By: Alexa Lopez
BL, also known as Boys’ Love, ranks as one of the most popular webtoon genres today.
There are several types of BL stories, but one thing stays the same across the board: the main love interests are two men. While most BL falls under romance, the genre also spans historical dramas, fantasy adventures, and even thrillers.
BL often carries a reputation for being explicit or raunchy, but that’s not always true. Some stories lean heavily on spicy themes, while others focus on wholesome and innocent romance. Getting into BL might seem overwhelming at first, but there’s truly something for everyone—you just have to find the right story. If you’re new to the world of BL, start with one of these webtoons:
1. Heesu In Class 2
Heesu In Class 2 tells a sweet high school love story between two childhood friends. Full of feel-good, fluffy moments, it’s perfect if you prefer stories that are soft and wholesome.
High schooler Heesu has quietly crushed on his best friend Chanyoung for as long as he can remember, but he hides his feelings to protect their friendship. He lives a quiet life, known to others only as “Chanyoung’s friend.” That changes when a strange rumor spreads, and suddenly, people start begging Heesu for relationship advice—even though he’s never even confessed to Chanyoung!
2. On or Off
On or Off is perfect for anyone who loves an office romance. It leans more mature, but still offers plenty of heart-fluttering moments—ideal for readers ready to branch out beyond high school settings.
Yiyoung and his college friends start their own business, and one day, they land a meeting with SJ Corporation, one of the country’s top firms. The moment Yiyoung walks into the room, he locks eyes with Kang Daehyun—and his world shifts. Daehyun is successful, confident, and exactly Yiyoung’s type. But can Yiyoung balance his growing feelings with the pressure of work?
3. Cherry Blossoms After Winter
Cherry Blossoms After Winter offers a unique twist on the childhood friends-to-lovers trope. Rather than growing up as neighbors or classmates, Haebom loses his parents young and ends up living with his mom’s friend and her son, Taesung.
The boys become close in childhood but drift apart as teens, despite living under the same roof. When they find themselves in the same high school class, they’re forced to reconnect. Will this bring them closer than ever before?
4. Semantic Error
K-drama fans may recognize Semantic Error as the popular BL adaptation starring Park Seo Ham and Park Jae Chan. The show was a hit in South Korea and introduced BL to a mainstream local audience. It’s based on the original webtoon of the same name.
Choo Sangwoo, a rigid computer science major, doesn’t tolerate slackers. When his group project partners don’t pull their weight, he removes them, derailing Jang Jaeyoung’s plans to graduate and study abroad. Jaeyoung, the campus star, seeks revenge by making Sangwoo’s life chaotic. But as their rivalry deepens, so does the tension between them.
5. Castle Swimmer
Castle Swimmer stands out with its fantasy setting and mythology-inspired storyline. The main leads come from rival sea kingdoms, bound by prophecies that pit them against one another.
One character is born to lead his people to salvation, while the other—a young prince—is destined to kill him. As the two question their fate and resist the roles forced upon them, they set off on an epic undersea adventure. The art style leans more Western than traditional Asian webtoons, giving it a fresh and distinct feel.
6. The Dangerous Convenience Store
The Dangerous Convenience Store delivers a fun opposites-attract dynamic set in—you guessed it—a convenience store. Yeo Euijoon works night shifts in a rough neighborhood and dreams of quitting. Why? Because burly gangsters constantly crowd the store.
Everything changes when Bam Gunwoo, a massive and intimidating gangster, starts visiting. Surprisingly, Gunwoo shows genuine concern for Euijoon’s safety. As he begins protecting Euijoon from troublemakers, the two slowly develop a deep romantic bond.
7. Virtual Strangers (a.k.a. Guildmate Nextdoor)
Looking for something light and funny? Guildmate Nextdoor is a BL rom-com featuring two adult neighbors. The series takes its time with the romance, making it a satisfying slow burn.
Gamer Lee Yeowoon gets tired of buggy titles and joins the MMO Illusion Online. After requesting to join a guild, he’s immediately killed by a player named Ji9Star, who won’t leave him alone the next day. What Yeowoon doesn’t realize? Ji9Star is his next-door neighbor, Yoon Jigu.
8. Out of Control
Out of Control breaks the mold with a main lead who isn’t conventionally attractive—he’s short, freckled, and a bit nerdy. The story highlights how opposites attract, creating a powerful dynamic that deepens the characters’ connection.
Yuri and Jaerim are classmates, rivals, and total opposites. Yuri is charming and confident, while Jaerim is shy and awkward. Yuri constantly teases him, but working together in the student council brings them closer. As they open up, their relationship transforms.
9. Killer Crush
It’s not easy to be both intense and wholesome, but Killer Crush manages to strike that balance. The story follows a hired killer and a runaway actor as they form an unlikely bond.
Joo Taemin has spent 14 years working as a contract killer, always completing his missions without a trace. But everything changes when he meets Kang Daehyeok, a famous actor trying to escape the spotlight. Daehyeok turns to Taemin for help—and as they grow close, Taemin must hide his deadly secret.
10. At the End of the Road
At the End of the Road features a supernatural twist—a body swap between two students. After a car accident, Taemin wakes up in Siwon’s body, a student tormented by bullies. But unlike the real Siwon, Taemin fights back.
Taemin transforms Siwon’s reputation, and people quickly notice the change. When he reconnects with Woojin, a childhood friend, Woojin senses something’s off—and realizes Siwon may not be who he seems.
BL is a beautiful genre filled with unforgettable stories. Even total beginners can find something to love, especially with these webtoons!
So, which BL will you read first?
