How Kill to Love Is Redefining Historical BL Dramas

There’s a new Chinese BL drama grabbing attention, and it’s not what you’d expect. Kill to Love mixes sweeping historical storytelling with a deeply felt queer romance—something rare in period dramas.

Love, Loss, and the Battle for the Throne

Based on the danmei novel Shan He Yong Ji by Yi Han He, the show opens amid a war-torn landscape. Xiao Shu He, the reluctant sixth prince of the Southern Kingdom, saves the assassin Duan Ziang, and an unexpected bond forms. But politics pull them apart. Duan Ziang kills the crown prince to protect Shu He, then disappears. Years later, he comes back as the emperor of the Northern Kingdom and finds Shu He on the other side. Their meeting is filled with love, loyalty, and unresolved past.

This isn’t a side plot. The romance is the core of the story. It gives every conflict real emotional weight, both personal and epic.

Two Leads That Actually Feel Real

Mi Jin as Xiao Shu He and Zhang Zhe Xu as Duan Ziang bring real depth to their roles. Fans already talk about their chemistry—the kind that makes you feel every glance and every heartbreak. And it’s not just the actors; the costumes, the cinematography, and the sets work together to draw you into this world.

A Bold Step for Chinese BL

Kill to Love is being called one of the first true historical costumed BL dramas in Chinese, marking something significant for the genre. It’s produced in Singapore and streaming on GagaOOLala, Heavenly, TrueID, VIU, and even YouTube, so it’s reaching audiences well beyond China.

This kind of storytelling—complex, emotional, queer, and rooted in history—is getting rare. As one fan said, it feels like “Chinese BL storytelling has officially entered a new era.”

How to Watch

The series premiered internationally on August 25, 2025, and runs for 12 episodes, dropping two episodes a week. Platforms include GagaOOLala and Viu (depending on your region), along with Heavenly and TrueID. Some episodes are available with English subs on YouTube or Bilibili, so whether you’re subscribed or just curious, it’s easy to start watching.

If you’re into period dramas, emotional romance, or BL with real fire, this is one to catch.