Not-Quite Cis-Het
You can't quite say it's gay, but you also can't say it's not. Sometimes that in between place, either through body swapping, multiple love interests, a confused plot-line, or magical intervention, things become subtly queer. We all like openly queer things, but that in-between area can capture other identities and experiences in a unique and serendipitous way.
-
![Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain]()
1. Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain
Chinese Drama - 2019, 37 episodes
Wang Wu and Wang Lu both have close emotional relationships with their best friends, to the point that at times it feels like they are both poly. Regardless, the mains are chaotic in a way only a bi could be
-
![Queen Cheorin]()
2. Queen Cheorin
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
Is this an exploration of gender or sexuality, both or neither? I would say all of the above. The plot has a K-drama Gordan Ramsey put into a Joseon queen's body, where he slowly falls in love with her husband, the king, and gets used to his changed form. The story parallels feelings of dysphoria and internalized bi-erasure, but its true selling point is the romance supersedes gender and sexuality. The ride is worth it, but be prepared to find the ending disappointing
-
![Love and Redemption]()
3. Love and Redemption
Chinese Drama - 2020, 59 episodes
"cold-hearted woman" is a common xianxia/wuxia theme, where the FL has her ability to love locked away (see Ashes of Love). IMO this mimics the demi/grey asexual dating experience pretty well. I can't say these kinds of dramas bring anything but pain (even in real life lol), but Cheng Yi and Crystal are worth it in this one. The twist of this drama also qualifies it for this list, but spoilers so I'll stay mute.
