#SCOY

[absolutebl]

10 BLs That Shook Me

@trribledelight asked for "BLs that made you think or learn smthg or shook you culturally? Eg the political considerations in Not Me..."

Let's get the rough ones out of the way first, shall we?

1 2gether

Green. One of the most egregious reps for punching down humor against femmes in BL (and there sure are a lot out there). Seriously GMMTV? Must you?

At the time we all watched this because there wasn't anything else to watch, and it's been a long time since I bothered with a rewatch, but Green is one of the reasons I just can't with this series.

I'm not knocking the actor, but the character and how the other characters behave around him, and the director with regard to this aspect of the plot and portrayal was rough going.

What shook me was how casually homophobic 2g was. It was just so odd to watch a gay romance gloss over and degrade queerness. I was like, wait, aren't they supposed to me on our side?

(Ah, the before times.)

2 Fish Upon the Sky

Shall we address the head wrap in the room? This BL has some of the most shockingly racist content I've seen in a long time. Also punching down humor. I fast forwarded through it and I still don't want to think about it. GMMTV should be throughly ashamed of themselves... Again. I was shook, but in a bad way.

Okay, now for the ones that shook me in a good way.

3 Until We Meet Again

I watched this early in my Thai BL journey (while it was airing) and I had no idea what to expect. Frankly, you could watch it now and still not know. It's just very unusual for a Thai BL.

The plot twist about how they each ended up reborn. Just so brilliant. I still can't get over it. So simple. SO CLEVER. So punishing for the families.

Fantastic!

4 Secret Crush On You

This one kinda shook me all along but that Daisy & Touch scene. It lives on in my head rent free forever. Just because it was so beautifully sweet and genuine and kindly towards a femme character.

I still don't like this BL.

But I love that scene in it.

5 My Beautiful Man

I went on a JOURNEY with this show. Mostly because I didn't think Japan had it in them to land something this complex. But they managed it beautifully by not shying away from the delicious messy ugliness of it all.

Possibly the greatest final episode in all BL.

And from Japan. Usually so bad at endings.

I remain gobsmacked.

6 Unknown

I shouldn't have been shooketh by this one but I really was.

The style of it while staying so down home and gritty.

How old school Chinese BL it felt yet it still managed to be very modern BL about it.

The execution and quality of the acting.

How it was aired (available in YouTube?! we NEVER get that from Taiwan!)

Also the pair branding. We haven't gotten this level of pair brand from the leads in a Taiwanese BL since SamYu.

I'm was absolutely riveted by everything about this show and its production.

I loved seeing it. I hope we get more BLs like this from Taiwan as a result.

But I ALSO hope they realize that a big factor in the popularity and the success of this show was in distribution.

It's what's for dinner.

Along with the stepbrother trope.

KOREA'S SUPRISES

I watch a lot of Kdramas as well as BL, and have done for a really long time. I'm riveted by Hallyu, from an entertainment industry perspective (what I wouldn't do to get my hands on some of their proprietary data). I also listen to a ton of Kpop.

Therefore, Korea dominates the P'ABL gets shooketh list because I had (and have) more expectations firmly in place around Korea's media product sfyle than anyone elses. Even before they started to make a big play into the BL scene.

My favorite BLs from Korea, like Semantic Error and Light on Me are EXACTLY what I expect from them, manufactured perfection. But I was also shook more times by Korea than other BL nations because I had such rigid expectations.

7 Color Rush

Yeah yeah. But it starred an idol. It started out pretty and stiff and everything I was expecting and then the concept hit me up side the head and I never recovered from the CLEVER of this show. I'm not used to my Kdramas or my BL being this high concept and SMART about their sanitized perfection.

8 Blueming

What with the 8th Sense and others since, Blueming seems to have been somewhat forgotten about. But at the time, I was shook by the down home grit of this show. By the actual pain from the characters. By the higher heat concept. By Korea actually going THERE.

And then these babies came along...

9 The 8th Sense

I just didn't think Korea had it in them. Yes, I realize now that it was a bit navel gazey, and we were weighted heavily towards the seme and his pain. I would have liked a better balance between the leads, but that's in retrospect.

At the time I couldn't believe it. A KBL dealing with mental health?

And can we talk about those sex scenes? How insanely comfortable the actors were with each other? How easy in each other's personal space? I've not seen anything else quite like that from Korea. It's super rare. I had assumed they, culturally, just didn't do casual intimacy, or if they did, it wasn't allowed on screen.

Of course now I know the CAN do it, I want more.

10 Love for Love's Sake

Okay, lots to unpack with this one. A genuine isakai BL, in the original sense of the term. The death twist didn't shake me up, but the execution, acting, open gayness, and a couple other things did. Enough to make me still think on this show with fond surprise and affection, despite its undercurrent of darkness.

I like to be shooketh.

(source)

[bl-bracket]

Bonus Round: Horniest on Main Drama

*This is NOT what show has the highest heat/most sex scenes/etc but what show is the HORNIEST on MAIN. Not all sex scenes are horny and not all horny scenes are sex scenes.

[thisautistic]

2024 BL Challenge (Part Deux)

Day 27: Top 3 BL Kisses?

iiiii don't think im going to be able to do just 3. lolol

JackZhaozi First kisses

Honestly soooo good. i love a drunken kiss, i love a kiss with tears and i love a face hold so.

2. MingJoe deal-sealing kisses

i love kisses that still look really good but also like they might hurt a little?

3. NueaToh genuinely any one of their kisses

like.....have you SEEN these two kiss? im..... anyway. i love how into it they both look. i love the sounds, the gasping breaths, the breathing into each other's mouths afterwards. the horny looks? godddddd

Three more cause why not?

1.2 PhayuRain kisses at Rain's house

another couple i probably could have used any kiss for. their kisses are so smooth and languid honestly makes me wanna make out with an equally good kisser

2.2 VegasPete LOOK NO ONE SAID IT HAD TO BE A MOUTH KISS

same vegas. i too am obsessed with Pete's neck. I get it

3.2 PhayaTharn blowjob kiss

what can i say abou this except ghhhhhh.

i want to do more but i will stop here for now. lemme know if you want more of my faves cause i LIKE this one hehe

[gabrielokun]

[negrowhat]

We're talking about Narrative Tops who would LOVE to be Railed

@poetry-protest-pornography has decided to make top/bottom discourse a little less serious on this hellsite. Let me insert the disclaimer here:

(disclaimer: i generally hate top/bottom discourse, because it's so weirdly gendered and un-nuanced, but for the sake of this, we're going with narratively assigned sex roles)

And then let's talk about assigned BL Tops who would LOVE to be railed by their assigned BL Bottoms.

Bai Zong Yi from Kiseki: Dear to Me. No one is ever going to convince me that Zong Yi wouldn't be an absolute eager beaver to be underneath Ze Rui's fine ass. He's done his research. He knows how these things go and he loves to learn and Ze Rui is sort of a teacher. In my mind they be dipping and flipping each other.

Win from Between Us. If I'm not mistaken, in the source material Team was very much interested in topping Win. Also Win's character just seems like the top to be versatile and not just strictly a top. Maybe he wants to have his face buried in the pillows every now and again and he deserves to get his back blown out. He literally takes care of everyone else, someone should take care of him. Also...let's remember his horny response to Team slamming him into lockers in that one scene.

Xiang Hao Ting from History 3: Trapped. All I am going to say is that ONE scene where Hao Ting was straddling Xi Gu's lap and arching his back in the sluttiest way I've ever seen is definitely bottoming at some point. And I just know he would be LOUD! Literally think about Xi Gu having Hao Ting spread out more frequently then I would like.

Payu from Love in the Air. I've mentioned this in a character analysis, but in my mind, Rain is topping Payu at least once a month. Rain and Payu have that sort of dynamic where the power goes back and forth and I know there are times when Rain is allowed to screw Payu silly. I just know it. Also...Rain deserves an opportunity to smack on Payu's ass.

Nuea from Secret Crush on You. OK this one is canon and I'm just putting it on this list because not enough people talk about it. Nuea is such a stereotypical depiction of a top in dramas and I just love that he and Toh had conversations about switching it up. I love that Nuea also just let Toh know that if he wanted to top then he would have to be serious about it and actually put in that work and also be the one in control. Also Nuea has definitely expressed his interest in being taken by Toh (as long as he was serious about it). So this is real, it happened in the series and I just need for people to know that IdolFactory is doing good things.

This is only a few. I could keep going...but then again in my mind...all the couple are vers unless stated otherwise.

[theflagscene]

15 Day BL Challenge (part one)

Day 15 - Five bestest besties 💕

Pharm, Team & Manow - UWMA/Between Us

God, Beer, Wan and Bui - Monster Next Door

Tho, Jao, Daisy & Som - Secret Crush On You

Akk, Kan & Wat - The Eclipse

Jaeyoung & Yuna - Semantic Error

[itsanidiom]

15 DAY BL CHALLENGE - DAY 4

Fave Ship Dynamic

So easy...

toll

and

SMOLL

One of them needs to be able to easily pick the other up. LOL

Throw in one of them being a bit tsundere and you've got yourself a golden BL dynamic right there! A+! No notes!

[guzhufuren]

shrines in thai bl/gl + the variety of the lovers' reactions to them

[thedooristhebluecushion]

The reason why Secret Crush On You resonates with so many people (me) to the point of them watching it over & over again (also me) is because the secret crush of the “dork” (me again) is finally reciprocated & the “dork” (🙋🏻‍♀️) doesn’t have to change to be loved.

[sparklyeyedhimbo]

thai characters that feel very pan-coded part 3/?

king (bed friend)

pa (bad buddy)

tine (2gether)

molly (the warp effect)

skye (secret crush on you)

these are in no order i just put all the names i gathered into a ranomizer and well i have that list now hahahah ✨

[heretherebedork]

Of course they had to make a reference to SCOY. Of course. I love all of them, they're such idiots.

[absolutebl]

Hi ABL! After watching episode 1 of Between Us, I was impressed with the level of "thirst" between Boun and Prem's characters in the last couple of scenes. Are there shows or scenes of shows, regardless of actual heat level, that you think did "thirst" well, regardless of how that's resolved at the time? Subjective, I know, but would love to get your take on this!

20 BLs with the BEST Thirst!

Thirst wants to slide a hand under his waistband right tf now and grind. Horny wants to rip his clothes off, and probably pop buttons and laugh about it. Yearning wants to run both hands up his back while they kiss deeply. Hunger wants to lift him by the ass and slam him against the wall.

Raise your glasses please, to THIRST.

I Cannot Reach You - Japan 2023

It's fresh in my mind, so first on this list.

Secret Crush on You - Thailand 2022

This scene in particular sprang next to mind, just because for me it kinda defined thirst in Thai BL. (Also see my #1 pick for sides at the end.)

Jun & Jun - Korea 2023

We Best Love: Fighting Mr 2nd - Taiwan 2021

2 Moons: Ambassador (AKA 2 Moons 3) - Thailand 2022

Eternal Yesterday - Japan 2022

Why R U? - Korea 2023

HIStory 3 - the BL that shall not be named - Taiwan 2019

Bed Friend - Thailand 2023

They sleeping together but King still thirsty af

Big Dragon - Thailand 2022

My Beautiful Man - Japan 2021

Between Us - Thailand 2022-23

Minato's Laundromat - Japan 2022

Ghost Host Ghost House - Thailand 2022

the infamous leg scene alone qualifies them, but they very mutually thirsty in general

My Personal Weatherman - Japan 2023

It's the point.

I Feel You Linger in the Air - Thailand 2023

The oil scene is a stroke of genius.

Well, several strokes.

Old Fashion Cupcake - Japan 2022

I Told Sunset About You - Thailand 2020

Love in Translation - Thailand 2023

Just because of that damn convenience store make-out scene.

Nitiman - Thailand 2021

I find thirst is often (although not always) the provenance of the seme character.

Mutual thirst is really rare.

Side dish gravy

Shorts, side couples, and so forth.

Oh My Sunshine Night - Thailand 2022

Noh appears 2x on this list. He's GREAT at thirst. Possibly the only Thai actor to give Japan real competition. GIVE HIM ANOTHER LEAD!

HIStory 4: Close To You - Taiwan 2021

Gen Y 2 - Thailand 2022

@heretherebedork and I call them PokeTongue for a reason.

Y-Destiny - Thailand 2021

kiss x kiss x kiss: Perfect Scandal - Japan 2022

No shocker that Japan is the only one to field a micro on this list. Usually thirst takes more build up.

Defining THIRST

I make a distinction between thirst and other types of physical desire. This is just me and language.

Thirst usually leaps off the screen and has an edge of danger to it. Like they gonna get caught, or go out of control just from wanting to touch. They gonna die without physical contact. It's pure survival need. Japan kinda specializes in this.

There's no humor to thirst, but horny can get kinda cheeky. It's more fun and mutual (ee.g. KinnPorsche). More want than need. So it's more Thailand and Taiwan.

There's also yearning (e.g. The 8th Sense), which has a more emotional soul tether to it. Korea in particular, but also like GMMTV and lower heat prestige stuff, high school things for example (My School President).

And finally hunger, which I tend to think of as desire but with a nourishment component. It's I want what's MINE. Like Taejung in Cherry Blossoms After Winter.

These aren't mutually exclusive, mind you.

I dithered but they didn't quite make the list

Irresistible Love - China 2016

Second Chance - Thailand 2021

Takara & Amagi - Japan 2022

Love Area - Thailand 2022

Takumi-kun - Japan 2007

Moonlight Chicken - Thailand 2023

My Engineer (RamKing) - Thailand 2020

It's why we're all still mad we never got full RamKing

(source)

This posted dated end of 2023. Not responsible for thirsty BL that happens after. Check the comments for additions and other's thoughts on the matter.

[bl-bracket]

Least Rizz Finals: Winner (Pit Babe) vs Toh (Secret Crush on You)

[Submitted Reasons Under Cut]

Winner: "Tries to score with Charlie by challenging Babe to a drifting competition, loses. Fails at team bonding with Kim by trying to pull rank and being a jerk and then immediately starts complaining once Kim gets upset. “Aren’t we on the same team? 🥺” Tries to charm Kim North and Sonic after pulling a gun on them—gets his ass beat."

Toh: "I wouldn’t even want to vote for him in this bracket that’s how little charisma this guy’s working with. Seng did such a good job he ended up doing himself dirty making Toh so absolutely cringefail. The little freak representation we needed though, rizzless king."

[thisautistic]

15 Day BL Challenge

Day 15: 5 Bestest Besties

Yai & Tharn - The Sign the Series

let's be so real right now. phayatharn would NOT have happened without Yai. he's their biggest shipper and the ultimate bestie.

2. The SCOY Group - Secret Crush on You

I don't know if they actually have a name but i can't think of it right now. ultimate queer friend group complete with the token het. they help each other through everything (even if they'd rather not) i think anyone would be lucky to have a friend group like them (even if they're kinda cringe)

3. Pete & Porsche - KinnPorsche

I mean. Obviously. Friends that are also foils? *grabby hands*

4. Sky & Rain

what's a little platonic bdsm between bestiess

5. The Playboyys

we support sex work and sex workers in this house. we also support besties who have each others' backs. (also who fuck we like that too)

(gifs by @zhaozi my beloveddddd. knew i could count on you

as someone who is aromantic besties hold a special place in my heart. i have tons of other best besties but these are the ones i thought of first so. there you go

[gabrielokun]

[negrowhat]

BL Characters I Would Throw Hands For

tagged by @wen-kexing-apologist

Guy from My Dear Gangster Oppa. I mean...his man is a literally gangster so he doesn't need my protection but Guy is literally the sweetest lil nugget and he deserves nothing but love, respect, happiness, and all the time in the world. That being said...Wahl come to the front and collect this ass whooping.

Sky from Love in the Air. Between Rain and Prapai he's pretty much covered. But that boy has been through the fucking ringer and I will not tolerate any crap when it comes to that sweet boy. He is precious and a gift and should be treated like the ANGEL he is. I would kick teeth in for this boy.

Seo Hae Bom from Cherry Blossoms After Winter. I WOULD LITERALLY FIGHT HIS WHOLE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS FOR HIM! HE WAS SUCH A SWEET AND QUIET KID AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY HE WAS BEING BULLIED SO HARD! I WOULD OBLITERATE THAT ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL FOR THAT SMOL BOY! Sorry...I got a lil heated.

Palm from Never Let Me Go. Ugh, I wanted him to care more about himself but since he puts everyone before himself I WILL FIGHT FOR HIM! He's more than capable of protecting himself but he's such a gentle bean and I love him and would like to hug him forever. I just feel like he needs protection.

Seo Jae Won from The Eighth Sense. I just want to fight damn near everyone in his friend group. DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND THAT JAE WON IS A SAD BOY!? The people around him were such a-holes my gawd. I just wanted to take him and Kim Ji Hyun and run away.

Jao from Secret Crush On You. There's a university of bitches whose asses need kicking. Jao is the sweetest boy ever and he's so relatable and he just wants to eat his snacks and help his besties. He literally don't bother nobody and yet every hoe got a problem with him. Well they bout to have a problem with these hands.

Tops from Ingredients the Series. No one bothers Tops but please believe if a BITCH even looks at my fave Tops Chef funny I'm throwing haymakers.

Kang Seo Joon from To My Star. IDK man, I just love him and I want him to be happy always and I would honestly fight for that man without hesitation. I wouldn't fight Ji Woo for him tho because honestly I feel like Seo Joon would tackle me before I tried but anyone else can catch this fade.

Nail from For Him. Nail is really just trying to mind his own business being the Bad Bitch he is and yet he attracts such pesky mens. Between is trifling ex and the crazy stalker dude who is friends with his new boo he's just not safe. Line them up and I'll fucking drop them for you Nail.

OPEN TAG! AIR OUT YOUR GRIEVANCES FRIENDS. LET ME KNOW WHO YOU WOULD BOX FOR!