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There is a genre of Asian television series and K-dramas that has developed a well-loved fan base. The “Boys’ Love” genre, also known as BL, is not your typical drama but will have fans hooked regardless. The specific genre of entertainment and its phrase was originally developed in Japan by women. It entails a romantic storyline between two male lead characters. As BL Korean dramas are also rising in popularity in South Korea, the 2021 drama To My Star was a hit during its first season. The drama’s director confirmed To My Star will receive a second season installment due to its immense success amongst global fans.

Actors Son Woo-Hyun and Kim Kang-Min for 'To My Star' wearing sweater and looking down
Actors Son Woo-Hyun and Kim Kang-Min for ‘To My Star’ BL K-drama | via Netflix

What is a ‘Boys’ Love’ drama?

The “Boys’ Love” genre, or BL, is a form of entertainment where its two main leads are male. According to Refinery29, “these stories originated in early ‘70s Japan as “yaoi,” a niche genre of shōjo manga depicting homoerotic relationships between men, with less plot and more sex than its current iteration.” The BL genre was also initially created by women who wanted to step away from the stereotypical norms of society and sexuality.

Over the years, the genre has slightly shifted to be more romance-based in movies and television series like K-dramas. BL K-dramas have risen to popularity as more and more producers, directors, and well-known actors develop and star in the K-dramas. The BL genre represents the LGBTQ community in countries where it is still seen as taboo or unconventional.

‘To My Star’ has been renewed for a second season

Earlier in 2021, Viki premiered its BL K-drama, To My Star. The platform has two versions of To My Star, first it was a movie before turned into an episodic drama. Actor Kang Seo-Joon (Son Woo-Hyun) was one of the most well-recognized and popular stars in his career, but it quickly declined. Despite his career falling in the dumps, Seo-Joon becomes hopeful after meeting and falling in love with a chef, Han Ji -Woo (Kim Kang-Min). Their relationship is in trouble as they realize their outlooks on life and love are drastically different.

To My Star was a success on the Asian streaming platform. The recognition and popularity the K-drama received in multiple countries led to its second season renewal. According to Soompi, director Hwang Da-Seul confirmed he will return for the second season and the drama’s original production staff. They have not confirmed if the original cast will also return.

Netflix and other platforms have worthwhile ‘BL’ K-dramas to binge-watch

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Netflix currently has one Korean BL drama to add to the must-watch list. Wish You tells the romantic story between two musicians. Kang In-Soo’s (Kang In-Soo) life revovles around music and when his best friend uploads his street performance oline its catches the attetnion of a talented pianist. Yoon Sang-Yi (Lee Sang) and In-Soo start to work and live together and stat to develop a relationship. They two characters’ story faces turmoil that will test their love.

If looking for more BL content, Viki has a long list of Korean, Taiwanese, Thai and many more dramas to choose from. Some of the most well-know K-dramas are You Make Me Dance, Mr.Heart and Light On Me. These K-dramas have two versions available on the streaming platform, its movie and K-drama version.

The popular K-drama When Your Eyes Linger shifted the tide in what type of genre could be successful. According to Soompi, main actor Hang Gi-Chan intially believed the drama would be difficult to film as it was a new subject matter for Korea. But, he saw his role and the storyline differently and explained, “To focus well, I paid attention to the key words: ‘One person loves another person.’”

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