It’s Pride Month! We’ve made a list of quality LGBTQ+ movies and K-dramas that’ll keep you entertained. We have to celebrate the representation that is here, so we can look forward to what’s to come.
Get your popcorn out and let’s take a look at some queer cinema!
‘Man On High Heels’ – Yoon Ji-wook
This Korean film from 2014, shows us the story of Yoon Ji-wook portrayed by Cha Seung-Won. Yoon Ji-wook is a police detective in a very macho environment while trying to get as much money as possible to have a gender affirmation surgery.
It’s an interesting portrayal that shows us some of the struggles of working in such a male dominated industry.
‘Mr. Heart’ – Jin Won and Sang-Ha
This very cute BL drama ‘Mr. Heart’ centers around Jin Won and Sang-Ha. Jin Won is a marathon runner and Sang-Ha is his newly assigned pacemaker. It’s wholesome, cheesy and a quick watch.
‘The Handmaiden’ – Lady Hideko and Sook-hee
This 2016 film directed by Park Chan-Wook was a big hit in theatres and got a lot of critical acclaim. We wrote a full review about the film here.
The story centers around Lady Hideko and Sook-hee, her servant. It has a lot of layers to it, that I can’t explain without giving you major spoilers. But if you’re in need of a good lesbian plot, then I do recommend this one.
‘A Girl At My Door’ – Young Nam
In the 2014 film ‘A Girl At My Door’, Bae Doona portrays Young Nam who was transferred to a small town in the middle of nowhere after her corps found out she was gay. It’s all quite implicit until her ex-girlfriend shows up. The fact that Young Nam is a lesbian isn’t the main focus of the story, but it’s still an interesting watch.
‘Moonlit Winter’ – Yoon Hee and Jun
‘Moonlit Winter’ is a film from 2019 that tells the story of Yoon Hee and her daughter who are trying to reconnect by going to Yoon Hee’s hometown. There they meet Jun who was Yoon Hee’s first love.
‘Itaewon Class’ – Hyun-yi
This K-drama is probably on all of the LGBTQ+ lists, but regardless Hyun-yi’s character in ‘Itaewon Class’ is a great representation of the transgender community in K-dramas.
‘Color Rush’ – Yeon Woo and Go Yoo-han
This mini-series aired between 2020 and 2021, if you are looking to watch a BL with an interesting and unique plot, and a lot of fluff, make sure to watch ‘Color Rush’. The drama centers on the feelings and thoughts of Yeon Woo, and his chemistry with Go Yoo-han is off the charts. Check the trailer below.
‘Love with Flaws’ – Joo Won-suk and Choi Ho-dol
‘Love with Flaws’ is a romantic comedy where support and representation with a touch of comedy are found. Won-suk is the representation of a confident gay man who is sure of himself, whereas Ho-dol is in the early stages of coming out. We see both sides of the story with these two very lovable characters and I absolutely adored how supportive and protective Won-suk becomes of Ho-dol.
Check our review here, and watch the trailer below.
‘Where Your Eyes Linger’ – Han Tae-joo and Kang-gook
This web series follows the plot of friends starting to have feelings for each other, and it is cute and sad at the same time. There isn’t much fluff in this drama but it is very interesting and a short watch. Check the trailer below.
An honorable mention goes to ‘Move To Heaven’ for episode 5 where they portray the story of a gay couple. It’s an interesting way of showing how heteronormativity is a thing.
That’s it for this list of LGBTQ+ Representation in K-dramas and films. If you want to read a list of some representation in K-pop you can click here. If you prefer reading WebToons, you can find that list here.