Shows with homoertoic subtext, peer reviewed

"You only answer Dong Sik' calls. Are you dating?". It is not too explicit, but Dong Sik and Joo Won are obviously fond of each other. Not too fond to be blatant, but fond enough to clock that something is going on there. Subtle and unsubtle compliments to each others appearance are not helping with the case.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest.

"You are so kind. Your eyes, your face, your voice. It feels very weird". "Were we married in our previous life?". It's enough to say that if a guy said that to a girl, something like this would be viewed as explicitly romantic. That is, also, something that a homosexual would say to subtly imply their crush, speaking from experience.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest.

I'm not even kidding, this show's subtext is barely a subtext. Doesn't get compared to Killer and Healer and vice versa for nothing. Even if you close your eyes at obvious affection and attraction from Yo Han's side, and pretend that Ga On is strictly heterosexual cause he has a straight romance interest, you will be wrong to do so cause Ga On still consciously or subconsciously enables this behaviour by creating romantic tension by himself later on. He refuses to cut it out. 

But Ga On also looks like we all know who, and it IS weird, but it obviously doesn't bother Yo Han, so.

Does have heterosexual romances or romantic interests, but it is barely there, and ultimately, doesn't lead anywhere.

From Mi Jin to Ha Ri, from Su Hyeok to Cheong San. Very subtle if you don't know where to look, can be seen as one sided, longing looks and subtle compliments and protectiveness. We witnessed how they treat their strictly platonic friends, and it is slightly different. Well, it IS Netflix.

Both male leads have heterosexual romances or romantic interests, and they are one of the main focuses in the second part of the show. 

"And here comes your boyfriend." Thing with being married in previous life, yet again. Junho and Hoyeol are not as touchy feely and affectionate there as In second season, but Hoyeol still praises his appearance and deeply respects him, attaching himself to Junho in no time. 

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest.

Same thing as the first season, and connection between MLs is even more open and honest.

Ann and Kuina. Not as much in the first season, but in the second one we can witness their respect and affection for each other very clearly.

Does have heterosexual romances or romantic interests, but not for Ann or Kuina.

"Do you like me, Soo Yeol?" Call it self love and self respect, baby, cause Soo Yeol clearly loves himself very much.

Does have heterosexual romances or romantic interests, but it's barely there and ultimately doesn't lead anywhere.

It's NOT subtle, it's very obviously there, but considering that it is not explicitly said, it goes to the homoertoic subtext folder. Added just because some still seem to think that it is not true.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest for the main MLs.

Same thing, it is not subtle, it's there, but it's not said explicitly. Very much present, if you know where to look.

Does have heterosexual romances or romantic interest, but the boyfriend of one of the FLs is....well...gone.

As much as i do not like it, cause Jong Woo clearly deserves better, i can't close my eyes on the fact that Moon Jo has developed an obsession over him. Does obsession equates to romantic feelings? Ultimately, it's up to you.

Does have heterosexual romances or romantic interest, but ML is at bad terms with his gf, and ultimately, the break up is implied at the end of the series.

Yes, it is a censored adaptation and yes, it is labeled as bromance. But considering that jealousy is a persistent theme, and that a lot of actions can be viewed as romantic gestures (or even almost explicit dates), I'd say it's more than that. Saying this, it's also important to acknowledge the unhealthy implications that relationship like this may hold, even later on.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest, but MLs do discuss having potential straight crushes here and there. Doesn't lead anywhere.

You cannot tell me that Sang Woo is not the most obvious homosexual coded character you've ever seen. Forms close bonds with men, but fails to do so, and ultimately doesn't have a will to, do the same with women? Likely thing to happen. Likely thing to happen, to give everything to the man he still holds close to his heart. 

Speaking of giving everything, Ji Yeong and Sae Byeok? You wouldn't do that for a rando woman you cared for in a completely platonic way.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest for the main characters, minor heterosexual relationship between two secondary characters.

You can cut the tension between In Ho and Gi Hun with a knife. It's all mostly from In-Ho's direction, his obsession, fascination, admiration, whatever you call it, but Gi Hun clearly appreciates him dearly. At least, he did.

I wouldn't compare it to the Hannibal, cause i believe this comparison is wrong at it's core, but the similar fascination and tension is there.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest.

"People in romantic comedies start as enemies and then fall in love. There are misunderstandings and maybe a little chase too. In a plot twist, they come together after a big fight." 

"We already did all of that. Ah, so I was in a romantic comedy?"

Honestly, if you ignore the two very, VERY lukewarm attempts at heterosexual romances, which is very easy to do cause there's 1) Not much of it 2) It's very bland and unimportant, it's pretty much is a rom-com between to MLs. Like in the Devil Judge, they don't even hide that the chemistry between them is more present and important. Which is...lol..very on brand for TVN.

Does have heterosexual romances or romantic interests, but it is barely there, however they do have a conclusion to them, no matter how bland.

Relationship between Ga Min and Se Hyeon very strongly resemble the kind that DP, Weak Hero Class and Return of A Gangster main MLs also have. Even when focus shifted from their private dynamic to the group dynamic, you can still tell that they're still the closest to each other.  They don't stop caring about each other the most after that. Bromance, friendship, platonic love, but come on. If it were a boy and a girl, everyone would've pointed it out. 

And not only between them, but also between Hui Won and Ji U. Reminded me of the phrase "only i can calm her down". Had to stop myself from squealing in delight at their interactions, Ji U in their relationship reminded me a lot of well....myself.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest, not in the TV adaptation, or in the ongoing webtoon.

Subtext is a strong word but it feels queer-baitey as of now. Yes i do not like the ending. Anyway. The subtext is text, but it is not considered an outright gl for some reason? Guess it makes sense, and yet.

Doesn't have heterosexual romances or romantic interest.