Gay subtext K-Dramas
Chemistry so good they don't even need to kiss
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1. The Demon Judge
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Kang Yohan x Kim Gaon
(Jisung x Park Jinyoung)
SO GOOD!! Acting is fantastic, visuals and special effects are great... Nearly perfect. There *IS* a female love interest but the male leads have more chemistry imo, would still describe as queer-coded -
2. Monster
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Lee Dongsik x Han Joowon
(Shin Hakyun x Yeo Jingoo)
Cop x Crazy guy pretty much, phenomenal acting. 10/10.
Focuses only on the main leads, no side romance 100% chemistry.
I could talk about this show forever it's genuinely so good -
3. Biography of a Villain
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Seo Do Young x Han Dong Soo
(Kim Youngkwang x Shin Hakyun)
Crazy psychopath x Dork lawyer
Im a sucker for noir/dark vibes. Love their dynamic tbh, Doyoung is completely whipped for dongsoo, nothing but evil gay thoughts in his brain.
"He was fighting for his love while dongsoo was fighting for his life."
They were in 2 completely different genres in their head
Side romance: Not really, Dongsoo does have a wife though -
4. The Guest
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Yoon Hwapyung x Mateo (Choi Yoon)
(Kim Dongwook x Kim Jaewook)
Psychic x Priest basically. Exorcising demons together, really underrated show :(
Side romance: No, but there is a female lead character! ^^ -
5. Strangers from Hell
Korean Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
Seo Moonjo x Yoon Jongwoo
(Lee Dongwok x Im Siwan)
Psycho dentist x Normal guy
Relatively slow paced psychological thriller, but it is sooo good. Totally worth the watch
Side romance: Sorta? The role Siwan plays does have a girlfriend but she's barely involved in the story -
6. The Merciless
Korean Movie - 2017
(Sol Kyungu x Jo Hyunsoo)
(Han Jaeho x Im Siwan)
Gangster action type movie, intense and gay. SO underrated, great screenplay. Absolutely amazing.
Side romance: No -
7. Psychopath Diary
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Yook Dongsik x Seo Inwoo
(Yoon Shiyoon x Park Sunghoon)
Guy who is convinced hes a psycho x Actual Psycho. Very funny
Side romance: No -
8. Deserter Pursuit
Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
Ahn Joonho x Han Hoyul
(Jung Haein x Koo Kyohwan)
Military misery bromance, such a fantastic show. (I'd also like to give Bae Nara a shoutout for his incredible performance portraying an LGBTQ+ character briefly in S2 :') )
Side romance: No -
9. Bloodhounds
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Kim Geonwoo x Hong Woojin
(Woo Dohwan x Lee Sangyi)
Boxer bestfriends, fantastic chemistry & bond. I would describe this one as more bromance definetely but its so good. Season 2 coming soon!
Side romance: No -
10. Prison Playbook
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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11. Bad and Crazy
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
(Ryu Sooyeol x " K ")
(Lee Dongwook x Wi Hajoon)
Cop x Crazy righteous guy "K"
Fast paced, energetic & humoristic!! Very fun
Side romance: Technically, but not main focus & few scenes -
12. Chief Kim
Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
(Kim Sungryong x Seo Yool)
(Namkoong Min x Lee Junho)
Hilarious office bromance, love them. A lot of cheek kisses??? A must watch for sure
Side romance: Not really -
13. Le Jeu de la Mort Partie 2
Korean Drama - 2024, 4 episodes
(Jung Gyu Chul x Park Tae Woo)
Kim Jaewook x Kim Jihoon
Only a small part of the show as Gyuchul (played by jaewook) is merely one of the reincarnations, but it is toxic gay subtext if you believe hard enough !! Still watch Part1 before though, such a well-made show. -
14. Stranger
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
(Hwang Si Mok x Seo Dong Jae)
Slow progressing but very well written crime plot!! Often praised as one of the best out there, as for the bromance you probably wont see the 2 guys together for a pretty long time but they are a pretty big ship, maybe dont watch if you're bad with slow paced shows
Side romance: Not really, its strangers to friendship -
15. Escape
Korean Movie - 2024
Lim Kyunam x Ri Hyeonsang
(Koo Kyohwan x Lee Jehoon)
CANON (past relationship):
Koo Kyohwan x Song Kang
Short movie (1hr 30min) that just released online, pretty intense plot about a military deserter/escapee from north korea. The sub-plot is definetely gay but very brief -
16. Hello Monster
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
Side romance: Yes...... FL is very annoying
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17. One Ordinary Day
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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18. Seen from a Distance, Green Spring
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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19. School 2013
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
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20. Vigilante
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Kim Ji Yong x Cho Kang Ok
sorta humorous bromance, loved it
Side romance: No -
21. Weak Hero Class 1
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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22. My Country: The New Age
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
i dont remember adding this
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23. I, a Gangster, Became a High Schooler
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes