Korean LGBT+ Main & Side Characters/Romances

#201

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/TJKGd_5mDuk 

#202

Continuing main romance between two FLs.

Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/FTk-stj8CPI 

#203

Continuing main romance between two FLs.

"Live every lifetime as if it's the one you've been waiting for." I'd take that over "yolo" any day. Wouldn't you?

Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/3Y51mvcmVd8 

#204

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: A charming enough little series with a fair bit of stylistic shots.

Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/Uk_pn8-nh-0?si=oaPt8onl6_4U661q

#205

Main romance between two FLs.

I finally found it on YouTube . . . But there are no eng subs! :(

EP 1: https://youtu.be/GESzg78cvpg

EP 2: https://youtu.be/39xur9gYES4

EP 3: https://youtu.be/D_a_Jk4OVuw

#206

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to watch it (without eng subs): https://youtu.be/k13HX5oDLRM

Kind of seems like this one will never get English subtitles, unfortunately :(

#207

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

My thoughts on the show itself: We once again got a genuine reality dating show with time to address the experience/struggle of being Queer/coming out. I felt this second season had even more heart to it than the first, actually. I will be eagerly awaiting the third season! Also, "Her Woman?" When? I WANT IT!

Can be found on iQiyi or GagaOOLala (with a VPN in Australia)

#208

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

I'm just going to put my review here since I feel I have already best summarized my thoughts on this show:

To think that it was only in 2020 when (arguably) the first Korean BL Drama (Where Your Eyes Linger) was released to now in 2022 when we have Korea's first Gay reality dating show is truly surreal.

They managed to make this show comforting but also not shy away from hardships. While watching I was wondering to myself if they were ever going to discuss coming out or the possible consequences of being on the show at all, only to see them dedicate one episode specifically to having everyone share their experiences and feelings on the matter. I felt like the creators of this show genuinely cared about Queer people and sharing their stories. I should also note that they did not try to sexualize anyone.

In Korea, we've gone from merely having some side LGBT+ characters to some dramas centered specifically around them and their romances to actually portraying real Queer people on the screen.

His Man and Merry Queer are important stepping stones, for sure. Let's not just stop here though. Let's keep going!

Can be found on GagaOOLala or iQiyi

#209

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

My thoughts on the show itself: *sigh*

Another season of His Man and another season where I root for a ship and see such promise; it hits rocky seas, I find hope in some moments, and then the bow meets the rocks, and it all gets dashed to pieces. But it's fine. It's okay. I'm used to it.

In all seriousness, who ended/didn't end up with who aside? Can we stop for a moment to appreciate how amazing it is that we've gotten three seasons of His Man?! I thought S2 was a miracle! How far Korea has come in regard to Queer representation in media in just the last few years!

Here's the thing: Much as I adore this show, though, how I do adore His Man, I have to take a full point off for not following up with the other participants at the end. Because why? You can't show me the outcome for some and then just leave me hanging with the rest like that!

Can be found on iQiyi

#210

A reality show about three different Queer couples' stories/lives.

I'm just going to put my review here since I feel I have already best summarized my thoughts:

This, like His Man, is an important stepping stone for LGBT+ people in Korean media. Unlike that reality show, though, this had a lot of problems.

While I was ecstatic to hear about this show's release, I began feeling disappointed after watching a few episodes. The hosts wanted to open up the public's minds to Queer people, a noble goal. However, in the pursuit of this they often watered down vital concepts (like sexuality and gender) to the point of being incorrect and/or problematic, were more sympathetic toward parents of Queer children than the children themselves (they even said they were equally struggling), handled insults and dismissals from unaccepting parents with kiddie gloves, and failed to make a hard stand against bigotry.

I do get the sense that this was made with good intentions and that the hosts aren't bad people. But I feel like they cared so much about Straight people's perception of the show that they ended up catering to them to a fault. There was this sense that it was up to Queer people to keep trying to convince their family members and bend to make them more comfortable rather than the onus being on those being hateful and unaccepting.

All of this being said, I'm still glad this was made so I could see these Queer people's stories and so that, hopefully, Korea will portray more real Queer people on the screen.

Can be found on GagaOOLala (with a VPN) or free websites (they have atrocious subtitles though)

#211

A reality dating show based on the K-Drama Love Alarm.

During the show, one contestant, Jasmine, asks out a female contestant she's interested in, White Rose. After this there is also a scene shown where she states to the camera she is Bi. 

English subtitles aren't currently available for an international audience which makes understanding any finer details and wider context difficult. From what I've read, there is possibly another contestant who may or may not be Bi. If possible, I would like to watch this. We'll see if I'll be able to.

#212

Ep 8 is a Queer Reality Dating Show.

I'm only here for the Queer. Meaning, I will definitely watch Ep 8 but I doubt I'll check out the rest of this. At that time, I will update this accordingly.

Link to Ep 8: https://youtu.be/xMzPsTR1E4c?si=tUTUzZS0JDl8kHFL

#213

CW. Will update accordingly.

Main romance between two MLs.

Can be found on iQiyi

#214

Waiting for it to be available for international audiences

Features a Gay ML.

Wow! They're going to tackle HIV? I realllllly hope they do it well. Fingers crossed, I suppose!

Platform not known yet

#215

Waiting for it to be available for international audiences

Main romance between two FLs.

Platform not known yet

#216

Will watch what is available as subbed soon

From what I've read, this featured an Intersex character as well as a character questioning their sexuality. 

As I was unable to find clips, articles, or anything else outside of MDL about this I was only able to get info from the few comments posted as well as a review about the rep that was near impossible to follow.

Link to Fansubber's Page (only has subs for Ep 1-3): https://yeolmaesubs.blogspot.com/2022/08/eng-sub-tvn-opening-xxxy.html?m=1 

Note: Credit to @aqqu for providing the above link

#217

Waiting for Volume 5

Main romance between two MLs as well as a side romance between two MLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: With this being in a vlogging format, everything feels very natural. Almost makes you forget that they're all acting.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ__edMZliXsSfH8sG7leBDUikXLckAz0&si=glxbZwRMc86od1gg

Volume 4/Part 4 can be found on iQiyi

#218

Will watch when fully available with subs

Main romance between two MLs.

Can be found on Likey: https://likey.me/FlyingPenguin

#219

Will watch when possible with decent subtitles

Main romance between two MLs.

Update: I can't seem to find a way to watch this. Looks like I'll have to put it on hold until we get a good fansubber or they put it on a platform outside of Watcha.

Update: From what I've read about those who have watched through this is that us viewers end up getting played as it is more Bromance than Romance, with the only clear Queer character being the villain with a tragic ending. So maybe it's a good thing I haven't yet found an avenue to watch it as I would have to suffer through it for nothing. Lol.

Can be found on Watcha (with a VPN) without English subtitles

#221

Unclear if still happening

Main romance between two MLs.

Update: Last seemed to be coming out in March.

Platform not known yet

#222

Unclear if still happening

Main romance between two MLs.

Update: Last rumored to be coming out in August.

Platform not known yet

#223

Unclear if still happening

Main romance between two MLs as well as a side plot romance between two MLs. 

Yesssss! We are winning this year!!!

Update: Not sure when exactly it will come out. I don't imagine the team will make us wait too long though.

Update: Haven't heard anything in a while. Hope this still happens!

#224

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

Update: Not sure when exactly it's coming. But it looks like it will be soon!

Update: Please don't get canceled! Pleaaaaaase!

Update: So glad we finally got confirmation it exists and will come out someday! *sobs*

Possibly airing on Netflix

#225

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#226

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#227

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#228

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

It sounds realllllly weird, but it's from Strongberry so I think it could be quite interesting and/or heartfelt. They seem to pull off most things they try!

#229

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#231

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#233

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#234

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#235

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#236

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#237

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#238

Hasn't released yet

Gimme Queer women! Gimme!

#239

Coming sometime in 2025

Main romance between two MLs.

Platform not known yet

#240

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#241

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#242

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#243

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#244

Featured a Lesbian FL and likely a romance between two FLs.

This was a pilot that, unfortunately, was taken off of YouTube before I could watch it :( 

#245

Doesn't appear to be happening

Main romance between two MLs.

Not sure how I feel about this. I'd watch it. The question is, would they be able to fix the problems present in the first season?

Update: With Kim Ji Woong now being a K-Pop Idol, I'm not sure his company would allow him to be in this. I kind of doubt it will happen now.

#246

Appears to be cancelled

We're getting a sequel! I could die from happiness!

Update: Not sure if this is truly happening. I REALLY hope so. 

Update: Take all of my excitement and throw it on a bonfire and dump a can of gasoline on it because, apparently, this is actually going to be a remake NOT a second season of Blueming *bawls*

#247

Canceled (apparently due to the original screenwriter's current "religious beliefs")

Let's roll our eyes together and sigh.

#248

Canceled

No, I'm fine. Totally fine. Definitely not crushed. My heart definitely isn't in pieces.

*pulls blanket over head and loudly bawls*

#249

Canceled

:(

No, I'm fine. I'm definitely fine.

*quietly sobs*

#250

Features a Gay SML, King Mokjong of Goryeo, based on a real historical figure who was openly Gay.

I haven't seen this myself. The story interests me, but damn is the episode length intimidating! It is likely that at some point down the road I will watch this though.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or Netflix