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Secret Relationships (Korean: 비밀사이) is a 2025 South Korean BL romance workplace television series created by Jeong Soo-yun, written by Lee Yoo-jin, directed by Yang Kyung-hee, and starring Kim Jun-seo, Cha Sun-hyung [ko], Cha Jung-woo, and Kim Ho-young. Based on the Kakao webtoon of the same name by McQueen Studio, it depicts the complicated relationship between Da-on and the three men surrounding him. It was released on Watcha [ko] from February 27, to March 21, 2025. It is also available for streaming on FOD in Japan, iQIYI in the Americas, and GagaOOLala [1] and Heavenly in selected regions.

Synopsis

Jung Da-on has a difficult financial background. This has shaped his life and occasionally causes misunderstandings with others who view his resourcefulness negatively. He works hard to overcome his past and create a brighter future for himself. He finds himself in a love triangle with two men, Shin Jae-min and Joo Sung-hyun. Jae-min tutored Da-on in high school. He has helped Da-on through difficult times, and Da-on trusts and relies on him. Da-on harbors lingering feelings for Jae-min. Sung-hyun is Da-on’s work colleague. They initially have a strained relationship, but Sung-hyun develops feelings for Da-on and tries to be open and honest about his feelings. Da-on struggles with his feelings for both men. He is grateful to Jae-min for his previous support and still has feelings for him. At the same time, he is drawn to Sung-hyun’s genuine and caring personality.

Cast and characters

A young man who’s worked hard to overcome a difficult financial background. He’s resourceful and determined, but sometimes his past experiences lead to misunderstandings with others. He finds himself in a tricky situation, caught between his feelings for his former tutor and a new attraction to his colleague.
Da-on’s work colleague. Initially, they have a somewhat antagonistic relationship. However, he develops feelings for Da-on and is very open and honest about his affections. He seems to be a more straightforward and caring individual.
  • Cha Jung-woo as Kim Soo-hyun[4]
A man who grows while experiencing wounds and pain.
  • Kim Ho-young as Shin Jae-min[5]
Da-on’s tutor in high school. He provided support and guidance during Da-on’s difficult times, and Da-on still has strong feelings for him.

Production

Development

In July 2022, Cradle Studio, a now-defunct[a] subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment, announced that they were pushing forward to dramatize the BL webtoon Secret Relationships written by McQueen Studio.[7] Five months later, the production of the series was confirmed.[8]

In November 2024, it was reported that Playlist Studio would be producing its first BL drama along with Kakao Entertainment and Fuji Television. Writer Jeong Soo-yun, who wrote Hope or Dope (2022) and Tastefully Yours (2025), participates as the creator. The series is written by Lee Yoo-jin, who worked with Jeong, and directed by Yang Kyung-hee, who has worked on numerous BL dramas such as Love Tractor (2023) and The Time of Fever (2024).

Casting and filming

The cast lineup were revealed to be Kim Jun-seo in his first lead role along with Cha Sun-hyung [ko], Cha Jung-woo, and Kim Ho-young. Principal photography began on November 9.[9]

Release

Secret Relationships was scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2025.[9] Watcha [ko] announced that it would be their first exclusive series on their platform in 2025.[10] The release date was confirmed to be on February 27.[11] It will also be available for streaming on FOD in Japan, iQIYI in the Americas, and GagaOOLala and Heavenly in selected regions.[12]

Accolades

Listicles

Year-end lists for Secret Relationships
Critic/Publication List Rank Ref.
Teen Vogue 13 Best BL Dramas of 2025 Included [13]
Queerty 10 Best BL Dramas of 2025 Included [14]

Notes

  1. ^ Cradle Studio was liquidated in June 2024.[6]

References

  1. ^ “The 10 best boys’ love shows of 2025: From athletic romances to fang-banging vampires & beyond”. Queerty. 28 December 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
  2. ^ Park, Ro-sa (November 8, 2024). 위아이 김준서, BL 드라마 ‘비밀사이’로 연기 첫 도전 [WEi Kim Jun-seo, first acting challenge in BL drama ‘Secret Relationships’]. MyDaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  3. ^ Ahn, Byung-gil (November 8, 2024). 차선형 ‘비밀사이’ 캐스팅…직진 본능 가동 [Casting of Cha Sun-hyung in ‘Secret Relationships’…Straightforward instinct activated]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  4. ^ Jung, Hee-yeon (November 8, 2024). 신인 배우 차정우, 윤계상과 한솥밥…BL드 ‘비밀사이’ 주연 발탁 [New actor Cha Jung-woo, working under the same company with Yoon Kye-sang…Selected as lead in BL drama ‘Secret Relationships’]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 11, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  5. ^ Son, Jin-ah (November 8, 2024). 김호영, ‘비밀사이’ 출연…BL 드라마 첫 도전[공식] [Kim Ho-young, Appearance in ‘Secret Relationships’…First Challenge in BL Drama [Official]]. MK Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  6. ^ Choi, Jeong-hee (August 16, 2024). 카카오 몸집줄이기…카카오VX, 골프용품·헬스케어·NFT 사업 철수 [Kakao’s Size Downsizing…Kakao VX, Golf Equipment, Healthcare, NFT Business Withdrawal]. Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved March 12, 2025.
  7. ^ Kim, Kyung-yoon (July 2, 2022). 숨어 보던 BL툰 양지로…카카오웹툰 연재 BL작품 첫 영상화 [Hidden BL Toon Yangjiro…First Video Adaptation of Kakao Webtoon Serialized BL Work]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  8. ^ Kim, Kyung-yoon (December 6, 2022). 인기 BL 웹툰 ‘비밀사이’…드라마, 카페, 향수까지 IP 확장 [Popular BL webtoon ‘Secret Relationships’…IP expansion to drama, cafe, and perfume]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Ji, Minkyung (November 9, 2024). [단독] 위아이 김준서→차선형, BL ‘비밀사이’ 출연 확정..원작 인기 이을까 (종합) [[Exclusive] WEi Kim Jun-seo→Cha Sun-hyung, confirmed to appear in BL ‘Secret Relationshops’…Will it continue the original’s popularity? (Comprehensive)]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  10. ^ Yeon, Seung (November 27, 2024). 왓챠, 익스클루시브 시리즈 ‘비밀 사이’ 국내 독점 서비스…내년 1분기 공개 예정 [Watcha, Exclusive Series ‘Secret Relationships’ Exclusive Domestic Service…Scheduled to be Released in the First Quarter of Next Year]. The Seoul Economic Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  11. ^ Park, Jung-sun (January 31, 2025). BL 웹툰 원작 ‘비밀 사이’, 2월 27일 왓챠 공개 [BL Webtoon Original ‘Secret Between’, Released on Watcha on February 27th]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  12. ^ Yoon, Ye-won (February 27, 2025). 카카오엔터, 인기 웹툰 원작 ‘비밀사이’ 드라마 공개 [Kakao Entertainment to release drama ‘Secret Relationships’ based on popular webtoon]. Chosun Biz (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 2, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  13. ^ “Best BL Dramas of 2025, From ‘Heated Rivalry’ to ‘Khemjira’“. Teen Vogue. 8 December 2025. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  14. ^ “The 10 best boys’ love shows of 2025: From athletic romances to fang-banging vampires & beyond”. Queerty. 28 December 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2026.