#STRONGBERRY SHORT BL SERIES

[bl-bam-beyond]

Hey BL Fans, calling for support for Strongberry. If you can join their YouTube Channel...please do. If not watch their Channel for some quality content.

Strongberry has just released a short series today...Starring Kim Seong Hyuk (he played Milk the cat in Choco Milk Shake...in this short series he's playing Dong Ho)

HAPPY ENDING (2024, SOUTH KOREA)

Episode 1 Premiere January 25, 2024

Available on Strongberry YouTube Channel

Synopsis: One day, Hyun, the owner of a bookstore, stumbles upon his high school diary and reminisces about the past, recalling his unrequited crush on his childhood friend Dong Ho.

Next Episode is February 1, 2024.

The first episode is a little over 6 minutes.

@pose4photoml @lutawolf @wanderlust-in-my-soul @kingofthereblog-boysloveed @absolutebl @bengiyo @thewayofsubtext

Tag your friends...let's get Strongberry some views.

#PART 1 #EPISODE 1 #HAPPY ENDING #STRONGBERRY SHORT BL SERIES #PREMIERE TODAY JANUARY 25 #STARRING KIM SEONG HYUK #ALSO STARRING PARK JUNMOK #My GIFS #MYGIFSET #MY-GIF-EDIT #BL-BAM-BEYOND FAMILY OF BLOGS

[dekaydk]

LGBTQ CONTENT ALERT

Support the folks who make the content we crave

Producer of QL and BL content, Korea's Strongberry is small but scrappy and brought the world a lot more content than you might expect. The CEO had a live session a little while ago, and it was reposted with English subtitles yesterday. Among the takeaways: they have a lot more interest from actors than they used to. Also, some of the content they have distributed was produced by others but needed a distribution outlet, so they are clearly a part of the ecosystem that might not otherwise exist.

It's nice and short, and he says there will be a live session with the actors during March (date TBD). Watch this and drive up the stats! Make their investors realize they have a great audience! 😀

Above all, check out their other content on Gagaoolala and YouTube.

#reblog please - likes are nice but don't spread the word #spread the ql word #in strongberry we trust #korean ql #korean bl #lgbt film #lgbtq films #strongberry #ql series #ql drama #ql short feature #bl series #bl drama #choco milk shake #happy ending the series #Youtube

[blmpff]

HAPPY ENDING THE SERIES

korean bl by Strongberry Originally released as a 20min short in 2022, now re-released as a mini series with 3 episodes (6-9min). One day Hyun, owner of a bookstore, stumbles upon his diary from high school and reminisces about his crush on a childhood friend, Dongho (Kim Seong Hyuk).

PART1:

PART 2:

PART 3:

#so that it's all in one place #happy ending the series #strongberry #kim seong hyuk #korean bl #korean short #video #blmpff #Youtube

[madeinkorea-blbambeyond]

MADE IN KOREA

PARK JUN MOOK

KIM SEONG HYUK

#MADE IN KOREA #KOREAN-SOUTH KOREAN BLOG #HAPPY ENDING #SHORT LENGTH BL SERIES #STRONGBERRY #2024 #From My Main Blog: BL-BAM-BEYOND #My GIFS #MYGIFSET #MY-GIF-EDIT #BL-BAM-BEYOND FAMILY OF BLOGS

[absolutebl]

In Strongberry We Trust

I had a private ask about Strongberry recently so here’s some thoughts.

Strongberry is probably the most established KBL studio, they started in high production shorts/microfilms (as, indeed, did all of KBL) and still specialize in them. They also do some GL. They tend to have very good chemistry, work with professional actors (not idols), and will go high heat. They are now a division of Matchbox, and have been around and steadily producing content since 2017. The CEO is adorable. 

For YEARS Strongberry was the only studio reliably producing BL content out of Korea. And, sometimes the kisses were even good! For real... there was a time, not so long ago, when all we really got was KBL shorts and most of those from Strongberry. Dark days. Except for Strongberry shining one bright light of BL content. They are reliable, HEA, and high quality. 

Hence the fandom slogan...

#In Strongberry We Trust

They often pick odd (or underserved) premises but always execute beautifully. Their stuff is either on YouTube, Gaga, or pay to play on Vimeo, and they do move it around so my links might not always still be working. Vimeo earns them the most money. They are a small, struggling, queer-friendly studio, please support them and their content by not pirating or watching illegally. 

Here's my ranking of Strongberry's offerings.

1. A First Love Story

2021 YouTube short in 2 microfilms 

Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, home setting, soft tone, grumpy/sunshine pairing

Strongberry are true masters of their craft and yet A First Love Story is still one of the best things they have ever produced. It’s the only microfilm every to make one of my year end top ten list. It’s two episodes of about 8 minutes each that manage to perfectly portray the sweetest friends-to-lovers confession ever. It’s joyful, and gentle with its characters, and a little hot. How on earth do they manage to leave us yearning for more yet completely satisfied at the same time? It’s like the perfect amuse-bouche, that one finger food at that one cocktail party that you will never forget. You are a ridiculous human if you haven’t spent 16 minutes with these two boys. Go watch it now. Or go watch it again. It’s time VERY well spent.

2. Long Time No See

2017 Gaga KBL length series (total 1.5 hr, some places packaged as a movie)

Tropes: secret love, enemies to lovers, secret identity, assassins, catfishing, mafia, higher heat, grumpy/sunshine pairing 

One of Strongberry’s few longer pieces and I often wonder whether this is strictly BL. It’s about assassins on either side of a terf war who fall in love not knowing they are on opposite sides. Or do they? Good fight sequences, mature characters, high heat, very suspenseful, AND an HEA. If you like KinnPorsche you will LOVE this one.

3. Some More

2018 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, hyung romance, self acceptance, countryside setting, soft tone, age gap, country boy/city boy

One of my most favorite of Strongberry’s shorts, about a city boy on a bike tour who gets injured and rescued by a taciturn, but (as it turns out) very gay, farmer. Mentions of pride, adorable supportive cousin. SO CUTE with excellent chemistry and featuring tropes I can never get enough of. 

3. Private Lessons

2019 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: student/teacher, jock/nerd, hyung romance, obsession, crush, university setting, May/December, age gap  

Given it is age gap and teacher/student (AKA P’ABL’s catnip) it should rate higher on my list, but the chemistry is slightly off. Stil I do love this one for the dynamic. Certainly worth watching especially if this is one of your fav yaoi tropes.

4. Step For You

2018 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, sports, university setting, crush, jock/nerd, soft tone

About a reporter from the student newspaper who has to interview an older dancer and falls in love with him. This may not have been my first Strongberry, but it’s the first one I remember watching. 

5. Please Tell Me So

2021 YouTube microfilm (AKA That's My Mr.Right!) 

Tropes: crush, obsession, cafe setting, sunshine/sunshine pairing 

Cute barista (played by Han Hyun Jun star of Love Class) has a crush on his customer, musters up the courage to ask him out. 

6. My Pistachio

2018 Gaga microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, crush, hero worship, hyung romance, university setting, play within a play, grumpy/sunshine 

7. As if You Whisper

2019 Gaga movie

Tropes: friends to lovers, self acceptance, music industry setting, grumpy/sunshine pairing

8. Confidential Coffee Break

2021 Vimeo microfilm

Tropes: mature romance, long term relationship, self acceptance, university setting, one act

It’s a monologue piece about two closeted older gay professors discussing changing times and the nature of acceptance (self and others) in modern day South Korean academic environment. 

9. Hold Me

2021 YouTube microfilm

Tropes: friends to lovers, self acceptance, high school setting

10. Sweet Curse 

2021 Gaga short

Tropes: horror, paranormal elements, ghost story, possession, obsession, gay friendship group, everyone wants that one boy, bad/good

This is a low-gore atmospheric horror, with some very high heat. I’m not saying it’s in the top 10 just because of that, but I am saying when Strongberry does high heat it v good and v gay. 

OTHERS

My Personal Trainer - 2019 short Gaga. It v silly and v gay. Influencer has crush on his personal trainer. 

Secret Roommate - 2020 short Gaga, Cohabit, self acceptance, home setting, family, coming out 

Fingers After - 2021 microfilm Vimeo. Cohabit, morning after, home setting, pining, sunshine/tsundere pairing. 

Secret Spectacles - 2017 microfilm Gaga. Very silly again, friends to lovers, paranormal elements, university crush.

Table Manner - 2018 microfilm Gaga. Cohabit, self acceptance, home setting, long term relationship 

The Summer Pasta Recipe - 2021 short YouTube, reunion, self acceptance, grumpy/sunshine.

There my be a few more I don’t know about, MDL doesn't seem to have a sort function for production company. 

NEW! 

Choco Milk Shake 

2022 YouTube KBL length series (total 1.5 hr) 

Tropes: cohabit, F2L, paranormal elements, home setting, soft tones, sunshine/tsundere. 

Two pets, a cat and a dog, reincarnate as humans to visit their old owner. Stongberry gave us a full length BL on YouTube! It’s a BL miracle and an endless delight. It was wonderfully cute, unexpectedly hilarious but expectedly silly, a little too poignant, occasionally gut wrenching and with a somewhat expected weird (but happy-ish) ending. The actors playing the two pets must have had the best time. As, indeed, did I watching it. Jealous Milk made me cackle so hard it scared the actual cat on my lap. Choco was perfectly cast, and the chemistry was ultimately decent. In Strongberry I still trust. Thank you thank you, may we have another, sirs?

Two Other KBL shorts worth checking out:

Just Friends? 

2009 Gaga short 

I consider this one of Korea’s first actual BLs. Boyfriends, one of whom is on military leave, trying to decide on coming out and their future together. Bonus for out gay director and queer activist. 

Being Me 

2018 short Gaga 

A summer of love for two long term besties who have basically always been boyfriends, but when a girl tries to date one of them, they finally realize it. Beautifully filmed and a STELLAR ending kiss. 

(source) 

#korean BL #KBL #korean drama #Kdrama #Korean short films #Korean queer films #high quality short dramas #happy endings #strongberry #in strongberry we trust #InStrongberryWeTrust #GaGaOOLaLa #Choco Milk Shake #vimeo #A First Love Story #Long Time No See #gay assassins #Step For You #My Pistachio #as if you whisper #Confidential Coffee Break #Sweet Curse #Secret Roommate #Fingers After #Just Friends? #Secret Spectacles

[heretherebedork]

The strongberry CEO’s letter was really interesting to read. The stuff about the harassment is gross and unacceptable and if they believe it’s only one person I hope they can take some sort of legal action against that person (though it may be more difficult if they’re outside Korea). But separate from that, I thought his commentary on fanservice and popularity was very interesting. It reads as though he believes at this point in the industry fanservice is basically a requirement now. I feel like if a queer production house feels that way, then other production companies must feel the same way.

It is interesting to me bc before Strongberry started making their more sweet love stories, Matchbox (who seems to be their partner) made a series of short films that were typically much more gritty and dealt with queer themes you don’t see depicted often in BL in Korea (host bars/sex work, dating apps/hookup culture, beauty standards, etc), and I sincerely doubt when those films were made that they felt as though the actors needed to do fanservice. Though I guess I can only assume as I have no idea what the promotion (if any) was like.

Further, I liked him talking about how yes of course some straight actors take BL roles for popularity but then when they and the show gain that popularity that then opens doors for more opportunities and funding for queer projects, which can then helps make gay love more normalized. I appreciated this a lot because I see a lot of people downplaying popular media as a form of activism, but it absolutely can be. Will and Grace is often credited for helping to increase gay acceptance in the US in the 90s/00s, for instance!

He even mentions how the popularity has likely driven the government to provide funds for productions (I assume he is referencing the Love in the Big City adaptations and I’m very interested to see how that show and movie are marketed).

I also appreciate how he talked about how it would be basically impossible to make BL in Korea if companies tried to insist on only hiring gay actors. I think it would be good for some people to remember that.

I don’t really have a specific point or question I don’t think, I just had a lot of thoughts about that letter and what was said apart from the harassment. Though I do sincerely hope the actor and his girlfriend are doing alright and I hope they can curb the harassment soon, it’s so shameful to know that is happening to them.

I mean, admittedly, this is why I mostly stay out of that except to express my inherent discomfort with the way people view actors and fanservice.

Yes, he said fantastic things and explained many things but he should never had had to do that.

I should never have seen a two page post trying to 'explain' why Ohm and Nanon aren't doing another BL together that absolutely assumed they're really dating and went from there.

I shouldn't be worried about naming other couples because even here people will come and no really me about them dating because of the way they do fanservice.

I actually worry more about gay actors in a way because putting their sexuality on display like this can be actually dangerous for them (see the attack on Holland' so...

What I'm saying is that I am glad he said that and I am glad people agree but I also wish he didn't have to and that there are sides to this fandom the scare me.

#asked and answered

[gunsatthaphan]

~ Monthly BL Breakdown: June 2022 ~  

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

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

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

🌟 Pa Thirsty - June 1st (Philippines)

🌟 Sky In Your Heart - June 3rd (Thailand) ✅

🌟 To My Star 2 - June 5th (South Korea) ✅

🌟 I Want To See You - June 5th (Vietnam)

🌟 Check Out - June 11th (Thailand) ✅

🌟 Old Fashion Cupcake - June 13th (Japan)

🌟 Senpai, This Can’t Be Love! - June 16th (Japan)

🌟 I Only Want to See you - June 17th (Japan)

🌟 Love Mechanics - June 18th (Thailand) ✅

🌟 Unforgotten Night - June 22nd (Thailand) ✅

🌟 You Light Up My Life Again - June 26th (China) 

🌟 Even Sun Series - June 29th (Thailand) ✅

🌟 Wash My Heart - June 29th (Japan)

Monthly likes/dislikes

❣️ My Secret Love - I’m absolutely loving this show!! it’s so hilarious and the perfect proof that you can actually make something out of a seemingly simple bl plot lol. The dynamic between Mek and Kim is super entertaining, also Lee and Park have no business being the most adorable couple I’ve ever seen djkghfd. I love them so much. The setup is nice and it plays with several bl clichés in a very cunning way. Super excited for the rest of the season!! 💜 

👎🏻 To My Star 2 - Never thought I would ever put this as my dislike of the month lol and if you’re following me you’re probably fed up with me constantly ranting about it jkfgdf but yeah. Very disappointed and I don’t see any way to fix this mess in the remaining 2 episodes. Pity. 

New series announcements

🎥 Punk Spy (starring Mii2 & others) - Date TBA (Thailand) 

🎥 A Shoulder to Cry On - coming September 2022 (South Korea)

🎥 Blueming: The Movie (147 min runtime) - Date TBA (South Korea)

🎥 사랑은댕냥댕냥 (produced by Strongberry) - Date TBA (South Korea)

🎥 Eccentric Romance (Thai-Korean collaboration, from the producers of Peach of Time) - Date TBA (South Korea / Thailand) 

🎥 Star Struck (web novel adaption) - Date TBA (South Korea) 

🎥 180 Degrees Longitude Between Us - Coming August 14th (Thailand) 

🎥 Jun and Jun -  Date TBA (South Korea)

🎥 Semantic Error: The Movie (178 min runtime) - Coming August 23rd (South Korea) 

🎥 Love in the Big City (novel adaption) - Date TBA (South Korea) 

🎥 Back to My First Love - Date TBA (Taiwan) 

🎥 Unintentional Love Story - Date TBA (South Korea) 

🎥 Oh My Assistant - Date TBA (South Korea) 

🎥 Love is Like a Cat (starring Mew Suppasit and others) - Coming 2023 (South Korea/Thailand) 

Other news from the BL world

❗️Thai actor Copter Panuwat came out as non-binary on Twitter and had an interview with TeenVogue. 

❗️The post-apocalyptic Thai BL “Till the World Ends” (starring Art Pakpoom & others) will premiere on September 3rd 2022. 

❗️The upcoming Korean BL “Heesu In Class 2” will start shooting in August and will most likely be released towards the end of the year. It will have a runtime of 40-60 minutes per episode. The main actors have been chosen but not revealed yet. 

❗️The upcoming Thai drama “Remember Me”, starring JaFirst and others has been announced to air on October 9th. It is still unclear whether or not it will be a bl. 

❗️”Our Season” is a 3 episode variety show that features the cast of Semantic Error. It premiered on June 29th on Gagaoolala. 

❗️Fittings for the upcoming Thai BL “Moonlight Chicken” have started. 

❗️Mew Suppasit will star in the upcoming Korean-Thai BL “Love is Like a Cat”. His costars are 2 former kpop idols from the group JUST B. Details have yet to be announced.  

❗️Fiat Patchata (formerly Pattadon) was announced as the lead of the upcoming BL “Wish Me Luck”. Further details are yet to be announced. 

Upcoming series & movies for July

☝🏻 Rainbow Lagoon (short film) - July 4th (Thailand) 

☝🏻 Oh! My Sunshine Night - July 4th (Thailand) 

☝🏻 Vice Versa - July 16th (Thailand) 

☝🏻 Coffee Melody - July 18th (Thailand)

#doreens monthly bl breakdown #monthy bl breakdown #i just read that copter interview with teenvogue and i almost cried #so many good points were made by everyone involved and im so proud :( #this is so much more important than ppl are willing to talk about #lets just hope for some better career choices that dont include shows that make you question your state of soberness nkjfdgdf #sigh #but anyway #im still screaming over this punk spy thing #like what even----- #jfc #seems like an april fools joke #hmmmm #also korea be coming at us again with another truckload of bls lmao #i hope at least some of them are good #hhhhh #LUNAR COCK IS COMING!!!! #dbfgfdg #also that new bl with Mew sounds so fake lmaooo #also the 2 kpop dudes joining him??? is it april 1st? kjdhgkjfdg #but we shall see #rant over #happy july! #'t has been a good pride month lol

[loveisfx]

top 5 bls!

ooo okay i have to preface this by saying i havent watched that many bls, still have a long watchlist to go through! but i do have some faves!

old fashioned cupcake: short and sweet and so perfect, both the manga and the drama!

the untamed: granted this was censored but wangxian are sooooo in love, its so obvious despite the censors!! the actors did such a good job, esp wang yibo!!

i told sunset about/i promised you the moon: this hands down one of the best thai bl series ever (tho it could be also considered queer series)!!! the cinematography, the music, the acting!!! its just *chefs kiss*!! IT WILL MAKE YOU CRY PREPARE TISSUES!!! i need a new bilkin/pp krit drama like yesterday!!

long time no see: strongberry are known for their lgbt series, and they knock it out of the park always!!! its so good, i just did a rewatch! i rlly want a sequel just to have more romance scenes!! please support strongberry and buy the full series, only 11 bucks, plus they have other amazing lgbt series (link: https://vimeo.com/strongberrykr)

gameboy: a super adorable filipino bl that everyone should watch!!! it was set during the pandemic so the scene where the two meet in person for the first time is really really heartwarming!!!

#i have sooo many other bls i love so this was hard #japan bl #korean bl #filipino bl #thai bl

[youdontloveme-yet]

'A First Love Story' ep.2

#a first love story #strongberry #short series #kim hyeong won #jung jae woon #kdrama #kbl #korean bl #asianlgbtqdramas #vx:gifs #vx:edits #vx:k.edits

[shortpplfedup]

BEST OF BL 2021 BONUS CATEGORY: BEST SHORT FORM CONTENT

It would be remiss of me not to mention my favourite BL movies, minis, specials, short films and other non-series content this year.

Movies

Hello Stranger: The Movie (Black Sheep/YouTube) | Dir. Dwein Baltazar | Cast: Tony Labrusca, JC Alcantara | The Philippines

My heart. Xavier struggles with his mixed-up ideas of what it means to be a good person, breaking his own and Mico's hearts in the process before eventually realising that the heart can only want what it wants. Mahal kita.

Gameboys: The Movie (The IdeaFirst Company/Netflix) | Dir. Ivan Andrew Payawal | Cast: Kokoy de Santos, Elijah Canlas | The Philippines

Cai and Gav fall even deeper in love and navigate the beginnings of a sexual relationship, surrounded by the best little found family in BL.

To My Star (Movie) (H & Co/EnergeDic/Viki) | Dir. Hwang Da Seul | Cast: Son Woo Hyun, Kim Kang Min | Korea

Kang Seo Joon and Han Ji Woo fall in love in this cosy slice of life domestic odd-couple drama. I preferred the movie cut to the series purely for pacing reasons.

Minis

A First Love Story (Strongberry/YouTube/Vimeo) | Dir. Eom Ju Ho | Cast: Kim Hyeong Won, Jung Jae Woon | Korea

This 2-episode micro-series from Strongberry gave me more in 15 minutes than a lot of BLs can do with 12 full-length episodes and a special. When Min Gyu hugged Jae Seong and said 'don't go' my cold dead heart came to life.

Short films

Last Twilight in Phuket (Nadao Bangkok/YouTube) | Dir. Boss Naruebet Kuno | Cast: Billkin Putthipong Assaratanakul, PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn | Thailand

I KNOW y'all are sick of me and all things ITSAY, but what a work of art. 14 minutes of breathtaking cinematography and heart-fluttering emotion.

Half My Life, All My Heart [The Story] (GMM Grammy/YouTube) | Cast: Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri, Mix Sahaphap Wongratch | Thailand

13 minutes long (18 if you include the MV that completes the story) and the FEELS. Earth and Mix have unbelievable chemistry and the story of Whale and Talay is so deeply told in the short runtime.

Close Friend (Night/Mek) (SHORYUKEN Production/ViuTV) | Dir. Chacree Rujiviphat | Cast: Jimmy Karn Kritsanaphan, Tommy Sittichok Pueakpoolpol | Thailand

I don't know what kind of magic Tommy and Jimmy somehow manage to create together, but give me more of it. Penpals Night and Mek fall in love in the hazy pre-internet 90s.

Summerdaze (Crowdfunding Trailer) (Telescope Studios/YouTube) | Cast: David Eung, Alfred Sng | Singapore

A concept trailer that makes you want the whole series immediately. The story of two actors who fall in love while shooting a BL. First ever BL to come out of Singapore.

My Broken Love Story (Part 2) (YouTube) | Cast: Xia En, Xia De, Ryan Hsu | Taiwan

A retrospective on a breakup, told in snippets and snatches. Ryan Hsu plays the cheating boyfriend of one of the twins from Make Our Days Count.

Specials

Lovely Writer Special Episode (Dee Hup House/WeTV) | Dir. Tee Bundit Sintanaparadee | Cast: Kao Noppakao Dechaphatthanakun, Up Poompat Iam-samang | Thailand

Well I had fun with it. Part horror fantasy, part romantic comedy, pure crack, as we check in on Nubsib and Gene two years into their relationship.

#bestofbl2021 #best of bl 2021 #best short form content #hello stranger the movie #gameboys the movie #to my star #a first love story #last twilight in phuket #half my life all my heart #half life whole heart #the story #close friend #summerdaze #my broken love story #lovely writer special

[bl-bam-beyond]

HAPPY ENDING (2024, SOUTH KOREA)

Episode 1 of 3

Post 2

It's From Strongberry.

Hyun (PARK JUNMOK) remembers his school days and the friend that made his heart flutter Dong Ho (KIM SEONG HYUK)

@pose4photoml @lutawolf @kingofthereblog-boysloveed @absolutebl @bengiyo @thewayofsubtext @wanderlust-in-my-soul

#POST 2 #EPISODE 1 #HAPPY ENDING #PREMIERE #AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON YOUTUBE #STRONGBERRY YOUTUBE CHANNEL #ORIGINAL RELEASE AS SHORT FILM IN SOUTH KOREA I THINK #SHORT LENGTH SERIES #SUPPORT STRONGBERRY #My GIFS #MYGIFSET #MY-GIF-EDIT #BL-BAM-BEYOND FAMILY OF BLOGS

[kexing]

Did I miss something on my sweet dear, I thought the show was going to be at least 25 min but I saw that’s it’s still 12 min episodes. I don’t understand korea is seeing that it’s working and people are watching their BL so why they don’t start producing actual show ?

yeah it’s the same old run time. i mean, i can’t say that that doesn’t upset me because it legit does and i don’t know what really happens that they just can’t make bigger bls except for budget??? it might be more complicated than we know or not. i can’t tell

but strongberry has been releasing short films for YEARS and still hasn’t managed to make a full series either. every time i watch their content it makes me so happy but also a part of me dies because there’s SO much potential to be explored there and yet no time at all 😭😭😭😭😭

but the way WILL come, i’m sure of that!!! just hope i’m alive to see it alskaksk

stay strong friend!!!! ❤️💙

#these shows are little miracles and i’m thankful for them #i just really hope things get better for kbls eventually 🥺🥺 #anonymous #mj got mail!

[janujaja]

Thankyou @bad-buddy-owns-my-ass ! Mine is going to sound extremely cliche BUT WHO CARES.

1. Your all time favorite bl and why

It's Bad Buddy. I am sorry to sound generic but an introvert like me started POSTING on tumblr because of this show. It's Bad Buddy. I have no qualms. Come @ me, I DONT CARE.

As for the reason, I think BB kind of has paved the way for a better future for the BL industry. Its characteristic feature is that it employs literally all BL tropes but in a way that doesn't make us cringe at the misogynistic and heteronormative undertones that every other BL shamelessly over - employs.

(Honestly how I am supposed to watch another bl after this, I have no clue).

2. That one bl that scarred you for life

I won't say it SCARRED me but the last few eps of Bite Me were truly upsetting. The one thing I hate is half assed endings that do NOT keep up with how the first half of the series went. It sucked and I was so sad that I couldn't even watch it after ep 7 or something. And I was even an actual fan of the slow romance. (I Know it's an UNPOPULAR OPINION OKAY)

Other than that, I just simply do not watch emotionally scarring stuff. Sorry, I am fragile and CANNOT do bad and sad endings.

Also, perhaps the fact that BB almost was about to give us a sad/ambiguous ending did emotionally scar me 😌

3. Is there any bl that made you feel very single

I mean other than BB as a whole bl that made me feel super uper duper single, cuz OHM and NANON, I also felt weirdly single when I saw Mark and Kit interactions in Gen Y S1. Idk, it's something about the whole sunshine and tsundere chemistry that STRIKES me. OH other than that, there were so many instances in 1000 stars (ESPECIALLY EPISODE 5 WHERE THEY LITERALLY BLUSHED AND FLIRTED WITH EACH OTHER asking for kite matches and whatnot ugh it was too much for my heart to handle).

4. If you could change one thing from a bl, which one would it be?

Make Pure and Folk the main couple of My Gear and Your Gown (2020). They were splendid, and although I like Marc, babe, I think you need to work a bit more on your acting skills.

5. That one bl you detest (don’t hold back)

I dont really detest any. There are millions which made me cringe so hard that I stopped watching, though. There is no space for detest in my heart 😌🤣.

(And the first on the cringe list is Tonhon Chonlathee 😌😌)

6. Your top 5

1. BAD BUDDY (need I say)

2. ITSAY (NEED I SAY)

3. Keita Hatsukoi (need I say pt.3)

4. GEN Y S1 ONLY (SHUT UP 😳)

5. Manner of Death (hot murder boys)

7. That trashy bl that you lowkey like

2Moons2. I will not expand. Stop. I AM SHALLOW AS FRICK I KNOW.

8. Your favorite Korean bl (it’s important we know)

To my Star without a doubt. I love it. I love them. Thankyou.

9. But also your top 3 for kbls

1. To My Star

2. A first love story ep 1 and 2 by the Korean production house Strongberry. (it is SHORT AND THATS THE ONLY FACT I HATE ABOUT THE SERIES).

3. Light On me (the kiss scene never happened).

Special mention to the Korean gay movie 'Just Friends?' (These titles amirite 😏) cuz I love the two characters in it so much.

10. Season 2? Which one?

I normally do not like season 2 cuz I feel like a majority of them disappoint me, but the only one which I am even willing to consider is Manner of Death S2 with Tat and Sorawit. Thankyou. I love them. Thankyou.

11. A bunch of dramas will air soon. Which ones are you most excited for?

I am actually not EXCITED excited for any of them but I am willing to push my prejudices aside and watch most of them if they give me top quality chemistry and acting skills like OhmNanon did.

12. Tag them! @another-bad-buddy-stan   @anuwrites @the-happy-fujoshi (AND ANY ONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO!!!)

[ctl-yuejie]

Tagging Game:  Top 5 BL dramas/series and 5 Honorable Mentions you would recommend

tagged by @weilongfu​, thanks love - I always have fun reading your recaps and recommendations and I also love these tag games!

Top 5 Series (in no particular order)

Boundary Crossing / Crossing The Line  / 越界  (Taiwan, 2018)

Short Indie series, but the two main leads have perfect chemistry and deliver a stellar performance in a light-hearted high school romance. A plus is the school delinquent x model student trope and dealing with repercussions of sport injuries and recovery. This series hit very close to home so this is one of my all time favourites. 

Long Time No See / 롱타임노씨 (South Korea, 2017) (and other works from strongberry, but they fall more into the short movie category) 

Another indie project delivering the perfect mix of action & romance. Haven’t seen such an ambitious mlm series in terms of plot and strongberry as a production company on a whole just delights me: they always have a happy end for queer couples.

The Untamed / 陈情令  (China, 2019)

Delightfully plot heavy with complex characters and themes and a wonderful romance that still has me obsessed with the main couple, despite the censorship. 

In The Flesh (UK, 2013 - 2014)

This not quite mainstream not quite indie production manages to intertwine the setting of post-zombie apocalypse britain with thoughtful discussions of substance abuse, homophobia, prejudice and suicide. Again, the main characters are amazing and the actors delivered excellent performances (be aware of possibly triggering content)

What Did You Eat Yesterday / きのう何食べた？  (Japan, 2019)

The most delightfully wholesome mlm show I know of. Never shying away from difficult topics but always putting the beautiful relationship of the main couple and their wonderful cooking in the forefront. The only series starring a couple beyond their 20s in a same sex relationship. 

5 Honorable Mentions

Queer as Folk (USA, 2000 - 2005): my first mlm series, still relevant and a milestone in queer representation on screen.

Skam (Norway, 2015 - 2017) + international remakes: while I have only seen snippets it is great to know that teenagers in so many countries have this series with queer characters readily available. 

Diary of Tootsies ( Thailand, 2016 - 2017) / Wake Up Chanee (Thailand, 2018): Putting them together because these are series with an ensemble cast and not focusing exclusively on mlm content. Nevertheless funny and delightful with a huge variety of mlm love stories and especially diverse representation of gay/bi/queer men.

HIStory3: Trapped (Taiwan, 2019): Another indie project with an action and romance plot intertwined. Very entertaining with actors that give their best and some delightful silliness. 

Sense8 (USA, 2015 - 2018): Another series with an ensemble cast that needs special acknowledgement for its ridiculous production quality, diverse cast & crew and fantastic story concept. 

tagging: @scheusal​ @sarah-yyy​ @sluttynewwiee​ @tok0soul​ @stebeee​ @piningbisexuals​ @earthpodd​ @howdydowdy​ @bengiyo​ @pumpkinpaix​ -> if you feel like doing this <3

#ctlyuejie writes #tag game #lovely mutuals are lovely #i am going to indulge in the pain that it in the flesh now #long post

[absolutebl]

Hi!!! I love your blog so much, especially your weekly summaries-- they are just so helpful! I was wondering if you know of any Bls with the military/policemen/fire fighters? I know military service is mandatory in thailand and south korea so I was wondering if there were any Bls that have one the main characters in the military (or police, firefighters etc.) Thanks so so much!

Hi!!! Thank you!

BL BADGE BUNNIES ACTIVATED!

Sure thing. There are a few, not many. Countries with conscription policies (e.g. Korea & Thailand) usually have a defacto ban on realistic/non-positive representation of military service in their media. In other words, BL by its nature (gay in military) stays away from this setting.

BLs in uniform (featuring military/policemen/fire fighter romances)

A Tale of Thousand Stars Thai 2021 YouTube (ranger) - With great casting and cinematography this drama nods at BL tropes but manages to elevate them (and itself) with a strong mature story concept about a spoiled rich kid who gets a heart transplant and becomes a teacher it order to pay out survivor’s guilt. On the way he falls in love with a local park ranger and contends with his own classism and escapist tendencies. Everyone seemed to perfectly suit their roles and GMMTV made the most out of its stable. Combined with excellent production (and post production) values, 1000 Stars is without question GMMTV’s most mature, charming, and smart BL series. I think it should go down as one of the top BLs of all time. I feel safe recommending this one to friends and non BL watchers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

HIStory 3: Trapped Taiwan 2019 Viki (cop) - Basically the definition of enemies to lovers from Lin Pei Yu. This is a cop + the mafia man he is chasing but WAIT, they fall in love. Added bonus side couple: assassin and nerd cop ALSO falling in love. It’s great. All the leads are stellar. Its high heat, fun action, and a bit of a mystery drama but pretty about all of it. My only warning is that the main couple doesn’t entirely end up together, it’s implied, but… amorphous ending. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Your Name Engraved Herein Taiwan 2020 Netflix? (army, recent history) - This movie is fantastic but it is also seriously depressing, it’s a self acceptance journey, but if you wanna wallow in high quality acting and serious gay drama, this’ll do it. MIXED REC, NOT FOR SPECIFICALLY BL FANS

S.C.I. AKA SCI Mysteries China/Hong Kong 2018 YouTube? (censored bromance, cops) - This is a police procedural with a censored main couple of police investigators who live together basically as husbands, it’s just not talked about. This is one of the first BLs I ever saw (I found their relationship very confusing). RECOMMENDED

Guardian China 2018 grey (censored bromance, cop) - Episodic urban fantasy meets police procedural, one of the most epic long term pinings in the history of long term pinings. RECOMMENDED

Light Taiwan 2021 Gaga (cop) - Ironically titled movie about a street hustler (incest, rape, abuse survivor - all depicted on screen) who falls in (and in love with) an undercover cop. TRIGGERS

Shorts & Sides

A First Love Story Korea 2021 YouTube & Gaga (military service) - Strongberry are true masters of their craft and yet A First Love Story is still one of the best things they have ever produced. It’s the only microfilm ever to make one of my year end top ten list. It’s two episodes of about 8 minutes each that manage to perfectly portray the sweetest friends-to-lovers confession ever. It’s joyful, and gentle with its characters, and a little hot. How on earth do they manage to leave us yearning for more yet completely satisfied at the same time? It’s like the perfect amuse-bouche, that one finger food at that one cocktail party that you will never forget. You are a ridiculous human if you haven’t spent 16 minutes with these two boys. Go watch it now. Or go watch it again. It’s time VERY well spent. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Just Friends? Korea 2009 Gaga (military service) - Boyfriends, one of whom is on military leave, trying to decide on coming out and the future. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

(also one of Korea's first BLs, they would NOT stick to this style, it's way more Taiwan feeling.)

The Immeasurable Taiwan 2021 Gaga (cop) - Police officer falls in love with a student who turns out to be an anti-establishment activist. MIXED REC

DanYok side couple in Not Me (cop)

I've left out bodyguards and historicals (or both).

I've left out the super dark, unhappy, violent, rapey, and pinks, because... I don't like 'em, and you asked me... so...

Now you know why the BL adaptation I want more than ANYTHING is Decedents of the Sun, soldier+healer but GAY? Come on, it writes itself!

(source)

#asked and answered #military bl #police bl #bl badge bunnies #Thai BL #Taiwanese Bl #Korean bl #A Tale of Thousand Stars #earthmix #HIStory 3: Trapped #rakutan viki #gagaoolala #Your Name Engraved Herein #SCI Mysteries #chinese bromance #A First Love Story #Strongberry #DanYok #Decedents of the Sun but make it gay you cowards

[heretherebedork]

Top tier comfort bl’s list?

This is a good one. Okay, I picked things that tend to watch when I need something distracting or just need to relax. You'll notice that a lot of this list is short or only parts of things and that's because when I'm upset I don't tend to sit down for a long series. I need something that's soothing and almost instantly relaxing.

Tossara: I feel like this one is obvious? They're so soft and so nice and there's just no conflict or issues and it's just a soothing watch. I also love the theme song and know every beat of this show. So, seriously.

History 1: Obsessed: I know this doesn't seem like a comfort one but it just... I love it so much, okay? I love it and I know it so well and I skip a few scenes but it's mostly just an interesting little journey and I really enjoy it.

LBC (AePete cut): SOFTEST. BOYS. EVER. I love them so much. I still cannot believe they were the main couple of a show. And just watching them come together and Ae discover that he's a demisexual feral demon and cradling Pete's face in his hands? Yeessss.

Oxygen: This one... I have to be in the right mood but in the right mood this one is a huge comfort. They're so soft and so sweet but it is a lot of skipping to make sure I don't see the doctors. So it's comfort but not like 'really bad' comfort just 'oh, I need soft' comfort.

Nitiman: Soft! I love these darlings and cannot wait until it's fully legit uploaded so I can binge it regularly. Still not likely to be in my regular rotation but definitely excited for it to be avaialable.

Certain episodes of Y-Destiny: This one is specific. SunNuea. SunNuea, occasionally PuthKeang and rarely the second episode of TirMasukJia. They're all very good and very soft but I mostly just watch SunNuea again and again.

Be Loved in House: It's not even over yet and I've already rewatched large portions of this show, okay? I love all the soft comfort scenes and with the promise of a sappy af ending... this is DEFINITELY gonna be a comfort show.

Cherry Magic: Again, full series, so not super often. But sometimes the need just strikes and I watch a couple episodes.

Long Time No See: This movie is AMAZING. If I need something that's super engrossing and different, this is where I go. Comfort when I need a true distraction.

Secret Spectacles: A little short that I just adore, okay? It's silly and absurd and cute and I love it and I'll watch it again and again and again.

Step For You: Another short! This one is so soft and sweet. I love Strongberry so much, okay?

#comfort bl #top tier comfort bl #tossara #oxygen bl #nitiman #y destiny #be loved in house #cherry magic #long time no see #secret spectables #step for you #history 1: obsessed #lbc #aepete #yeah these are my comforts