The growing trend of idols taking on roles in Boys' Love (BL) dramas has ignited discussions among netizens, showcasing a mix of reactions from fans.
Notable idols such as ZEROBASEONE‘s Jiwoong, SF9‘s Zuho, DKZ‘s Jaechan, and former KNK member Park Seoham have stepped into this genre, broadening their acting portfolios.
OMEGA X's Hangyeom in "Jazz For Two"
In the spotlight of this trend is OMEGA X‘s Hangyeom, who is currently portraying a role in the BL drama "Jazz For Two."
A recent episode featured a kiss scene between the main couple, although fans noted that the depiction of the kiss was somewhat obscured, either appearing as a blur or a shadow.
Debates on Comfort and Artistic Choices
Following the kiss scene, a particular comment gained traction online, sparking a heated debate within the fandom.
The comment questioned the comfort level and artistic choices of idols in BL roles, suggesting that if an individual is not comfortable or restricted from portraying intimate scenes with a male co-star, they should reconsider auditioning for such roles.
honestly this is nothing against jazz for two or the actors on their but in the year of 2024 we shouldn’t be doing any angel and blurry kisses if you can’t do the job then please don’t audition i don’t mean to be harsh but this is genuinely getting so annoying to watch pic.twitter.com/fjEwqWmgJJ
— d&h era (@rvinpeaxe) March 28, 2024
If you don't want to kiss then don't do it, but don't go to an audition for a kbl that is required a kissing sence because you want more hype up and fame... and it is looks utter ridiculous by the way. https://t.co/R6rMEYbXnL pic.twitter.com/72LPDtPhrw
— 🙈🙉 👻in⚰ (Ani) (@angrybatlol) March 28, 2024
THIS is how you kisspic.twitter.com/PkK4MPrqC9 https://t.co/xmzKZkAsbC
— Nao (@OT7NAOMl) March 28, 2024
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Diverse Perspectives Among Fans
The ensuing debate reflected a spectrum of opinions among fans. Some argued that in the contemporary landscape of entertainment, there should be no stigma attached to portraying diverse romantic relationships, including same-sex intimacy.
If they don’t wanna kiss, then don’t include a kiss scene. It’s really simple https://t.co/yUJ4JAtLr5
— han hyeonjun’s jenni❤️🩹🇻🇪 VENEZUELA LIBRE (@zhangqilingsgf) March 28, 2024
“nothing against the actors” and then immediately proceeds to shit on the actors and make ridiculous assumptions about why the scene was filmed a certain way
— Jessie ⩜⃝ (@jessie1323x) March 29, 2024
acting like you can’t watch/enjoy a bl if you can’t see their lips touch in HD is a really gross take by the way https://t.co/XbBiWsIRVA
not trying to say that i know how hangyeom feels but i also think that if he had the chance to do a full kiss scene, HE WOULD HAVE. he's been very passionate and excited about jazz for two so the fact that these people are shitting on him for decisions he CANNOT make?
— sofia 💭 ia (@1224YECHAN) March 29, 2024
no sorry but why are there so many people upset over this, they don't HAVE to be intimate at all. it's a bl not some soft corn. a normal kdrama but with dudes. would you be this mad if it were a het couple? i honestly don't think so. this is so entitled and weird of you /gen https://t.co/o90lkhAOzV
— ✮ 𝒽𝒶𝓁𝒾⋆♱ ᵐᶦˢˢᶦⁿᵍ ¹ᵗʰᵉ⁹ (@kyoswumutiot) March 29, 2024
the fact that yall don’t know hangyeom AT ALL is sending me. that man would kiss a boy 100 times to get the scene perfect yall need to sit down fr https://t.co/ZhujrqLD5T
— ace🐰 (@boytnxdoor) March 29, 2024
why do you gaf? Not every bl drama needs a✨perfect✨kiss scene or even one at all? You just want to see them have their faces down their throats don’t you? weirdo https://t.co/GX0e9MSPwJ
— 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓃𝒶🍒| sebin&jongho luvr🐻*:・゚✧*:・゚ (@ox_playDumB) March 29, 2024
They pointed to past instances where idols have convincingly delivered passionate scenes in various dramas, emphasizing the evolving norms in the industry.
On the other hand, some fans countered that the significance of kiss scenes in BL dramas might be overemphasized, asserting that the effectiveness of the storyline does not solely rely on such moments.
Additionally, considerations about an idol's comfort level and agency in decision-making regarding their roles were highlighted, suggesting that external factors could influence the portrayal of intimate scenes on-screen.
Embracing Diversity and Artistic Freedom
The ongoing discourse underscores the evolving landscape of BL dramas in the K-Pop industry, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity in storytelling and respecting the artistic choices of performers.
Fans expressed the sentiment that BL dramas should not be constrained by rigid expectations, allowing for varied interpretations and narratives that authentically reflect the characters and their dynamics, rather than aiming solely to cater to specific fan preferences.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.