10 Underrated Korean Dramas With LGBTQ+ Characters You Might Have Missed

However, many countries are working on building a more accepting society, and South Korea is no exception. There are now plenty of K-dramas out there that explore LGBTQ+ struggles and can help start a conversation.

For those who are looking for shows that tackle these topics, here are ten underrated Korean dramas with LGBTQ+ characters you might have missed!

Love With Flaws

This romantic comedy is about imperfect people who fall in love with each other and rise above prejudice. The show revolves around Joo Seo Yeon, a female protagonist who hates good-looking men, and Lee Kang Woo, a man who has an obsession with his appearance.

But what some viewers may not expect is that we also follow the story of Ho Dol, a young man who's coming to accept his sexuality and meets a bartender at a gay bar who helps him embrace himself.

This K-drama gives the spotlight to multiple diverse characters, and it has been praised for its great LGBTQ+ representation.

A Moment at Eighteen

After facing a lot of conflicts in his current high school, Joon Woo is forced to transfer schools. He decides to shut himself off from others and quietly ride out the school year.

That, however, is not possible as unexpected events occur, and he meets a girl who becomes special to him. Now, this may sound like a typical cute love story but there is much more going on.

In fact, Joon Woo's fellow peers also have to face the unfairness of the world, as even his seatmate is confused about his attraction toward another male student.

Reply 1997

This refreshing K-drama is a sequel to the infamous Reply 1988, and both shows have become Korean drama staples (yes, they're that good).

However, apart from its super interesting storyline, Reply 1997 also introduces something new to the series – LGBTQ+ representation. Throughout the episodes, we follow the stories of 6 high school friends, focusing on their past as 18-year-old high schoolers in the 90s and the present, where they revive their memories at the reunion.

While one couple announces their plans to get married, another member of the group confesses to one of his friends that he's gay and in love with his best friend.

Romance is a Bonus Book

Cha Eun Ho is a successful writer and chief editor at a book publishing firm. His childhood friend Kang Dan-i used to be a popular copywriter but is now a divorced single mother struggling to find a job.

She decides to help Cha Eun Ho find a housekeeper but secretly does the work herself to make ends meet. As their lives become more intertwined, a love story starts to blossom.

Although the main storyline doesn't revolve around LGBTQ+ topics, it offers a great representation of a lesbian couple, which we love to see!

Be Melodramatic

Be Melodramatic is a series that's guaranteed to pull on your heartstrings thanks to its relatable plot and characters. You'll also be excited to know that it doesn't leave its LGBTQ+ characters on the sidelines!

The storyline focuses on three female best friends in their thirties who are dealing with changes in their professional and personal lives. The brother of one of the main characters is gay and is in a supportive and loving relationship.

This series has been commended for demonstrating acceptance of individuality through the portrayal of everyday people who live outside the box.

Prison Playbook

This drama explores the story of Kim Je Hyuk, a renowned baseball player who is sent to prison after using excessive force when saving his sister from a man trying to assault her.

While he's behind bars, he meets a childhood friend who used to be a fellow baseball player but now works as a prison guard. As we look into the personal as well as shared journeys of the characters, we truly feel for all of them.

However, the standout was the primary gay character and the exceptionally realistic depiction of important struggles, including homophobia.

Run On

Ki Sun Gyeom, a sprinter on the national team, encounters a young woman who translates subtitles for movies and ends up interpreting for him as he goes on an international tour.

When she finds out who he is, she feels like it could be fate and a potential start to a love story. Although it's not the main highlight, this show also discusses sensitive matters such as asexuality and gender equality in a very respectful way.

Where Your Eyes Linger

Han Tae Joo is an 18-year-old student who is also the heir of TB Group, a family-run conglomerate. He has it all – popularity, good looks, and a wealthy family.

His childhood best friend, Kang Gook, is someone he trusts and who also acts as his bodyguard. Over time, they start to realize they may like each other more than just friends and the lines begin to get blurred between friendship and feelings.

Mr. Heart

A follow-up project of Where Your Eyes Linger, this series follows the relationship between Jin Won, a rising marathon superstar, and Sang Ha, a pacesetter. Their paths cross when Jin Won is struggling to sustain his stats and Sang Ha is brought in to help by his coach.

As time goes by, they become closer and come to a realization that their feelings may have taken a surprising turn. But will they be able to handle this discovery without putting all their hard work at risk?

Color Rush

Color Rush is a mystery romance drama that tells the story of Yeon Woo, a boy who sees the world in tones of gray and can't see color. But everything changes when he meets Yoo Han.

With him, he gets a "color rush," which is a phenomenon that allows him to see color. Afraid he could become obsessed with Yoo Han, Yeon Woo tries to avoid him.

The unique concept and the budding romance between the characters are unlike any other you've ever seen before and will leave you wishing it lasted longer.