Cherry Magic Thailand was my most anticipated series of 2023. Not only is its parent series, the Japanese BL series Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!!, is one of my favorite series, but the Thai adaptation, produced by GMMTV, also stars two of my favorite actors, Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom. 

Like many other fans, when the series premiered on 9 Dec, I quickly fell under its spell. Directed by Nuttapong Mongkolsawas, the series was written by Manow Waneepan Ounphoklang, Mook Jarinee Thanomyat, and PingPong Suwanun Pohgudsai based on the original works of Yuu Toyota. In addition to TayNew, the series stars some of the best and brightest talent signed to GMMTV. Keeping the heart of the original, it was a completely new and separate story. 

However, my excitement was dampened when, after the first two episodes were released through the official GMMTV YouTube page, the series was abruptly geo-locked for international viewing. It was disheartening to learn that the contract for the adaptation stipulated that the series would only be shown in Thailand, denying even Yuu Toyota the chance to watch the Thai adaptation of his own work.

Luckily the issue has been resolved and the episodes are not back on YouTube! So, it gives me great pleasure to FINALLY share my “Final Thoughts” review!

The relationship between Aachi (New), a virgin who has hit a wall at the company he works for, and Karan (Tay), a high-performing manager, is adorable. There is a reason why Tawan is one of my favorite actors. He’s brilliant and has one of the brightest and most beautiful smiles of any human being on the planet. While I wasn’t a fan of the side couple in the live-action Japanese adaptation, Panachai Sriariyarungruang (Junior) and Jiruntanin Trairattanayon (Mark) as Junta and Min are wonderful and just as adorable as Karan and Aachi. Harit Cheewagaroon (Sing) and Ployshompoo Supasap (Jan), as Rock and Pat, are also just as engaging and fun to watch. 

As with most GMMTV series, the music of Cherry Magic Thailand is top-notch, including the series theme แอบตะโกน (Loudest Love).

The latest update from GMMTV is that the company is working to resolve the contract issue so that the series can be returned for international viewing.

I can only hope that this will also include a DVD release. I am still upset that the EarhMix series พินัยกรรมกามเทพ (Cupid’s Last Wish) never received a proper boxset and will be absolutely heartbroken if I don’t get the chance to own this series as well.

There will be more GMMTV series soon so…

Stay Tuned!