Korean LGBT+ Main & Side Characters/Romances

#301

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

#302

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)

#303

A documentary featuring Queer parents.

Can be found on Apple TV or free websites

#304

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.

#306

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

#307

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)

#308

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

#309

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

#310

CW. Will update accordingly.

Main romance between two MLs.

Can be found on iQiyi or GagaOOLala

#311

CW. Will update accordingly.

Main romance between two MLs.

Can be found on iQiyi

#313

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

#314

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#315

Hasn't released yet

Features a Gay ML.

#316

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs

#317

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#318

Hasn't released yet

A reality dating show exclusively featuring Gay men.

#319

Hasn't released yet

A reality dating show exclusively for Bisexuals.

#320

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#321

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#322

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#323

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#324

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#325

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#326

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

It sounds realllllly weird, but it's from Strongberry so I think it could be quite interesting and/or heartfelt. They seem to pull off most things they try!

#327

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#330

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#331

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#332

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#333

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#334

Hasn't released yet

Gimme Queer women! Gimme!

#335

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#336

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#337

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#338

Hasn't released yet

Main romance between two MLs.

#339

Featured a Lesbian FL and likely a romance between two FLs.

This was a pilot that, unfortunately, was taken off of YouTube before I could watch it :( 

#340

Unclear if still happening

Main romance between two MLs.

#341

Unclear if still happening

Main romance between two MLs as well as a side plot romance between two MLs. 

#342

More than likely canceled

Main romance between two MLs.

Not sure how I feel about this. I'd watch it. The question is, would they be able to fix the problems present in the first season?

Update: With Kim Ji Woong now being a K-Pop Idol, I'm not sure his company would allow him to be in this. I kind of doubt it will happen now.

#345

Canceled

:(

No, I'm fine. I'm definitely fine.

*quietly sobs*