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What is the No. 1 BL series in the world?

If you’re into BL, chances are you’ve had at least one heated debate with a fellow fan about which series deserves the crown as the number one BL in the world. With so many titles out there, from manga and manhwa to webtoons and even live-action adaptations, it’s not easy to name just one winner. But let’s try to break it down together, like two friends sharing our favorite recs over coffee.


BL is everywhere now

BL, short for Boys’ Love, has grown from a niche genre into a global fandom. It started in Japan back in the 1970s, but now we’ve got Korean BL manhwa, Chinese danmei novels, and even Thai BL dramas taking the world by storm. Whether you’re scrolling through Webtoon, binging a drama on streaming platforms, or collecting physical manga, BL is impossible to ignore.

This global spread also means there’s no single answer to the “number one” question. What’s most popular often depends on where you live and how you consume BL content.

The classics that shaped BL

Before we talk about the current champion, we have to give a shoutout to some classics.

  • Kaze to Ki no Uta: Often called the first true BL manga, it set the tone for everything that came after.

  • Junjou Romantica: One of the most well-known BL manga series in the 2000s, and a gateway for many fans.

  • Sekaiichi Hatsukoi: Another big hit from the same creator, full of romance, drama, and emotional ups and downs.

These titles may not be topping charts today, but they built the foundation for BL as we know it.

The rise of Korean BL manhwa

If you’ve been following the BL scene in recent years, you know that Korean manhwa and webtoons are dominating. The vertical scroll format, gorgeous art styles, and easy online access make them perfect for modern fans.

Titles like Semantic Error, Killing Stalking, and Painter of the Night have gained massive international followings. They’re not only popular in Korea but also translated into multiple languages, reaching readers everywhere.

And of course, one that stands out in today’s fandom is Define the Relationship. With its mix of emotional storytelling and stunning visuals, it has become a fan favorite in the BL manhwa category. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can read it here: https://definetherelationship.net/.

The global phenomenon of Thai BL dramas

We can’t talk about the number one BL series without mentioning Thai BL dramas. They’ve skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade, drawing fans from across Asia and beyond.

Shows like SOTUS: The Series, 2gether: The Series, and TharnType have millions of viewers. They’ve turned actors into international stars and given BL a bigger platform in mainstream media. For fans who prefer live-action romance, Thai BL dramas are definitely at the top of the list.

So, which one is really number one?

Here’s where things get tricky. The answer depends on what criteria you’re using:

  • Most influential? Probably Kaze to Ki no Uta or Junjou Romantica.

  • Most internationally recognized right now? Likely Semantic Error or 2gether: The Series.

  • Most beloved in the BL manhwa community? Titles like Painter of the Night and Define the Relationship are serious contenders.

If we look at raw global impact, 2gether: The Series might take the crown, simply because it became a viral phenomenon outside the BL fandom and introduced countless new people to the genre.

But if we’re talking specifically about BL manhwa, then Painter of the Night and Semantic Error are among the biggest names. And honestly, Define the Relationship is right there with them, carving out its own loyal fanbase.

Why do fans argue about it anyway

The fun part is that there’s no single right answer. BL isn’t like mainstream Hollywood blockbusters where box office numbers tell you who’s on top. Popularity in BL is about passion, community, and personal taste.

Some people love the angsty, dramatic series full of heartbreak. Others want soft, wholesome couples navigating romance in a slice-of-life setting. And some just want beautifully drawn characters with lots of chemistry.

That’s why asking “what’s the number one BL series in the world” is less about finding the truth and more about celebrating how wide and diverse the genre has become.

The future of BL

Looking ahead, BL is only going to get bigger. Webtoon platforms are investing heavily in BL content. Live-action adaptations are being made not just in Thailand, but also in Korea, Japan, and even Taiwan. And fans worldwide are supporting official releases more than ever.

It wouldn’t be surprising if a few years from now, another BL series comes along and snatches the crown from the current favorites. Maybe it will be another groundbreaking manhwa, maybe a hit drama, or maybe even an animated BL series that captures the global spotlight.

So, what is the No. 1 BL series in the world? It’s hard to give one definitive answer, but that’s part of the fun. Depending on who you ask, the crown could belong to 2gether: The Series, Semantic Error, Painter of the Night, or even the classic Junjou Romantica.

For me, what matters more than picking one winner is appreciating how far BL has come. From its humble beginnings in Japanese manga to today’s international webtoons and dramas, BL has grown into a global movement that brings fans together.

And if you’re looking for your next favorite BL manhwa, you might just find it in Define the Relationship. You can check it out right here: Define the Relationship. Who knows? It might become your personal number one.