Top 20 BL Directors (Part 1)

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 international audiences' expectations. But his prowess in 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 are what 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 to home in on the best attributes of a script and showcase them in ways that 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 locations and cinematography that captures the beauty 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 led 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)

Link to part 2

Author: Blue

BL drama enthusiast. Habitual consumer of web articles, podcasts, and video essays.

JennyStuckOnThatRooftop:

Great list, and I appreciate all the research you’ve done, especially regarding the overall impact on BLs over the years.

I didn’t even know some of the shows I’ve watched were directed by the same person. I was surprised to realize not only the variety of BLs Kato Ayaka has worked on, but also that I’ve enjoyed most of them.

You also mentioned a few directors whose work I haven’t watched yet, and since I’m always trying to explore all corners of the genre, this will help me catch shows I may have overlooked. Also, hey, Jojo made it onto the list after all. 😂

Thanks for taking the time to read, as always! 🙌 Hearing that you learned or discovered something new is the best part for me. I enjoyed researching and discovering these things as well. Finding out that Kato, who gave us the Old Fashion Cupcake, also gave us Naked Dining was a discovery for the ages. LMAO

Ah yes, when I increased my number from Top 15 to 20, it solved my Jojo dilemma. Couldn't, in good conscience, leave him out.

I was happy to see you included Vietnam and O2 production. They peaked in 2022 with Want To See You and afterwards it was down the hill all the way, with misery and sadness overtaking the comedy and love. Moreover, endless begging videos, asking for funds and crying that they are going insolvent, got old quickly when they seemed to spend more time collecting the money than putting it to creative use; like making good BLs. The last one I watched was The Teenager Judge which was too long, repetitive and just bad! Even their most steadfast actor, Ba Vinh, realized that this director is in a deep creative slump and left the company.

The same thing happened with Wayufilm productions who made some amazingly creative short films on an obviously shoestring budget. They also peaked in 2021/22 with Country Boy, but in recent years the films they make seem to be starring even younger boys (teens!) in problematic (imo) settings.

Blue:

I was starting to get bored with Ba Vinh

I noticed an interesting thing with Ba Vinh's O2 BLs: the more he did, the younger the characters he played got. In his early BLs he played a working adult (Nation's Brother: the one that got me hooked on Vietnamese BLs!) and ended up as a teen in his last BL. Personally I was not bored with him but his latest series were just going from bad to worse: Love Bill, Mr Cinderella 2, Vian, Be My Star and The Teenage Judge. Each of them had an interesting idea behind it but it was atrociously badly executed. I had the impression they were working with more money (because they were getting to be well known in BL watchers circles worldwide) so in order to continue appealing to the expanded audience, they toned down the controversial subjects and behaviours basically turning them into chinese style bromances! I don't know if I am making myself clear.

I hope Ba Vinh finds a new agent who helps him develop his career in the right way: he is talented and he deserves to succeed.

Blue:

definitely not the earnest coming-of-age content

Definitely not! Very, very soft porn with almost no story: nothing earnest about it! Since Mon and Oak left, the director seems to choose very, very young looking actors(I think they are over 18 but look 14) for his short films. I saw two a couple of years ago and no more afterwards: they made me squirm in my seat.....