun and is immediately captivated at first seemingly because they both eat this "blood" dish of course Pun consumes alot more of it. Yoh seems to want to beat the competition so he orders more...to go.

But after Pun introduces himself, Yoh is even more enamored (but why?)

Yoh rents the room not far from Pun (even though it's said to be haunted)

And the two strike up a tentative friendship. Yet Pun is somewhat suspicious of Yoh's intentions...

WELCOME BACK TO BL SHANE (he played Frong in Season 1 of MY ENGINEER)

@pose4photoml @lutawolf @kingofthereblog-boysloveed @wanderlust-in-my-soul

[mikooksworld]

I literally can't wait!!!!!🥺🥺😍😍

[days-of-storm]

If you have tiktok, please follow the account of K-Ci's adorable BL. It's slightly awkward in the beginning, but then becomes really, really good in a way that it does all the things BL shows do but in a microcosm of 1-2 minute episodes, while also touching on some very important topics such as Maori identity, the issues of racial discrimination of Asian immigrants, and how to deal with emotions when you were never taught how to.

Also, there's a very special guest in ep. 12 ;)

So please follow this account, support independent, queer New Zealand film making and help get the account 10k followers so that they can create a playlist so people don't have to individually search for episodes but can watch them all in order!

[heretherebedork]

My School President

High school music club with a rule about having to win a contest to be able to date meets a school president who only got into power because he had no other choice to help his crush or something like that. Welcome back, GMMTV! @absolutebl this looks like they're playing to their strengths, honestly. I'm good with it!

Thought there is...

[roseturnedblack]

My favorite Bl book

Allure of the Siren, Temptation, Deception and Redemption.

I recently read the book Allure of the siren written by C.L.Ramos, a black author who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community.I came to read the book by chance as one of my friends recommended it to me.The Allure of the siren tells the story of two rival detectives, Chaisai and Dao, who initially clash over a high-profile case but eventually find themselves drawn to each other in an unexpected way amidst the chaos of Bangkok.

What makes this story different from other Bl books is the is the skillful character development and how the author has masterfully woven the Plot. Instead of all powerful characters, we are met with two brilliant yet vulnerable men , who seem to be afraid of love. Chaisai and Dao's competitive banter and sharp minds make for a dynamic and engaging partnership, both in solving cases and navigating their blossoming romantic feelings.

Both Chaisai and Dao are plagued by their own demons that haunt them, but they ,like the common public , persevere. There's a sense of realism in the book , and the readers can truly resonate with the characters.

Honestly, this book resonated with me very much. This story is a mixture of all flavours ranging from mystery, fear and sadness to absolute joy and relief.

The author seriously discusses the issues of society and the problems faced by the modern day youth. The passion, the frustration, the rage ,the hatred, the fear,the thwarted desires that Chaisai and Dao feel truly resonate with the reader.

The writer shows that even between the corrupted politics, and the power hungry people who rule the upper echelons of society, the naive , promising passionate youth can truly make a difference.

The author's brilliantly camouflages modern day issues and themes of society, corruption , sexuality between sweet lines in between the pages of the book.

So I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to buy and read it.

For the ones who wanted to buy the ebook. Please see the links below

Amazon-a.co/d/ebslKDd

Barnes and Nobles-barnesandnoble.com/w/allure-of-th…

Kobo-kobo.com/us/en/ebook/al…

iTunes- Allure of the Siren by C.L. Ramos books.apple.com/us/book/allure…

[day-dreamer-2018]

New BL‼️ The artsyle is sooooooo daaammmnn goood 😍

And our ML has a mullet!!!!! 😳🥵

The Ghost's Nocturne >> Lezhin

[poetry-protest-pornography]

I am confused, because China, but 👀

It looks like it's from a really good team, so maybe?

@absolutebl I know we're pro-"censor the censors" in these parts, but do you have thoughts?

[placetneplacet]

There are some productions where I will be here no matter what and both those productions have decided to test me at the same time…

But I will be here for the teeth show (shudders)…

And I will be here the dog cat turn into humans show, because it’s Strongberry and I will always be here for Strongberry…

Choco Milkshake

[wejji]

GMMTV 2023 bl/gl rating (based off trailer/preferences)

Also, a little talk in the tags hehehe

8. Our Skyy 2

To be fair it’s the only new ohmnanon thing so I’ll take it but did we really need a season 2. What’s more insightful about this is how many couples have been produced over the last year or so.

7. A Boss and a Babe

The first thing that strikes me is the name (uhhhh). Like I love forcebook but I don’t have much faith in gmmtv office bls. Also, In the trailer it felt like, suddenly their together so hopefully it will make more sense once it’s out.

6. Hidden Agenda

Cute little storyline, joongdunk doing a university set bl makes a lot of sense. I do feel like joong continuously plays the same character, like this cold dude that speaks only one line at a time and can be furiously flirty kinda. Also, whenever dunk cries I can’t take him seriously cause of his deep ass voice.

5. Cooking crush

Definitely will be watching, it’s offgun so it gonna be good. Looks great and this comedic, romance has similarities to puppy love. We love Neo as well.

4. 23.5

MILKLOVE finally, I think gmmtv are going to regret not doing a gl sooner. And it also has a bl side storyline. I really hope it does well!!! The plot looks really cute, how sun doesn’t know who earth is and yeh looks GREAT

3. Dangerous Romance

This one particularly gives me the vibe that gmmtv has prepared this to be the bigger series of 2023/24. Love the whole enemy to lovers, rich, poor thing but I feel like the trailer was a bit messy but maybe that’s a good thing as I want to watch it. I am excited to see chimon in a series even though since safe house not as much :)

2. Last Twilight

Now, looking at the poster I really wouldn’t of thought this was going to be that good, as it was giving titanic vampire kinda. However, y’all the doctor telling Seas character he has 180 days left, nearly made be cry. Wasn’t the biggest vice versa enjoyer but this has truly blown me away. Especially with Seas acting!!!! It looks really good and the plot and what can I say it’s p’aof again.

1. Only Friends

Wouldn’t of thought gmmtv would be pulling a series showcasing a group of friends who are tangled in gay messes and sex but here we are. Also, has some great pairings and FIRSTKHAO. Gotta give a shout out to Neo as well like that was not on my bingo card but slay I guess. I just hope we don’t have to wait for long…

CHERRY MAGIC RANT:

NOW, let’s talk about the Cherry Magic adaption. It doesn’t have a trailer yet so I didn’t put it up their but I would say it’s giving top 5 material. Personally, don’t really care that they are doing an adaption too. Obviously cherry magic (Japanese Vers) is AMAZING, was waiting for every ep every week when it was airing and now there’s a movie so for taynew there will defo be comparisons. However, they’re adapting from the novel. I’m just glad we will get taynew after like 4 years. I will say this will probably be out in 2024 though.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - A Lot Ended, Quite Bit Started, I got things to say about it all

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

Nov 2023 Wk 2

Ongoing Series - Thai

My Dear Gangster Oppa (Thurs iQIYI) 3 of 8 - This is just a great BL. So fun with few frills and paced nicely. Thai talent + Korean story is proving very harmonious for narrative flow. I’m delighted. I love that they don’t shy away from letting Tew be an actual violent criminal who is just gone and mushy for this one geeky cutie. Also I appreciate it when a show hangs a lantern on its own plot failing. In this case, the main character being drunk as a plot devise 2x in subsequent eps.

Twins the series (Fri GaGa) ep 2 of 10 - Love it. Love Spite and his chronic guilt over his younger brother, the golden child. Love that he is driven to repair for a past that no longer exists. Evil mom who cares more for what her son can do than that son, let alone his brother. The volleyball well…. erm. I played varsity (setter) so this is amusing to me but I’m not mad about it. 

I agree that this Not Me just sports and pulp. 

Last Twilight (Fri YT) 1 of 12 - JimmySea are back and is this... good? Do I like this? I don't have faith, GMMTV has been doing us dirty lately. But I think I like it! Why The Little Prince AGAIN? Ugh. 

Middleman’s Love (Fri YT & iQIYI 1 of 8 - Domundi giving us an office comedy hyung romance staring TutorYim (Cutie Pie) with NetJames (Bed Friend) and LeoTai (Friend Forever) providing support. Lets hope they stick to only 8 eps. Buckle up, I got shit talking to type.

I warned ya out the gate that this is a Cheewin comedy, so tonally it could be very OFF, and boy howdy is it EVER off. There's a place this kind of show goes where it's so cringe it's visually rotten and this one went there out that gate. Also, I'm gonna say it because no one else has, Yim is not good in this role. Comedy is HARD to do and Cheewin isn't doing this green actor any favors. He's chewing the scenery like a woodchuck after a diet.

To be fair, Tutor isn't great either, but he's been given less rope to hang himself with. Mai is currently suffering from seme obscurity: the love interest's defining characterization being = tall and handsome. (Which is not characterization... agony... glares at Cdramas.) We will see if he gets a personality, but based on past work form this director and this writer, don't bank on it.

Frankly? I'm not convinced either of them are mature enough as a pair or as actors to carry something this abrasive and to stand up to Cheewin's visual abuse of our eyeballs. I think this is going to be a rocky ride. HOWEVER, because it has tropes I'm good with (as opposed to SCOY) I'm sticking with it for now but this is gonna be ROUGH going for everyone.

Backstory: This used to be a JimmyTommy vehicle before the pair split (also prev title Middle Love). Adapted from a Y-novel. I can actually see Tommy in this role very clearly and I suspect he may have been bettern(and I am more a TutorYim fan as a pair). Also I will likely be referencing SCOY a lot while watching this because SCOY is peak Cheewin nonsense comedy but with an incredibly strong lead pair, so comparisons will be drawn.

Absolute Zero (Weds iQIYI) ep 7 of 12 - Sigh. Linguistic negotiation but for sad reasons? It fascinating but it hurts. Look, the cast is very good I just don’t like the premise.

My Universe (Sun iQIYI) The Camp Fire ep 12 of 24 - Well that was extremely odd. I’m not sure how I feel about it. If it hadn’t had the strange framework and horror component and been just a simple BL story I probably would’ve enjoyed it. Why do the pulps always  squander their best pairs? 5/10 New installment (Friends Forever) looks terrible and not BL.

Beyond The Star (Weds iQIYI) qp 1 of 8 - House of Stars meets Boyband. I am not impressed. Thailand just needs to leave everything music related to Korea. I’m enacting a ban. The framework on this is truly awful. The talent is not talented in acting let alone dance or song. I thought about sticking with it a few more eps but i putting in on hold. It’s too wooden even for me.

@heretherebedork I depend on you to report back. This is the kind of thing only you can watch. It’s like Cupid 2023. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

A Breeze of Love (Korea iQIYI) 1-2 of 8 - previously know as Weather Forecast Love this one popped up in MDL's currently airing, and I was like, what what? Basically: Tsundere insomniac grump and his sunshine jock ex bestie (human sleeping pill) who now hates him. Basketball is involved and I love it.

It ended, are we sad? REVIEWS

Kiseki: Dear to Me (Taiwan Viki & Gaga)

Yes, we sad! Ai Di and his dumb oversized sweaters and flappy flappy sleeves are EVERYTHING.

Final ep? Nice that the elder gays got screen time, more of this please? Sides dominated this finale, matched outfits and all. Also I’m living for the Bless this Mess shirt. Finally Taiwan gave us lots of biting and a counter lift. It’s like they know me!

Quick pitch for KDTM?  

The plot is totally ridiculous and slightly unhinged, but that’s normal for Taiwan. It involves all the tropes under a very casual framework of gay mafia gangs + food = love. Absolutely every character is queer. There’s a gum-ball machine of cameos, elder gay rep, great chemistry from all pairs, and a KILLER side couple. As a result Kiseki is a poster child for Taiwanese BL, and I happen to love Taiwanese BL. Bonus? They also managed to END IT WELL, which we cannot expect from Taiwan. 9/10 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

Triggers for knife play, child abuse, lingering trauma. I found both platforms did not do a great job on subs, but I will give the edge to Viki for pure usability.

You Are Mine (Taiwan Viki & Gaga)

We are more disappointed than sad.

Far be it from me to extend this show, but we should’ve had 2 episodes of quality supportive boyfriends coping with family drama before the mom-confrontation climax and defense of the ESTABLISHED relationship. Baby's little speach had no power or impact coming where it did in this narrative, even though it was sweet. And while the make-out scenes were charming it mostly jsut felt like we'd squandered this pair. This last ep was good and rewatchable, but a series cannot be judged on its last ep alone.

Finally... could have used some side dishes. My vote? Lesbian secretaries!

Conclusion 

I am sorry Taiwan, you know I love you, but I have to say it: this show was a mess of terrible pacing. And not a hot mess, sadly. I should have liked everything about this: it’s an office drama, it’s mature characters, it’s grumpy/sunshine, it’s a strong power dynamic, and it’s Taiwan - which means good chemistry. YAM was all those things and yet… something went horribly wrong with the narrative structure. You tried dears, but not hard enough. 7/10 

Bump Up Business (Korea Gaga)

Well, poop. Don’t have them speak English. Also no playing drunk. Meanwhile, all the manipulative gay drama. No kiss of course.

How do I summate this?

An idol group did the best they could with a script tailored to idols but which they were not allowed to fully realize because they are active idols in the same group. Ultimately it felt a bit like OnlyOneOf were just doing one of those Kpop skits for a variety show were two of of them dresses in drag/gay/BL and "ha ha isn't it funny?" I don’t know, it was fine? 6/10

stop wasting my time, Korea

Mr Cinderella 2 (Vietnam YT)

DNF on the advice of several of my BL spies I will not be finishing this. Apparently it pretty much ends sad. Here's an explanation.

It's Airing But...

I Cannot Reach You AKA I Can't Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai (Japan Tues Netflix-Japan & ????) 8 eps - in classic JBL fashion, I Cannot Reach You could not be reached. I will try it when I have some time and access to my home computer.

One Room Angel (Japan Gaga) 6 eps - adaptation of Harada’s manga (which I did not like) about a clerk who's stabbed, nearly dies, and returns home to find an angel waiting for him. With only 5 eps and a good chance this won’t end happy, I'm gonna wait and let you tell me how it goes.

WAITING FOR VERDICT OR TO BINGE

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - I find this series more fun to binge, so I'm waiting until it completes its run.

SHADOW (Thai Gaga) 14eps - this is a horror BL with ghosts & paranormal elements in a boarding school setting. I'm not wild about Thai horror (or horror at all). It features Singto (who did paranormal BL He's Coming to Me) opposite Fluke N (who's done a couple horror's before). Also Fiat. Dan suffers from sleep paralysis, and in his dreams he sees a shadow that suffocates him. It gets worse when he transfers schools. I'm holding off on this one and if told it's good I'll binge watch.

Next Week Looks Like This

11/15 Let's Eat Together Aki and Haru AKA Aki wa Haru to Gohan wo (Japan Gaga) - this BL movie is coming to Gaga.

11/16 PLAYBOYY (Thurs ????) 10 eps - trailer here, high heat and it's helmed by Cheewin (shudder) with screenplay by Den (Only Friends) under Copy A Bangkok. It's gonna be a shizz show people. It's predicting Thai style "dark" (War of Y) one of my least favorites. Apparently there is a "plot" but when has Cheewin ever bothered with plot? A university kid who was involved with escorts, sex-trade, porn, online hook-ups, drugs, prostitution, blackmail, revenge, and so forth goes missing. His twin (sigh) and two friends look for him.

11/17 Pit Babe (Fri iQIYI) ep 1 of 14 - high heat teaser here, based on alittlebixth's omegaverse novel #พิษเบ๊บ’ set in the world of car racing (author says show will not be omegaverse). Charlie (fresh face), a young hot nerd, approaches his driver idol (Pavel "my love" 2 Moons 2) to borrow a racing car and win one for the team. Production house is new to BL but behind the Club Friday stuff. Show stars many known actors: Nut (Oxygen), Pop (Ram in La Cuisine), Pon (Phai in Gen Y, we LOVE him), Benz (twins in En of Love: This Is Love Story).

Thailand bring the November heat, I guess?

Upcoming November BL

11/19 Bake Me Please (Sun Gaga) ep 1 of 6 - trailer here, stars Ohm (of OhmFluke) opposite Guide (bestie from IFYLITA) and possibly also Poom (well known, but not for BL). This looks like an actually gay version of Antique Bakery (play it again, BL). Still, I'm intrigued, it looks HELLA pretty.

11/22 7 Days Before Valentine (Weds ????) ep 1 of 10 - trailer here, horror-esk. Adapted from y-novel of the same name, directed by Tu (180 Degree) stars Jet (Why You… Y Me?). When you want your old love again, but fate sends you a reaper instead. All he can do for you is kill people. I'll likely give this a pass and wait to binge if safe.

11/25 The Sign (Sat ????) ep 1 of 10 - trailer here, horror-esk, but with a suspense and adult characters. Special investigators who loved each other in previous lives reunite in new bodies. Stars Billy Patchanon (BillySeng) & Babe Tanatat (new). Includes other SCOY favorites as a special investigation team. I may give this a try because I'm into the non-horror bits.

11/26 The Whisperer (Sun ????) 1 of 10 - trailer here. Thai horror BL that ALSO involves cheating (what joy is mine). He has dimples (My Ride) but I don't think even that gives me the will. Maybe a binge for me.

11/26 Cooking Crush (Sun YT) 1 of 12 - OffGun are back, trailer here. Adapted from the novel “Love Course! เสื้อกาวน์รุกเสื้อกุ๊กรับ” by iJune4S this is about Prem who runs a not-so-popular restaurant with 2 friends. About to go on a cooking competition with a huge reward, Prem gets involved with Ten, a stressed-out med student who wants Prem to teach him to cook.

11/30 For Him (Thurs ????) ep 1 of 10 - high heat trailer, I suspect iQIYI will scoop this one up. From the people who brought us Unforgotten Night (please no) based on a y-novel, man nursing a heartbreak has a one-night stand, but the other boy didn't want it to end. It looks terribly trashy so I'm in! Maybe I'll do a trash watch?

VIP Only (Taiwan) - may be delayed/canceled

Wuju Bakery AKA Space Bakery (Korea) - this one may be DOA

A Breeze of Love (Korea) - I know less than nothing about this.

Nov 2023 line up with screen caps here. Not kept updated.

Original 2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED).

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

This is in the intro card of My Dear Gangster Oppa, I'm just amusing myself.

Thank you Keseki for givign this to us twice!

Also the tears! So pretty crying.

And, of course, my favorite the biting!

Have I mentioned recently how much I love Taiwanese BL?

(Last week)

[bl-bam-beyond]

BL- BOYS' LOVE:

Series: 21 DAYS THEORY (2022, THAILAND)

Premiere Date: AUGUST 7, 2022

Looks like teasing and one-upmanship is in order for the main couple in Rookie Thailand's newbie series.

X (PATSAPON JANSUPPAKITKUN aka BEVER) is the school star with a stellar reputation. Admired by teachers and students alike.

But he seems to have it out for Q (KHUNAKORN SUNANTHAM aka TEE)

Clearly he has a crush on Q, but sets him up on a challenge to get an invite to an event with a popular female student.

[mikooksworld]

The way I screamed 😳

[gunsatthaphan]

🇯🇵 // 🇹🇭

[roseturnedblack]

Allure of the Siren, Temptation, Deception and Redemption.

In Bangkok, rivals Dao and Chaisai team up to find missing strippers. Dao risks all by going undercover. As they delve into the city's seedy underbelly, they uncover a sinister truth: victims are trapped in a nightmare of "euphoria," drugs, and trafficking. Amid danger, a romance blooms, and they confront their own pasts.

The drama is based on C.L. Ramos’ novel of the same name.

[wanderlust-in-my-soul]

Holding hands