#cherry magic thailand ep 6

[hughungrybear]

Me while watching Cherry Magic Thailand Ep. 6:

After the stress I felt watching The Sign, I feel like I more than deserved to watch this CMT episode 😂😂😂

1. Y'know the expression of "feeling too much, you feel like you're about to burst"? Well, that's what happened. Karan just bursted. He burst in front of that boat taxi, with all the other passengers as a witness. Good for him. As old people say, it's better to be out than in 😊 (although they are mostly talking about stomach gas lol 😂)

2. We're getting a back story. Yay! <after 5 seconds> Can I slap that fvcking manager? So, you just brought Karan to this effing business meeting as an eye candy? As a potential sugar baby (although P'Lookwa looks good)? Why are you pimping Karan out? What kind of slimy business ethics is this??? Now, I feel doubly stressed 😅

3. Achi, my precious little cinnamon roll. No wonder Karan fell in love with you 😭😭😭

4. I said this before: I WANT MY OWN KARAN 😭😭😭

5. Jinta consulting a how-to dating book and applying it in real life is just effing hilarious. So virgin of him lol 😂😂😂 Also, not to complain (the bookstore date is cute) but why is Min there in the first place??? 😅

7. It's a shame that Jinta was too busy swooning to hear Min's thoughts when he hug him.

8. OH. MY. GAWDS. Achi finally figure it out - the things Karan silently did for him and I have feelings 😭😭😭

9. I mean, if anyone will be willing to help Achi to reach Karan, that's definitely Pai 😂 The girl is prolly waiting for this moment to sail her ship 😂😂😂 Also, yeah, Rock, wtf are you doing here??? 🤣🤣🤣

10. Thai airports, you never cease to amaze me 😂😂😂 Not CMT pulling a Bad Buddy asfadafagaf 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Go, Pai. Confidently raise the flag of Y girls lololol Also not Pai leaving Rock as an effing collateral for the motorbike taxi lololol

11. Be still, my SingJan heart 😭😭😭

12. Not Achi confessing to Karan in a goddamn airport 😭😭😭😭

We have boyfriends 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[blorbingqls]

THIS SCENE IS SO MONUMENTAL I CRIED SO BAD

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Screw everything else inject On1y into my damn veins

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Aug 2024 Week 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Monster Next Door (Thai Thurs Gaga ) eps 5-6 of 12 - Extreme introvert dealing with a very hot, very drunk, very affectionate extrovert was an excellent experience all around. “I was drunk and talking out of my ass, but I wasn’t lying” maybe one of the world’s greatest confessions. How meta that he’s checking out the book of the story that he’s in. Carry on boys, very enjoyable, very Thai BL.

My Love Mix-Up Th (Fri YT) ep 12 fin - It’s cute. They are all very cute. I do like it when high school BL gives us a coming out sequence. I know it’s old-fashioned, but it’s a trope that goes with this particular setting really well, and I just like it when it’s done nicely. I’m not sure I needed it to totally dominate the final episode of the series. But it was fine.

I gotta say, Fourth is an absolutely outstanding actor. He really did knocked it out of the park in this last episode especially. 

In conclusion:

It was fine and it was charming, but it was also a little lackluster. Thailand managed to take one of Japan's softest cutest most bonkers BLs in recent memory and make it softer and cuter and... dull. They did this by watering it down. JBLs almost always have an edge to them, even the rom-coms, by dulling the edge, MLMU lost a great deal of the sparkle and tension as well. What an office setting managed to mostly maintain in the consummate hands of TayNew felt somewhat lackluster when handed off to the next generation and a high school setting. Cherry Magic was a lovely reinterpretation, Mix Up was an amateur's watercolor rendition of a colorful oil painting. Am I being harsh? G4 tried their best, and Fourth turned in some outrageously good acting in the latter half. But the show? It was fine. If you like water colors and you haven't seen (and loved) Kieta Hatsukoi. 8/10

This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans (Fri iQIYI) ep 8 fin - This was the first hint we got that the lead's relationship was anything more than sexual. And it was utilized for a breakup?! JJ and Wan's friendship is the best thing about this show. PWan selling JJ out to Methas was great. I was modestly delighted by the big fuck off ownership engagement ring. I admire a boy who likes to mark his territory with bling. I actually thought this was a decent final episode. If very rushed. I know, in general this ending was objectively weak, but I grinned the entire time, so I can’t really complain that much.

Final thoughts?

A story about a kid who infiltrates a cooking competition under false pretenses and then has to deal with the consequences when he falls in love with the head chef. The side couple is a poor little rich boy meets physical therapist (morality chain). The core friendships are excellent and the chemistry cannot be faulted across the (charcuterie) board. What this show lacks in substance it makes up for in health code violations. It was all chili all the time. Considering that the plot centered on betrayal but the romantic relationship never sweetened enough to balance that bitterness; one could be forgiven for throwing this one in the compost. But I got over all its weaknesses in flavor balancing for an ultimately satisfying meal, with a great dessert course. I've always loved spicy food. Plus the blooper reels were fantastic. 8/10

Addicted Heroin (Thai Tues WeTV) ep 2 of 10 - I like the side couple a lot. It’s nice to see that dynamic developed (as it wasn't in the CBL version). Of course, Thailand leans into a secondary couple, but I also like the super popular jock + geeky boy who couldn’t care less. You know what? I’m actually really enjoying this. And yes, I AM biased because it's August. (Wait, that could be taken several different ways this month. But you know what I mean.) Anygay, this is a lot softer than the original, and so Hero is much more of a pining character and less harsh. But I'm still enjoying it. I like the stepbrothers trope (we don’t get it very much from Thailand), and I enjoy the beats and pulses of this particular story. We will see if it derails into inconsequence and lack of conflict the way My Love Mixup did.  

Sunset X Vibes (Sat iQIYI) ep 11 of 12 - I’m enjoying this show but it should’ve been just 10 eps. It’s feeling bloated at this juncture. That said, I loved our little GL kiss. Very pretty. I also really like the bit with Sam and Yo flirting with each other. Sam trying to get Yo to call him P'Sam was fucking brilliant. And then slipping in all of those nongs. Delightful. Linguistic negotiation, it's what's for dinner... along with Sam's d**k apparently. I frankly did not think they would take this couple that far. So, thank you very much everybody involved.

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 4 of 12 - I do enjoy watching Yim freak out and fall in love all over again. The reality is still better for me than the fantasy parts, but it’s all fun enough. The magic mushrooms bit was odd. In fact, there is definitely a core tenor of ODD going on with the show. Which I’m accustomed to from Japan but I’m not really sure about from Thailand. Thus I remain engaged but suspicious of this BL. 

I Saw You in My Dream (Weds Gaga) ep 6 of 12 - Yu wants to take his baby on a trip, gets thwarted by his younger brother. Ouch. I really do think it’s time for Ai to tell Yu what’s going on with his dreams! Drunken boyfriend bolster pillow is a fav trope of mine. As usual, I’m catching second lead syndrome. What? I liked the rich boy badminton player. And then he picked up a guitar. Oh well.

The Trainee (Sun YouTube) ep 8 of 12 - No one cares about the hets. He was jelly? Cute. Also kinda an arse, by hey this is BL. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

The On1y One (Taiwan Thurs Gaga) eps 1-2 of 12 - announced in 2023, high school, stepbrothers, and is reputed to be high heat. Based on a novel Mou Mou + the Your Name Engraved Herein team.

ARE YOU READY? I'M GOING TO NOT SO QUIETLY LOSE MY DAMN MIND

This is old-school BL and it’s bloody fantastic. Tsundere seme to beat all tsundere (smartest + tallest + bestest at everything but people) meets socially-ept cutie smart-ass protag.

They living together by end of ep 1 and start kissing by end of ep 2.

There is an Unknown quality to this, and that I love. Also, and ironic to say this while Addicted Heroin Th is airing, but this REALLY reminds me of Addicted. It’s so fucking good. I am all in on this show. Shut up while this eats my life.

Cosmetic Playlover (Japan Tues Gaga) eps 5-6 of 8 - Of course! The POV shift to the seme character at ep 5! How could I forget? Japan loves this beat! AND.... The running of the gays. And a use of a first name! So darling. Also some crazy great communication and conversation that is NOT a hallmark of Japan. Sahashi is so very possessive. I loved the switch that went on in his brain and the mania in his eyes when he thought someone else was interested in Natsume. I continue to love this.

I Hear the Sunspot AKA Hidamari ga Kikoeru (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 10 of 12 - I’m never going to like Maya. Sorry. And the leads were separated for most of this episodes so it was largely disappointing. I did like the insight into the way T sees the world, and sees the alienation of a disability and what it's dong to his friend. It’s very empathic. He’s such an appealing character in his obtuse bull-headed way.

Seoul Blues (Korea Fri? YouTube) ep 2 of 8 - It’s intriguing, and I'm happy to have anything from Korea on my dash. But, like Blue Boys, I’m not entirely sure if I like it or not.

First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) eps 3-4 of 12 - This may be Taiwan but I’m still in the "no singing" camp. I’m getting a slightly better chemistry feel off the leads in this episode. I’m not sure if they’re keeping it stiff because the younger character is under age or if it’s just that the actors aren’t there yet? (In other words is this a directing choice or a performance issue?)

Takara's Treasure AKA Takara No Vidro (Japan Mon Gaga) ep 8 of 10 - I've finally come down firmly on the fact that it’s the uneven power distribution (in terms of interest and enthusiasm for the relationship) that I dislike about this show. Generally, I like a power dynamic differential, kinky and all that. But this particular dynamic, when it’s the weaker personality that’s so much more into the stronger one? I never like it, unless it engages a serious pivot at some point. (See My Personal Weatherman or Takara & Amagi.)

It's airing but...

Sugar Dog Life (Japan Sun grey) ep 3 of 10 - I was really loving this one but I can't find ep 3 anywhere so I guess I gotta wait it out. I hope I get to see it eventually.

4 Minutes (Sat Gaga) eps 1-6 of 8 - Gaga picked this one up so we can watch it there. If I have time, I'll get caught up and put it into rotation.

In case you missed it

Meet You at the Blossom (China) - I'm eating crow, binging the fucker, and live blogging.

The Time of Fever AKA Unintentional Love Story 2 (Korea movie) trailer IS COMING IN SEPTEMBER!!!! (Yeah this is gonna sit here until then).

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Coming Next Month:

The Time of Fever (Korea)

9/1 Live in Love (Thai)

9/3 Happy of the End (Japan)

9/6 Kidnap (Thai)

9/7 The Hidden Moon (Thai)

9/9 Jack & Joker (Thai)

9/14 Love Sick 2024 (Thai)

9/17 Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan)

More deets next week. It's late and I'm tired.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

It was pretty. I am very shallow.

Even more pretty. Petition to have Tenon with his shirt off and hair back in every subsequent Thai BL? Just because.

(SunsetXVibes)

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are a pain.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many tags.

[colourme-feral]

FAVOURITE PARALLELS IN CHERRY MAGIC (2020) AND CHERRY MAGIC THAILAND (2023), EP 7 vs EP 6 Cherry Magic parallels・Other parallels

[happypotato48]

List of Thai BL dramas i've watched with short opinions about them i guess :P

Thai BLs that i finished:

A Boss and a Babe. It's cute for what it is, i loved the gaming friendships and i'm a sucker for forcebook. 7/10 need more unhinged energy from book.

A Tale of Thousand Stars/Our Skyy 2 : Bad Buddy x A Tale Of Thousand stars. this show reminds me a lot of early to mid 2000s lakorns. it's a beautiful by the book love story, i appreciated that a bl got to take a spin on this kind of quiet thai story. 8/10 loved it but still too vanilla for my taste.

Bake Me Please. Guide Kantapon is the cutest man alive and CAKES! that it, that all i have for this show. 6/10 it's a show that exist.

Be My Favorite. damn fluke gawin is so pretty what was this show about again? :P i'm kidding, i actually really liked this show. i watched it when i had zero knowledge about bl industry, i was oblivious about krist's controversy and i find krist acting to be charming and think kawee is very relatable as a cringe fail human myself. 8.5/10 this show made me want to collected weird thingies.

Cherry Magic (Thailand). oh boy this show. it's was everything to me also the only show so far that i've written extensively on this site. here is my personal feeling about this show. 9.5/10 would kill for taynew.

Cooking Crush. what! the fuc$! look look, i just learned that both offgun are older than me. when i first saw the show i thought they were some rookie actors with how young they looks. watching cute bl is gonna be the death of me. anywho this show is supercute don't have a lot of thought about it though. 7.5/10 cutting half a point cause of no samsee x metha.

Cutie Pie/Naughty Babe. what a fuckin legend of a series. all the characters have zero braincells and somehow all the rich pretty boys are engaged to each other and by arranged marriages nonetheless. wtf is this fanfic version of thailand and where can i get hit by a truck and get isekai to it. 7.5/10 still haven't watch Cutie Pie 2 U, i hope it get dumber.

Enchanté. this show is so dummmb it should've go full camp reverse harem yaoi nonsense but it didn't and ended up being kinda boring. 6.5/10. meh, i'm still a sucker for forcebook.

Last Twilight. UGHHH!! i'm still so mad. this show was going to be THE SHOW for me then ep 11-12 happened i legit mentally check out halfway through ep 12 and i basically blocked the ending from my mind. this show came out at the right place and the right time for me, the first 9 episodes helped me through a very tough time in my life. the story of two people helping each other finding their way out of the dark was very compelling to me. ughh. 5.5/10 (9/10 for ep 1-9) P'Aof why are you like this!!

Laws Of Attraction. yassssssss this show slay(literally :P) the show is a breath of fresh air for me despite how very lakorn of it is. i'm glad that there is a bl that feel this soapy and campy cause like i do love my angsty and innocent school bls but the industry really need show like laws of attraction. jamfilm also were very great in their roles espically film, charn is the most babygirl corrupted cute evil lawyer of all time. 9/10 no note headempty only charn's evil smirks in my mind

La Pluie. now, this is a romance. this show is one of the most romanctic media that i personally have experience. i loved that the show took the cheesy premise of soulmates and work it so well to do both deconstruction and exploration of the trope. i think using rain, thing that isolated people as a narrative tool for love connection is absolutely brilliant. last but not least pat is just the perfect bl love interest, he's an very idealized character but he do feels like an actual person. i want to give a shout out to Pee Peerawich the way he said "มันหนาวอ่ะ" in ep 8 sent me, the raspy voice, the eye twich and combo those with a back cuddle, sir! you just commited a mass murders with that move. 9/10 plz i need season two with my baby boy tien.

Love in Translation. the unhingendness of that first meeting is probably my favorite bl meet cute. look if you don't get into a fistfight with the guy you destined to be with then what is the point of life. this show fake date is very well done it's doesn't feel forced like in a lot of other bls and it make the growing attraction feels very genuine and it pay off in one of the best sex scenes in all of bl, yang is such a freak and i loved him for it. 8/10 the last two episodes did got slightly off the rail for me but i still enjoyed the show.

Moonlight Chicken. one of the most beautiful shows i ever watched. when watching this show i can feels, smells and tastes everything it depicted. from the comfort khao man gai to jim's loneliness, from alan's heartbreak to liming and heart's midnight motorcycle ride. this show gave me all the feels and i still can't completely shake it off. 9.9/10 this show is a healing.

My School President. These boys!!!! i can't, i loved these boys so much, all the boys, YES ALL OF THEM! this show is on the opposite spectrum of Moonlight Chicken for me. while MC give me the good heartaches this show give me unbridled joy it's like heartstopper on cracks. i absolutely adored tinn and gun and the show relentless optimism about thier first love. love is awesome no matter the romantic, familial or platonic kind and i think this show hit the marks with all three. 10/10(i'm super bias but fuck it idc i even liked the singing) this show made me started watching thai bl and it always will have a place in my heart.

My Ride. this show is lacking in intimacy but making up by being all heart. could this show be better if they fleshed out and explore more of tawan and his cheating bf's relationship, maybe but i'm happy for what we got. 8/10 mork and tawan were very cutie patootie, i don't remember much about the het and the side couple were just st ok.

Step by Step. man trisanu is exactly the same height at me and i want everyone to know that is the only reason i started this show🤣 . i feels like this show have a lot to say about stuff but i kinda got lost staring at man trisanu while watching. one thing i really loved is the very fem *ตุ๊ด coworker who got to be a real character not just a jokey sidekick and having a loving relationship with a hottie. 7.5/10 can i get more man trisanu in bl plz.

Triage. asshole doctor stuck in a timeloop for him to find the meaning of life, yes plz give it to me. i loved stories about assholes who need to better themself for love and other junk. tinn and tol are both grumpy bitches and i just loved that the show use the timeloop to soften these nerds. at the end i just want to wrap them in blanket and let's them cuddle each other forever. 8.5/10 the last ep is bit convoluted but i forgave the show for that cute clocktower kiss.

You're My Sky. i started this show for my boy suar and he did not disappointed. the pining and the longing for an older boy who been there for you most you life, chef kiss. this show also very beautiful to look at. 8/10 i'm kinda meh about the side couples, i do think they all got the "good ending" for their stories.

Thai BLs that i didn't finish or gave up and skipped to the ending:

Bad Buddy. Oh boy, am i gonna get murder for this??? sorry but idk why i didn't wholeheartedly love and give this show my undivided attention. i watched this show very weird and out of order, i started with the last ep than just watch other episodes in bit and peice. i think i've seen 70% of this show. plz forgive me this is the first thai bl i tried to get into but can't. maybe i need to give this show another chance and watch it properly. or idk maybe cause the way i watched it, it's ruined for me forever. 6.5/10 i loved the rooftop kiss plz don't kill me.

Dangerous Romance. this show is trash and not the good kind, how this show depicted relationship between a rich asshole and a poor boy feels very gross to me. i fast forward a bunch and gave up after the not just dumb but very cruel breakup. 4/10 it's watchable if you ignore the plot and the chatacters.

Hidden Agenda. wow this is the most nothing show that ever nothing for me. it's a perfected white noise while playing chill video games. i stopped watching after ep 8 cause look like there going to be a dumb break up, i have no desire to revisit this show. 5/10 joongdunk were kinda cutes.

The Miracle of Teddy Bear. this show is too god damn long with too many side plots the one and a half hour per episode killed the momentum for me. i liked the show and do think i want to revisit and finish it one day. 6/10 for now.

Vice Versa. why are they giving jimmysea this show. this show is so boring for me, i gave up in episode 6. 4/10 gmmtv give my babies better shows!!

Thai BLs that i've watched all the sex scenes and have no intention of watching the actual show:

Kinnporsche: heheehehhehehe everyone were so hot, too bad i don't like rich mafia story. mile being a nepobaby also significantly killed the mood for me. 55555/dead bodyguards (idk how many there are but i don't care) the ost are bangers though.

Venus in the Sky and Love in the Air. cringe gay sex for the wins. 69/420.

ok, whoo that was a lot. gonna pin this cause i don't think anyone want to read all that in one sitting. i think i'm gonna make another post for non thai BLs in the near future. thanks for reading my unhinged opinions hope i'm not gonna get moider for it 55555555.

[wen-kexing-apologist]

Favorite Kiss Game

I was tagged by @lurkingshan and @he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle

Grrr, this is SO hard.

I know what will happen if I put a certain shows kiss on my favorites list, so I'm going to cut out a couple of my absolute favorites and focus on the following:

Propoganda

Mew, Neo, and Shin- 3 Will Be Free, Ep 6

gif by @sunsongsa

I enjoyed this kiss as a tension breaker for a few reasons: 1) because it marked the actual confirmation of a polyamorus relationship in a GMMTV show, 2) because we have spent so much time in this show with these characters running for their lives and getting traumatized every other day and it is a lovely moment of broken tension from the fear they have been feeling, 3) because it breaks the tension Shin carries around his feelings for Neo and the tension that was built from Shin disappearing from Neo and Mew when he ran away after seeing them kiss.

Achi and Karan- Cherry Magic: Thailand, Ep

The tension that broke for me in watching this kiss was 1000% about breaking the tension that Cherry Magic: Japan had built up by never letting Adachi and Kurosawa kiss in the original television show. Achi fully running up to Karan and kissing him, and them having a real, long, active, and enthusiastic kiss was a huge sigh of relief that Thailand was going to treat us right. Also, Karan crying? Killed me.

Cai and Gav- Gameboys, Ep 10

gif by @save-the-data

OKAY LISTEN. I DO NOT CARE THAT THEY ARE KISSING THROUGH PLASTIC. THESE TWO HAVE BEEN INTERACTING EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH FACETIME SCREENS FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES AND IT IS SO VITALLY IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO FINALLY BE ABLE TO HUG EACH OTHER, EVEN IF THERE IS STILL A BARRIER BETWEEN THEM. THIS KISS BROKE ALL THE TENSION OF THEM HAVING NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO SEE EACHOTHER FACE TO FACE THIS WAY. SO MANY THINGS HAD TO HAPPEN FOR THEM TO MAKE IT TO THIS POINT AND IT MAKES ME SO EMOTIONAL THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THERE

Yuan and Qian- Unknown, Ep 6

Is Qian a willing participant in this kiss? No. But do I love it anyway? Yes. Why? Because it completely changes the nature of their relationship. It force Qian to wake up to Yuan's feelings, it is the culmination of Yuan no longer being able to hold back on his feelings for Qian despite trying for years and years and years to prevent this very scenario. This scene broke me, I'm obsessed with it, and all the air left the room the first time I had to sit through this scene. It's a brilliant moment both because of the tension it breaks and the tension it builds because holy fucking shit the aftermath of this is So Much.

Kevin and Pluem- Ghost Host, Ghost House, Ep 4

I mean....

I don't think I need to say anything more about this scene. It is one of the most expertly executed sexual tension building scenes that I have ever seen in my entire life. If you haven't seen this show, hell if you haven't seen this scene. Go watch it. You will see what I mean.

tagging: @happypotato48, @ginnymoonbeam, @colourme-feral, and @neuroticbookworm

[incandescentflower]

I love the airport hug in ep 6 of Cherry Magic Thailand and I've seen some great gifs of it already. It's gentle first then tight, and after Achi wipes a tear from Karan's eyes and I am already dead. But then we get the extra bonus hug as the camera pans out and I love that just as much. They've crossed that boundary and there is so much emotion there - they full body hug, pulling each other back and forth in almost a dance - relief and joy and they can't stop celebrating it.

why are my eyes leaking again?

[mikuni14]

Cherry Magic Thailand - Ep 6

When in the previous episode Karan decided to publicly declare his love and put Achi in an awkward situation, I was, I admit, very dissatisfied. Plus it was very out of character with the Karan we knew.

I SHOULD HAVE TRUSTED THIS SERIES MORE. I hereby express my remorse for not believing that CM could maintain character fidelity and continuity, and for believing so easily that the series could hurt me and its characters

In my defense, I will only say that all the series I watch now have disappointed me and betrayed their characters at some point, so there was no indication that CM would be any different in this respect.

Karan, my beloved, what a guy! He can even make his own declaration of love, not about a himself, his own feelings, but about his beloved and his comfort 🥺 He doesn't say that he loves Achi and expect a response from him. Karan treated his confession as informing Achi that his feelings could hurt him, which Karan doesn't want to let happen. Karan feels that he must be fair to Achi. His confession wasn't even romantic, it was… informative. And apologetic. Karan apologized that his affection might disturb Achi's comfort in any way 🥺🥺🥺 Just… I need a moment *takes deep breaths*

I have no words to express how much I was touched by how Karan arranged his life around Achi's life without expecting anything in return. I can't put into words how much it means to me that Karan helps and takes care of Achi in his daily life. There is no need for grand gestures, sacrificing one's life or big drama in their relationship. No, it's about... turning on the kettle. I'm not lying when I say that I have tears in my eyes while writing these words.. Karan (like Mhok), are those types of men who love and treat their love as their own business, their own problem to deal with (like Gao Shi De). Fortunately for Karan, his love interest has the same level of humility, kindness and empathy as him… 🙄

This series is about people: a bit pathetic, who consider themselves to be a bit of a loser, humble, with self-esteem problems. Who, despite everything, still maintain kindness and do so much good for others, without expecting any reward. Without expecting others to bend to them - no, they all, even Pai and Rock, go out of their way to help others, bend for others without treating it as a big deal. And everyone tries so hard not to harm anyone. (after watching Achi and Karan, how can I accept Day and Mhok's potential relationship? lol nope. Not after Achi and Karan decided to notice each other's efforts and kindness. CM clearly shows that they both CHOOSE to notice the other person and their kindness, it doesn't just happens, it's a choice. Day also choose to be cruel and make everything about himself 🤷‍♀️)

What I absolutely love about this series is that when Achi realizes how much Karan means to him, he takes action IMMEDIATELY. He knows what phones are for 😀 The series moves the action straight forward, leads its characters to immediate confrontation, without creating strange "transitions" between scenes that create plot holes, which make frustrated viewers constantly ask "but why don't they just talk?", "why didn't he tell him about it", "why didn't he call, why did he have the phone, for games??". Or without the worst - like, before the characters talk to each other, there are a lot of stupid obstacles and misunderstandings resulting from lack of communication. Achi wants to say something to Karan -> Achi does it. Fucking A, 10/10 💯💯💯

Running to your beloved - very Japanese BL style 😂

Oh gods, I love Pai. How she was all: I WILL HAVE MY FUJOSHI MOMENT EVEN IF IT WAS THE LAST THING IN MY LIFE. Girl, literally same 😆

I love this series because of how warm it is, because of how much kindness there is in it, such ordinary, everyday, helpful, invisible, ordinary kindness. And how being good pays off.

I love this series because, even though the characters are not even together, the series is ABOUT THEM, and their scenes together are perfect, high quality, beautiful, funny, touching. In this episode, Achi and Karan are sort of "passing each other in their lives", and yet they have so many wonderful scenes.

At the moment, it's the best series I am watching and the best series of 2024 (although it's not over yet, so I emphasize, for now). Cherry Magic simply gives me a high-quality product, a whole lot of FEELINGS and ZERO frustration.

Next week preview: "When a man buys you a shirt, it means he wants to be the one to take it off" - excuse me, I'll just spend every minute of this week thinking about it 🤩

[multismileee]

CHERRY MAGIC THAILAND EP 6

SQUEALING, KICKING MY FEET, GIGGLING, SLIDING DOWN THE WALL, HOLDING MY HEART, BUTTERFLIES FLUTTERING AT THE LATEST EPISODE.

All the couples have no business being this cute 🥹

[bellarkeandclintashaandsuch]

Shows I’m behind on

So Our Skyy 2 and Minato's Coin Laundry 2 made me realize just how many shows I'm behind on. So pinning this here to remind myself to work through these 😬

A non-exhaustive list:

Vice Versa (ep 11/12)

Unforgotten Night (ep 8+)

Minato’s Coin Laundry (ep 11/12 and season 2)

My Only 12% (ep 1+)

Ai Long Nhai (ep 6+)

Color Rush Season 2 (ep 8)

Flower of Evil (ep 10+) DONE

War of Y (last BewGus ep)

SCOY (ep 4+)

Gap (ep 1+)

La Cuisine (ep 3ish+)

Mouse (ep 4+)

About Youth (ep 5+)

Oh! My Sunshine Night (ep. 3+) IN PROGRESS

Love in the Air (was there a special ep?)

Big Dragon (ep 7/8)

Love Mechanics (ep 9/10)

Kei x Yaku (ep 3+)

Kill and Healer (ep 3ish+)

My Beautiful Man S2 (ep 2+)

Cherry Magic (ep 11/12 and movie)

Cutie Pie (ep 12 and season 2)

My School President (ep 8+)

Never Let Me Go (ep 6+)

Bedtime Story 609 (both ep 11s)

The Eighth Sense (ep 9/10)

A League of Nobleman (ep 14+)

Desire Catcher (ep 20+)

Star In My Mind (ep 7/8) I don't even remember what happens in this one

Sky in Your Heart (ep 1+)

Hard Love Mission (ep 1+)

Love Bill (ep 1+)

To Sir with Love (ep 1+)

My Ride (ep 3+)

My Tooth Your Love (ep 8+)

Even Sun (ep 6)

Still 2Gether (ep 3+)

Theory of Love (special ep)

My Secret Love (ep 10+)

Advance Bravely (ep 5ish+)

The Luminous Solution (ep 6)

Step by Step (ep 12)

La Pluie (ep 11-12)

I Will Knock You (ep 10+)

Ghost Host Ghost House (ep 4+)

Chains of Heart (ep 10)

Naked Dinner (ep 11/12)

Buddy Y Line (ep 2+) waiting to see how this one pans out

Love Tractor (ep 2+)

Love Stage (ep 7+)

Star Struck (ep 7/8)

Our Dining Table (ep 10)

Love Mate (ep 7+)

A Boss and a Babe (ep 8+)

House of Stars (ep 2+)

Senpai This Can't Be Love (ep 5+)

Takara-kun & Amagi-kun (ep 2+)

Tasty Florida (ep 7+)

The End of the World with You (ep 5+)

The New Employee (ep 5+)

Under the Skin (ep 9+)

What Zabb Man (ep 3+)

Cherry Blossoms after Winter (ep 5+)

Kieta Hatsukoi (ep 7+)

Stay by My Side (ep 3+)

Low Frequency (ep 2+)

Stay with Me (ep 5+)

Candy Color Paradox (ep 8)

First Love Again (ep 2+)

Additions!

Laws of Attraction

Absolute Zero

D.P.

Bloodhounds

You Are Mine (ep 8+ and special ep)

Cherry Magic TH (ep 12)

Twins (ep 1+)

For Him

City of Stars

The Sign

Pit Babe

Playboyy (ep 12)

Memory in the Mirror (ep 6) DONE

Knock Knock Boys

Meet Me at the Blossom

Spirealm

Sunset x Vibes

Deep Night

I Hear the Sunspot

Takara's Treasure

My Love Mix-Up!

My Love Mix-Up! Thailand

[hughungrybear]

Me while watching Cherry Magic Thailand Ep. 11:

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. There is no doubt this will be true (esp in Karan's case) 😆😆😆

1. Oh, that's why Rock is finally making a direct approach with Pai. Also, he sucked at darts 😅

2. Achi's bad luck strikes again 😭😭😭 Also, it's very typical in any work setting for somebody to whine first without hearing reason. Sidenote: Guy looks good.

3. Ngl, the scene in the food market looks like another episode of TayNew Meal Date 😂😂😂 Also, why are they videocalling while brushing their teeth???

4. At least Karan is aware of his singing voice 😭😭😭

5. I think Achi will go the old Asian wisdom route - "If you cannot beat them, join them" 😂😂😂 Although, it's quite impossible to learn football quickly to be useful to any team.

6. Min and Jinta date, why so sweet??? 😭😭😭 I think Jinta.exe stopped working 😂😂😂😂

7. Please don't tell me Achi's co-workers are homophobic 😭😭😭 Also, no, Achi. That's not the way to earn your co-workers' trust. I don't believe in disclosing everything personal to co-workers but, if push comes to shove, do not actively lie to them 😭😭😭

8. Min should take those criticisms as a chance to improve. I mean, if the comment said he made a lot of mistakes in his dancing, then he must practise. Also, Jinta acknowledging that he might die from extreme happiness the moment he finally "loses his magical power" is 🤣🤣🤣🤣

9. Though goalie seems like the easiest position in football, unless the ball is kicked straight into your face (as what happened during the game with Achi), it's not that simple 😅

10. Karan is really sensitive and always puts Achi first. 😭😭😭 Again, why make this man perfect??? 😭😭😭 At least, the co-workers are not homophobic.

11. Rock really went all out with his love confession 😭😭😭 and he did not forget that Pai's true happiness will always include bacon 😂😂😂 My SingJan heart 😭😭😭

12. Oh. My. Gawd. I guess Achi will no longer have his powers in the next episode. 🫢

A HAPPY EPISODE 11 WITH NO BREAKUPS? IN A THAI BL??? REVOLUTIONARY 😂😂😂

Seriously, as far as remakes are concerned, I am happy that they went this route. Everything is unique yet familiar at the same time. Next week, family introductions. Hope the series manages to finish strong 😊

[blorbingqls]

achi thinking karan is bad at memory and forgets his pens; hence offering a pen holder

meanwhile karan:

THIS BABIE NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS

[absolutebl]

These Weeks in BL - This Is Very Late, Or Right on Time depending on where you sit on the temporal debate team

Sorry I got distracted by work. In my defense: I was paid.

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

March 2024 Wk 1 & 2

Ongoing Series - Thai

Cherry Magic (Sat YouTube grey) ep 12 fin - Unfortunately, there was singing. But what can we do?

A soft charming warm hug of a show about crushes and mind reading and self worth, with no-fuss execution from a consummate team and an OG lead pair proving why they remain eternal and deserve to grow up. Look, here’s the thing, Cherry Magic is a great Thai BL in its own right not comparing it to any other iteration. But even when I do compare (and I've seen all the Cherries and read the manga) it still stands. This is a great show, a solid adaptation, and a pleasing take on the original yaoi. I personally like it better than the Japanese live action, but I think that’s because I just really like Thai BL and I LOVE TayNew. I doubted them for this and I shouldn’t have. They did a great job, as did the sides. I will say all the kissing was both present and better than any other iteration. As it should be. Definitely one for the rewatch rotation. 9/10 

Deep Night (Thurs iQiyi) ep 1 of 8 (10?) - Damn it, I love it. And I don't want to. It’s more classic BL than I thought it would be, and far less Only Friends or Playboyy. (Thank fuck.) We got a big cast and a lot of tropes going down out the gate, including SMITTEN popular hot guy versus nerd with secret identity. (Incidentally, Khem did drop into rude / informal when arguing with his Aunt and defending his ma. Bratty boy.) The leads have good chemistry (First always does), and everyone is very pretty. The main boy reminds me of J-Min's role (and look) in Love Class 2. I am entertained. (And faintly wonder why this isn't a MosBank vehicle.)

To Be Continued (Thai C3 Thailand grey) eps 1-3 of 8- High school sweethearts who had a bad break up reunite a decade later when both of them have full time jobs (celebrity & doctor). Dr Ji is a familiar face (hi Dream it's been a LONG time) and everyone is way too old for high school, but I guess I prefer this to child actors?

I'm enjoying it, actually, the cast may be older but they're solid as a result and the chemistry is on point for a pulp. Whether our celebrity is on the DL or cheating or something else remains to be seen but he sure is smitten. The way he LOOKS at Ji = hawt.

Frankly? Celebrity/doctor is a good pairing and this is a solid Thai BL. I hope we have a nice angsty reason for the break-up and we're not in another Promise situation. I like the sides too. Carry on, little show, I'm disposed to be pleased with you.

City of Stars (Fri iQIYI) eps 5-6 of 12 - I am enjoying it, actually. It’s incredibly silly. But I don’t really mind. STOP SINGING. 

1000 Years Old eps 3-4 of 12 - I love that these kids basically adopted a vampire pet. And one of them accidentally got a vampire boyfriend. This suddenly turned from a PNR into a family drama about domestic gays opening a food stall and I'm not mad about it. Nothing makes sense and I don't care because... rainbow umbrella!

A Secretly Love (Thai WeTV grey) eps 1 of 10 - I don’t love it. I make no bones about the fact that a pining uke rarely works for me, especially if he’s younger (cute supportive besties not withstanding), the power dynamic isn’t good. I always like Kimmon, he’s a stiff actor but v pretty. (I shallow af.) Still it’s time he started acting his age… literally. Having to watch ads again as well… for this? Ooof. I'm not sure I'm strong enough.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Perfect Propose (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 6 fin - It was very cute. I liked that there was uke instigated kisses. However I have some reservations on this one, much as I enjoyed it.

Adapted from Mayo Tsurakame’s manga, production team included Tadaaki Horai (My Love Mix-Up!) and Takeshi Miyamoto (Old Fashion Cupcake). Essentially Perfect Propose was about finding hope in a person when all other hope is gone. This show focuses on apathy, and perforce is somewhat apathetic and un-engaging especially as the pacing was off (and with only 6 episodes? now) However, this is countered by great visuals, good archetypes, and a clean story of childhood sweethearts reuniting after loosing their way in life. I landed on 8/10 mostly for a demanding younger seme and some great kisses. 

Unknown (Taiwan Tues Youku YouTube) eps 2-3 of 11 - Oh it’s great. I love it. I’m still worried by how gritty and "Taiwanese short-esk" it feels, but wow does this hit all my favorite taboo tropes and buttons. I also adore the little found fam, they the cutest gay older bros ever. The younger one who wants so bad to grow up and take care of the older one and pushes himself because into self sacrifice that’s the only model of love he has. ARGH. BOYS. Why so much pain, just smooch already! Sheesh. It's on YouTube for some of us, here's the schedule.

AntiReset (Taiwan Fri Viki/Gaga) eps 6-7 of 10 - They remain questionably cute, and that is probably going to be my ultimate review of this show. Awe cameo! (Hi babies, hope the ghosts are leaving you alone.) The irony does not escape me that the person in the relationship with the most emotional acumen is, in fact, the robot and not the human. I'm sure that's meant to be deep.

Love is Better the Second Time Around AKA Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto (Japan Gaga) ep 1 of 6 - A tortured second chance romance featuring a reported and a successful celebrity(?) academic. The kid actors look nothing like their adult counterparts, but they do look much younger. So, okay. Ah the utter embarrassment of first love. Oh I like it a lot, so very messy Japanese emo. Sigh. Here we go again.

Although I Love You and You AKA Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka (Japan Thurs Gaga) eps 8-9 of 10 - They are a cute couple. They both trying so hard and so confused and awkward and polite in trying to understand each other but TERRIBLE at communication. 

My Strawberry Film (Japan Thurs Gaga) eps 3-4 of 8 - I don’t know how I feel about this. But I do know it’s not my thing because it’s not BL. I’ll finish it because it’s short but… meh. 

It's done, ready to binge, but I have no time

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - will binge when I have any spare time. 2024 is crazy busy for me so far.

The Servant and the Young Master (Vietnam YouTube) - I will try when I have a window of time.

Began Beginning (Myanmar YouTube) - A Burmese BL? @heretherebedork vouched for it, so I will watch eventually.

It's airing but...

Dead Friend Forever (Thai iQIYI) - finished it's run and I won't be watching it. It's horror with BL elements and the ending, well, let's just say that's a "no thank you" from me.

Ossans Love Season 2 (Japan Gaga) - 5 years later, will anything have changed? This is Japan so… no. I'm not watching this. I dislike this franchise.

Time the series (Tue Gaga/YT) 10 eps - dropped it at ep 4.

Takumi-kun (2023) movie version AKA Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari no Hajimari no Asa released on FOD 3/5/2024. The original project was a 6 ep series. Having seen all the previous iterations and read the (terrible) yaoi I admit to being intrigued. If anyone finds eng subbed please let me know with a link in comments or in a DM? For those intersted in this show, probably the world's first true BL franchise I chat all about it here.

Gossip

James Supamongkon has withdrawn from the series Love Upon A Time and the NetJames pair is no more. Net Siraphop will continue with the historical BL project alongside a new partner. Can I interest you in Tod Techit... almost as pretty, legs for days...

The Complete Chronology of the Assault Case Against GMMTV Actor Win Pawin

I'm merely directing your attention to these articles, I do not wish for discussion of this content on this blog. Please don't ask for further info, I don't know the answer, follow the link that's why it's there.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Still Coming

3/21 Two Worlds (Thai IQIYI) 10 eps - announced here. One of those "he's dead Jim so time travel" thingames staring MaxNat. I'm over them but Asia flipping loves this trope and I do adore MaxNat. Phupha (Gun) and Khram (Nat) love each other but Phupha is murdered. Then Khram is pulled to a parallel world where, 12 years ago, Khram and Tai (Max) were in love. However, Khram was killed by Thai’s dad. Now Tai finds alter-Khram apparently alive. But then there is ALSO an alter-Phupha (played by Gun Thanawat who is Khom the repressed butler bodyguard from Unforgotten Night).

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

How flipping adorable is this vampire with his big gay umbrella? SUCH A DORK and we got more vampire dorks coming.

Thailand has found its vampire line and it's awkward and geeky and quite cheerful. 'Bout what we expected, to be fair. It's a good look for them.

And vampires.

In other news...

That's your random moment of thirst, Lim Jimin shirtless AKA my Just B bias (I mean, I could talk about how good his extensions are and how I love a husky voice in Kpop but really, just LOOK at him). I'm very very very shallow, remember? Full vid is here.

Why am I mentioning Lim Jimin (aside from the obvious)? If Just B doesn't break soon, I could some of them transitioning to BL. Jimin in particular would be a win for us, obvs.

Also, can we talk about Bain (my bias wrecker) KILLING it on Build Up? I had no idea he was that good. Anygay, this has been your Kpop end note.

Seriously tho, is ANYONE else watching Build-Up?

(Last week - well, 2 weeks ago)

Streaming services are listed how I'm (usually watching) which is with a USA based IP

The tag bragade: @doorajar

If ya wanna be tagged each week leave a comment and I will. Easy peesy.

[colourme-feral]

FAVOURITE PARALLELS IN CHERRY MAGIC (2020) AND CHERRY MAGIC THAILAND (2023), EP 5+6 vs EP 4+5 Cherry Magic parallels・Other parallels

[singto-prachaya]

So after I made gifs it’s time for a round up where I talk about all BL’s and the GL’s for GMMTV and the one non BL/GL I am interested in. Along with my rank in order of which ones I like the most.

Midnight Museum

So hold on! P’tor and Gun in a series together? Wow. That alone already had me interested. Then I saw the trailer and wow this looks interested and definitly something I want to watch.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QGCM2PO9vU

#1 Only Friends

Yo friends with benefits? Messy as hell story? Upgraded version of Fahlanruk! And that from GMMTV? GMMTV being bold here. I am totally here for this. I loved Friendzone and this is from the same director so bring it on. Also we see a new pairing here which is NeoMark. They are going to be in 2 BL’s together.  I wonder why GMMTV is trying out a new pairing with Neo? Do they feel like NeoLouis isn’t good enough? I am afraid they might sink that ship and I would be sad about it since I really like them. 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veex4hF7wj4&t=4s

#2 Cooking Crush

Offgunnnnnnnnnn. Enough said. I totally didn’t expect this but I am so happy. This looks like a light hearted romcom so bring it on.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDabs7Cc_yA&t=4s

#3 Last Twilight

I have not watched Vice Versa and I also don’t plan on doing so. So I have no opinions on Jimmy and Sea’s acting. But I trust P’aof. This story is definitly something we have not seen in a Thai BL. 100% sad story and unless he doesn’t end up going blind in the end it’s a sad ending no matter what. So I will prepair tissues once it airs. I also really like the cinematography here.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oCqs7Ikfxo&t=6s

#4 Hidden Agenda

So I love JoongDunk but why another uni BL with them? I wish it was something else and I am also not 100% sold on the story. But I will watch this because it’s also not a 100% turn of for me.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMLWl6xVt-U&t=3s

#5 A Boss And A Babe

Seriously change the title! I beg you! This sounds rediculous. This one is pretty low because while I do not mind office romance the trailer was messy. We saw a bit of e-sports only for it to be thrown out the rest of the trailer. This is also by director New so my hopes for this being good is low.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=388W0CMt2bw&t=6s

#6 Our Skyy 2

Lowest one on the list of what I would watch. And it’s simply because it’s just one special ep for each pairing. So no priority for me to watch this.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaVz3vwzKm8

#7 Dangerous Romance

The plot looks interested but it has Perth in it so I have zero interest in watching this. If someone else but Perth was paired with Chimon I would have watched this. Also will they let Perth sing the OST? Because for the love of god no. I am still traumatized by his OST for Tell The World I Love You.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PAnFhQxpVo&t=1s

#8 Cherry Magic

Look a Cherry Magic remake it self I have no problems with. But TayNew? New the guy who made fun of disabled people and never apologized for it? Yeh I will pass. But I also I wonder how Thailand will try and pull this off since Japan has a very specific type of humour only Japan can pull of.

23.5

Since this is a GL no rank for it since I will watch anyways. I am glad we are getting another GL. But I wonder if if GMMTV put in a side BL couple hoping it will attrack more viewers? 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72jftPTXeMA&t=3s

Anything else I want to say?

Yes I am upset by the lack of Louis and Pawin. Both only have 1 side role and they deserve better. I just hope they will let Louis sing lots of OST’s then. And that’s also how I feel about Arm. I know he has lots of other work but come one give him a lead role somewhere.

[themoopoint]