비엘
bi-el
The English abbreviation 'BL' is translated into Korean as 비엘 (bi-el).
In Korea, 비엘 is used to refer to the 'Boys' Love' genre, which is a genre of fictional media focusing on romantic relationships between male characters.
How do you pronounce it?
bi-el
Did you know?
- The popularity of 비엘 has led to the creation of the term 비엘화, which describes the act of imagining two male characters from a non-BL story as a romantic couple.
- While 비엘 describes the genre, fans often use the term 알페스 (RPS) to describe shipping real-life male idols, as the two practices are strictly separated in Korean fan culture.
- Korean 비엘 often features the trope of 집착공, referring to an 'obsessive' top character, a specific character archetype that is highly codified and sought after in the Korean market.
Examples in context
- 그 소설은 비엘 장르예요.geu so-seol-eun bi-el jang-reu-ye-yo.That novel is a BL genre.
- 요즘 비엘 웹툰이 인기예요.yo-jeum bi-el wep-tun-i in-gi-ye-yo.BL webtoons are popular these days.
- 저는 비엘 드라마를 좋아해요.jeo-neun bi-el deu-ra-ma-reul jo-a-hae-yo.I like BL dramas.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨는 어떤 장르 좋아해요?Seo-yeon ssi-neun eo-tteon jang-reu jo-a-hae-yo?What genres do you like, Seoyeon?
- 서연 Seo-yeon저는 비엘 웹툰을 자주 봐요.jeo-neun bi-el web-tun-eul ja-ju bwa-yo.I often read BL webtoons.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 추천해주실 만한 게 있나요?jeong-mal-yo? chu-cheon-hae-ju-sil man-han ge it-na-yo?Really? Is there anything you would recommend?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 제가 제일 좋아하는 작품 알려줄게요.ne, je-ga je-il jo-a-ha-neun jak-pum al-ryeo-jul-ge-yo.Yes, I'll tell you about my favorite work.
