#let free the curse of taekwondo ep 4

[hughungrybear]

I don't understand where the angst is coming from 😅. I can understand that Dohoe did not want anything to do with his dad after that night, but why ghost Juyeong too?

And why is he so goddamned cold?

[purlpeiris]

So that thing I said about taking a break before watching episode 4. I was lying to myself that I had any kind of patience.

Wow that hurt. I want someone decent to come give Juyeong the biggest hug because his sad lonely face is absolutely breaking my heart every time he’s on screen.

I don’t understand why he maintained a relationship with Dohoe’s father, I can see he probably felt responsibility and I’m hoping we get more of that story. If I was Dohoe I’d certainly be feeling betrayed by it, but did that thawing between them happen after Juyeong had been ignored by Dohoe for months? Years? Did Juyeong have anyone else in his life at the time?

Dohoe, oh I’m hurting for him too because despite his front of not giving a shit he obviously does and he’s sad, so sad.

At the moment Hyeonho can get lost with constantly being there in the way. But I’m so intrigued with why he’s always there. What’s the relationship between him and Dohoe now? Even more intriguing, how did they get to that relationship? Will I end up liking him?

Now the long wait for next week. I have a feeling the pain isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But I’m here for it all.

Have I mentioned how impatient I am? Also, if iQIYI makes me wait until Friday next week I may actually combust! Damn Gaga and their geoblocking!

[miukki960]

I've decided that the events of this week's episodes are Too Sad, so instead I will be firmly planting my brain in the newlywed-era where Dohoe and Juyeong sneak out to that van (multiple times !!!!) to have awkward little make-out sessions like the giddy, love-drunk teenage boys they are, thank you very much.

[pigglepiephi]

Would the universe just let me catch up PLEASE!!!

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Scandals, Face Offs & Disappointments, Oh my!

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

Oct 2024 Week 3

Ongoing Series - Thai

Jack & Joker (Thai Mon IQIYI) ep 6 of 12 - 3 tiny girls ragging on Jack was possibly the greatest opening sequence ever. Poor Jack. He is so not single anymore - so far as everyone around him is concerned. 

Love Sick 2024 (Thai Sun iQIYI) ep 5 of 15 - Sports day continues. We get a little backstory on the respective crushes on Noh. The jealousy between Phun & Earn is way more extreme in this version. I'm not mad about it. I love a claiming. Although it is so unfair of Phun to claim Noh when they agreed not to go there, AND he’s dating someone else. The byplay with Pete’s ex was fun. I wonder if we’re supposed to suss that Noh knows he’s gay in this version? 

I'm doing a face-off style watch along of this new version versus the original 2014-2015 version. Where I decide with each new ep which one wins. I will render a final judgement at the end. Frankly, I'm warming to this show way more than I thought I would give my extreme affection for the original.

Kidnap (Fri YT) ep 7 of 12 - Oh it’s so cute that he just wants to officially move in. And the necklace claiming thing was darling. Mini boyfriend era. Min being a kept baby girl was kinda fun. The family thing was too sweet. Oh noes my man has been strangled! Oh good he’s okay. Stupid breakup “for the plot” moment, they could have easily been separated by baddies, we didn’t need to go through this. 

Fourever You (Thai Thurs YT) ep 3 of 16 - I don’t care how cute he is or how longing those beautiful eyes, ghosting is a pretty big offense. Especially high school first love. I’m glad Ter is being difficult about it. Still the backstory is getting frustratingly confusing. It seems increasingly convoluted (full of girls) and I’m not sure what happened. So I’m not sure if I should be on Hill’s side or Ter’s. I’m beginning to feel manipulated and I don’t like it. I still like the show, but not as much as I did last week. I’m on a roller coaster here. 

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 11 of 12 - It remains odd, disjointed, but still modestly entertaining. Ozone using a well placed Phi for manipulation purposes made me happy. Random het wedding is random. 2 drunk horny sunshine babygurls was cute tho. 

Every You Every Me (Thai Mon Gaga) ep 2 of 10 - AKA Just one meet cute after another. Nice queer rep this time. It’s lovely, just not my style BL. 

Addicted Heroin (Thai Tues WeTV) ep 10 fin - Okay so last week half the ep was eng subbed and this week only 3/4. Whatever. Please note my extreme annoyance with everything about this show will color my rating. As it should. Ready for a mini rant?

Conclusion

What to say about this damn show? It wasn’t what I wanted and I didn’t like it. I’m disappointed in myself for having expectations and in it for not living up to them. It starred August for fucks sake! How could they fuck it up so bad? I wanted it to be a Thai reinterpretation of the brilliance that was Addicted giving us the ending that we never got to have but the narrative deserved. I got a resounding nope. The side couple was messed with, rearranged, and then entirely dropped and forgotten. The main romance was weirdly obsessive without any physical payout or emotional resolution, as if this remake were the censored Chinese version. All characters acted irrationally most of the time, and from what I could tell there was no logic to the ending, which seemed to be to minors escaping to a beach, abandoning their schooling, families, and respective futures. It was a hot mess. Without being hot. 4/10 fatally flawed, do not bother

Bad Guy My Boss (Thai Sun Gaga) ep 5 of 10 - it's bad. I don't like it.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (Korea Thurs Gaga) eps 1-2 of 8 - High school student Do Hoe lives with his violent and brutal father who runs a Taekwondo gym in a rural area. Then cheerful Ju Young arrives who dreams of going to college for Taekwondo. Joy begins to fill Do Hoe's dark life. An unexpected incident forces them apart, they reunite over a decade years later.

Make no mistake this one is dark. And Korea can go many directions when it leans dark. So I’m not entirely sure what to expect. All the triggers: child abuse, corporal punishment, alcoholism, gambling, and a few other things. But also a fantastically awkward kiss. Oh this is VERY good. I’m enjoying it. Tumblr is officially losing its tiny mind about it. What can I say? This hellhole loves it some gritty dark angst with high romance and deep meaning. All hail the return of Queen Hwang Da Seul. 

My Damn Business (Korea Sat YT) eps 3 of 7 - He kinda is the worst boss ever. Now he’s turned into a drinking buddy whether baby likes it or not. I really feel for this kid. I do want more backstory on both of them. Why are they the way they are? All that said….. phenomenal kiss. Thanks boys. 

Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YT) ep 4 of ? - I do like the brothers relationship. Even though we know it’s gonna become romantic, it’s nice to see them all teasing and friendly. Meanwhile I’m getting a little exhausted by the bullying and I’m very much ready for the revenge narrative to continue.

Although I understand we have more of a spiral first, could we get on to some actual kissing soon? 

I'm shallow I just wanna see BV kiss the next boy. It's the BL world's version of Pokemon.

Our Golden Times (Hong Kong YT) 6 fin - Okay so this was the last ep! 

Summary

This was an odd disjointed little piece, but the most BL BL we’ve ever seen out of Hong Kong. The optics are good and it’s enjoyable for what it is, which is a circumspect, badly subbed, and slightly odd yet earnest reunion romance. I liked it more for what it could be, and for what it represented, than for what it actually was, but I still liked it.

7/10 recommended with reservations

I would like to nominate Our Golden Times @bengiyo as a candidate for the next "Girl you tried." Because it really did try hard to be the best little BL it could be under the circumstances.

First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) ep 11 of 12 - I do like all the couples, and in classic Taiwan style we’re ending ultra sappy (when they don’t fuck it up, and I don’t think this one will). Mei is the secret power behind the throne - as we all knew - love this for her, and us. 

Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan Tues Netflix?) 5 of 10 eps - I'm falling beind because my subber is, but sort-of trying to keep up. I don’t know. Just Japan messing with us, I guess.

Eccentric Romance (Korea Weds Viki) eps 3-4 of 12 - It’s oddly erotic with all the gym stuff but also awkward and weird with the jelly plus suspicion. (Hi GeonU, another Thai/Korea BL for you? Is it a thing for you now? Could you recruit Jimin to the cause? I mean you go him into a reality competition. BL is right there. Waiting. Pretty please with a shirtless hottie on top?) Anygay, I keep thinking that this show would actually be better if the Thai character were just a Korean character and this was just a regular KBL. Although, it probably still wouldn’t be very good.

It's airing but...

The Hidden Moon (Sat WeTV) 10 eps - This is a supernatural romance (my ghost boyfriend trope) by Violet Rain (I Feel You Linger). A man is hired to write an article about an old mansion in Chiang Mai being converted into a café. He sees the ghosts of people who died at the mansion, falls in love with one of them. Was substantially recast. I loved IFYLITA except the ending so I think I'll let this one run it's course you can tell me if it's work tracking down... if they managed to land it. I have my doubts.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Still Coming:

10/21 Love in the Big City (Korea Mon Viki) ep 1 of - Okay, this is both a movie (already out) and a series. Neither one is likely BL and I can't imagine it will end happily. Here's your synopsis:

Cynical fun loving student Young pinballs from home, to class, to on night stands. He and Jaehee, his female besie and roommate, frequent nearby bars where they push away their worries about life, love, and money with soju and hookups.

Apparently this is causing a homophobic ruckus in SK right now. As is wont to happen when one puts a really big name in the gay lead and your country is, well, pretty damn homophobic. Brokeback mukbang anyone? (Oh yes I am aware I'm a turd, but I'm too old for this crap. I guess that makes me a coprolite.)

10/23 See Your Love (Taiwan Weds Gaga Viki et al) 10 eps? - Zi Xiong, a third-generation heir, attempting to flee from taking over their family business, meets and falls in love with Shao Peng, who works as a hearing-impaired nurse. From the same production house as Kiseki Dear To Me in partnership with Shinehouse Theatre, funded by Taiwan’s BIGART + Japan's Rakuten (Viki). Show includes Lin Chia Yo (Be Loved in House: I Do). Director Chiang Ping Chen’s childhood experiences with his deaf uncle have inspired the drama.

10/27 Perfect 10 Liners (Thai Sun YouTube?) 24 eps! - New directing yet another university BL with engineers + their mentees. Based on a Jittirain novel. with a massive cast and massive run time. We will be watching this until APRIL of 2025!

ForceBook playing the same old characters = enemies to lovers tsunder/sunshine jock/nerd thing.

PerthChimonSanta 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 (We Are style) or shorter stand alone runs-within-the-run of 8 eps each (Y-Destiny style).

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

You just kissed his brains out, what do you think? (Eh, we all know the aniyo is coming. This uke is made of tsudere and 아니요 ) (Damn Business)

I know, it's not a good show, but just LOOK at his face.

And the uke drunken shenanigans was brilliant. Loved it. (Battle Writers)

I did LOVE the twist on Golf. (Love Sick 2024)

Joke coming for our hearts just like...... it's TOO MUCH. War is SO DAMN GOOD. (J&J)

Calling out the trope HDS?

Gah. So awkward.

(Both from LFTCOT)

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many at-ings.

[impala124]

Random QL Superlatives: 2024 (Mostly) Horny edition

My viewing list isn't as comprehensive as I'd like it to be, so please refer to the lists from @lurkingshan , @bengiyo and @happypotato48 for some good show recs and hilarious superlatives.

Line that would have me folding like a lawn chair: Min's from Kidnap

Definitely not the most original of lines, but having Min look at me with his big, beautiful and expressive eyes would make all the difference.

Favorite kiss that made me believe that they wanted each other carnally: Jack & Joker takes the cake for this one.

This was a highly anticipated one and came after the midway point, but they still managed to exceed my expectations.

Favorite character I'd be willing to go to law school for to defend their crimes (if any) in court: Reese from First note of love.

This is probably a cop out because the man wouldn't get in trouble with the law. But, if he did, I'd be ready to defend him.

Favorite character for whom I would be willing to unalive someone: Gyu-ho from Love in the big city

My baby boy has never done anything wrong in his life and put his heart into everything he did.

Favorite character with the most diabolical line: Dohoe from Let free the curse of Taekwondo. His 'Did you dress up for me?' to Juyeong in this scene still makes me scream into my pillow.

Ep 6 sexpot Dohoe, you'll always be famous for trying to fuck away your problems, no matter how unsuccessful you've been.

Favorite love confession: Ryoma and Haruto from Doku koi

My favorite legal couple. What more can I say about them? A con-man who fell for his own con and a lawyer who used to believe that love is a poison (and a distraction). The earnestness of this confession and the vulnerability they express in this scene catapults them to the top of my list.

Favorite horny moment I'd like to observe from a distance: Mahasamut licking Tongrak's palm in Love Sea.

I knew FortPeat could bring the heat because I watched Love in the air, but man, watching it play out was definitely an experience.

Favorite sex scene: Great and Tyme banging in the real timeline in 4 minutes.

Say what you will about the show, but their chemistry was fire.

Favorite naked back: This category was made just so that I could mention Arashi from Love in the air koi.

Blame it on recency bias, but his sweaty arched back has been on my mind a lot.

Favorite couple my eternally single ass would probably kill: Muenfah and Teerak from Your Sky. It's an ongoing series, but I feel fairly confident as to where they are going to end up.

Don't get me wrong, I love them, but being near them while single would be a nightmare. I feel very represented by Lee just being so over their extremely real fake-dating.

[jackandjoker]

my top shows of 2024 (better late than never)

1. jack and joker (act surprised)

this was my first ever thai show and GOSH was i in for a ride.. i legit started watching this for fun because i saw an edit and i found the name ‘joke’ very funny… oh how times change.

this show was made for me, it’s perfect to me, i can talk about it forever and i will.

2. peaceful property

to think i almost didn’t watch this because the poster didn’t interest me 😭

but this is so underrated i think? it was everything to me, each story was special and made me feel so many things. the phoomvicha episode made me cry the most, along with ep 8 😞

3. last twilight

this is the 2nd show from P’Aof that i’ve seen and i think he’s gotten a spot in my favourite directors list. definitely not without faults, but still unique and beautiful and i loved it. also cried a hell lot… and i hope i can get mhok’s fart proudly shirt one day.

4. let free the curse of taekwondo

my first ever korean drama and it will not be the last!! i loved this so much, i only wish it was longer. i’m patiently waiting for all my exams to end so i can watch all of hwang da-seul’s filmography.

5. i hear the sunspot

so many firsts in this post- this is the show that introduced me to the world of asian bl… my first ever asian drama <3

i love kohei & taichi with all of my heart and although they seem to be the kings of miscommunication, they found each other in the end. and i desperately want to try that burger.

6. interview with the vampire s2

iwtv is my kind of crazy, i love them all 🤲

not much to say about this one but it’s one of the 3 shows i’ve given a perfect 5/5 rating so far. (others are j&j and derry girls).

7. the on1y one

patiently waiting for season 2🥹

these two had my entire heart 😭😭 something about this show that makes me feel so much comfort… and it’s gorgeous so that’s a plus. (my first ever taiwanese drama- sorry)

8. takara’s treasure

this was just so cute 🥹 they’re adorable and it’s just a light and fluffy show and i love that. i took care of an abandoned kitty for a while and named her takara because i considered her my treasure lol.

9. 23.5

loser lesbians <3333

if onsga and aylin had a daughter, it would be me. 100%. i love milklove and i’m impatiently waiting for whale store xoxo. and i love how view is like the girl version of mark pakin because i adore her and keep seeing her in random stuff i watch.

10. see your love

this was just so fun🥺 the best 20 mins i had every wednesday for 12 weeks. both the main leads and johnathan & xin jia have my heart, along with shu he and shaopeng’s parents. i love amazing supportive parents in bls 🥹🩵

some other favs under the cut :)

non 2024 shows i loved-

moonlight chicken

i need more series like this because 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵 it was so gorgeous omg and it was too short 😞😞

when i watched the first ep i didn’t think i’d like it but still continued and i’m so glad because it only got better and better. and i hope whoever decided to make earthmix firstkhao gem4 sing the moon represents the heart never has a bad day in their life. i love it so much.

the best story

when are we getting the dew story yinwar?? 😭🥺 if i had a nickel for everytime war cried after seeing yin with a girl, i would have 3 nickels. maybe more if i start counting their music videos

cherry magic thailand

i wanted more taynew after peaceful property and damn!! karan was whipped 😭 it’s funny how his thoughts were like that when he had a gaystraight face the entire time

other 2024 shows that i enjoyed:

sugar dog life

i love shows that involve cooking and i love characters who bond over food. so obviously i loved this. similar to takara’s treasure, a feel good show.

caged again

it got a bit messy around the end and the story took turns i wasnt expecting, which was fine, but i felt it was different from the premise if that makes sense? i loved it still and i would definitely like to see more of ben & jay.

my love mix up th

i randomly watched this on my period and honestly it made me laugh so much so i’m biased 😭 some stupid stuff did bother me but overall very slay <3 i’m glad chokun has a main role now, after this & peaceful property 🥺

[gunsatthaphan]

~ Monthly BL Breakdown: October 2024 ~ 

☔️ Happy November!!! 🍂 (and Happy Halloween 🎃👻)

Disclaimer: ALL shows can be streamed here or here, as well as on Youtube and other platforms. For more info on where to watch what, check out this post! 

New breakdowns are coming at the end of every month - feel free to add stuff! -> previous breakdowns

What came out this month? (green = seen/currently watching)

🌟 Fourever You - October 3rd (Thailand)

🌟 Uncle Unknown - October 4th (Taiwan)

🌟 My Damn Business - October 5th (South Korea)

🌟 Every You, Every Me - October 6th (Thailand)

🌟 DMD Friendship: It Takes Two (reality show) - October 6th (Thailand) 

🌟 Eccentric Romance - October 10th (South Korea) 

🌟 Blue Complex - October 10th (South Korea)

🌟 Taming the Bad Boy - October 15th (South Korea)

🌟 Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo - October 17th (South Korea)

🌟 Love in the Big City - October 21st (South Korea) 

🌟 See Your Love - October 23rd (Taiwan)

🌟 See You (movie) - October 25th (Taiwan) 

🌟 Perfect Propose: Dream Edition - October 25th (Japan) 

🌟 Blue Canvas of Youthful Days - October 26th (China)

🌟 Perfect 10 Liners - October 27th (Thailand) ✅

🌟 Stealing From My CEO - October 27th (China) 

Monthly Likes / Dislikes

❣️ - Nothing overwhelming going on lately lol but I'm currently enjoying Peaceful Property a lot, it's so unique and fun and I really hope they consider adding more stuff like this in their 2025 lineup!! 🥺

New series & movie announcements

🎥 8 Hours (sequel to 4 Minutes) - Coming 2025

🎥 A Perfect Match - Date TBA (Taiwan)

🎥 Knock Out - Date TBA (Thailand)

🎥 Who Can Define Popularity - Date TBA (South Korea)

🎥 Haunted Hearts - Date TBA (Philippines)

🎥 About Faith - Date TBA (South Korea)

🎥 Love Casting (BL reality show) - Date TBA (Taiwan)

🎥 Eyes on You - Date TBA (Hong Kong)

🎥 Winter is not the death of Summer but the birth of Spring - Date TBA (Thailand)

🎥 Beloved Enemy (novel adaption from the author of My Stand In) - Date TBA (?)

🎥 Match Play - Date TBA (South Korea)

Other news from the BL world

❗️ The Korean BL Love Class will get a third season, allegedly with the same cast from the previous seasons. Further details are unknown.

❗️ A second season for the Thai BL 4 Minutes was announced titled 8 Hours. The author Sammon will partner with Be On Cloud again and the show will go into production in 2025.

❗️ Actors Mew Suppasit and Tul Pakorn publicly got engaged at the launch event of Mew's new single "Absence".

❗️ The Thai network channel One31 held their 2025 lineup on October 17th. The following BL productions were announced:

Taste

The Wicked Game

Love Carved in the Moonlight

❗️ The Thai production company Idolfactory released a teaser for their upcoming lineup for 2025. The corresponding event will be held on January 12th. The teaser however revealed the following series prior to the event:

Interminable (starring BillyBabe)

My Sweetheart Jom (starring SaintPoom)

Cranium (starring BeckyFreen)

Somewhere Somehow (starring FayMay)

❗️ After it was disclosed that DMD actors Thomas and Kong would no longer participate in the upcoming series The Next Prince, it was announced that Net S. and JJ R. will take the roles of Calvin and Jay respectively.

❗️ GMMTV released a statement saying that the announcement of the winner of the Y-Find contest has been postponed from October 31st to November 30th due to the large number of submissions. Earlier this year the company announced the project as a way for Thai fans to submit original stories, one of which will be chosen to be adapted into a series. Whether or not the postponement will have any effect on the company's upcoming 2025 lineup event is unclear.

Upcoming series & movies for November:

👉🏻 Bad to Bed - November 2nd (Taiwan)

👉🏻 Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan (remake of Love in the Air) - November 3rd (Japan)

👉🏻 Our Youth - November 5th (Japan)

👉🏻 Episode 9. Nineteen, Eighteen (special ep) - November 9th (South Korea)

👉🏻 All the Liquors (movie) - November 13th (South Korea)

👉🏻 Caged Again - November 15th (Thailand)

👉🏻 Your Sky - November 17th (Thailand)

👉🏻 Mhom Ped Sawan (bl side story) - November 17th (Thailand)

[ppeonppeonhan]

List of 2024 BLs (by Country)

I was trying to find a list of all the full length (15min+ / 3+ episodes) dramas that started AND finished in 2024, so I filtered Dramalist and made this one. Sharing with the fandom in case it's of interest. (Each title is linked to its Tumblr tag.)

PG: No kiss or chaste kiss; PG-13: 1 or more kiss; R: Spicy sex scenes; NC-17: Practically saw penetration

> THAILAND

4 Minutes (NC-17 | Sci-Fi Crime Thriller | 8ep)

1000 Years Old (PG | Supernatural Comedy | 12ep)

Addicted Heroin (PG-13 | High School Dramedy | 10ep) - Adaptation

Bad Guy My Boss (NC-17 | Crime Dramedy | 12ep) - Adaptation

Battle of the Writers (NC-17 | Dramedy | TutorYim | 12ep) - Adaptation

Caged Again (PG-13 | Supernatural Comedy | 10ep)

Century of Love (R | Supernatural Drama | DaouOffroad | 10ep)

City of Stars (R | Workplace Romance | 12ep)

Deep Night (NC-17 | Workplace Romance | 8ep) - Adaptation

Every You, Every Me (R | Workplace Dramedy | 8ep)

The Hidden Moon (PG-13 | Supernatural Mystery | 10ep) - Adaptation

I Saw You in My Dream (R | Supernatural Dramedy | 12ep) - Adaptation

Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart! (NC-17 | Crime Dramedy | YinWar | 12ep)

Kidnap (R | Crime Dramedy | 12ep)

Knock Knock, Boys! (PG-13 | College Dramedy | 12ep)

Live in Love (PG-13 | Drama | 5ep) - Adaptation

Love Sea (NC-17 | Dramedy | FortPeat | 10ep) - Adaptation

Love Sick 2024 (PG | High School Dramedy | 15ep) - Adaptation

Memory in the Letter (PG-13 | Supernatural Drama | 6ep) - Adaptation

Monster Next Door (R | College Dramedy | 12ep) - Adaptation

My Love Mix-Up! (PG-13 | High School Comedy | Gemini x Fourth | 12ep) - Adaptation / Remake

My Stand-In (NC-17 | Workplace Supernatural Melodrama | 12ep)

OMG! Vampire (PG-13 | Supernatural Comedy | 8ep)

Only Boo! (PG-13 | High School Music Comedy | 12ep) - Adaptation

The Rebound (R | Sports Dramedy | MeenPing | 12ep)

A Secretly Love (PG-13 | College Comedy | 10ep) - Adaptation

Spare Me Your Mercy (R | Mystery Thriller | 8ep) - Adaptation

Sunset x Vibes (NC-17 | Supernatural Comedy | MosBank | 12ep) - Adaptation

This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans (NC-17 | Workplace Dramedy | OabPlawan | 8ep) - Adaptation

Time (R | Time Travel Drama | 10ep)

To Be Continued (R | Dramedy | 8ep)

The Trainee (PG-13 | Workplace Dramedy | OffGun | 12ep)

Two Worlds (NC-17 | Sci-fi Drama | MaxNat | 10ep)

Wandee Goodday (NC-17 | Workplace Comedy | 12ep)

We Are (PG-13 | College Comedy | PondPhuwin + WinnySatang + AouBoom + MarcPoon | 16ep) - Adaptation

> KOREA

Blossom Campus (PG-13 | College Romance | 6ep)

Boys Be Brave! (PG-13 | Comedy | 8ep)

Eccentric Romance (PG-13 | Crime Thriller | 12ep)

Gray Shelter (PG-13 | Melodrama | 5ep)

Jazz for Two (PG-13 | Music Melodrama | 8ep) - Adaptation

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (R | Dramedy | 8ep)

Love in the Big City (R | Dramedy | 8ep) - Adaptation

Love is Like a Cat (? | Dramedy | 12ep)

Love for Love's Sake (PG | Sci-fi Drama | 8ep) - Adaptation

The Time of Fever (PG-13 | Drama | 6ep) - Prequel

> JAPAN

Although I Love You, and You? (R | Bi-Panic Comedy | 10ep) - Adaptation

At 25:00 in Akasaka (R | Workplace Drama | 10ep) - Adaptation

Cosmetic Playlover (R | Workplace Romance | 8ep) - Adaptation

I Hear the Sunspot (PG | College Drama | 12ep) - Adaptation

Living with Him (PG | College Comedy | 8ep) - Adaptation

Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan (NC-17 | College Drama | 8ep) - Remake

Love is Better the Second Time Around (NC-17 | Workplace Drama | 6ep) - Adaptation

Love is Like a Poison (R | Legal Thriller | 12ep) - Adaptation

Mr. Mitsuya's Planned Feeding (PG | Dramedy | 7ep) - Adaptation

My Strawberry Film (PG | High School Melodrama | 8ep)

Ossan's Love Returns (PG-13 | Workplace Comedy | 9ep) - Sequel

Perfect Propose (PG-13 | Slice of Life | 6ep) - Adaptation

Smells Like Green Spirit (PG-13 | High School Drama | 8ep) - Adaptation

Sugar Dog Life (PG-13 | Dramedy | 9ep) - Adaptation

Takara's Treasure (PG-13 | College Drama | 10 ep) - Adaptation

> TAIWAN

Anti Reset (PG-13 | Sci-fi Dramedy | 10ep)

Blue Canvas of Youthful Days (PG-13 | Drama | 12ep)

First Note of Love (R | Music Drama | 12ep)

Happy of the End (R | Trauma Drama | 8ep) - Adaptation

Meet You at the Blossom (PG-13 | Period Dramedy | 12ep) - Adaptation

The On1y One (PG-13 | High School Dramedy | 12ep) - Adaptation

Unknown (R | Drama | 12ep) - Adaptation

-------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: I plan to update this list with 2024 BLs that END in 2025 (i.e. Perfect 10 Liners, The Heart Killers, etc.) once they actually end -- for rating purposes. And, in case you forgot: Yes, I too loved Dead Friend Forever, Last Twilight, Pit Babe, The Sign, and even Twins, but ALL of those are technically 2023 BLs, even though they fully consumed our lives all the way into 2024.

However, if I am missing a Thai / Korean / Japanese / Taiwanese BL that started and ended in 2024, please leave a helpful comment.

[hughungrybear]

A twelve-year time skip??? Gods damn. This is going to hurt, ain't it? 😓

Also, it's good that the Dad changed but I think it's a little too late given that Dohoe was never seen again by those who know him.

[blsongbird]

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo Finale

Final thoughts -

It ended well

1. I had some confusion after ep 6, but 7 and 8 cleared it up.

2. I wish they had more time to develop some of the transitions.

3. I can't believe how much pain and guilt Dohoe must have felt.

4. The ending was sweet.

It's worth a watch, but it's not for the fluffy, cuddly day.

[miss0atae]

Random Thoughts about Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (EP 3 - 4):

Sometimes, you think you're prepared to handle the angst and usually it turns out it's not really that easy. Let's say it was this way for me, with these two episodes. I knew from the start that the relationship between Do Hoe and Ju Yeong would be affected by something Do Hoe's dad would do, but I never quite imagine the domino effect it would have for the rest of the story. To be honest, I had to rewatch the part where everything went wrong because I wasn't sure I had quite understood what happened. I guess this part reinforces the sudden volte-face that you never quite imagined, neither the characters did. In the end, you just feel like Ju Yeong: confused and in a need of answers.

I guess I would be easy to have resentment for Do Hoe. I understand that he feels guilty in some way about what happened. He also maybe believes that avoiding Ju Yeong, being cold to him or keeping a distance with him, will be the right penitence for what happened... but it's not. He still feels guilty and that's shown when he met again Do Hoe at his father's funeral. When asked by Hyeon Ho if he is okay, he curtly answered "no, I'm not okay". I think Do Hoe hasn't been okay for 12 years now and it's a very long time to feel guilty. Harm was done by his notoriously abusive father to someone he cares for and Do Hoe feels like the blame fell at his feet. He is struggling with guilt and that made him not being able to do his exams and to cut any contact with Ju Yeong.

On the other hand, we have a very confused and lost Ju Yeong, who was beaten by Do Hoe's father because he wanted to "protect" him, in some way. In the end after this event, he was left with no contact, no way of talking or seeing Do Hoe. He never quite understood why. He deserves a valid explanation, but he was left with uncertainty. Uncertainty is everywhere and that's part of life. Yet, we all crave security and control over our life. By denying him a reason to explain his actions, Do Hoe made Ju Yeong feels fear and doubts. They can trap you in a downward spiral of "what-ifs". That's why he never really found his way, made strong bonds with others and he kept contact with Do Hoe's father, despite everything. In a way, he was looking for Do Hoe is every part of his life. It is shown in the scene where he rushed outside when it was snowing because snow is associated with Do Hoe and the good time they had together.

I guess it must have felt weird for some viewers about why Ju Yeong kept contact with Do Hoe's abusive father or why he cried during his funerals. I think it can be explained in several ways: first, it's a way of still being close to Do Hoe, even if Do Hoe is not present in his life. Secondly, it is the feeling of being wanted. Ju Yeong was adopted and never felt he had a place in his family, but even if Do Hoe's father is really abusive and despite the toxicity, it's worth it, just to feel wanted. Finally, and that's just a guess, alright, some people stay around toxic people because deep down, they believe they can't do any better and/or the abuse is a preferable alternative to being alone. By losing his coach in an accident, Ju Yeong lost an important person in his life. Even if this person was toxic and put him in this situation where he lost contact with the real most important person in his life: Do He. So yes, I understand why Ju Yeong stayed in touch with the coach and cried when he died. Of course, it also gave him the opportunity to see Do Hoe again, something he desperately wanted because he wants answers. That's why he is always asking him “Don't you have something to tell me?!”. I think the explanation may not be what's important, what he really wants is for Do Hoe to talk to him.

Recently, I read a post by @usertoxicyaoi about the loneliness of being queer as it is portrayed in Love in the Big City through Go Yeong's journey. I think it also works, in a way, with Ju Yeong. I will quote this post because I think it was so well-written: “It's such a relatable, universally felt loneliness that in particular queer adults feel. and yeah love is nice and all, and it was fleeting and a whirlwind and it came and it went. but that loneliness? Stayed.” I think it also relates well to what Ju Yeong must have felt during these 12 years where he was left with no real answers and the loss of someone he really loved and trusted. I hope that now, Do Hoe and Ju Yeong will be able to start their healing journey: one must free himself from feeling guilty over something he couldn't change and the other must be able to get free of the loneliness he thinks he deserves because of his past. I get that the series is called “let free the curse of Taekwondo”, but we all know it's not Taekwondo that is the curse and both have a different one. The idea is that maybe they are the cure for one another. I wouldn't say love is the only answer, but in a way, it's not only about romantic love, but also self-love. Both are the answer, in my view.

As you can see, I had so much to say about this series and it shows how great it’s for me. I can’t wait to see how they are both going to re-connect, heal and live this love again.

[untilweloveagain]

TOP BLS OF 2024

Starting with:

Last Twilight Released last year and ended this year. Enjoyed it all the way through Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Continuing on with:

Love for Love’s Sake One of the most wholesome while also exploring some dark themes Overall Rating: 8.5/10

4 Minutes Was very confusing but enjoyable Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart Had some really pretty scenes (example above) Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo The exploration of trauma was exceptional Overall Rating: 9/10

Love in the Big City Even if it's not considered a BL for many, I want to give it the appreciation it deserves Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Lastly:

Our Youth One more ep. to go and I’m still not disappointed Overall Rating: 9.5/10 (subject to change)

The End 🌈

[purlpeiris]

Why is Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo not up on iQIYI yet? I want to be suffering through eps 3 and 4 like everyone else is.

I keep trying to skip past spoilers but my willpower is waning and I need the eps already.

[itsza]

2024 Tumblr Top 10

tagged by @spicyvampire ❤

the go young t-ara grp set bout not having good taste in men (920)

the yohan x gaon gifset for tdj third anniversary(833)

kyh moments that live in my head rent free pt 2 (yohan lounging and getting teary) (598)

gaon’s reaction to being pinned to the desk by yohan (love the tags on this one) (596)

gaon in tdj ep 4 dressing scene + yohan's reaction to him (reaction was checking him out :) ) (590)

yohan and gaon looking at each other, captioned he looks at me and I look at him🎵 (553)

gifset of the stray kids red light's mv (#skz_serve_softcore_bdsm_in_your_mvs2025) (539)

gifset of ep 3 of love in the big city focusing on go young and the tattoo guy's relationship (nothing hits like toxic yaoi amirite) (475)

the only let free the curse of taekwondo gifset ive made, consisting of dohoe and juyeong looking at each other (in this house we love a good gayze) (431)

the only textpost on this list (429)

(not tagging anyone cuz it is the last day of the yr )

[gothicbarbie]

Top 25 BL Series of 2024

It's that time of year once again, and I will be ranking my favorite BL's from 2024. Nothing I watched this year was God Tier imo sadly, but there were some great series. Overall though I think I was a bit disappointed with 2024 series compared to previous years. Hoping that 2025 is better for me.

Also just a reminder, nothing that started in 2024 but is still airing will be on this list, they will be on the 2025 list. And if a 2024 series is missing from here it means that I haven't checked it out yet, or I tried 1 episode and it didn't grab me. It might show up on a later list.

TOP TIER 10/10

1.Unknown the Series (Taiwan) - Of all the shows I watched this year I think that this one was the one that grabbed me the most. I actually paid to watch episodes so you know how much I was drawn to it! The chemistry with the main two was so good and I loved the plot so much. I am a bit over step brother type stories at this point, but this one was just so well done. The tension and the chemistry was just insane.

2. The Sign (Thailand) - Like with Unknown ^ this series also really grabbed me and had me waiting for eps week to week, especially in the beginning. I became OBSESSED with BillyBabe and rewatched the eps like 3 times after they aired, that's how into the show I was at the start. It did fall off a bit for me at the end, but the premise and production value of the series was just so good. I def. think it's one of Thailand's Top BL series ever! Gimme more BillyBabe PLEASE!

3. Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (Korea) - Def. my favorite Korean series this year, it was great. There were definitely frustrating moments and episodes but overall I really enjoyed this from start to finish. I just love shows that have tension and angst and drama but also happy endings and the main pairing had a sort of sweetness but also sexiness to them that I just really loved watching.

4. Love in the Big City (Korea) - This series/movie was SO GOOD but I don't really view it as a "BL" in some ways because to me it just felt like a really well done film? I think because it wasn't just about a ship, and it had so many other storylines going on and it was so well rounded. I love that we got to see the story of this man and the different relationships he experienced in his life. The bitter ending sorta left me unsatisfied, (tho I think it was hopeful), and that's why it's not even higher on my list, but everything about this was fantastic.

5. I Hear the Sunspot (Japan) - One of Japan's best series this year imo. It was really great. I really love that we got a deaf character and I also loved the plot and seeing how the main two came together. They had a really subtle sweetness to them that I really enjoyed. It was just a nice (mostly easy) show to watch.

GREAT 9/10

6.Pit Babe (Thailand) - Overall I had some issues with the plot of this, but for the most part it was a very fun and unique series. The main pairing had SO MUCH DAMN CHEMISTRY goodness and their plot was really fun to watch. The side pair was nice too. Babe as a character was just so interesting, I love characters like him that have such a tough exterior until someone can break through. The acting by everyone in this was great and I liked the ABO elements as well. Too bad it sounds like they might remove the element in season 2, but it also wasn't as implied as it should have been, minus a few comments here and there from the characters.

7. Love for Love's Sake (Korea) - Another great series from this year with a super fun plot and cute romance. I wish I had more to say about it but because I binged it SO quickly it's a little tough to remember exactly what it entailed. Definitely one I will need to rewatch soon.

8. Time of Fever (Korean) - This was super short and I binged it so fast but I do remember really loving it. Just wish it was longer. The kiss scenes were great too.

9. Love in the Air Koi (Japan) - Really loved this series, it was such a fun series. A great adaptation of the OG series and a bit more cohesive/concise. I was so pleasantly surprised by the kissing scenes too! Shoma is just so beautiful!

10. Living with Him (Japan) - A very cute series with a sweet plot and nothing too dark or serious. The chemistry between the main two was great.

11. Perfect Propose (Japan) - IMO this was a darker version of the series above lol. I get them a bit mixed up, but this one started off a bit racier and imo had a few more issues. But it was still fun to watch.

Good 8/10

12.Twins the Series (Thailand) - This series was kinda dumb at some points but there is something refreshing about sports BL's sometimes, and I absolutely loved the main pairing in this one. Not sure why but I really enjoyed watching the build up of their story and the overall plot of the show also kept me entertained.

13. Playboyy the Series (Thailand) - This series was MESSY AF. But it was also just a total blast to watch. I was always interested in the plot even if there was so much going on and if some things were dumb/didn't make a lot of sense. It was def. the raciest BL we got this year, and I am def. curious to see what will happen next season.

14. Rebound The Series (Thailand) - Another sports BL. It wasn't super exciting and I skimmed a little bit but overall I enjoyed watching it and I liked the chemistry with the main duo here as well.

15. This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans (Thailand) - This was a fun series to watch, I really shipped the side pairing more than the main pairing and I found the overall plot a bit boring, but it still held my interest.

16. My Love Mix Up (Thailand) - Loved to hear they were adapting this show cuz I liked the OG version. This one didn't hit the spot for me as much but it was still a nice series. And of course loved the main duo. Can never go wrong with GeminiForth in my eyes, their chemistry is just so natural.

17. Takara's No Vidro (Japan) - This was a great little series from Japan. The main pairs chemistry was good and I really liked the progression of their story. Super easy watch.

18. Love is Better the Second Time Around (Japan) - This was actually a great series and prob. should have been higher on my list cuz it was very well done, but I guess I just wasn't as invested in the chemistry of the main couple as other people were, But, I still really enjoyed it.

DECENT 7/10

19. Blue Canvas of Youthful Days (Taiwan) - Nice to see more representation for deaf characters this year! This was another show I enjoyed but I did skim some bits/had some issues. Overall, good series tho.

20. Last Twilight (Thailand) - I know everyone LOVED this series and I can understand why, but for me, it wasn't my favorite. I like JimmySea but dont love them, and I think it started better than it ended. It was just a bit too sad in parts for me but it was a well one series.

21. We Are the Series (Thailand) - Wanted to love this series but I found myself a bit bored with it overall. Of course I loved joongdunk and all the pairs but it was a bit dumb for my taste.

22. 4 Minutes (Thailand) - Another series I wanted to love, but didn't. Probably my own fault for not paying as much attention to it as I should have, I think I missed a lot of what was going on. I found a lot of stuff a bit boring… But the main pairs chemistry was fantastic!

23. Smells Like Green Spirit (Japan) - I loved the premise of this series because we rarely get to see trans/questioning characters on TV like this and I really liked the way they did it for the most part. I had a few issues of course, and overall the series felt a bit wacky at times and there were some yucky moments, but I still thought it was good.

24. Anti Reset (Taiwan) - Very weird premise and I don't usually like silly plots like this one, but I had a good time watching this series. It wasn't anything amazing, but it was fun.

25. Jack and Joker (Thailand) -YinWar are AMAZING and they did a great job in this series. I loved the characters they played and the couples storyline. But as a whole this series bored me a bit, I just don't really care for the mafia type plots on shows. But I think it was a great show.

HONORARY MENTIONS:

These shows missed the top 25 this year and I didn't think they were strong enough to highlight, but I will still rank them because I did enjoy them in parts.

His Man 3 (Korea-Reality) - As a reality series I didn't include this on the list, but it's def. worth the watch. I enjoy this series more than #27 personally. I like all the different dates they have the men go on and how they all mingle with each other etc.

The Boyfriend (Japan-Reality) - So glad Japan sort of did their own version of His Man, but this series fell flat for me. I didn't ship the main couple at all, so that might have been part of it, but I think overall the series was pretty boring. I hated the commentary too. I think the men should go on more dates etc. But, it was a fun show to watch and binge quickly.

Wandee Goodday (Thailand) - Didn't love this one the way other people did. I think the first few eps were interesting but after that it fell really flat for me. I liked the main pair but didn't love them. Overall I just think it could have been better and sexier and the promos made it look way more exciting than it ended up being imo. It was a tad cheesy, actually.

Cosmetic Play Lover (Japan) - Also binged this series quickly so I don't remember all the details. I found the plot a bit boring but I liked the main pairing. Nothing outstanding but enjoyable.

My Stand In (Thailand) - Another sort of weird premise, but I think it worked and I enjoyed watching the plot play out. But overall it was just a bit too toxic for me. I couldn't really get past the abuse, even if the scenes between the main pair were hot.

City boy Log (Korea) - Not exactly a BL and I wasn't super happy with where some of the plots went, but overall I still enjoy the series. The chemistry with the main duo is just TOO GOOD!

Bad Guy My Boss (Thailand) - Super toxic premise but I just had so much fun watching it. I love the main couple and was intrigued to see how they got together. After the first few eps the show started feeling super repetitive and boring and I kinda lost interest, but regardless, I enjoyed skimming through it.

Cherry Magic (Thailand) - Wish I could have loved this series but it just didn't really do it for me. It was okay, and at times I preferred some things to the OG version but it just didn't really have the same charm for me.

Eccentric Romance (Korea/Thai) - These mix series don't really work for me because it just feels forced, but this was a fun little dumb series that I enjoyed lol.

7 Days Before Valentine (Thailand) - Very strange series I thought I was gonna hate but I found myself kinda liking more and more as it went on. Interesting premise and I loved the "main" pairing even though we didn't get a lot of progress for them.

Two worlds (Thailand) - Premise isn't really my thing at all and I skimmed a lot but MAXNAT ARE SO GOOD. I loved their plot and their chemistry.

Love Sea (Thailand) - Loved FortPeat and their chemistry in this but overall I found the plot a little boring. And Peat's character is always such a baby in every series, I'm not a fan of the writing for him.

Cooking Crush (Thailand) - Similar situation here. I like the main duo's chemistry and overall this was a cute series, but cooking shows aren't really my thing. But I still had fun with it.

The Only1 (Taiwan) - This series had good and bad moments for me. I felt overall it was just way too slow. I did like the main pairing and their chemistry but wanted it to move faster.

Night Dream (Korea) - This series was short and I watched it really fast so I don't really remember a lot about it but I think I liked it lol.

+++ Fragile (Korea) - Didn't know where to put this series because its not really BL, but I felt it was worth mentioning because we did get a BL kiss in the final episode and will potentially get a seasons dedicated to the character. I think the series was really fun and worth checking out.

Non-Asian BL series that I enjoyed in 2024:

Rkyter (Norway) - So good and definitely worth checking out! Sadly season 2 didn't deliver so I didn't bother with it but I have hopes we will get more potentially. This isn't technically a BL but the BL ship is good.

Prisma (Italy) - Another great series with a great BL pairing, sadly was cancelled but regardless, still worth checking out.

These series I just didn't love. Maybe I enjoyed the plot, or the ship, but not both. Or I liked it at first, but it kinda lost my interest in the end. Regardless, they were all enjoyable for different reasons and still worth checking out. FYI these are in no particular order:

Happy of the End (Japan) 25 Ji, Akasaka De (Japan) Deep Night (Thailand) Sunset x Vibes (Thailand) Kidnap the Series (Thailand) For Him (Thailand) I Saw You in My Dream (Thailand) OMG Vampire (Thailand) Gray Shelter (Korean) First Note of Love (Taiwan)

Can't say there were any series I HATED but I just found a lot of them boring. I skimmed through most of these series below and don't have a really good opinion on them. But I found a few enjoyable things about them, like the main pairing, or some nice kiss scenes etc. Some of the Korean ones were good, just way too short for me to get invested in. Overall these just weren't my favs that I watched this year and were forgettable to me.

Thailand: Battle of the Writers Memory in the Letter Knock Knock Boys OMG Vampire Only Boo The Trainee Summer Night Series To Be Continued

China: My Intimate Relationship with my Teacher (China)

Taiwan: VIP Only

Vietnam: Vian the Series

Japan: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru My Strawberry Film I Become the Main Role of a BL Drama Sugar Dog Life Sahara Sensei to Toki-kun Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro Ka

Korea: Boys Be Brave Blue Complex Match Play Blossom Campus My Damn Business Seoulblues Blue Boys Bad guy

Older Series that sadly can't make the 2024 list but that I watched in 2024 include: -Oxygen the Series (Didn't love but I liked the pairings) -I Will Knock You (Had some fun bits but felt a bit too platonic for me and toxic in the beginning) -Unforgotten Night (Great first ep imo and then went nowhere. Promo made it look way better than it actually was) -What Zabb Man (Super boring and unforgettable)

FAILURES OF 2024:]

Jazz for Two (Korea) - The one was just a mess. Started with SO MUCH POTENTIAL but starting from ep 3 it went downhill so quickly. It’s not often that Korea gets it wrong imo but this one was so disappointing. The two couples had great chemistry but storyline wise were just so badly done. Both of the “bad boys” in those ships were just straight up abusive and mean? Literally the bully character kicked him in the stomach and face, tried to SA the main character… and both were so homophobic after getting kissed. There were hardly any nice/sweet moments, and the ones that were there felt super rushed. -Addicted Heroin (Thailand) - Just couldn't get into this at all, and I found it really boring and the main duo had zero chemistry. Not to mention it was very platonic feeling imo. -B x J Forever (Filo) - Completely ruined the main pairing and the season 2 plot was such a dud! -Love is like a Cat (Thai) - What were you thinking Mew? This one was just sad (as in bad) and weird lol)

Here's to things hopefully looking up in 2025!

And stay tuned for my top BL pairings from 2024!

Oh, and here are all previous lists since TUMBLR is not saving my tags.

2023: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/737844075622023168/top-30-bls-of-2023

2022: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705139242020618240/my-top-20-bl-series-of-2022

2021: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705227666795741184/my-top-15-bl-series-of-2021

2020: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705674738528354304/my-top-15-bls-of-2020

2019 and earlier: https://gothicbarbie.tumblr.com/post/705678223200174080/my-top-bls-of-2019-and-earlier