I was reminded that I haven’t yet posted my 2022 fave dramas list, so here goes:
China: Under the Skin: crime drama where a criminal portrayist unites with a police unit. Love Between Fairy and Devil / Cang Lan Jue: Xianxia drama that was the surprise hit of last Summer. Japan: Kieta Hatsukoi: Teenage romance between two guys who are still unsure about things. In Western series, Heartstopper was in the same bracket, and just as good. Kei x Yaku: Abunai Aibou: Crime drama that is more on the bromance side of things. A policeman has to join hands with a yakuza to find out who killed his superior/his sister. Old Fashion Cupcake: A salaryman nearing 40 feels like he way over the hill, but his younger colleague decides to help him fulfill his dreams. A lovely slow burn bl romance.
Korea: Semantic Error: Another bl, off the opposites attract variety, enemies to lovers. Also has a banging title song. Through the Darkness: serious crime drama based on Korea’s first criminal behavioral unit. Serial killers, analysts getting burned out by the cases they have to encounter, and some horrible crimes. A Business Proposal: light, frothy romcom at it’s best. Ridiculous premise, some humour, some drama, fun characters and good chemistry between both lead pairs.
Taiwan: Rainless Love in a Godless Land: Environmental themed fantasy drama about the gods leaving this world. But did they all leave? Water god Orad did not, because he had fallen in love with a human.
Thailand: Kinnporsche: La Forte: The bl series of the year. Mob boss and his bodyguard boyfriend, with some side stories.