If you’re a K-drama lover who swoons at slow-motion glances, lives for emotional soundtracks, and believes that love is love no matter what form it takes, welcome, you’re in good company. While South Korean television has traditionally leaned into heteronormative storylines, the tide is slowly but surely turning. And even when the central characters aren’t queer, the side characters are. So, whether you’re hunting for sapphic softness, a heartwarming gay romance, or just looking for that “we see you” kind of inclusivity, here’s a list of LGBTQIA+ Korean shows on Netflix.

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1. Nevertheless

While the central story follows a straight couple, the real scene-stealer is Yoon Sol (Lee Ho Jung) and Seo Ji Wan’s (Yoon Seo A) quiet but emotionally rich queer romance. It’s not loud or overly dramatic, but it’s genuine and quite refreshing in the middle of all the “will-they-won’t-they” chaos.

2. Itaewon Class

A rare gem in K-dramas, Itaewon Class tells the story of a transgender chef with exceptional skills and a heart of gold. Her story is about self-respect, acceptance, and finding a workplace that has her back. Bonus: the male lead literally throws hands for her.

3. Moment at Eighteen

While queerness isn’t directly stated in the show, one character, Jung Oh-je (Moonbin), is gay. Throughout the show, his emotional turmoil and complex male friendships are explored. It’s subtle, but the treatment of the subject is quite emotional and respectful.

4. Be Melodramatic

This underrated gem is a slice-of-life drama that’s equal parts funny, weird, and heartbreakingly real. While the main plot revolves around three women navigating life and work in their 30s, one of the side characters is gay and often appears in the story. Though not in much detail, his story is also explored in the drama.

5. Mine

Amidst murder mysteries and chaebol drama, Mine gifts us one of the most elegant lesbian love stories in K-drama history. Jung Seo-hyun (Kim Seo-hyung) and her former flame, Sister Emma (Kang Ja-kyeong), share a past that’s tender, powerful, and beautifully complex — especially in a world that tells them their love has no place.

6. Secret Garden

Secret Garden is the OG K-drama that paved the way for queer dramas. While best known for its gender-bending body-swap plot, Secret Garden also includes a canon gay character, Oska (Yoon Sang-Hyun), a fading star. When he crosses paths with Han Tae-sun (Lee Jong-suk), a cold but brilliant young musician, sparks fly. His sexuality is never sensationalised or mocked; it is treated in depth. For a drama that aired over a decade ago, it was quietly progressive in how it included a gay character without turning him into comic relief.

7. Run On

Run On is a fan favourite when it comes to queer representation. The drama respectfully explores the theme of asexuality while also showcasing a gay character. These characters are not used for comic relief, nor is their sexuality treated as a topic of confusion.

8. Under the Queen’s Umbrella

A historical drama with a modern heart. One of the queen’s sons, Grand Prince Gyeseong, is coded as queer — delicate, different, and clearly hiding a secret. The drama focuses on his struggles to express himself and the challenges he faces once his mother knows about his identity.

9. Love in Contract

Love in Contract is another drama that plays with queerness in subtle ways. The male lead’s best friend, Woo Kwang-nam (Kang Hyung-seok), is revealed to be gay. And the best part is that the show doesn’t make his sexuality his entire personality. Woo is treated as any other character with a solid story and presence.

10. Move to Heaven

This heart-wrenching drama follows a trauma cleaning service and the stories left behind by the dead. In one standout episode, a gay couple is finally reunited in death after being torn apart by society in life. It’s devastating and deeply moving and serves as a stark reminder of how love, when denied in life, still finds its way.

So, which of these LGBTQIA+ Korean shows will you be streaming on Netflix?

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