How BL Dramas Are Redefining K-Content: A New Era of Romance
- lewishooper1
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Move over, romantic comedies, this new genre is taking over! We discuss why these types of BL dramas are becoming more mainstream than before!
From underground to mainstream, BL (Boys Love) dramas are taking over K-dramas more than ever before.
In the past, Boys Love dramas existed within a small, dedicated fan community, largely in the shadows; however, with the rise of webtoons and web-based dramas and novels, these on-screen adaptations have literally changed everything for queer narrative media in South Korea.
As platforms recognized the immense popularity and commercial potential of BL webtoons, they began green-lighting live-action series. This move, more than anything else, has propelled the genre from an underground phenomenon into a mainstream entertainment powerhouse, and although it has received a very mixed reaction, it is continuing to take off.
If we rewind to the year 2022, Semantic Error was a game-changer for this category of drama. Thanks to its sleek production and fast-paced romance, which resonated with millions of fans globally, it proved that there is, in fact, a mass market for BL dramas in Korea.
Queerbaiting" vs. Authentic Stories
The term "Queerbaiting" hints at same-sex relationships, to attract an LGBTQ+ fan base without delivering too much information on the narrative of the storyline. This term has been heavily used and more acceptably used within Korean BL (Boys Love) dramas in recent years, and as a result, it has attracted a more authentic and dedicated storyline when it comes to same-sex relationships and falling in love.
There has also been a growing fan base with BL dramas, and as a result, production companies are rushing to stay ahead of the competition, constantly needing to produce fresh content to keep viewers engaged.
Webtoon and Web Novel Adaptations
A big turning point came with the success of webtoons and web novels. Many of the most popular Korean BL dramas are adaptations of these online works, which already have a pre-existing fanbase. This "one-source, multi-use" model ensures a built-in audience and a proven story, making it a lower-risk investment for producers. This, with the rise in the amount of time that Koreans spend online or using their phones, mixed with Webtoons being extremely popular, is a win-win for production companies and those venturing into short-form dramas.
Soft masculinity
The whole "flower boy" aesthetic and "soft masculinity" features fairly heavily in Korean BL dramas, and it has been said that this is one of the more popular elements of the shows.
Korean BL dramas often feature the "flower boy" aesthetic and "soft masculinity" that is already popular in K-pop and K-dramas. This aesthetic, which emphasizes a more gentle and sensitive male image, aligns well with the BL genre's focus on romantic and emotional narratives.
What do you think makes BL dramas so popular with young Koreans? Comment below and let the team know.
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