Cherry Magic TH (30 ยังซิง), is the latest collaboration between established Thai young actors Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom, after much success from their previous BL shows including Kiss Me Again (2018) and Dark Blue Kiss (2019).

Adapted from the manga series “Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!” by Toyota Yuu, it was released a few years after the original Japanese live-action adaptation of the same title.

The Tay-New ship is arguably one of the most versatile, popular, and balanced BL ships in Thailand and globally. How does their latest show fare to the original Japanese BL series of the same name? Did they create a magic of their own?

Where to Watch Cherry Magic TH?

Due to certain copyright issues, the showing of Cherry Magic TH has been suspended on GMMTV’s official YouTube channel. The series is now available at Viu (link to Episode 1 is here), but you need to use a VPN. It’s highly recommended to use a VPN especially when watching BL series. There are streaming sites like NetFlix, Viki, GagaOOLala, iQIYI, Hulu, Viu, and many others that may limit broadcast reach due to copyright and other legal stuff. A VPN is safe, reliable, and legal.

Trailer

Synopsis

Cherry Magic TH is the Thai live-action adaptation of the original Japanese series of the same title. It tells the story of a naive, impressionable young man named Achi (New Thitipoom) who works at a local company in Thailand. While everything appears normal about him, he possesses the power (and therefore the magic) to read people’s minds. The fact that he’s still a virgin at the age of 30 serves as another distinction about him.

Making things a bit complicated (and sweet) is that there’s this handsome, appealing, and model employee named Karan (Tay Tawan) who has a secret crush on him. When Achi discovers Karan’s feelings for him, he goes ballistic and cannot believe his luck! Will this be the turning point for Achi – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for love, romance, and companionship? [Synopsis © Psycho-Weird]

Cast of Characters

New Thitipoom plays the series’ main character Achi. The clueless, naive, pure-hearted, and hardworking Achi is loveless and is a virgin. At the age of 30, he suddenly discovers his ability to read people’s minds by touching them physically.

New or Newie is a model actor and businessman who – like his co-star Tay Tawan – is a GMMTV mainstay and their BL ship remains one of the most sought-after in the BL industry. With more than 40 series and TV programs in Thailand (including Waterboyy, Dark Blue Kiss, and SOTUS), Newwie remains an acclaimed young actor locally and on a global scale.

Tay Tawan is the playful, confident, and highly competitive Karan, who is arguably their company’s most awarded employee. Yet deep inside, his work and accomplishment are but an icing to the cake. You see, he’s in love with Achi, the often-ignored regular employee who is clueless about Karan’s true feelings.

Tawan is one of GMMTV’s mainstays and among its most acclaimed actors. He’s a consummate host, a talented photographer, and has an impressive acting resume that includes on-screen collaboration with his Cherry Magic TH co-star Newwie (New Thitipoom). Their Kiss BL couple roles are one of Thailand’s most successful BL ships of all time.

Joining Tay and New in the cast were Junior Panachai (Jinta), Mark Jiruntanin (Min), Jan Ployshompoo (Pai), and Sing Harit Cheewakaroon (Rock).

Copyright Issues

Last 21 December 2023, GMMTV announces the suspension of Cherry Magic TH on its official YouTube channel and also at Viu. While the series is available in Thailand, international viewers were informed about copyright issues that prevented the broadcast of the series. Discussion about the Copyright issue can be seen here.

Review

Going back to my original queries: How does their latest show fare to the original Japanese BL series of the same name? Did they create a magic of their own?

The original Cherry Magic Japanese BL series is a tough act to follow. Aside from a talented cast, the Japanese show has excellent production values, is technically competent, and has an engaging and exciting storyline. Both Machida Keita and Akaso Eiji are fine young actors, critically acclaimed, and have been cast in a diverse list of successful and high-rated shows. They both nailed their characters and exhibited nuanced performances – making the series one of the best from Japan. Keita and Eiji’s on-screen chemistry made the series entertaining with both dramatic and comedic scenes that warm the heart and keep the audience happy and engaged.

Cherry Magic TH spins its own magic – incorporating the Thai culture and adapting it to suit the tastes of the Thai BL audience and not surprisingly the global BL audience as well. The Tay-New ship remains one of the most successful BL couples in Thailand – they have proven their unique, intense, and romantic on-screen chemistry through the years. Such on-screen chemistry serves as the biggest selling point of this Thai live-action adaptation.

While the Thai version tries to come up with certain twists and turns and the introduction of fascinating supporting characters, the original Japanese version appears funnier (and meatier). It has something to do with editing and the way the series director manages and controls his actors. Sometimes it is better to stick to the original plot rather than introduce novelties and surprises.

Series director ‘X’ Nuttapong Mongkolsawas (who also directed Theory of Love, Our Skyy 2, and Vice Versa, among others) was not as successful or in control as with his previous drama.

Certain plot twists prevented me from fully enjoying the Thai version – the no-dating policy and the weird and close-to-impossible sales target/goals were supposed to keep the guys from becoming intimate, yet these hindrances instead disappoint rather than challenge the characters to do better.

Tay and New intimate scenes are done in good taste and serve as the impetus as their relationship gets better. For fans of both actors, these scenes are a must-watch!

Recommendations after Cherry Magic TH

As we did previously, this series review is in collaboration with The BL Express. Their review of Cherry Magic TH receives a somewhat similar rating (yet a bit higher) and offers plenty of insights into the show.

Below are more drama recommendations from Thailand and Japan!

Cherry Magic! 30 Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! | Japanese BL (2020)

My School President: School boys romance is back! – Thai BL (2022-2023)

Moonlight Chicken: A passionate, forbidden love affair? – Thai BL (2023)

Takumi-kun Series: Groundbreaking BL is back for a 6th movie! – Japanese Movie (2023)

The post Cherry Magic TH: Tay-New ship gets reinvigorated | Thai BL (2023-2024) appeared first on PsychoWeird.