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The Untamed drama characters Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in BL-coded scene

Is The Untamed a BL Drama? What Global Fans Need to Know

Is The Untamed a BL drama, or is it just wishful thinking from global fans? If you’ve watched the hit Chinese drama and found yourself picking up on the intense chemistry between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, you’re definitely not alone. The question “is The Untamed a BL” has sparked heated debates across fan forums, review sites, and social media ever since the series aired.

Table of Contents

Why does it matter? Because The Untamed isn’t just another period fantasy—it’s based on the wildly popular BL (Boys’ Love) novel Mo Dao Zu Shi. And while the show reached global audiences through platforms like Netflix, its portrayal of queerness is subtle, coded, and heavily shaped by China’s strict media regulations. Understanding where the show stands on the BL spectrum helps make sense of its storytelling choices—and its impact on international viewers.

In this article, we’ll break down whether The Untamed qualifies as a BL drama, how censorship shaped its narrative, and what fans around the world are really seeing.

Fan art depicting The Untamed's BL relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji

🧩 Chapter 1: What The Untamed Really Is — Genre, Themes, and Global Appeal

H2: Is The Untamed a BL Drama or Not? Understanding the Genre Debate

At the heart of many fan discussions lies a burning question: is The Untamed a BL drama or simply a platonic tale of deep friendship? The answer depends not only on narrative interpretation but also on the cultural and political lens through which you view the series.

The Untamed is a 2019 Chinese drama adapted from the danmei (耽美, literally “indulgence in beauty”) novel Mo Dao Zu Shi by author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The original novel is explicitly a Boys’ Love (BL) story featuring a romantic relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. However, the TV adaptation had to comply with China’s strict content censorship laws that prohibit overt depictions of same-sex romantic relationships on screen.

🔗 Learn more about how censorship shaped the show in our post: The Untamed – Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Secrets

Censorship and Why The Untamed Avoids Explicit BL Content

H3: Media Regulations in China

Chinese broadcasting guidelines have long restricted the portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly in mainstream television. According to a 2016 directive by the China Association of Performing Arts, homosexual content is listed among the “unacceptable themes” for TV dramas.

This legal environment forced the show’s creators to adapt the original story into a more ambiguous, “bromantic” version, removing overt romantic dialogue and physical affection while retaining intense emotional subtext.

Queer-Coding in The Untamed

Despite the lack of physical intimacy, the show leans heavily into visual and narrative queer-coding—a practice where characters are written or portrayed in ways that subtly imply queerness without explicitly stating it. Scholars have argued this type of coding allows creators to bypass censorship while still communicating subtextual relationships (Ng, 2020, Asian Journal of Communication).

Pros and Cons of the Show’s Subtle Approach to BL Themes

✅ Pros

  • Global Accessibility: The subtleness made the show palatable for conservative markets, helping it get licensed on platforms like Netflix.

  • Emotional Depth: The relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji gains complexity through non-verbal cues, musical themes, and shared trauma—adding emotional richness.

  • Viewer Interpretation: Audiences can project their own meaning, making the show open to diverse interpretations.

❌ Cons

  • Lack of Representation: LGBTQ+ viewers may feel frustrated by the erasure of explicit romantic elements present in the original novel.

  • Misleading Genre Marketing: Some viewers expecting a traditional BL romance might feel misled.

  • Creative Limitations: The show’s writers were constrained in exploring full character arcs and relationship development.

Is The Untamed a BL Story in Spirit? Fan and Academic Perspectives

The consensus among international viewers and scholars is that while The Untamed may not qualify as a BL drama in execution, it undoubtedly remains a BL story in spirit.

  • BL-coded storytelling allows fans to read between the lines and discover a layered romance beneath the surface.

  • Academic analyses of queer subtext in Asian media recognize The Untamed as a textbook example of danmei adaptation under censorship constraints (Wang, 2021, Queer Asia).

🔗 Related Read: Bojun Yixiao: The Chemistry That Redefined On-Screen Friendship

Final Thoughts — Is The Untamed a BL Drama by Definition?

Technically speaking, no—The Untamed is not a BL drama in the conventional, on-screen sense. But for many fans, it still offers a deeply meaningful portrayal of queer love through coded storytelling, emotional resonance, and artistic direction.

For audiences seeking representation, it may fall short of full visibility. However, for those willing to explore its layers and context, The Untamed offers a powerful love story that transcends genre and borders.

✅ Realistic Recommendations for Viewers Interested in BL Themes

If you’re interested in explicit BL storytelling, here are some alternatives:

  • Watch the original donghua (anime) adaptation of Mo Dao Zu Shi, which includes more romantic cues (available on Tencent Video).

  • Explore other uncensored BL dramas from Taiwan or Thailand, such as Your Name Engraved Herein or I Told Sunset About You.

  • Read the source novel, which remains the most faithful representation of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s love story (English translations are available unofficially via fan forums).

🔗 For a deeper look at how The Untamed helped redefine modern Xianxia culture, check out: The Untamed – Evolution of Xianxia Culture

🔁 Key Takeaways

 

  • “Is The Untamed a BL?” — Not explicitly, but yes in spirit.

  • It’s a danmei adaptation restrained by censorship, rich in subtext.

  • Global fan interpretations vary, but the emotional bond remains undeniable.

  • For full BL representation, consider reading the novel or exploring other series.

Symbolism in The Untamed BL-coded moment with forehead ribbon

🧩 Chapter 2: Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji — The Heart of the “Is The Untamed a BL” Debate

H2: Why Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji Spark the Question “Is The Untamed a BL?”

At the core of The Untamed is a bond that transcends convention, words, and even censorship. The relationship between Wei Wuxian (played by Xiao Zhan) and Lan Wangji (played by Wang Yibo) is the emotional engine of the entire story—and the primary reason why so many viewers ask, “is The Untamed a BL?”

Their interactions are built on shared trauma, mutual understanding, and unwavering loyalty. From the quiet moments in Lotus Pier to the haunting melodies played on guqin and flute, their connection is laced with romantic tension—even if never explicitly confirmed.

🔗 Read more about their off-screen dynamic: Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo: Iconic Roles and New Heights

Coded Romance in The Untamed: Subtle but Powerful

H3: Queer Subtext as a Storytelling Device

Even without a single kiss or love confession, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s story reads as unmistakably romantic to many. Here’s how the series leverages subtext:

  • Symbolism: The forehead ribbon is a sacred boundary in the Lan clan. Lan Wangji allowing Wei Wuxian to touch it is a deeply intimate act.

  • Music as Language: Lan Wangji often plays the same melody for Wei Wuxian throughout the show—used in Chinese storytelling to signal emotional bonding.

  • Nonverbal Intimacy: Eye contact, proximity, and tone replace overt gestures.

This approach mirrors how queer narratives have historically been told under censorship or social restrictions. According to a study published in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, subtle depictions can create stronger emotional engagement as viewers must actively interpret meaning, leading to deeper connections with the content (Fong et al., 2021).

Audience Interpretations — Romance or Deep Brotherhood?

✅ Arguments for Romance

  • Consistent use of romantic tropes (longing looks, slow-burn development).

  • The source novel is an explicit BL romance.

  • Numerous scenes mirror those found in canonical love stories.

❌ Arguments for Brotherhood

  • Absence of physical affection or romantic dialogue in the show.

  • Cultural tendency to portray male friendships with high emotional intimacy.

  • Producers maintain that the story is open to interpretation.

🔗 Related article: Bojun Yixiao – The Chemistry That Redefined On-Screen Friendship

Both interpretations hold validity depending on one’s background and expectations. For Chinese audiences more familiar with emotionally expressive male friendships in media, the bond may not read as romantic. But for international viewers, especially those familiar with BL or LGBTQ+ representation, the subtext is often impossible to ignore.

Is The Untamed a BL If the Romance Is Never Confirmed?

This brings us to a gray area. Many media scholars argue that the definition of a BL story doesn’t always require explicit confirmation—the intention, narrative framing, and emotional delivery matter just as much.

A Harvard research article on queer-coded media suggests that audience interpretation is a key component in understanding queer texts, especially in environments where direct representation is limited (Queer Representation in Global Media, Harvard Kennedy School).

So, is The Untamed a BL? It depends on what lens you’re using:

  • Legally and technically in China: No.

  • In source material and international fan interpretation: Yes.

Fan Response: How the Global Audience Embraced the Romance

Global audiences didn’t wait for confirmation. Fan art, shipping edits, fanfiction, and essays poured in from every continent. The hashtag #WangXian (Lan Wangji + Wei Wuxian) has garnered millions of views across platforms.

Some fan-driven impacts include:

  • TikTok trends featuring scenes from The Untamed set to love songs.

  • Fan-made English subbed clips and edits with over 50M+ views combined.

  • Global surge in interest for Mo Dao Zu Shi and its adaptations.

🔗 Explore this cultural shift: Bojun Yixiao Fan Culture – From Fandom to Global Fan Economy

✅ Recommendations for Viewers Exploring the Romance

If you’re intrigued by the relationship but found the show’s ambiguity frustrating, here are a few ways to deepen your understanding:

  • Read the original novel: The romance is central and beautifully written.

  • Watch the anime (donghua): While still toned down, it keeps closer to the source.

  • Join fan discussions on Reddit, Discord, or Tumblr to explore theories and interpretations.

  • Follow official interviews and behind-the-scenes content—some cast comments hint at intentional subtext.

🔗 Don’t miss this post: The Untamed: Behind the Scenes Moments That Made History

📝 Key Takeaways

 

  • The relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is at the core of the “is The Untamed a BL” debate.

  • While the show avoids confirming their romance, every creative choice—music, symbolism, emotion—suggests it.

  • Fan interpretation plays a powerful role in framing the show as a BL story globally.

  • It remains one of the best examples of how censorship can’t silence emotional truth.

Fanfiction archive showcasing The Untamed BL fandom on AO3

🧩 Chapter 3: How Censorship Shaped The Untamed — Beyond the “Is It a BL” Label

H2: Why “Is The Untamed a BL” Is Really a Question About Censorship

When fans ask, “is The Untamed a BL,” they’re not just wondering about plot points or character dynamics. They’re touching on something far bigger: the limits of artistic expression under China’s tightly controlled media environment. Understanding how censorship works is key to understanding why The Untamed looks and feels the way it does—and why certain romantic elements are conspicuously absent.

🔗 Further reading: The Untamed – Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Secrets

Censorship in Chinese Media — What’s Allowed and What’s Not

H3: The SARFT Guidelines and the “No Homo” Rule

The State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT), now part of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), sets strict boundaries for broadcast content in China. Among the long list of banned themes is anything that “promotes homosexuality”—grouped alongside violence, superstition, and drug abuse.

According to Reuters, these guidelines were enforced more rigorously after 2016, leading to a complete shutdown of overtly gay content in web dramas.

In this context, The Untamed could never be greenlit if it were a direct BL drama. Hence, producers made calculated creative choices to strip out all romantic or suggestive physical contact—even hand-holding—and instead rely on emotional intimacy and symbolic gestures.

Adaptation Under Pressure — How the Novel Was Transformed

✅ What the Original Novel Had (That the Drama Doesn’t)

  • Clear romantic confessions between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji

  • Explicit emotional and physical intimacy

  • A narrative arc centered on the evolution of their relationship as lovers

❌ What Was Removed or Changed in the TV Adaptation

  • All direct romantic or suggestive dialogue

  • Any scenes implying sexual or physical affection

  • Visual indicators of same-sex romance, such as sleeping in the same bed or holding hands

These changes were not made due to lack of artistic will, but out of necessity. The result is a shadow of the original love story, told through symbolism, eye contact, and shared music.

🔗 Explore character evolution: The Untamed – Evolution of Xianxia Culture

Is The Untamed a BL or a Case Study in Queer Erasure?

Some critics view the adaptation as a form of queer erasure, where LGBTQ+ stories are sanitized to meet national standards. Others argue that the show is a masterclass in subversion, cleverly smuggling in queer coding under censorship.

According to a peer-reviewed analysis published in Asian Cinema Journal, danmei adaptations like The Untamed serve dual purposes:

  • Appease domestic regulators by removing overt queerness

  • Signal queer themes to international and local fans through subtext
    (Tan, 2020)

This duality has made The Untamed both globally successful and deeply controversial, especially within LGBTQ+ communities who seek fuller, unapologetic representation.

Global Comparisons — Censorship vs. Celebration

Country BL Representation Censorship Level Notable Works
China Implicit/Subtext Very High The Untamed, Guardian
Thailand Explicit Low I Told Sunset About You, KinnPorsche
South Korea Emerging Medium Semantic Error, Our Dating Sim
Japan Long history of yaoi/BL Medium Given, Banana Fish

While China censors BL content, countries like Thailand celebrate and monetize it, with government support and international streaming deals. The success of shows like KinnPorsche illustrates what’s possible when creators are given space to explore queer stories without fear.

What Censorship Means for Fans Asking “Is The Untamed a BL”

Censorship doesn’t just affect what you see on screen—it shapes:

  • How stories are written

  • How actors are allowed to promote them

  • How fans must interpret between the lines

When fans ask, “is The Untamed a BL,” they’re often reacting to the frustration of navigating a story that feels queer but won’t admit it. It’s a shared experience among global audiences that reveals just how different media freedoms are around the world.

🔗 Dive deeper into fan culture: Bojun Yixiao Phenomenon – Reshaping China’s Entertainment

Realistic Recommendations for Navigating Censored Content

If you’re a viewer who values queer representation but feels conflicted about censorship, here’s what you can do:

  • Support creators who work around censorship: Directors, writers, and actors who subtly include representation still take risks.

  • Engage with uncensored formats: The Mo Dao Zu Shi novel and audio drama include the full romance.

  • Explore BL media in open markets: Thai and Taiwanese BL dramas often feature nuanced, authentic stories.

  • Join fan translations and analysis groups: These communities often offer contextual breakdowns and restoration of “lost meaning.”

🔗 For more on how Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo navigate stardom within censorship, read: From The Untamed to Stardom

📝 Key Takeaways

 

  • Chinese censorship laws directly influenced how The Untamed was adapted.

  • The show uses creative workarounds to retain queer energy without crossing censorship lines.

  • The international question of “is The Untamed a BL” reveals deeper concerns about access, representation, and media freedom.

  • Viewers can still experience the full story through uncensored formats and international BL media.

Comparison chart analyzing if The Untamed is a BL drama

🧩 Chapter 4: How Fans Redefined The Untamed as a BL — A Global Fandom Case Study

H2: Why the Question “Is The Untamed a BL” Is Shaped by the Audience

In the case of The Untamed, it isn’t just the creators telling the story—it’s also the global fanbase interpreting, reshaping, and reimagining it. When we ask, “is The Untamed a BL,” the most compelling answers often come not from interviews or scripts, but from TikToks, fanfiction, art, and analysis threads written by fans across languages and cultures.

This fan-driven transformation is part of what scholars call “participatory culture”—a concept popularized by media theorist Henry Jenkins, where fans become co-creators of meaning. For The Untamed, this meant transforming a censored, subtext-heavy drama into one of the most internationally celebrated queer-coded narratives in recent years.

🔗 Related reading: Bojun Yixiao Fandom – The Force Behind a Global Phenomenon

Global Fan Movements That Answered “Yes” to the BL Question

H3: The Rise of #WangXian and Global Shipping Culture

The couple name “WangXian” (Lan Wangji + Wei Xian) has trended globally across platforms:

  • TikTok: Over 300M views under the #WangXian tag

  • AO3 (Archive of Our Own): Thousands of fanfics tagged “WangXian,” many exploring the romantic and sexual relationship censored in the show

  • YouTube: Fan edits with millions of views layering romantic soundtracks over key emotional scenes

This global engagement reflects a resounding audience verdict: yes, The Untamed is a BL—even if China won’t say it.

H3: International BL Fandom’s Adoption of The Untamed

Fans from Thailand, the Philippines, Brazil, the U.S., and beyond have adopted The Untamed into the broader BL fandom. It’s often mentioned in the same breath as shows like 2gether, Bad Buddy, or KinnPorsche, despite the absence of an explicit relationship.

The emotional depth and romantic subtext of The Untamed gave fans enough narrative fuel to write, remix, and reclaim the love story.

Is The Untamed a BL? Fanfiction and Fanart Say Yes

📚 Fanfiction as Narrative Restoration

Platforms like Archive of Our Own are filled with fanfiction that:

  • Reinsert romantic and physical scenes from the novel

  • Expand emotional moments omitted from the show

  • Explore alternate universes (AU) where societal acceptance is the norm

This isn’t just entertainment—it’s a form of creative resistance, reclaiming the authenticity of queer love that was removed under censorship.

🎨 Fanart and Queer Imagery

Artists have produced thousands of illustrations of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in:

  • Romantic poses

  • Wedding clothes

  • Domestic, post-canon scenes

These works circulate widely on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Weibo, often with more visibility than the show’s official promo images.

🔗 Explore the fandom’s global rise: Bojun Yixiao on TikTok – CP Obsession Goes Viral

Fandom vs. Official Narrative — Where They Collide and Collaborate

✅ What Fans Bring

  • Emotional validation

  • Narrative expansion

  • Cultural reinterpretation (e.g., turning “bromance” into confirmed romance)

❌ What Official Media Limits

  • Statements confirming BL intent

  • Romantic promotional content

  • Open support for LGBTQ+ narratives in China

Despite this tension, fan communities act as a counterbalance to censorship. Their collective output—through blogs, translations, subtitled scenes, and interpretive videos—fills the gaps left by the state-sanctioned script.

🧠 Academic Perspective: A 2023 study in New Media & Society argued that global fandoms “queer the narrative space” by bypassing domestic censorship through collaborative storytelling online (Zhao & Lim, 2023).

Cultural Impact — Redefining What BL Means Globally

Unlike Thai or Japanese BL dramas, The Untamed lacks open romance. Yet it has arguably done more to push queer-coded storytelling into the global mainstream than many of its explicit counterparts.

What makes it so powerful?

  • High production value

  • Compelling actors and music

  • Symbolism-rich storytelling

  • A fanbase that refuses to be silenced

By actively interpreting and expanding the story, fans have proven that BL is more than labels—it’s emotional truth, intention, and resonance.

🔗 For an emotional breakdown of their performance, visit: The Untamed Legacy – Why It Still Matters in 2025

✅ Recommendations for Engaging with the Global Fan Narrative

If you’re new to the fandom or want to understand its creative power, try:

  • Reading Top-Rated WangXian Fanfic on AO3

  • Following Fandom Hashtags like #WangXian or #BojunYixiao on TikTok & Twitter

  • Joining Global Fan Communities on Discord, Reddit, or Tumblr

  • Contributing Creatively: fanart, essays, cosplay, edits—all are valid and welcome

This is a living, breathing fandom that goes beyond passive watching. If The Untamed is a love story, fans are its co-authors.

📝 Key Takeaways

 

  • The global fandom has reclaimed The Untamed as a BL drama through fanfic, art, and online content.

  • Despite censorship, emotional resonance and symbolic storytelling enabled fans to “fill in the blanks.”

  • The question “is The Untamed a BL” has become a cultural mirror—reflecting what different audiences value and need from storytelling.

  • Fandom isn’t just reaction—it’s reconstruction, and in The Untamed’s case, a revolution in slow motion.

The Untamed Netflix listing and global BL audience reach

🧩 Chapter 5: The Untamed vs. Mo Dao Zu Shi vs. Donghua — Which Version Tells the Real BL Story?

H2: Why Comparing Versions Matters to the “Is The Untamed a BL” Debate

With so many adaptations of Mo Dao Zu Shi, the question “is The Untamed a BL” becomes even more layered. Each version — the live-action drama (The Untamed), the original novel, and the animated donghua — offers different levels of LGBTQ+ representation, censorship, and narrative clarity.

To understand the BL essence of the story, we need to examine how each format treats the core relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji — not just in terms of screen time, but emotional depth and authenticity.

🔗 Related read: The Untamed Legacy – Why It Still Matters in 2025

The Source – Mo Dao Zu Shi Novel (By Mo Xiang Tong Xiu)

✅ Why It’s Unquestionably BL

The novel is explicitly romantic and queer. There’s no ambiguity: Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji fall in love, express affection, and share intimate moments — both emotional and physical.

🔥 Highlights:

  • Confessions, kisses, cohabitation, and eventual marriage (inferred)

  • A richly developed love story across timelines

  • No censorship or ambiguity

📌 Verdict: This is the definitive version of the BL narrative. If you want the full emotional and romantic arc, read the novel.

🔗 Bonus: Bojun Yixiao – The Chemistry That Redefined On-Screen Friendship

The Untamed TV Drama – Censored but Emotionally Powerful

❌ BL on Pause, But Not Gone

As covered in Chapter 3, Chinese censorship laws prevented The Untamed from openly portraying the romantic relationship. Yet despite these limitations, the series retains much of the emotional core through nuanced performances, music, and symbolism.

🧠 Notable Tactics:

  • Eye contact instead of verbal affection

  • Symbolic gestures (e.g., forehead ribbon)

  • Mutual sacrifices and life-long loyalty

⚖️ Pros:

  • Deep character development

  • Accessible to a global mainstream audience

  • Subtext opens room for interpretation

⚠️ Cons:

  • Zero romantic dialogue or physical intimacy

  • Ambiguous framing may confuse non-fans

📌 Verdict: Not a BL by format, but interpreted as one due to strong queer-coded storytelling and fan investment.

🔗 Explore deeper: Behind the Scenes Moments That Made History

The Mo Dao Zu Shi Donghua – Subtle, Stylized, and Loyal

✅ A Middle Ground Between Novel and Drama

The animated version (donghua) offers a visually stunning, faithful retelling of the novel with slightly more freedom to explore romantic subtext — though it still avoids anything too explicit due to Chinese regulations.

🔍 Key Features:

  • More suggestive moments than the drama

  • Less censorship due to online streaming format

  • High fidelity to character arcs and emotional beats

🎨 Visual Symbolism:

  • Dream sequences, shared music themes, and flashbacks mirror romantic storytelling

  • Fans interpret key scenes (e.g., holding hands, saving each other) as inherently romantic

📌 Verdict: Not as openly romantic as the novel, but stronger BL cues than the live-action. A must-watch for fans who want a “closer to canon” experience without reading.

Comparative Analysis — Which Version Is the “Most BL”?

Version Romantic Content Censorship Emotional Impact Accessibility Fan Response
Novel 💯 Explicit ❌ None 💥💥💥💥💥 Medium (fan translations) 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
TV Drama ❌ None ✅ Heavy 💥💥💥💥 High (Netflix) 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Donghua 🔸 Suggestive ⚠️ Mild 💥💥💥💥 Medium (Tencent, YouTube) 🔥🔥🔥🔥

 

What Version Should You Start With if You’re New?

For Full Romance:

→ Start with the novel — it’s unfiltered, richly written, and narratively satisfying. Many fan translations are available online.

For Cinematic Experience:

→ Watch the TV drama first, then go to the novel. This gives you visuals and performances that enrich your reading experience.

For Best Balance:

→ Donghua is ideal for viewers who want something between subtle and canon, with high emotional payoff.

🔗 Explore their acting range: Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo – From The Untamed to Stardom

✅ Recommendations Based on Viewer Type

Viewer Type Recommended Version
Hopeless romantic Mo Dao Zu Shi (novel)
Visual learner The Untamed (TV drama)
Anime fan Mo Dao Zu Shi (donghua)
BL newbie Donghua → Novel → Drama
Media scholar/fandom nerd All 3 (compare and analyze)

📝 Key Takeaways

 

  • Is The Untamed a BL? Not overtly — but the source material and fan interpretations say yes.

  • Each version offers a different BL experience:

    • The novel is explicit

    • The TV drama is coded

    • The donghua is poetic

  • Understanding all three helps you appreciate the layers of adaptation and the impact of censorship.

  • Your experience with The Untamed is shaped as much by what version you consume as by what’s shown on screen.

Emotional legacy of The Untamed and its place in BL storytelling

🧩 Chapter 6: Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo – Off-Screen Chemistry and the “Is The Untamed a BL” Illusion

H2: Does Off-Screen Chemistry Answer the “Is The Untamed a BL” Question?

If you ask fans why they believe The Untamed is a BL, many will point not just to what’s on screen—but what’s off it. The friendship and undeniable on-camera ease between Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo added fuel to the fire, blurring lines between character and actor.

This raises an important layer to our core question: “Is The Untamed a BL,” or has fandom fused fiction with reality through parasocial bonds? Let’s explore the real-life dynamics behind the scenes—and the impact on fan culture.

🔗 Related article: Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo – Iconic Roles and New Heights

On-Set Bonding: Genuine Friendship or Fandom Fuel?

Behind-the-scenes footage, press interviews, and variety show appearances have shown Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo to be:

  • Respectful and cooperative co-workers

  • Occasionally playful, often low-key in interactions

  • Emotionally supportive during filming challenges

While they rarely display exaggerated affection off-screen, their natural rhythm and emotional synchronicity are hard to miss—especially during promotional interviews for The Untamed and live events.

🔗 Must-read: Behind the Scenes – Moments That Made History

Are They Playing Into the BL Narrative?

✅ Evidence That Supports the “Chemistry” Narrative

  • Body Language: During press tours, Xiao Zhan often glances at Wang Yibo while speaking, with Wang Yibo subtly mirroring his posture or smile.

  • Rehearsal Footage: Certain scenes show them joking, improvising, or laughing in ways that suggest comfort and mutual trust.

  • Joint Interviews: Their mutual praise and often complementary statements created a “paired” image in the public eye.

❌ But Here’s What Grounded Fans Know:

  • Much of their interaction is filtered through PR teams.

  • “Shipping” real people can blur boundaries and affect careers, especially in a conservative entertainment ecosystem like China.

  • Both actors have repeatedly emphasized their focus on professionalism, not personal relationships.

📚 In a 2022 interview, Xiao Zhan noted:
“We worked hard to bring these characters to life. I’m thankful for the collaboration but don’t confuse us with the roles.”
Source: Sina Entertainment Interview Archive

The Bojun Yixiao Effect – Real or Manufactured?

“Bojun Yixiao” is the fan-given couple name combining Wang Yibo’s and Xiao Zhan’s courtesy names. What began as a lighthearted label soon evolved into a massive shipping phenomenon, sparking everything from:

  • Fan edits and TikToks

  • Slash fiction

  • Real-person shipping (RPS)

But real-person shipping (RPS) is ethically complex. While it drives clicks, engagement, and virality, it also risks:

  • Infringing on actors’ privacy

  • Pressuring celebrities to “perform” for fans

  • Attracting unwanted rumors that affect public image

🔗 Deep dive into this fandom engine: Bojun Yixiao Phenomenon – Reshaping China’s Entertainment

Public Silence – Strategic or Protective?

Since The Untamed’s explosive success, both actors have taken a cautious approach to the Bojun Yixiao narrative. Neither publicly embraces nor rejects the shipping culture. Instead, they:

  • Maintain separate public appearances

  • Focus on individual projects

  • Avoid responding to direct questions about their dynamic

This silence is likely strategic. As Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center notes in its paper on celebrity and parasocial fandoms,

“Public silence can serve as both a shield from harassment and a buffer against state or corporate intervention” (source).

In China, where state censorship intersects with fan scrutiny, maintaining neutrality protects careers.

The Impact on the “Is The Untamed a BL” Debate

The fan-fueled narrative of Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo being close off-screen adds an emotional overlay to their on-screen performances. For many fans, this deepens the belief that their characters were more than “just friends.”

But here’s the nuance:

What’s Real What’s Fandom-Made
Genuine rapport Romantic interpretation
Mutual respect and teamwork Bojun Yixiao fantasy
Shared success from the drama Imagined real-life romance

The actors’ chemistry enhances the illusion of BL without confirming it. And that’s exactly where fandom thrives: in the gray area between canon and headcanon.

✅ Recommendations for Navigating Real vs Fictional Shipping

Whether you’re a casual fan or a deep-dive fandom participant, here are healthy ways to enjoy Bojun Yixiao without crossing boundaries:

  • Appreciate the performance, not project relationships

  • Separate role and actor: Wei Wuxian ≠ Xiao Zhan; Lan Wangji ≠ Wang Yibo

  • Support their solo work and growth as artists

  • Avoid speculative or invasive posts about their personal lives

  • Respect when artists set boundaries or remain silent

🔗 Read next: Wang Yibo – Journey From Teen Prodigy to Global Icon
🔗 And: Xiao Zhan – Resilience & Global Rise

📝 Key Takeaways

 

  • Off-screen chemistry between Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo is real but professional.

  • Bojun Yixiao fandom amplified the BL perception of The Untamed but blurs lines between fiction and reality.

  • Neither actor confirms nor denies the shipping narrative — likely for career and safety reasons.

  • Enjoy the characters, celebrate the art, but always respect the real people behind the roles.

The Untamed still of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji sparking BL debate

🧩 Chapter 7: Why Fans Ship The Untamed – The Psychology Behind BL Fandoms

H2: “Is The Untamed a BL?” or Are We Seeing What We Want to See?

If The Untamed is not officially labeled as a BL, why do millions of fans around the world experience it that way? The answer lies not just in the show’s writing, but in the deep psychological mechanisms that drive fan engagement, emotional projection, and shipping culture.

This chapter explores the science of why we ship, and how BL storytelling—coded or explicit—meets emotional needs that go far beyond the screen.

🔗 Related post: Bojun Yixiao Fandom – The Force Behind a Global Phenomenon

The Psychology of Shipping: Why We Want Characters to Be in Love

🧠 According to Psychology Today and Harvard’s Mind Brain Behavior Initiative, shipping fulfills these core emotional needs:

  • Emotional resonance: Seeing characters with deep emotional bonds taps into our own experiences of intimacy and longing.

  • Projection: We identify with characters and live vicariously through their connections.

  • Narrative closure: A romantic ending offers satisfaction and psychological relief after emotional investment.

In The Untamed, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s slow-burn bond offers emotional gratification—even without a kiss or confession. The psychological cues are strong enough that the brain fills in the blanks.

📚 Research from Psychological Science shows that viewers’ brains release oxytocin (the bonding hormone) when they see characters experience emotional closeness—even in platonic scenes.

Why BL Stories Resonate – Even for Non-LGBTQ+ Viewers

One common misconception is that BL (Boys’ Love) content is only for queer audiences. In fact, a significant portion of the global BL fandom identifies as female, straight, or nonbinary.

✅ Why BL Appeals Across Demographics:

  • Safe emotional expression: Male-male romances in BL often lack traditional gender roles, making space for softer masculinity and emotional vulnerability.

  • Idealized relationships: BL often emphasizes loyalty, longing, and trust over toxic tropes.

  • Freedom from patriarchy: Some fans view BL as a way to explore relationships without traditional female subjugation seen in some straight romance media.

🔗 Explore representation themes here: The Untamed – Evolution of Xianxia Culture

In The Untamed, Lan Wangji’s quiet devotion and Wei Wuxian’s emotional openness create a dynamic that feels intimate, respectful, and powerful—regardless of labels.

Parasocial Relationships – The Fantasy Becomes Personal

❓ What Are Parasocial Bonds?

A parasocial relationship is a one-sided emotional connection someone forms with a public figure or fictional character. It’s not “fake” affection—it’s neurologically real.

Studies show that parasocial bonds:

  • Increase feelings of belonging and comfort

  • Reduce loneliness

  • Help people process their own emotions safely

🧪 According to a 2022 study in Frontiers in Psychology, intense fan identification with character relationships can mirror real-life emotional experiences, including attachment and heartbreak.

So when fans ask, “is The Untamed a BL,” they may not be seeking a literal answer—but validating an emotional experience that feels authentic.

Fanfiction, Edits & AUs – Tools for Emotional Completion

Fandom isn’t just about consumption—it’s about creation. Through writing, drawing, editing, and theorizing, fans reclaim ownership over a story.

✍️ Why Fans Create:

  • To complete or “fix” a censored or unfinished romance

  • To explore alternate realities where queer love is free and open

  • To process their own feelings through narrative surrogates

For The Untamed, fanfiction fills in the romance removed by censorship, allowing fans to experience the story as it “should have been.”

🔗 Explore how fans restore meaning: Bojun Yixiao on TikTok – CP Obsession Goes Viral

Healthy Fandom vs. Obsession – Finding the Balance

✅ Healthy Engagement:

  • Creates connection and joy

  • Sparks creativity and community

  • Respects boundaries between fiction and reality

❌ Unhealthy Behavior:

  • Harassing actors or creators

  • Spreading conspiracy theories

  • Mistaking on-screen dynamics for real-life relationships

A balanced fandom acknowledges the emotional truth of shipping, while still respecting the professional boundaries of the people involved.

✅ Recommendations for Fans Navigating Emotional Investment

  • Recognize projection: It’s okay to feel deeply connected—just be mindful of separating fiction from fact.

  • Engage with diverse content: Don’t let one fandom become your entire identity.

  • Create your own work: Writing or drawing helps channel intense emotions constructively.

  • Support LGBTQ+ creators who tell uncensored, authentic love stories.

🔗 Support real representation: Xiao Zhan – Acting Mastery Between Light and Shadow

📝 Key Takeaways

  • Fandom shipping is rooted in real psychological needs: emotional connection, catharsis, and self-expression.

  • BL content resonates with a broad range of viewers because it breaks traditional norms and centers intimacy.

  • Parasocial relationships, when healthy, enhance fan experience—but should not blur reality.

  • The Untamed serves as a powerful emotional text—even without a confirmed BL label—because of how deeply it connects with its audience.

The Untamed trending on Netflix fueling BL discussions globally

🧩 Chapter 8: Why The Untamed Still Tops Netflix Charts in 2025

H2: Why Are People Still Asking “Is The Untamed a BL” in 2025?

It’s been six years since The Untamed premiered, and yet it still appears in Netflix’s “Most Watched” categories worldwide. Viewers new and old continue to ask, “Is The Untamed a BL?”—a question that keeps trending across forums, blogs, and fandom communities.

But here’s the real question: What makes a censored Chinese drama with no explicit romance so enduringly popular in the global streaming space?

This chapter breaks down the reasons behind The Untamed’s long shelf life, from platform strategy and visual appeal to fandom longevity and emotional storytelling.

🔗 Also read: Why The Untamed Still Tops Global Watchlists

Platform Power – How Netflix Helped The Untamed Go Global

✅ Key Reasons Netflix Keeps Promoting The Untamed:

  • Content diversity: As part of its international expansion, Netflix invested in non-English series, giving The Untamed front-page exposure.

  • Algorithm boost: High engagement (rewatches, completions, ratings) feeds Netflix’s recommendation engine.

  • Subtitles and dubbing: The series is available with multi-language subs, making it accessible to a wide audience.

  • Evergreen themes: Love, loyalty, sacrifice, justice—these resonate across cultures and age groups.

📊 According to Parrot Analytics, fan-driven content like The Untamed sustains long-term demand due to repeat viewing, community engagement, and cultural virality.

Aesthetic Appeal – Visual Storytelling That Ages Well

Let’s be honest: The Untamed is visually stunning. From its costume design to sweeping landscapes and subtle lighting, the show offers:

  • High rewatch value

  • Cinematic quality

  • Timeless worldbuilding rooted in the xianxia genre

In a streaming environment oversaturated with fast-paced, low-effort content, The Untamed stands out as something crafted, not rushed.

🔗 Dive deeper: The Untamed – Evolution of Xianxia Culture

Emotional Depth – A Love Story Without Saying “I Love You”

Although the romance is never explicit, the emotional narrative between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji remains one of the most devastatingly beautiful love stories in recent media.

Here’s why it still works in 2025:

  • Subtext ages better than shock value

  • Emotionally intelligent storytelling remains relatable

  • Ambiguity allows re-interpretation with each watch

Fans continue to ask, “Is The Untamed a BL?” because the love they sense is undeniable—even if it’s never spoken aloud.

Fandom Longevity – An Online Ecosystem That Never Sleeps

Unlike flash-in-the-pan dramas, The Untamed built a digital ecosystem:

  • TikTok edits still trend (#WangXian #BojunYixiao)

  • AO3 fanfiction gets daily updates

  • YouTube analysis videos unpack symbolism years later

  • Merchandise and cosplay continue to sell across Etsy, Taobao, and conventions

This ongoing engagement feeds new viewer interest, pulling casual watchers into the fandom vortex.

🔗 See how fandom drove this success: Bojun Yixiao – The Fandom That Changed Everything

LGBTQ+ Representation – Subtext in a Time of Subversion

In 2025, open queer representation has grown in many countries, but remains restricted in others. For audiences who still live in places where LGBTQ+ identities are marginalized or erased, The Untamed offers:

  • Emotional validation

  • Symbolic visibility

  • A love story that slips past censors but lands with viewers

🧠 In a Healthline article, psychologists confirm that subtle LGBTQ+ representation can have positive mental health effects, especially for teens and young adults in restrictive environments.

In this context, The Untamed isn’t outdated—it’s still revolutionary.

✅5 Reasons The Untamed Still Dominates in 2025

  1. Timeless aesthetic and visual quality

  2. Global platform support (Netflix, YouTube, WeTV)

  3. Emotionally rich, BL-coded storytelling

  4. Persistent, passionate fandom creation and engagement

  5. Cultural accessibility through symbolism and universal themes

🔗 Bonus: Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo – From The Untamed to Global Icons

📝 Key Takeaways

  • The Untamed stays relevant because of timeless artistry, emotional complexity, and global fan investment.

  • Even without explicit romance, the show offers a richly queer-coded experience that invites personal interpretation.

  • The question “Is The Untamed a BL?” continues to matter because it reflects both global curiosity and the power of subtext-driven storytelling.

  • In a noisy media landscape, The Untamed endures because it gives audiences something rare: a story that trusts them to feel without needing to explain.

Is The Untamed a BL drama streaming globally on Netflix

🧩 Chapter 9: The Untamed’s Legacy – Redefining Queer Representation in Asian Media

H2: Why the Question “Is The Untamed a BL” Still Echoes in 2025 and Beyond

The Untamed debuted in 2019 as a censored adaptation of a queer novel. Six years later, fans still ask, “Is The Untamed a BL?”—not because the show lacks clarity, but because its legacy is now bigger than genre labels.

This chapter explores how The Untamed didn’t just sidestep censorship—it pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in Asian media, sparking a new era of queer-coded, emotionally rich storytelling across the region.

🔗 Related read: The Untamed Legacy – Why It Still Matters in 2025

A Cultural Turning Point – From Censorship to Global Conversation

❌ What The Untamed Couldn’t Say

  • No kissing

  • No love confessions

  • No explicit LGBTQ+ identifiers

✅ What It Did Anyway

  • Symbolic intimacy (forehead ribbon, glances, life-saving devotion)

  • Slow-burn romantic tension across decades of story time

  • A love story that resonated across borders, cultures, and identities

Instead of folding under censorship, The Untamed reframed the romance as sacred, using metaphor, music, and subtle performance to build emotional truth.

This forced the audience to decode the story, creating a stronger emotional bond in the process—a dynamic now studied in media theory and queer studies worldwide.

📚 Cited in Queer Asia: Transnational Engagements (Springer, 2022):
“The Untamed presents a cultural paradox—state-sanctioned queer erasure turned into global queer identification.”

Is The Untamed a BL, or the Blueprint for the Next Generation of Queer Stories?

Across Asia, new media creators are referencing The Untamed as a gateway drama—a cultural shift that opened doors for new formats:

Region Post-Untamed Impact Example Works
Thailand Rise of high-budget, openly queer BL series KinnPorsche, The Eclipse, The Warp Effect
Japan Reintroduction of BL to global platforms Cherry Magic, Given
Taiwan Expansion of LGBTQ+ rights reflected in media Your Name Engraved Herein
South Korea Emerging BL wave with strong production value Semantic Error, Unintentional Love Story

Even China—despite ongoing censorship—has seen creators lean further into subtext, finding new ways to tell queer-coded stories that pass regulatory filters.

Fandom as Legacy Builders – The Power of Global BL Communities

The Untamed owes much of its impact to its fandom’s resilience. Without official confirmation, fans:

  • Translated and shared the original novel

  • Created global networks of fanfiction, edits, cosplay, and commentary

  • Turned the drama into a worldwide phenomenon, without state or studio support

🔗 Explore how: Bojun Yixiao Fandom – The Force Behind a Global Phenomenon

This fan labor did more than promote a show—it normalized queer love stories across platforms, especially in regions where BL content is still emerging.

Soft Power and Queer Representation – Can They Coexist in China’s Future?

The Untamed was also a soft power export, part of China’s cultural diplomacy strategy. It worked.

  • Broke viewing records on Netflix, Viki, and WeTV

  • Brought new attention to the xianxia genre

  • Launched two actors—Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo—into global stardom

But it also raised a complex question:

Can China maintain its role as a soft power influencer without embracing the full spectrum of identities represented in its globally successful stories?

So far, creators walk a tightrope—balancing local censorship with global fan demand. And The Untamed proved it’s possible… if difficult.

🔗 See more: Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo – From The Untamed to Stardom

✅Lessons From The Untamed’s Legacy for Future Creators

1. Queer storytelling doesn’t need explicit labels to move people
Emotion can speak louder than dialogue.

2. Subtext is not silence—it’s strategy
In censorship-heavy environments, symbolism becomes subversion.

3. Fandom is global, collaborative, and unstoppable
Studios no longer own the narrative. Audiences co-create meaning.

4. Representation and revenue are no longer at odds
The Untamed proved queer-coded stories can be profitable, exportable, and beloved.

📝 Key Takeaways

  • The question “Is The Untamed a BL?” is now part of a bigger legacy about queer representation in media under pressure.

  • The series paved the way for BL expansion in Asia, from Thailand’s streaming boom to Japan’s global resurgence.

  • Its subtextual love story has become a case study in resilience, creativity, and cross-cultural meaning-making.

  • The Untamed doesn’t just survive censorship—it transcends it, inspiring a new generation of storytellers.

Global fans debate if The Untamed is a BL series

🧩 Chapter 10: Beyond the Screen – How Fanfiction Reclaims The Untamed’s Queer Narrative

H2: Why Fanfiction Is the Unofficial Answer to “Is The Untamed a BL”

While The Untamed stops short of confirming its queer romance, the fanfiction that surrounds it doesn’t hold back. Thousands of stories reimagine Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in explicitly romantic—and often domestic—contexts, filling in the emotional and physical gaps left by censorship.

Fanfiction doesn’t just ask “Is The Untamed a BL?” — it answers, boldly: Yes. It is. And here’s how.

🔗 Related reading: Bojun Yixiao Fandom – The Force Behind a Global Phenomenon

The Rise of WangXian Fanfiction – Queer Love Unfiltered

On platforms like AO3 (Archive of Our Own), the WangXian pairing has inspired:

  • Over 25,000+ works, with new entries added weekly

  • Multiple long-form epics, some with tens of thousands of readers

  • A range of genres: modern AUs, canon-divergent fix-its, fluff, angst, smut, domesticity, and more

✍️ Popular themes in WangXian fic:

  • Restored romance: Reinstating lines or scenes cut from the source material

  • Marriage AUs: Imagining a world where they’re free to love openly

  • Post-canon healing: Exploring the aftermath of trauma and reunification

  • Modern settings: Translating their bond into relatable everyday scenarios

Fanfiction as Queer Activism and Cultural Protest

Academic researchers and queer theorists recognize fanfiction as more than hobby—it’s a form of resistance.

🧠 According to a 2023 study from the University of Melbourne:

“Queer fanfiction acts as a narrative counter-force to state-sanctioned silence, allowing marginalized communities to rebuild what mainstream media strips away.”

In contexts like The Untamed, where homosexuality is implied but not affirmed, fanfiction becomes:

  • A tool for queer visibility

  • A sanctuary for emotional and sexual expression

  • A cultural act of defiance against censorship

🔗 See how this plays out: Bojun Yixiao on TikTok – CP Obsession Goes Viral

AO3, Wattpad, and the Globalization of Queer Chinese Stories

Fanfiction has globalized The Untamed’s reach far beyond Netflix or WeTV. Through translation, collaboration, and community, Chinese queer narratives now exist in:

  • Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Indonesian, and more

  • Cross-cultural AUs blending local traditions with WangXian dynamics

  • Bilingual fic communities bridging East and West

Platforms like AO3 also give queer Chinese authors (often writing anonymously or from VPN-restricted zones) a chance to:

  • Publish freely

  • Connect globally

  • Preserve queerness in the face of domestic suppression

🧠 Related citation: “Digital Diasporas and Queer Voice” – Oxford Internet Institute, 2024

Is The Untamed a BL? Fanfiction Doesn’t Ask for Permission

Official media walked a tightrope. Fanfiction jumped the fence.

✅ What Fanfic Writers Do:

  • Say the unsaid

  • Expand what was implied

  • Celebrate love without apology

  • Empower readers to imagine queer joy, not just queer suffering

In that way, fanfic doesn’t just complement The Untamed—it completes it.

✅ Recommendations: Where to Start with WangXian Fanfiction

If you’re curious about reading or writing WangXian fanfic, here are some entry points:

📖 Top-Rated Fic Tags on AO3:

  • “Canon Divergence”

  • “Fix-It”

  • “Modern AU”

  • “Established Relationship”

  • “First Time”

🖊️ Fanfiction Platforms:

✍️ Tips for New Fanfic Writers:

  • Write what you wish had happened

  • Don’t worry about perfection—focus on emotional truth

  • Use tags generously to help readers find your work

  • Join fandom Discords or Tumblr circles for feedback and beta readers

📝 Key Takeaways

  • Fanfiction is the loudest and clearest “yes” to the question “Is The Untamed a BL?”

  • Through creative reimagining, fans have built a parallel canon where queer love thrives, not just survives

  • In cultures where LGBTQ+ stories are censored, fanfiction becomes an act of storytelling freedom

  • The legacy of The Untamed doesn’t belong to broadcasters—it belongs to the millions of fans who continue to write it forward

Chart comparing if The Untamed is a BL drama across versions

🧩 Chapter 11: Final Verdict – Is The Untamed a BL?

Why This Question Still Matters After 11 Chapters

At a glance, the question “Is The Untamed a BL?” may seem easy to answer. But it’s not. It’s a cultural, emotional, and political question — one tied up in censorship, subtext, fandom activism, and global representation.

Throughout this 11-chapter series, we’ve explored:

  • Censorship and subtext in Chinese media

  • Emotional storytelling vs official narrative

  • Adaptations: novel, drama, donghua

  • Fanfiction as reclamation

  • Fandom’s role in global queer representation

Now it’s time to draw the final conclusion.

What The Untamed Is Not

Let’s be clear: under China’s broadcasting rules, The Untamed is not classified as a BL drama. Homosexual relationships remain heavily censored on mainstream platforms, as confirmed by Reuters.

So officially:

  • No physical intimacy

  • No explicit romance

  • No acknowledgment of same-sex relationships in press or promos

What The Untamed Still Achieved

Despite this, The Untamed:

  • Sparked a global queer fandom

  • Reached global audiences via platforms like Netflix

  • Created one of the most emotionally resonant love stories in recent memory

Its emotional impact has been covered by media critics, fandom scholars, and cultural outlets alike. According to Harvard’s Shorenstein Center, shows like The Untamed act as “queer-coded landmarks” in restricted media environments.

🔗 Internal read: The Untamed – Legacy of Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo

Is The Untamed a BL? Let’s Break It Down

Lens Verdict Reason
Censorship/Regulation ❌ No State policy restricts LGBTQ+ content
Genre classification ⚠️ No Not officially labeled or promoted as BL
Emotional narrative ✅ Yes Subtextual romance, devotion, sacrifice
Fan reception ✅ Yes Interpreted globally as a queer love story
Cultural impact ✅ Yes Inspired BL fan culture, art, fanfic, analysis

 

Fanfiction & Fandom Made It Canon in Spirit

What The Untamed couldn’t say out loud, the fans said for it. Through:

  • Tens of thousands of fanfics on AO3

  • Millions of TikTok edits (example)

  • Global fan art, cosplay, essays, and translations

🔗 Internal article: Bojun Yixiao Fandom – The Force Behind a Global Phenomenon

Fan-driven storytelling reclaims the censored queer romance and restores what was erased.

Symbolism, Subtext, and Soulmates

Even without direct declarations, The Untamed speaks the language of love:

  • The forehead ribbon

  • The shared music themes

  • Life-long loyalty

  • Resurrection, redemption, reunion

Studies from the APA show that emotionally coded storytelling increases viewer empathy and connection, even more than overt romance in some cases.

This is how The Untamed said “I love you” — without saying it.

Final Verdict – Is The Untamed a BL?

Legally and officially? No.
Emotionally, spiritually, culturally? Undeniably yes.

The Untamed is a story about unspoken love, devotion through silence, and queer identity filtered through metaphor — a survival tactic in repressive systems.

It is not a BL by Chinese broadcast standards.
But it is a BL in the hearts of its global audience, and in the fandom it birthed.

🔗 Internal companion piece: The Untamed – Why It Still Tops Global Watchlists

✅ What You Can Do Next

Want to see how the actors grew from the show? 🔗 Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo – From The Untamed to Stardom

💬 Final Reflection

This wasn’t just a show.

It was:

  • A coded confession

  • A cultural contradiction

  • A global phenomenon

  • A quiet revolution

The question “Is The Untamed a BL?” echoes because it touches something real — something millions saw, even when it wasn’t allowed to be named.

And that’s the legacy.

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