Differences: Secret Relationships is more toxic and violent. Peach Trap is fluffier and less serious.
Similarities: Both dramas feature 3 possible love interests for the ML (lol, I just wish they would all date each other rather than fighting over one person). Both dramas also have ghost ships (iykyk). And the main couple in both dramas feature black cat archetype with golden retriever archetype (classic).
Similarities: Both dramas feature 3 possible love interests for the ML (lol, I just wish they would all date each other rather than fighting over one person). Both dramas also have ghost ships (iykyk). And the main couple in both dramas feature black cat archetype with golden retriever archetype (classic).
The premises are not the same in the slightest but Secret Relationships excels in areas where Business as Usual falls flat. The story is fleshed out, the conflicts are actually addressed, and the characters have more depth. The vibe of secret relationships is what I think they wanted for BAU but it just didn't hit. Here are some similarities:
- Misunderstandings due to different POVs
- Non-linear story telling by slowly showing the character's relationship histories through flashbacks
- Meeting again after a long time
- Green flag love interest (lowkey the MC doesn't deserve him)
- Office romance
- Misunderstandings due to different POVs
- Non-linear story telling by slowly showing the character's relationship histories through flashbacks
- Meeting again after a long time
- Green flag love interest (lowkey the MC doesn't deserve him)
- Office romance
Both are Korean BL dramas that are a bit dark and talks about issues such as broken families and depression. Both also have a love triangle (or square). There are 3 guys liking the same guy in Secret Relationships and 2 guys liking the same guy in Love for Love's Sake. There is no red flag love interest in Love for Love's Sake which is a lighter show while there are many red flag love interests in Secret Relationships which is way more toxic.
Both of them are directed by the great Yang Kyung Hee, so the atmospheres are rather similar.
They both have psychological elements and psychopathic attributes in a supporting character.
Yang Kyung Hee has also undoubtedly included references from The Director Who Buys Me Dinner to Secret Relationships, for example some cinematic shots in SR resemble some scenes in TDWBMD. (like Da On's and Jae Min's fancy dinner scene + Dong Baek's and Yu Dam's first dinner date)
They both have psychological elements and psychopathic attributes in a supporting character.
Yang Kyung Hee has also undoubtedly included references from The Director Who Buys Me Dinner to Secret Relationships, for example some cinematic shots in SR resemble some scenes in TDWBMD. (like Da On's and Jae Min's fancy dinner scene + Dong Baek's and Yu Dam's first dinner date)
Aside from both of these being KBL's, the only other similarity is that the relationship dynamic feels a bit dark. Love in Protocol is definitely not as toxic as Secret Relationships. BUT the dynamic between the MLs in Love in Protocol did remind me a bit of Daon and Jaemin's relationship.
There's an unhealthy reliance between the MLs in both dramas, a bit of an age difference (student and tutor) and a SPRINKLE of possible grooming.
Secret Relationships is more serious, with meatier episodes and a bigger budget. Love in Protocol is a quicker watch with lower stakes. I recommend both if semi-toxic love is your vibe.
There's an unhealthy reliance between the MLs in both dramas, a bit of an age difference (student and tutor) and a SPRINKLE of possible grooming.
Secret Relationships is more serious, with meatier episodes and a bigger budget. Love in Protocol is a quicker watch with lower stakes. I recommend both if semi-toxic love is your vibe.
In both Korean BL dramas, the main character has a string of romantic relationships with numerous other guys. In Secret Relationships, 3 guys chase 1 at the same time, while in Love in the Big City, the MC has bfs one at a time. Both dramas have characters that showcase messy and toxic traits that explore the reasons for falling in and out of love.
Both are BL dramas with red flag love interests, toxic behaviour and love triangles. There is some mystery and guessing who is gonna finally be together or even get out alive. 4 Minutes is a Thai BL with a main couple and a side couple (with a love triangle) while Secret Relationships is a Korean BL with 3 guys chasing after 1.
Both are dark BL dramas with red flag love interests, broken families and toxic behaviour. There is some mystery and suspense about what the plot will be next as it gets increasingly dark. Happy of the End is a Japanese BL with a main couple while Secret Relationships is a Korean BL with 3 guys chasing after 1.



