What is the No. 1 BL series?

If you’ve been around the BL world for a while, you already know how tough this question is. Asking what the No. 1 BL series is like is asking a group of fans what the best K-drama is. Everyone has their favorite, and every title brings something different to the table. Still, certain stories leave such a strong mark on the fandom that they rise above the rest, becoming the kind of series you hear about again and again, no matter where you go.

So, let’s sit down and talk about it like friends, comparing notes. What’s the BL series that really deserves to be called number one, and why does it hold that spot for so many readers?

Before we dig in, if you’re looking for places to discover BL manhwa and more, you can check out Topsy Turvy Manga. It’s a great starting point if you want to see what’s trending and find both classics and hidden gems.

The meaning of “No. 1” in BL

When we say “number one,” it doesn’t always mean the same thing for everyone. For some fans, it’s about popularity and the size of the fandom. For others, it’s about the emotional impact a story had on them. And for a lot of people, it’s about how often a title gets recommended as the gateway BL series.

That’s why naming just one isn’t easy. BL is a genre that spans fluffy high school romances, dark psychological thrillers, heartwarming slice-of-life stories, and everything in between. But if we’re talking about the most talked-about, the most read, and the most debated BL manhwa that’s made waves worldwide, there are a few clear contenders.

Killing Stalking: the series that shocked everyone

Like it or hate it, Killing Stalking is often brought up as the No. 1 BL series. Written and illustrated by Koogi, it’s not your typical love story. In fact, it’s far from the sweet romance many people expect from BL. Instead, it’s a psychological horror that explores obsession, manipulation, and violence through the relationship between Yoon Bum and Oh Sangwoo.

Why is it considered number one by so many readers? Because it broke barriers. Killing Stalking went viral beyond BL fandom spaces and had people who had never touched manhwa before suddenly curious about it. It sparked heated debates, fan theories, and even academic discussions about toxic relationships and the portrayal of abuse in media.

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying its cultural impact. If you measure “No. 1” by reach and notoriety, Killing Stalking easily claims that spot.

BJ Alex: a modern BL classic

Another strong contender is BJ Alex. For many fans, this is the series they recommend when someone asks where to start with BL manhwa. It has everything: attractive artwork, intense chemistry, emotional ups and downs, and a storyline that mixes steamy romance with genuine vulnerability.

The story follows a college student who secretly admires a popular broadcast jockey, only to find himself tangled in a complicated relationship with him. What makes BJ Alex so memorable is how it balances the fantasy of a dramatic romance with moments of raw honesty about insecurity and identity.

For readers who prefer their BL with more romance and less horror, BJ Alex often takes the crown as the number one series.

Other favorites that could wear the crown

While Killing Stalking and BJ Alex dominate a lot of conversations, the BL world is full of other heavy-hitters that fans swear deserve the top spot.

• Sign: A tender love story between a deaf man and a sign language interpreter. It’s gentle, heartwarming, and a reminder that not every BL has to be about high drama to leave a deep impact.

• Painter of the Night: A historical BL that mixes intense relationships with stunning artwork. Its popularity skyrocketed because of its period setting and the way it blends sensuality with suspense.

• Love is an Illusion: Famous in the omegaverse subgenre, this one wins over fans with its mix of humor, drama, and emotional growth.

Each of these has a passionate fanbase that would argue their favorite deserves the title of number one. And honestly, they wouldn’t be wrong.

Why BL fans care about the “No. 1”

The question of the top BL series isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s also about what draws new readers into the genre. A “number one” series acts as a kind of gateway, showing people what BL manhwa can do and encouraging them to explore more.

For many fans, their first BL leaves an imprint that shapes how they see the genre. That’s why debates over whether Killing Stalking deserves the top spot are so lively. Some readers argue it misrepresents BL by focusing on dark, abusive themes, while others insist that its raw storytelling is exactly why it deserves recognition.

The truth is, BL is vast enough to have more than one “No. 1.” Depending on what kind of story you’re drawn to, your answer will be different. And that’s part of the fun.

So, what is the No. 1 BL series? If we’re talking about cultural impact and worldwide recognition, Killing Stalking probably holds the crown. If we’re talking about romance and emotional connection, BJ Alex is a strong contender. And if you ask a group of fans, you’ll probably hear a dozen different titles thrown into the mix.

At the end of the day, the real number one is the series that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s the one you can’t stop recommending to your friends, the one you reread when you need comfort or excitement, the one that makes you feel something every time.

If you haven’t discovered your own favorite yet, now’s the perfect time to start exploring. You can find plenty of BL manhwa, including some of the most beloved titles, over at Topsy-Turvy Manga. Who knows, maybe your personal number one is waiting for you right there.