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BL phenomenon expands: ‘First Note of Love’ launches Asia tour in Taipei
A growing trend
The Boys Love (BL) genre has rapidly risen from niche to mainstream, gathering a passionate fanbase across Asia. This growth has led to events previously reserved for the biggest TV shows and pop stars, such as fan meets and concert-like gatherings.
Taipei event sets the stage
This past Saturday, at Westar in Taipei, LGBTQI-streaming platform GagaOOLala hosted its inaugural fan meet for the original BL musical series “First Note of Love.” Drawing in an enthusiastic crowd of 500 fans, this event marked the start of an ambitious tour that will span several major cities across Asia by 2025, including Seoul, Hong Kong, Macau, and Bangkok.
Memorable performances
The event was a spectacular showcase of talent. Lead actors Charles Tu, Michael Chang, Tim Liu, and Thai star Jame Kasama Kranjanawattana delivered mesmerizing performances, featuring popular tracks from the series, intricately choreographed dances, and beloved duets. The evening included more than ten captivating acts, leaving fans delighted and eager for more.
A musical story of healing
Directed by Chien Hung Lien, “First Note of Love” tells the emotional story of Neil (played by Charles Tu), the frontman of the band Magnet. After the tragic death of his brother and bandmate, Neil retreats from the public eye. Six years later, he crosses paths with Sea (portrayed by Michael Chang), a former fan who has become a reclusive yet brilliant music whiz. Together, they embark on a transformative journey of musical healing.
Streaming success
Produced by GagaOOLala and GOL Studios, “First Note of Love” consists of 12 episodes, each running for 25 minutes. The series is available for global streaming on GagaOOLala (excluding Japan), and on Video Market and Rakuten TV in Japan, LINE TV and friDAY in Taiwan, Heavenly in South Korea, and Rakuten Viki in multiple territories. Subtitles are offered in English, Mandarin, Thai, Spanish, and Bahasa, expanding its accessibility to a broader audience.
Explore more details about the series “First Note of Love”.
Collaborative production
The series has benefitted from a unique blend of artistic and musical inputs from Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand, which are the key hubs of the BL genre. Contributions came from Warner Music Taiwan, Warner Music Thailand, and talents from Star Hunter Entertainment Thailand. Significant investments were made by the Kaohsiung Film Fund, Video Market and Rakuten TV Japan, and the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). Additionally, the Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development of the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture provided subsidies.
A rising genre with a devoted audience
Initially seen as a niche, the BL genre has gained substantial popularity, appealing to a broad audience, including a large contingent of heterosexual women. While still smaller in comparison, the Girls Love (GL) market is also showing signs of growth.
In 2021, Japan’s BL market was valued at approximately 21.2 billion JPY (192 million USD). That same year, Thailand’s BL streaming rights generated 360 million THB (10.2 million USD) in foreign investment, with an export value exceeding 1.5 billion THB (42.6 million USD) in 2022.
By 2023, around 217 BL titles aired, reflecting the genre’s explosive growth. The promotion of pro-LGBTQ+ stories in East Asia has not only enhanced visibility but may have also contributed to significant social changes, such as Taiwan’s historic legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019 and Thailand’s similar move in June 2024.
A future of diversity and love
As BL continues to gain international traction, GagaOOLala aims to extend its reach and foster cross-cultural dialogues that celebrate diversity and love. The founder and CEO of GagaOOLala, Jay Lin, emphasizes that their commitment to the BL genre is more than just a creative venture. It’s an opportunity to foster collaboration among key Asian markets like Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan.
“The success of our Taipei fan meet is just the beginning of a journey to create new spaces for fans to engage, celebrate, and be inspired.”
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