Secret Relationships

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

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 has Toxic relationship, lack of communication at some part but good chemistry. Everyone being obsessed on the lead, etc

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)

Both are BL dramas with red flag love interests, toxic behaviour and love triangles. The main character's life is ruined due to his red flag love interest(s). Love Mechnaics is a Thai BL with a main couple while Secret Relationships is a Korean BL with 3 guys chasing after 1.

Both are BL dramas with red flag love interests, toxic behaviour and love triangles. The main character's life is ruined due to his red flag love interest. My Stand-In is a Thai BL with a main couple while Secret Relationships is a Korean BL with 3 guys chasing after 1.

Both are BL dramas with characters that are red flags, and have jealousy, obsession, manipulation and control. The main character is stuck in a love triange (or square). In Futtara Doshaburi, the MC has 2 guys fighting for him while in Secret Relationships there are 3.

Similar dark and messy BL drama with changing relationships and toxic traits. In Secret Relationship, the main character has romantic entanglements with 3 different guys while in Only Friends, there are 3 main set couples with entanglements between them.

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.

Okay, so I just realized—Secret Relationships and Semantic Error are kinda twins in how they make us scream and cry with their emotional rollercoasters ?? Like, they both have that slow-burn vibe, where one person is all in, and the other is taking their sweet time to realize their feelings.

Tension and Slow-Burn Energy:
Semantic Error is all about that “we shouldn’t be together but we definitely can’t stay away” vibe. Jae-chan is all awkward and cute, and Gyeom is trying to act like he’s not feeling him, but we all know what’s going on ?. Now, Secret Relationships gives us that same energy but with Ju Sung-hyeon just quietly waiting for Jung to catch up to his feelings, like the most patient golden retriever ever. Both shows have that simmering tension that makes you want them to just kiss already, but you know it has to build up first.

Emotional Growth + Patience:
In Semantic Error, Jae-chan’s feelings for Gyeom come out of nowhere, and he’s freaking out while trying to figure out his emotions, but he’s also giving Gyeom the space he needs (even if it's lowkey painful to watch, lol).
Ju Sung-hyeon in Secret Relationships does the same thing with Jung—he’s just there, helping him, being supportive, never asking for anything in return, and slowly waiting for Jung to realize how much he cares. Like, it's the ultimate "I’ll wait for you no matter what" energy.

The Secret Relationship Angst:
Secret Relationships takes that secret love to the next level by making it a workplace romance. The tension is so real because they’re not just hiding their feelings from the world—they’re also trying not to get caught in the office. Meanwhile, in Semantic Error, Jae-chan and Gyeom’s love is all about sneaky moments and not letting anyone know they’re together—lots of late-night talks and secret dates. But yeah, workplace secrets hit different, right?

The Heartfelt Moments:
And OMG, can we talk about those emotional moments that wreck us?? Like, Ju Sung-hyeon crying and telling Jung he’ll wait for him, even if it takes forever? I can’t even breathe just thinking about it ? Meanwhile, in Semantic Error, Jae-chan finally confesses, and it’s this intense, heart-wrenching moment that makes you wanna throw hands at the screen and scream, “WHY DIDN’T YOU DO THIS SOONER?”

So yeah, Secret Relationships is like Semantic Error’s workplace cousin who’s got that same deep, slow-burn, emotional tension, but with more sneaky office vibes, and I’m HERE for it. Both are just chef’s kiss level of angst, pining, and patience. Perfection ??

It's not too similar but i kind of get the psycho vibe of both jin and jaemin being like "im the only one that can have him and stuff" but i think from how far i am in secret love its more toned down than secret relationships but they are both amazing BL's in my opinion (edit: it gets past the possessive bit fast but they are both still a bit similar)

Also has 3 male characters interested in 1 guy; however, Light on Me is set in high school/gentler than Secret Relationships.

Both are Korean BL dramas with broken families, red flag love interests, toxic behaviour and love triangles. Both also have a love triangle (or square). There are 3 guys liking the same guy in Secret Relationship and 2 guys liking the same guy in Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo.