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Secret Relationships

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 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[3]
A man who grows while experiencing wounds and pain.
  • Kim Ho-young as Shin Jae-min[4]
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

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.[6] Five months later, the production of the series was confirmed.[7]

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). In addition, 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.[8]

Release

Secret Relationships was scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2025.[8] Watcha [ko] announced that it would be their first exclusive series on their platform in 2025.[9] The release date was confirmed to be on February 27.[10] It will also be available for streaming on FOD in Japan, iQIYI in the Americas, and GagaOOLala and Heavenly in selected regions.[11]

Notes

  1. ^ Cradle Studio was liquidated in June 2024.[5]

References

  1. ^ 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']. My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  4. ^ 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). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  5. ^ 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 [ko] (in Korean). Retrieved March 12, 2025.
  6. ^ 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 (in Korean). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  7. ^ 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 (in Korean). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  8. ^ 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). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  9. ^ 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). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  10. ^ 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). Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  11. ^ 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). Retrieved February 28, 2025.