K-Dramas have been growing in popularity in recent years. From horror and action to romance, there’s always something to enjoy. However, one romance sub-genre that has been gaining a lot of attention lately is BL (Boys’ Love) and GL (Girls’ Love).
Asian countries are generally considered more conservative, so it’s understandable why this sub-genre may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Despite this, the number of viewers for these series and movies has been steadily growing, partly due to K-pop idols starring in them. Many have taken on the challenge to star in BL and GL K-dramas but for this listicle, we’ll be focusing on 6, so let’s get right into it:
1. 2PM’s Taecyeon (Soul Mate)
In 2024, 2PM member Ok Taecyeon (옥택연) confirmed that he would make his BL debut in the highly anticipated J-drama “Soul Mate”, set to premiere on Netflix this August. He will star alongside Japanese actor Hayato Isomura, who plays his love interest in the series. The story follows a 10-year romance between a Korean man and a Japanese man. Set in Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, the series explores deep connections and enduring love despite physical distance.
2. Girl’s Day’s Hyeri (Friendly Rivalry)
Fans showed excitement when it was announced that Girl’s Day member Hyeri (혜리) was going to star in “Friendly Rivalry”. The singer plays Yoo Jae Yi, a top-ranking student who becomes intertwined with Woo Seul Gi (played by Chung Su Bin), a transfer student who becomes entangled in her classmates’ hidden ambitions and the secret behind her father’s mysterious death. The synopsis reads: “A gripping teen mystery thriller that centres on the intense bond between teenage girls as they navigate a brutal survival competition even more challenging than the entrance exam”.
3. THE MAN BLK’s Cheon Seung Ho (Mr. Heart, Where Your Eyes Linger, Jun & Jun)
Seung Ho (천승호) has not only starred in one but multiple BL series. The singer made his first appearance in “Where Your Eyes Linger” in a supporting role. Although his character didn’t have a love interest in the series, his involvement certainly boosted its popularity. He later took on the lead role in the BL series “Mr. Heart”, playing Han Se Jin’s love interest.
4. OMEGA X’s Jaehan & Yechan (A Shoulder to Cry On)
It’s one thing to star in a TV series alongside your bandmates, but playing each other’s love interest is another matter entirely. OMEGA X members Jaehan (재한) and Yechan (예찬) put their acting skills and friendship to the test when they took on the lead roles in “A Shoulder to Cry On”. The live adaptation of the webtoon of the same name tells the love story of Lee Da-Yeol (Jaehan), a student who dreams of becoming an archer, and Jo Tae-Hyun (Yechan), an immensely popular student who struggles to understand his own emotions due to painful scars from his past.
5. OMEGA X’s Hangyeom (Jazz For Two)
Looks like Jaehan and Yechan weren’t the only OMEGA X members to star in a BL series. Hangyeom (송한겸) actually made his acting debut in 2024 in the BL drama “Jazz For Two”. The idol played the character Do-Yoon, who had to face his internal struggles and feelings towards another character Joo-ha who was played by Kim Jung-ha.
6. ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Ji Woong (Kissable Lips, Roommates Of Poongduck 304)
ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Ji Woong (김지웅) is no stranger to BL. After the idol made his acting debut in 2021, he went on to star in his first BL series “Kissable Lips” playing the main role of Kim Jun Ho. The series is a sweet and bloody campus romance between Jun Ho, a vampire who is walking the path of extinction, and a human with pure blood, Min Hyun.
Honorable Mention – Lee Ha Eum (Tendering Resignation)
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Although she’s not really a K-pop idol, Lee Ha Eum is related to one. TWICE’s Jihyo’s sister made her acting debut last year in the GL drama “Tendering Resignation” adapted from the popular webtoon of the same name.
