TOP 20 BL DIRECTORS (Part 1)
From overseeing casting and set design to guiding actors and film crew on set to supervising post-production, directors have the most crucial role in drama-making. Great directors turn scripts and storyboards into sprawling motion pictures that evoke emotion, prompt discussion, and even inspire new outlooks on life. It’s not the shining stars on screen, but the faceless curators behind the scenes who are mostly to thank for our favorite BL dramas and movies.
During my research, I compared dozens of directors’ filmographies across several popular BL regions. My only prerequisite was having at least 3 BL/gay works to their credit. So if the director of your favorite masterpiece didn’t make the list, it’s possible they only have one or two BLs to their name. With consideration to various factors such as: artistic skill, consistency in quality, and BL cultural impact, here’s my list of the Top 20 BL Directors:
#20 Leesong He Il, South Korean
After his trailblazing debut with South Korea’s first gay feature, No Regrets, he would go on to write and direct several more films over the next decade. Most notably, the poignant coming-of-age romance, “Night Flight”.
Leesong He Il’s films, more experimental and typically grounded in queer realism, are not widely known across the BL fandom, but his artistic ambition and willingness to challenge the status quo helped pave the way for contemporary K-BL.
Notable works: No Regrets (2006), Going South (2012), Night Flight (2014)
#19 Kato Ayaka, Japanese
The director behind Old Fashion Cupcake, a live-action adaptation lauded for its use of ambient lighting, observational camerawork, and its interrogation of social norms.
Though Kato Ayaka’s subsequent BL releases have seen milder reception, her signature style of quiet cinematography remains constant throughout her catalog. And most impressively, her ability to curate an atmosphere that enhances storytelling and actor performances.
Notable works: Old Fashion Cupcake (2022), Naked Dining (2023), My Personal Weatherman (2023), Living with Him (2024)
#18 Ho Si Hau, Vietnamese
Founder and sole director of 02 Productions, Ho Si Hau played a major role in bringing Vietnamese BL to a global audience with the hit web series, You Are Ma Boy. His character-driven narratives see a range of themes from feel-good romance to social commentary. He often pairs these stories with natural set designs that give them an intimate and immersive feel.
Unfortunately, Ho’s independent media company has seen financial hardship in recent years. While the future of 02 Productions is uncertain, the advancements he’s made for V-BL are set in stone.
Notable works: You Are Ma Boy (2021), Want to See You (2022), Love Bill (2022), Awaiting Dawn (2025)
#17 Ivan Andrew Payawal, Filipino
At the height of the pandemic, when the world was on lockdown, no BL director captured that moment in time better than Ivan Andrew Payawal. His international hit, Gameboys, popularized Pinoy BL and was universally praised for its moving subject matter. The drama’s innovative production and editing surprised audiences with highly emotive scenes filmed on smartphones and webcams.
Since his breakout era, Payawal’s work hasn’t quite met audiences' expectations. But his prowess for realistic and relatable storytelling could certainly yield a comeback.
Notable works: Gameboys (2020), Gameboys 2 (2022), Two and One (2022), Pretty Boys (2024)
#16 Jojo Tichakorn, Thai
Possibly the most polarizing artist on this list, Jojo Tichakorn is known for his unconventional narratives and bold, edgy aesthetics. Uninspired by safe or inoffensive stories, he opts for riskier, more challenging projects like the “throuple” action-romance, 3 Will Be Free.
At times, his writing prioritizes shock value over characterization, and his direction of action-thriller sequences can lack fundamentals. But despite split audiences, his distinct style, artistic sensibility, and willingness to provoke will always make his work stand out from his peers.
Notable works: 3 Will Be Free (2019), Only Friends (2023), Never Let Me Go (2022), The Heart Killers (2024)
#15 Tomita Miki, Japanese
Speaking of directors willing to provoke audiences, the subject matter of Tomita Mika’s dramas is known to lean into the taboo. When It Rains, It Pours, a story about finding true love through infidelity, was an unlikely hit with the BL audience.
Her combination of naturalistic cinematography, delicate color palettes, and captivating explorations of romance’s gray areas can disarm viewers who may not necessarily agree with the morals of her stories. An artistic persuasion that shouldn’t be understated.
Notable works: Takara’s Treasure (2024), When It Rains, It Pours (2025), Contrast (2026)
#14 Tee Bundit, Thai
Wondering why Thai BL period dramas have seen an uptick in recent years? Look no further than Tee Bundit’s I Feel You Linger in the Air. With dreamlike visuals, character and worldbuilding that transport the audience back in time, the drama’s strong viewership and fanfare inspired a new trend in BL that would last for years.
While Bundit is no stranger to mixed reviews (just ask the nearest BL fan about the infamous TharnType), his growing potential as both a cinematic artist and a trendsetter is evident.
Notable works: TharnType (2019), Lovely Writer (2021), I Feel You Linger in the Air (2023), Jack & Joker (2024)
#13 X Nuttapong, Thai
A list of BL’s biggest hit dramas in recent years will undoubtedly mention several of X Nuttapong’s series. Not just the series he’s directed himself, but also the ones he’s produced. As one of Thailand's most influential producers, he understands what it takes to fund and execute his vision. As a tastemaker in the industry, Nuttapong has the ability home in on the best attributes of a script or tweak them in ways that will win over his audience.
His remake of Cherry Magic is highly praised for preserving the essence of the beloved original characters, whilst thematically flipping it on its head. A brilliant reimagining that roots Cherry Magic in Thai culture through intentional set design and cinematography aimed to capture the heart of Thailand.
Notable works: Theory of Love (2019), Vice Versa (2022), Cherry Magic (2023), Me and Thee (2025)
#12 Tsai Mi Chieh + Gia Lee, Taiwanese
BL Historians know that before Korea and Japan entered the fray, Taiwanese BL were the only real competition to the Thai empire. This director duo lead the charge with HIStory, the iconic BL anthology series. HIStory 3, in particular, expanded the series’ international reach. Drawing in audiences with its more poignant themes, high production value, modern set designs, and contemporary cinematography.
After Tsai Mi Chieh and Gia Lee’s departure, the franchise produced two more installments that received mixed to negative reviews. To many fans, this marked the downfall of HIStory. Further proof that the original directors were crucial to the series’ success.
Notable works: Crossing the Line (2018), Trapped (2019), Make Our Days Count (2019), About Youth (2022) - Tsai solo
#11 Lit Phadung, Thai
Few cultural touchstones in BL measure up to the impact of SOTUS, and the director at the center of it all was Lit Phadung. His slow-burning, emotion-forward directorial style emphasizes the romantic journeys of his protagonists. Affecting audiences with push-and-pull tension and camera framing that encapsulates the tenderness of intimate moments.
Not only did SOTUS ignite a global pop culture phenomenon (and subject the fandom to YEARS of engineering BLs), but it also shone a light on hazing culture. Sparking important discussions about where healthy camaraderie ends, and harmful abuse of power begins.
Notable works: SOTUS (2016), My Engineer (2020), Love Mechanics (2022), The Ex-Morning (2025)
To be continued....
Author: Blue
BL drama enthusiast. Habitual consumer of web articles, podcasts, and video essays.
