Korean LGBT+ Main & Side Characters/Romances

#302

Ep 2 features a main romance between two FLs, Juyeon and Eojin.

Their story was a bit of a mess conflict-wise, but overall it was kind of sweet for what it was.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnum-Y055p2HHJVbDyr0sPmqMPxy1FXdm

#303

Features a FL with unrequited feelings for her best friend (FL).

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqCoVH1bdO9-CH30p-ysnqneHzfkwlUCR 

#306

Features a Lesbian FL exploring herself and romance.

I liked the symbolism of the lighter flame being struck as she decides to let her sexuality finally burn freely. Wonderful! Also, the line, "Forget others. Choose to be yourself."

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy0sMBM6Fh9HljeHvWC766LG_LaYAE477 

#307

Features a side romance between two FLs, Cho Min Ji (FL's best friend) and Lee Mi Ju.

It was difficult to parse through the information available on this pair's relationship. I would have added more info, but I didn't want to put anything incorrect. I am somewhat interested in this drama, so if/when I do watch it, I will update this accordingly.

Can be found on Netflix

#308

Features a romance between two FLs, Park Hye Won and Yun Seon Hae. In Ep 5, we see them move in together and learn they deal with prejudice and misunderstandings not just because they are a Lesbian couple but because of their age difference, with Park Hye Won being older and Yun Seon Hae being younger. 

I don't want to spoil the drama at all, so unfortunately, I feel like that's all I can say. You'll just have to trust me when I say not only is Light Shop touching, but the representation is as well.

My thoughts on the drama itself: "I hope we don't meet again."

Can be found on Disney+, Hulu, or free websites

#310

Features Lesbian characters and the blossoming of a romance between President Hong and Cha Song Joo. Coming out or confusion about sexuality also isn't an issue here.

This wasn't some deep romance; it was more sweet and showed the beginnings of flirting.

Link to YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orVUVWOXIa4&list=PLTwpl5IWgPSF8Erl1COAhk-qqPY_U6yOJ 

#312

Main blossoming romance between two FLs, Kang Yoon Ah and Han Ji Woo. Also, a sort-of-love triangle. Coming out or confusion about sexuality also isn't much of an issue here.

My thoughts on the drama itself: It was okay for what it was. It's a short watch that's kind of cute and without big conflicts. Maybe give it a try if you want something to pass the time.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjQnh3jVKk-Kxyp989Dz9V2RD0ZOz3nha&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

#313

Main romance between two FLs.

*cries in only four episodes*

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-eVDVGRk5oRC9Kn0rgvQhfbGF3dRW7RY 

#314

Main romance between two FLs.

This was a weird but interesting watch.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgT7UBXSh54&list=PLdBvEUNP7RyeLcb8WCKDnRjOxqTW00fun&index=4 

#316

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: The two leads felt like a true couple, with lovely, passionate moments as well as outbursts. But while the story was cohesive, for the most part, the ending felt rushed and thrown together. Which was a shame, as I thought their final conflict had room for exploration.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwQgk4qhMZnLYkrPNSK5ntsr&si=wVtXvwLNHxMW6bF7

#317

Main romance between two FLs.

It was confusing but entertaining. Not much else to say.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjd5-3yYwC4QCyp7ZxMNnkIjD3H2A8UCp

#319

Main romance between two FLs, as well as a not-really-love triangle. Coming out or confusion about sexuality also isn't an issue here.

The way they jumped back and forth through the years made the story a bit of a confusing mess. Also, the timing of the subtitles was a few seconds slow, which was frustrating. It was cute and pretty well-acted for what it was, though. And it was nice to see them not shy away from the kiss.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mh2lXSQlIE&list=PLAA0PQX_i8vMyLXKZF5EmwgA552e52Jno&index=2

#320

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: It's a crime this is so short! Dammit, I want more!

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTwpl5IWgPSHeOJuiVZUjObuj5COTp7uA&si=jTGqrl4ltdUK4Wpu 

#321

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: I felt this wasn't as put-together story-wise compared to To The X Who Hated Me: E Jae X Woo Ri or as engaging. Did they have chemistry, though? Yes.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTwpl5IWgPSHeOJuiVZUjObuj5COTp7uA&si=b7Rr-baOFNeOeLur

#322

Main romance between FLs.

My thoughts on the drama itself: It was rather frustrating, to be honest. They started off with good chemistry and tension and then dove into conflict and seemed to go in circles.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwQqk6jItGB-w4CRalXCh5lI

#323

Main romance between two FLs.

Regarding Ajin, she explicitly states that she is Bisexual. She also wants to date multiple people at the same time, so she is more than likely polyamorous as well.

My thoughts on the drama itself: The way they played into Biphobic stereotypes, making it seem like Ajin couldn't help but cheat because "Oh, no, I love two people" just pissed me off more and more as time went on.

IF YOU WANT TO DATE TWO PEOPLE, YOU SIT DOWN AND HAVE AN HONEST FUCKING CONVERSATION WITH THEM.

And to end it all with just a slap on the wrist?

I can't with this production company anymore.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwScMgbcMzyvGf-MGa81J0vj&si=Zyllfd1_81OW5VjD

#324

Main romance between two FLs.

The short version of my thoughts: Yeah, unfortunately, I believe the K-GL wave is going to be set back because of this trash.

Much as I wish I could say there are redeeming aspects to Scandal Love, I can't think of anything positive to say other than the two FLs had a couple of legitimately good moments together and it was an effort to produce/put out a mainstream K-GL.

The sound design was poor, AI/stock footage shots were very obviously AI/stock footage, the dancing was laughably bad, the music sounded like it was royalty-free, and never have I ever seen actors/characters SO uncomfortable existing on the screen! Their faces were always twisted in pain/they looked like they were cringing with every line, begging the ground to swallow them whole.

And to top all this off, of course, there were constant character inconsistencies from episode to episode and even scene to scene!

Don't even get me started on the plot because tell me how they managed to drag such a lame, bare-bones story about a K-Pop girl group who gains a new member out of nowhere, has millions of followers, and is also about to be forced to disband, across ten episodes with an average runtime of 40 minutes each? That's not a compliment!

Link to my review to read my full thoughts (I had too much to say for the character limit to handle it): https://mydramalist.com/profile/MademoiselleNoir/review/565402

Can be found on iQiyi

or

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwfmKArt9EtX_Arz3niZyeUtIa9n83O28&si=iT759j_8yVUS_VsL

#325

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVto0SIMg7Iw&si=jWXkkBo6XpcYI___

#327

Main romance between two FLs.

Not sure if I'll get to this one. We'll see.

Can be found on Vigloo or free websites

#328

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on Vigloo or free websites

#329

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on Shortime

#330

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on Shortime

#331

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on Lezhin Snack app

#332

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkrefPXGX2yb8L_j0AoButP5Ed5omofll&si=6MKeOLrCPTAlSC1U

#333

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwQfdHgg11UOmsn--KWtRF3f&si=-5yzph_-6d4OUR0X

#334

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTwpl5IWgPSFs03ePFLpSos0CgVFU10qL&si=S8lVn1D3wRJnBykS

#335

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on Sukfilm's YouTube channel

#336

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwRBoyG_yk-IRSRLn-c3Ft4L&si=AQ0LuVbAHJlgILZq

#337

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRPOzTWfz2CvxWTOW09i6TgSc5LW7spll&si=MmERHNwLvY5H3CUH

#338

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwRBoyG_yk-IRSRLn-c3Ft4L&si=GMGu4zqCrF7Ql1Lj

#339

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY8VvVUr35kJO4uklqzEf61OblsFCgGMh&si=PLmjOU8Y7C30Irz7

#340

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwW9ZsuS2FnbNCqCsE-aSwHfkqBqVQg0o&si=zrLCETylM0m4-xpz

#341

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwW9ZsuS2FnYz1lwG1vxNOc4Ck41wmvv9&si=ukya2ektolMeNvtU

#342

Continuing main romance between two FLs.

Note: Will need a membership with Lovememory's YouTube channel to watch.

Link to Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dbWWK-Ior4

Link to Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQAfla9OCA8

Link to Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-lCdRZIrE8

#344

Main romance between two FLs.

Note: Will need a membership with Lovememory's YouTube channel to watch.

Link to Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0j4zPXUy3g
Link to Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgQPv9bNhGg
Link to Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fio-WO5LL0Y
Link to Ep 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6GJbrkZREg 

#345

Main romance between two FLs.

Note: Will need a membership with Lovememory's YouTube channel to watch.

Link to Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzT5HXmbdzA
Link to Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5I39TcV1F8
Link to Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQR8jkGPSCQ

#346

Main romance between two FLs.

Note: Will need a membership with Lovememory's YouTube channel to watch.

Link to Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PCBPji7oCc
Link to Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsbFG-ZyAjM
Link to Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1qJ8JIkmmo
Link to Ep 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtH7Fodrv00
Link to Ep 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfVbie2hW_U
Link to Ep 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPrLU02o8HI

#347

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on Lovememory's YouTube channel (will need a membership)

#348

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on Lovememory's YouTube channel (will need a membership)

#349

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwW9ZsuS2FnZU5i11mp8b8wffEHtNdRSw&si=ROcZua0dNaHmxT2b

#350

Main romance between two FLs.

Note: Will need a membership with Lovememory's YouTube channel to watch.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXlPxiB1DETY&si=ScefvZ173AyQfFcY

#351

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwW9ZsuS2FnaNvM4TJ6mmU0w9jWjH1KOL&si=JidM1dsyYfckPhjz

#352

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwW9ZsuS2Fnbs1Zly0PhEA_wWv3Qpt5gr&si=K8FVYKzAaEWX2fsl

#353

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwW9ZsuS2FnZ6Z-KhNzPpxo181ZOrbw-1&si=6lAWzT-lHC1TCotq

#354

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwS94wu6uhViZEJv4gpXPlwR&si=5hCqmX9JW01L6PRd

#355

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwQMXEnShCYOUSBtiAB1zpSC&si=5eg6XRxkJWmbGmym

#357

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to Ep 1-3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiU54XctfdQ

Link to all episodes (requires a membership): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro6V34SQqjY

#359

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y6rVlNKdOE&t=5s

Link to Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O7G2bMHOqg&t=1s

Link to Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqFDW6CqyK8&t=1s

Link to Ep 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3nEc6PIOX8&t=1s

Link to Ep 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qs4U98CaLs

Link to Ep 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSVzvlvZplU 

#360

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5yoP_V3C5yN63LvMhgPm3llqevP3hKKF&si=0XMxaZ6SpinlObGS

#364

Main romance between two FLs.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwW9ZsuS2Fna9ZDL7XPTTsQYk6tsoHg6T&si=xC9GCTs7alXnFlbM

#366

Main romance between two FLs.

My thoughts on the movie itself: Lustful, sly, and unconstrained, this was a bold movie for the books. A critique of possession and celebration of desire, all contained within a long and messy con.

I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, though, due to the violent and highly explicit scenes present.

Can be found on free websites

#367

PTW

Main romance between two FLs.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

#368

The main story features a Lesbian FL, Anna, who broke up with her girlfriend she was dating for eight years and is having a hard time with her mother because of her sexuality.

What I loved about this is that it didn't try to push aside the sins of the parent. It framed her mother in a sympathetic but just light. She did her daughter wrong. Now, it's time for her to be the parent she should have always been. 

The message I came away with was: You are not wrong. They are the ones who are wrong.

Can't find any specific legal sites to watch it on. Can be found on free websites.

#369

Features Lesbian characters and couples.

Here's the thing: having a drama special be entirely about Lesbians is great. And the fact that this came out in 2011 at that (though it did get pulled) is something.

However, a big however, is that this just had to subtly dig at Bisexual women. Like, come on. If you're making a special that will be representing one part of the LGBT+ community, how about you don't drag down another part of that community in the process.

Can't find any specific legal sites to watch it on. Can be found on free websites.

#370

Main subtle-but-also-not-so-subtle romance between two FLs.

After Watching: *blushes madly* They are in love, your honor! Oh my God, they are SO in love!

Can be found on YouTube (with a subscription and a VPN)

Or Amazon Prime (with a subscription)

#371

Main romance between two FLs.

Unfortunately, all that got released was the pilot. It was really cute and hilarious, though!

Pilot Ep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=167D6kmuspU

#378

Features a Bisexual FL.

Can be found on Vigloo or free websites

#379

Features a Bisexual FL, Ran.

If ever there was a FL that was Easily Bisexual, it would be this one. Just . . . Good job there :) Seriously, thank you everyone who contributed to this movie.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

#380

A reality show about three different Queer couples' stories/lives.

I'm just going to put my review here since I feel I have already best summarized my thoughts:

This, like His Man, is an important stepping stone for LGBT+ people in Korean media. Unlike that reality show, though, this had a lot of problems.

While I was ecstatic to hear about this show's release, I began feeling disappointed after watching a few episodes. The hosts wanted to open up the public's minds to Queer people, a noble goal. However, in the pursuit of this they often watered down vital concepts (like sexuality and gender) to the point of being incorrect and/or problematic, were more sympathetic toward parents of Queer children than the children themselves (they even said they were equally struggling), handled insults and dismissals from unaccepting parents with kiddie gloves, and failed to make a hard stand against bigotry.

I do get the sense that this was made with good intentions and that the hosts aren't bad people. But I feel like they cared so much about Straight people's perception of the show that they ended up catering to them to a fault. There was this sense that it was up to Queer people to keep trying to convince their family members and bend to make them more comfortable rather than the onus being on those being hateful and unaccepting.

All of this being said, I'm still glad this was made so I could see these Queer people's stories and so that, hopefully, Korea will portray more real Queer people on the screen.

Can be found on GagaOOLala (with a VPN) or free websites (they have atrocious subtitles though)

#381

A documentary featuring Queer parents.

Can be found on Apple TV or free websites

#382

A reality dating show based on the K-Drama Love Alarm.

During the show, one contestant, Jasmine, asks out a female contestant she's interested in, White Rose. After this there is also a scene shown where she states to the camera she is Bi. 

English subtitles aren't currently available for an international audience which makes understanding any finer details and wider context difficult. From what I've read, there is possibly another contestant who may or may not be Bi. If possible, I would like to watch this. We'll see if I'll be able to.

#384

A reality dating show exclusively for Bisexuals.

My thoughts on the show itself: I waited for the day I would finally see a Bi reality dating show appear from Korea. Finally, I got my wish. Was it everything I hoped for? Yes and no.

I felt the openness of all the participants to meet and become close to new people and, perhaps, fall for someone while staying at the BI-LIVE house. That they felt comfortable enough to express their varying levels of attraction to people of the same/different gender, without judgment.

While I felt some participants were more sincere about their feelings than others, that didn't matter to me as much as real representation of Bisexual people being on the screen.

Unlike His Man, this reality dating show didn't set up a dialogue/prompt a conversation for everyone to discuss their experience of coming to terms with their sexuality, coming out, and/or the difficulties they faced because of it. Particularly for Bisexual people and the discrimination/pushback they face from Straight people AND the Queer community, I felt this was a huge missed opportunity to start a conversation/dispel stereotypes about Bisexual people. Additionally, I did shake my head at the times dates set a requirement to date a specific gender. I wished the date options were more free. Limiting one's options in that manner seems counterproductive to a Bisexual reality dating show, if you ask me (a Bisexual person). I understand wanting to "mix things up," but there are plenty of other ways to do that without making gender a factor. They managed it with other non-gender-related limitations they set for dates as well as "missions" thrown in every now and then.

Any of my criticisms being said, though, I have to applaud this show for virtue of being such a valuable stepping stone in LGBT+ representation. Too often, Bisexual people are dismissed/ignored. It was good to see them not only highlighted but treated like others.

Can be found on iQiyi

#385

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

I'm just going to put my review here since I feel I have already best summarized my thoughts on this show:

To think that it was only in 2020 when (arguably) the first Korean BL Drama (Where Your Eyes Linger) was released to now in 2022 when we have Korea's first Gay reality dating show is truly surreal.

They managed to make this show comforting but also not shy away from hardships. While watching I was wondering to myself if they were ever going to discuss coming out or the possible consequences of being on the show at all, only to see them dedicate one episode specifically to having everyone share their experiences and feelings on the matter. I felt like the creators of this show genuinely cared about Queer people and sharing their stories. I should also note that they did not try to sexualize anyone.

In Korea, we've gone from merely having some side LGBT+ characters to some dramas centered specifically around them and their romances to actually portraying real Queer people on the screen.

His Man and Merry Queer are important stepping stones, for sure. Let's not just stop here though. Let's keep going!

Can be found on GagaOOLala or iQiyi

#386

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

My thoughts on the show itself: We once again got a genuine reality dating show with time to address the experience/struggle of being Queer/coming out. I felt this second season had even more heart to it than the first, actually. I will be eagerly awaiting the third season! Also, "Her Woman?" When? I WANT IT!

Can be found on iQiyi or GagaOOLala (with a VPN in Australia)

#387

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

My thoughts on the show itself: *sigh*

Another season of His Man and another season where I root for a ship and see such promise; it hits rocky seas, I find hope in some moments, and then the bow meets the rocks, and it all gets dashed to pieces. But it's fine. It's okay. I'm used to it.

In all seriousness, who ended/didn't end up with who aside? Can we stop for a moment to appreciate how amazing it is that we've gotten three seasons of His Man?! I thought S2 was a miracle! How far Korea has come in regard to Queer representation in media in just the last few years!

Here's the thing: Much as I adore this show, though, how I do adore His Man, I have to take a full point off for not following up with the other participants at the end. Because why? You can't show me the outcome for some and then just leave me hanging with the rest like that!

Can be found on iQiyi

#388

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

My thoughts were too many to be contained so if you want to read my full thoughts on this season, you'll have to go to my review (curse you, character limit!!!): https://mydramalist.com/profile/MademoiselleNoir/review/548406

The very short version: Ahhh. His Man. The love/painful relationship we have.

You make me get attached and see promise in couples, only for any and all I root for with my whole heart to never work out. All my ships sink . . .

*sigh*

C'est la vie.

Again, I should be used to it by now. I think I am the iceberg to these Titanics.

But, at the end of the day, these are real people with real feelings and free will. No one can be made to like/love anyone. And, for those who do work out, I am genuinely happy for them, including those from this season. One couple, in particular, I didn't expect to be so natural and sweet, but really saw hope for a long-lasting relationship in the end.

As for the different choices made in the production side this season, I have mixed thoughts.

All in all, I still adore His Man and the journey it's taken me on (4 years now! Crazy!), and I hope we get yet another season. 

Can be found on iQiyi

#389

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Queer women.

My thoughts on the show itself: For Korea's first Queer reality dating show exclusively for women, I thought this was a thoughtful endeavor and a great step forward pushing real life representation. Compared to His Man, chance, competition, and missions played less of a part in determining dates. I felt this created a more mellow atmosphere for all the participants, with heartfelt notes, small interactions, and group meals/events making feelings develop more naturally and thoughtfully over time.

All this praise being said, I did find the finale lacking. I felt we didn't get to hear enough from everyone, and wish the time was spread more equally between all of them to get their final thoughts/feelings.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or free websites

#390

Coming August 27th

Main romance between two MLs.

Can be found on iQiyi

#392

Will perhaps watch when possible with decent subtitles

Main romance between two MLs.

Update: I can't seem to find a way to watch this. Looks like I'll have to put it on hold until we get a good fansubber or they put it on a platform outside of Watcha.

Update: From what I've read about those who have watched through this is that us viewers end up getting played as it is more Bromance than Romance, with the only clear Queer character being the villain with a tragic ending. So maybe it's a good thing I haven't yet found an avenue to watch it as I would have to suffer through it for nothing. Lol.

Can be found on Watcha (with a VPN) without English subtitles

#393

Coming sometime in December

Main romance between two MLs.

Platform not known yet

#394

Hasn't released yet

Features a Gay ML.

#395

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#396

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#397

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#398

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#399

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#400

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.