麻豆社

Same-sex romance dramas are booming across Asia, but does that mean there鈥檚 growing tolerance towards LGBTQ communities?
What began as a niche genre in Japan has become a regional phenomenon, with countries like Thailand producing hugely popular series that travel far beyond Asia.
Streaming platforms and shows like The Boyfriend and Heated Rivalry have helped bring these stories to global audiences. But the rise of the 鈥淏oys鈥� Love鈥� and 鈥淕irls鈥� Love鈥� dramas in Asia raises bigger questions about representation, culture, and social change.
In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with the 麻豆社鈥檚 Derek Cai and Nongnapat Patcham about the origins of BL in Japan, how Thailand built a thriving BL and GL industry and about who is watching these shows.

Asia Specific brings you Asia Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know it best. With essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that鈥檚 home to nearly 2.5 billion people.

Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea鈥檚 K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside 麻豆社 experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond 鈥� listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt
Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk