Khemjira

“Khemjira” is not just a BL.

Khemjira is not just a BL; it is a complex story that intertwines Thai culture, folklore, supernatural elements, and the weight of destiny into a narrative that shifts between shades of beige, gray, and black. The series follows the fate of Khem, a young man cursed to die at the age of 21 because of a mistake made in a past life, and Pharan, a reincarnated shaman condemned to sacrifice himself for others while searching for true love.

A clear yet heavy story

Khem comes from a cursed family: every male dies before turning 21. The curse—seemingly unjust and unavoidable—marks every moment of Khem’s life, forcing him into a constant struggle for survival. The series presents a young man who has done nothing wrong, who is guilty only of being born into misfortune.
PS: Don’t think the women escape either—far from it. They, too, carry a tragic fate: they will lose their love, either through separation or death.
His journey leads him to Pharan’s village, where Pharan, a white-magic shaman, becomes his shield. There, Khem discovers hope, protection, and the complexity of the supernatural world surrounding him. Malevolent spirits and ghosts, white and black magic, karma and reincarnation—all act as instruments of fate, testing the characters’ limits and the depth of their relationships.

Character names and symbolism

Khemjira (Always Safe) – the protagonist, a symbol of both curse and hope
Pharan (The Protector) – the reincarnated shaman, protector of Khem and the community
Jett (Determination) – Pharan’s disciple, Khem’s best friend, willing to do anything to protect him
Chanwit (An Intellectual Person) - Pharan’s second disciple, realistic and calculating
Ramphueng (The Vengeful Mother) – the main antagonist, driven by loss and jealousy
Together, their names and roles shape the central message:
“An intellectual person who intends to protect and keep you safe, always.“

Core themes

The curse and family legacy: Khem is trapped in a fatal destiny tied to past mistakes (the curse can also be read as justice taken to an extreme).
Names as protection: Khemjira is traditionally a girl’s name, given to a boy in a desperate attempt to keep him safe.
Supernatural elements: Spirits, ghosts, white and black magic, sak yant tattoos with Thai cultural symbols (Salika birds, the Lotus, the seven-headed Naga), and references to the famous monk Luang Por Dem.
Sak yant tattoos are believed to be lucky talismans that offer protection and spiritual power.
Pharan’s back tattoo depicts the seven-headed Naga, symbolizing divine protection, wisdom, supernatural strength, and his bond with the Naga.
His chest tattoo—paired Salika birds and a Lotus flower—is meant to enhance love life and popularity. In Thai folklore, Salika birds are known for “speaking beautifully,” symbolizing charm, attraction, and harmony in relationships.
Karma and destiny: Khem must die at 21; Pharan struggles between his vow and his desire to protect him.
Sacrifice: Khem’s father becomes a monk; his mother remains as a protective spirit; Chayod stays outside the reincarnation cycle; Pharan temporarily loses his powers to save Khem.
Survivor’s guilt, anxiety, and depression: Episodes 9–10 portray Khem’s trauma, depression, and “savior complex.”
Second chances: Reincarnation and the attempt to correct past mistakes (Pawat vs. Pharan).
Symbolic motifs
The bicycle

The bicycle carries multiple meanings:
-Movement and continuity of life: It symbolizes progression—life must go on despite tragedy and curses.
-Emotional movement:
Episode 2: Khem, in tears, begs the Master for help and is refused—Pharan’s duty is to protect the village. Khem promises to stop being seen as an “intruder.”
Episode 8: Riding the same bicycle together, their relationship has evolved—Khem is no longer an outsider, and the Master becomes Peem, someone willing to save him.
Episode 9: The bicycle witnesses tragedy as Grandma Si is carried out lifeless.
Episode 12: The bicycle takes Pharan to the graduation photo location—just before the proposal.

Protective amulets
-For Pharan, the amulet from his grandfather symbolizes shamanic power and the promise to protect the village—a bridge between past and present.
-For Khem, the amulet represents dependence on external protection, helplessness, and hope that someone stronger can save him. As the amulets are shared or removed, they become silent witnesses to the growth of trust and intimacy between them.
- Tong and Ake – the protective spirits
Passed down from Pharan’s grandfather, they represent:
Loyalty and protection
Spiritual tradition across generations
A chosen spiritual family after loss
Parental protection
-Khem’s mother: Even after death, she becomes a protective spirit—maternal love that transcends life and death.
-Khem’s father: Becoming a monk is a personal sacrifice meant to give his son a chance at life.

Characters and reincarnations

Reincarnation explains why guilt, responsibility, and emotional conflicts repeat in the present. Healing past trauma becomes central to the story.
(Pharan as Pawat, Khem as Khemmika, Jett as Jin, Chanwit as Da, etc., all carry unresolved guilt into the present.)

Narrative timelines

The Naga Era: Pharan (as Naga Phuchagin) sacrifices himself to save Phuchong, condemning himself to mortality and endless reincarnation until he finds true love.
1767 – Polygamy and Ramphueng’s curse: The origin of Khem’s family curse.
1939 – Impossible love and sacrifice: Pawat and Khemmika’s tragic love, shaped by jealousy and guilt.
2010 – Khem and Pharan’s first meeting: All past threads converge.
Notably, the series does not lose itself in unfinished subplots. Khem and Pharan’s story and Jett and Charn’s-reach a conclusion.

Relationship development: Pharan & Khem
Episodes 1–6 focus on emotional clarification. Pharan helps Khem but avoids confusing past and present feelings, bound by strict shamanic rules. His restraint, care, and silent devotion make him a deeply complex character.
Episode 7: Pharan initiates closeness, torn between duty and desire.
Episode 8: Acceptance and the first kiss; Pharan abandons his sacred amulets—less power, more passion.
Episode 9: Loss, survivor’s guilt, and emotional collapse.
Episode 10: Khem’s depression is portrayed with devastating subtlety.
Episode 11: The curse becomes a race against time.
Episode 12: Ultimate sacrifice, reconciliation, and rebirth.

“Happy Birthday, Khem” becomes a declaration of victory-life over death, love over fate.

Ending and critique

Khem returns to Bangkok, graduates, and builds a life with Pharan. Tong and Ake are reborn as their adopted children, symbolizing continuity. The curse is broken, not through individual power, but collective sacrifice and love.
The ending is emotional but rushed. Compared to the novel, where the relationship matures over years—the series compresses too much into a short epilogue.
KHEMJIRA is, in my view, MANDEE’s best production and the most complex BL of the year. Strong performances, immersive cinematography, a delicate soundtrack, and deep cultural roots elevate it far above the genre’s average.

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Blends Folklore, Fear and Fate that Stuns with Heart and Horror

I honestly can’t remember whether I saw the trailer or the pilot first — but one lazy night while scrolling through iQIYI, I stumbled upon Khemjira, and that little moment of curiosity turned into a full-blown obsession. The trailer alone was breathtaking — atmospheric, emotional, and haunting in the best possible way. It was one of those rare moments when you instantly know: this is something special. So I started watching, and within the first episode, I was completely sold. No regrets at all — just awe.

1. A Curse, a Name, and a Fate That Must Be Broken

Khemjira (เขมจิราต้องรอด, literally “Khemjira Must Survive”) is a 2025 Thai supernatural romantic Boys’ Love (BL) series that redefines what the genre can be. The story follows Khemjira — or “Khem” — a young man burdened with a generational curse that dooms every male in his family to die before reaching the age of 21. To protect him, his mother gives him a feminine name, believing it will confuse the spirits and shield him from fate.

As his 21st birthday approaches, the curse begins to stir once more. Khem starts seeing spirits and experiencing eerie, otherworldly events that threaten his sanity and his life. His loyal friend Jet — a gifted young man with spiritual abilities — takes him to the rural province of Ubon Ratchathani to seek help from Pharan, a powerful shaman and Jet’s mentor.

But there’s a deeper bond between Khem and Pharan than either initially realises: they were husband and wife in a past life, and the curse that haunts Khem now is the karmic echo of the tragedy that tore them apart centuries ago. What follows is a haunting, emotional journey of love, redemption, and the struggle against destiny.

2. The Magic of Storytelling

Directed by Panuwat Inthawat, Kittipat Champa, and Patarapon To-oun, and written by Supachod Kajonsiripong, Khemjira is based on the novel Khemjira Must Survive by Cali. The series is produced by Domundi TV, a studio often associated with light-hearted BL romances — but here, they’ve outdone themselves. This isn’t just another love story. It’s an atmospheric, beautifully woven supernatural epic that balances romance, folklore, and horror with an artistry rarely seen in Thai BLs.

The series stars Namping Napatsakorn Pingmuang as Khemjira Chandrapisut, Keng Harit Buayoi as Master Pharan Rueangdet (also known as Phawat or Pheem), FirstOne Wannakorn Reungrat as Jet, Green Ausadaporn Siriwattanakul as Ramphueng, and Tle Matimun Sreeboonrueang as Chan. Each one of them delivers performances that hit the perfect emotional pitch — layered, raw, and deeply affecting.

3. Visual Poetry and Haunting Soundscapes

Cinematographically, Khemjira is simply stunning. The rural landscapes of Thailand are captured with painterly precision — misty mornings, lush temples, moonlit forests — every frame feels alive and textured. The interplay of light and shadow mirrors the story’s balance between love and fear, human tenderness and supernatural dread.

The 2:1 aspect ratio gives the series a cinematic quality that sets it apart from typical BL productions. The special effects are impressive, especially the ethereal ghost sequences and the mystical energy of Pharan’s spells. Episode 9, in particular, showcases breathtaking visual effects that rival high-budget Thai horror films.

Complementing the visuals is a score by Jaithep Raroengjai, whose haunting compositions are practically a character on their own. The music ranges from eerie silences to ritualistic crescendos — an aural experience that makes every emotional moment hit harder. The opening theme, which avoids spoiling any plot details, is easily one of the best BL intros in recent years.

4. Stellar Performances and Emotional Depth

What elevates Khemjira beyond its genre peers is the acting. Namping gives Khem a quiet vulnerability that draws you in — you can feel his fear, confusion, and longing with every expression. Keng, on the other hand, is effortlessly magnetic as Master Pharan — stoic yet soulful, mysterious yet tender. Together, their chemistry is palpable, creating moments that are both intimate and heartbreaking.

Green Ausadaporn as Ramphueng deserves a special mention. Her performance is so layered and tragic that she steals every scene she’s in. Rather than being a simple villain, Ramphueng becomes the emotional anchor of the series — a reminder that even the darkest spirits were once victims of love and loss.

Supporting roles from FirstOne and Tle bring balance to the intensity, offering levity, loyalty, and heart. They humanise the story’s heavier moments, making the emotional stakes feel even higher.

5. Culture, Karma, and Craft

Khemjira doesn’t just use Thai folklore as decoration — it lives and breathes it. The rituals, chants, and spiritual beliefs are depicted with care and authenticity, grounding the supernatural elements in real Thai culture. The series honours Buddhist philosophies and shamanic traditions, exploring karma, past lives, and redemption without losing emotional accessibility for international viewers.

Domundi deserves huge credit here. Known for BLs like The Next Prince and Cutie Pie, the studio’s productions have always looked good — but Khemjira finally gives them substance to match their style. It’s the perfect blend of high production value, emotional storytelling, and cultural richness.

6. A Bold Step Forward for Thai BL

It’s also refreshing to see a BL series embrace darkness. Khemjira doesn’t shy away from fear, death, or tragedy — yet it never forgets its romantic heart. It’s not just a love story between two people, but between souls, lifetimes apart. The horror amplifies the love, and the love humanises the horror.

The pacing might feel slow to some — not quite slow-burn, but deliberately meditative. Yet that’s exactly what makes it work. Each episode, some running close to two hours, feels like a complete chapter in an unfolding novel. And remarkably, it never drags. Every minute has purpose, leading the story toward an ending that’s both devastating and deeply satisfying.

7. A Finale Worth Waiting For

By the final two episodes, Khemjira ties its threads together with grace and emotion. Some may find the “bonus” segments a bit uneven in editing and tone, but the finale as a whole delivers everything it promised: resolution, catharsis, and a lasting emotional impact. The show never loses sight of what it set out to do — tell a story of love that defies life, death, and karma.

8. Final Verdict

Khemjira is nothing short of a revelation — a genre-bending masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of Thai BL. It’s horror that touches your heart, romance that chills your spine, and folklore that lingers in your soul.

Visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and culturally grounded, it’s one of those rare series where everything clicks — story, acting, music, and heart. It’s the kind of show that reminds you why you fell in love with Thai dramas in the first place.

If you’re looking for something that’s more than just romance — something haunting, meaningful, and breathtakingly beautiful — Khemjira is your next must-watch.

Domundi has finally found its masterpiece.

⭐ Rating: 10/10 — A haunting, heartfelt triumph that deserves every bit of praise.

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I wish I could rate it higher than 10! When I saw this series was labeled as “horror,” I almost skipped it cause horror’s really not my thing. But the trailer got me curious, and I’m so glad I gave it a shot because it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. Honestly, there’s nothing scary about it. It’s a beautiful romantic drama with supernatural elements. Huge kudos to the entire team, especially the folks behind the special effects and Ramphueng’s makeup was a stunning work.

The final episode gave me chills from beginning to end. It touched on so many personal beliefs in such a powerful way. Ramphueng was consumed by her thirst for revenge and lost sight of what truly mattered. And Khemjira, by hiding the truth about Ramphueng’s son, ended up cursed, a burden that echoed through his reincarnations. Karma isn’t punishment; it’s a cycle to be understood, faced, and, if needed, transformed.

The cast was phenomenal. Namping brought such depth to his character, a mix of vulnerability and strength. His journey was full of inner conflict, torn between wanting to live freely and fearing death. Keng’s performance as the spiritual guide Peem was beautifully restrained, relying on subtle expressions and meaningful pauses that made his presence magnetic. Green Ausadaporn was flawless as Ramphueng.

And the two child actors? Absolutely adorable. Jet and Chan totally won me over, their storyline was so engaging. Tle and FirstOne had amazing chemistry. Their interactions felt so natural and effortless.

The soundtrack is gorgeous. This is one of those rare shows that made me watch the opening credits every single time, especially after I looked up the lyrics.

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Together we can break the cycle

This show fucking ATE. You can read my review if you want, but watch this shit anyway cause it is fire. I would give it a 9.5 out of 10 (the rating was actually a 9.1 but I think this was good and it deserves to be on the 9.5 list).Let’s get into what I liked what I didn’t like and then my thoughts during the episodes. I’d like to thank this show because I used it to study for my Asian religion midterm and I got a 90 on my religion midterm so fire show ig. I’m gonna MEAT RIDE the fuck out of this show.

What I liked. The characters genuinely every single character, besides like a few stragglers, was fucking fantastic. I think that everybody actually served a purpose to the plot (besides some people). And they were very relevant in helping the show move forward in a timely manner. Next up, we have the chemistry from our two couples. Genuinely so fucking amazing and it’s not just because they’re all hot as fuck. It’s because they know how to act and they just have good natural chemistry. Getting into acting, great fucking acting from specifically Keng and Namping (my daddy btw) they did such a good job. I got so fucking immersed in this shit I had nightmares for about a week, lmao. I think that the first couple of episodes really set the stage for the show, and I think the plot really held out towards the end which a lot of shows don’t really do. Of course, I have my critiques on the plot, which I will get into later, but it really held out. I think the first couple of episodes being scary set this show up perfectly and it had me at the edge of my seat wanting more, but I was too scared because it was nighttime. But they set this up perfectly. I would like to highlight my daddy’s acting, namping, I think that he did such a good job and he’s so fucking hot and the kids miss him for real. They’re asking where their dad’s at, but his acting was just so good and he played his character like genuinely fantastically.Also our side couple I thought they were fucking adorable and their fucking sex scene I watched like six times I’m not even gonna lie. It was so damn good. I think that this show truly, even though I think it was more plot-heavy than romance, was truly brought to life by just the plot the acting, the chemistry, the settings, the editing everything truly brought this shit to life and I think that’s fantastic. What I also liked was the going back in time shit I think they started most of the episodes with a flashback, which I low-key hated, but it also gave room for this really interesting plot and this like Multiverse kind of thing to show that they were like these weird soulmates in a way, but I thought that was incredibly interesting and very well done. I’ll probably come up with some other stuff, but the final thing I could think about is the costumes fucking fantastic the eyes, the zombies, the spirits, all of that shit everything was just done so fucking well I’m like my fucking Lord. Honorable mention the suicide scene in the dream was so fucking amazing and oh Namping looks so hot in that scene fucking fantastic.

What I didn’t like was the romance aspect of this. I’m not saying I needed a sex scene every fucking minute because the plot did perfectly fine with the ones they had. I’m just saying they needed more building on their romance. It took them forever and then they fell in love just like that And I’m like what WHAT? Like maybe if this show didn’t have a romance involved then it would be irrelevant, but it does and it’s kind of the main point of the plot in a way and the fact the shaman man spent his entire time being like oh I don’t like you oh this or oh that and then something just clicked in his brain and he’s like by the way I’m like obsessed with you and I haven’t shown this throughout the show, but I’m showing it now so you’re gonna fall for me any. That’s one of the main things I didn’t like. Also, the jump scares there comes a point where it stops being scary and just becomes excessive and irrelevant to the plot. The first episode, very relevant very important towards the end, jump scare after jump scare after jump scare I’m like y’all not even getting me at this point like stop. I feel like we had a few random fucking characters in this that were kind of one-off nets character was kind of like a one off like where did you come from? What is your purpose? The sister and then the guy who was trying to make the shaman jealous what is your purpose? Why am I getting scared writing this review right now? OK, so the main villain Rampueng I think her name is. I liked her whole thing even the end like her ending I think was cute. It was good, but the fact that she held a grudge over something that Khem didn’t even do pissed me all the way off like holding a generational grudge over this shit over something he did not even do. I think they could’ve done something else with that plot and made it more towards like something he did and not something that not even his mom did, the other wife did like I feel like we could’ve done something more with that cause I’m like there’s no way we’ve been angry for that long over something he did not even do. I also don’t like how they phased her out for like an episode or two would you like four hours cause these episodes were long as fuck to just be lovey-dovey and then she just came back I feel like we should’ve had her involved during that. Also, our side couple I very much enjoyed them and I like the connection with them being lesbian lovers. I thought that was so cute cause I have a soft spot for doomed lesbians, but I wish they did more with them like I know they’re side characters but like they’re sex I loved it but it felt very random and just like like where did this come from like of course I know that he’s been having feelings for him, but I wish they developed that a little bit more along with like khems feelings, I feel like we didn’t do a good job of developing feelings and I feel like we just jumped into stuff like way too quickly. Another thing I think they should’ve gone into more detail about is like the spirits cause I was so fucking confused at the start and I feel like I just kind of forgot about that but they never really answered that like how do they even work like of course I like, kinda know cause I was also using this to study for my Asian religion mid term but I wish they gave more more on that. The whole thing with the brother was so fucking weird like that made me physically angry, which I guess they did right cause I think that was like the goal but made me genuinely so angry.  Whatever magic bullshit that happened when they were at the fair fucking hated that I was like what are we fucking doing? We’re just having a fucking ball fest using all our CGI money on this bullshit bitch run me my fucking money.

Onto a little overview of what I was thinking about during the show. Right off the bat, I was scared fucking shitless, but also really obsessed. My hands were covering my eyes like the entire time for the first episode when I was low-key obsessed. “I want to mother nampings love children.” Word tbh. Yeah, the show is a slow burn, which I didn’t have a problem with. Surprisingly. I normally hate slow burns, but it was like great. Me when my girl becomes a sexier man.” Show so good. I started yearning for [it]. “HE LIED ABOUT IT THATS SO BAD, THAT MAKES IT SO MUCH WORSE MY LORD. I am so confused. It is a good kind of confused, though. Namping is a fucking doll. NOT THE CHAIR. I am not good with suicide at all. Master when he only has these cute guys around him (excluding the kids im not weird).” “I think they need to develop Khem's feelings a little more, because aint no way we are in love with him. Grandma know how to ball.” Around episode six the quality went down a little bit. “Losing the plot a tad with all this magic shit.” “WHEN SHE SNAPPED HER NECK BACK I JUMPED, YA GIRL IS ON THE EDGE OF HER SEAT LITERALLY. Bro can we go back to sexy freaky and not bleeding out of the eyes and snapping our necks back freaky.” “Yall overdoing your jump scares lmao. Also why doesn't she just take control of him and kill him like that, like doesnt that make more sense?” “I have a soft spot for lesbians, old people, and kids.” “Uh main criticism is they needed more romance building in this, very lacking at the start and it got better and then died out again until the lovely dovey moments with the wack time skips.”

Definitely watch this shit. It is fucking fantastic. Okay bye!

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By far the best bl drama yet!

I've watched countless bl dramas, be it thai, korean, Taiwanese, chinese and Japanese. However, Khemjira has amazed me with its plot, cast, the ost's are being played on repeat and I'm definitely going to rewatch this series. For anyone reading who's unsure whether to watch Khemjira or not, you absolutely should. It is quite literally a masterpiece. Even the visuals were breathtaking throughout each episode and the thrilling experience kept me hooked every week. I don't usually watch horror but honesly this wasn't really horror, there were only approximately three scenes that I recall being a little scary. Khemjira should be nominated as best thai drama of the year. Absolutely loved everything about it especially the main leads and second leads. I understand that Keng and Namping are both working together in the industry for the first time and are also introverts which might explain the slightly shaky acting/emotions here and there. However I believe that with more time and experience both actors will learn to work together to improve their chemistry and emotions on screen. Can't wait to see them in their next drama "Magic Lover" hopefully next year.

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A fun watch— probably the best offering from DMD yet!

Khemjira was pretty great. The intro music was iconic, the story was well written and for once, the characters were rich and well developed. I do have a small complaint, that Peem falls in love with Khem a bit out of the blue. Like we see he saves him when they were kids and then suddenly it feels like a switch is turned on for him around ep 4 where he loves Khem all of a sudden. But Keng is mega attractive to look at and very believable as a stoic shaman. However, he was so reserved and one-note in this role (which suited the character), I would be interested to see if he is actually a good actor or if the stiffness worked well just for this one character.

I loved the writing and ending they gave Ramphueng. You feel so sorry for her, its hard to villanize her despite all she does. She faces such a tragic death in her lifetime that its easy to see why she is after Khem's life. I am glad they redeem her in the end instead of making her an out and out villain.

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Easily the best BL of 2025!!!

If there's one thing you take away from this review, let it be that this series is 100% worth the hype it got (and hopefully continues to get)!!!

I was so surprised by domundi producing a masterpiece like this, i genuinely still cannot believe it! Tbh I really do not enjoy their shows, most I dropped halfway due to awful storyline or bad acting, others that i completed I didn't enjoy lol. This one definitely broke the streak!!

I love the mix of horror, mystery, thai mythology and romance, it's literally PERFECTION!! the storyline is never compromised for the romance amd vice versa which you really cannot say for many bls atm. The CGI wasn't making me cringe, the ghost makeup was done beautifully too!

The actors, though most of them are new, did exceptional!! I'd seen keng in paradise of thorns (he's such a beautiful man my gosh, i can't fangirl enough!!!) and had no doubts we'd do wonderful but namping portrayed the innocence and kindness of khem so so well, even though he's not the 'strongest' character, he's never overshadowed by others. Tle and firstone were also so damn good, I loved charn and his gentleness, his nerdyness and maturity and jet's protectiveness over those he loves but also his silly sides, it was wonderful! Also ofc namphueng, Icannot compliment her enough! That backstory gave me chills, she really had me in my feels everytime we saw her past.

The story is just so beautifully interwoven connecting the past and present, nothing is ever filler, everything and everyone is omehow connected! Also, I've watched like 100+ bls atp and they still managed to shock me with every damn plot twist!! The cinematography was so stunning, I was literally pulled into their world.

This was the first bl of it's kind and ofc they'd be more such masterpieces to come but this shall remain the blueprint!

I've rewatched the show multiple times already, only gave it a 9 cuz this shit is long af damn (worth every second)

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Amazing story… that stumbled on the finish line

As I was watching this series, I was amazed at how compellingly naturalistic it was. The concept is of course fantastical, but the characters are very grounded, with pretty realistic reactions to situations. There is a looming threat, a ticking clock for Khem's life, but he's also trying to live normally as much as he can with the time he has. He's trying to stay alive, but also he can't live every moment in strict survival mode. This has been his entire existence. He still has friends, does school projects, travels, has a crush, etc. But as the deadline looms and things get more dangerous, this story follows the final desperate attempt to beat the curse. So there's this lovely balance of tension rising, danger lurking, trying to find answers, while also finding community in this town, with his friends, wanting to be with the boy he likes. It all felt very real in that way. Even with spirits, shamans, past lives, etc. because those things are natural to the people here. This is the accepted reality/religion/whatever you want to call it.

And the characters were so compelling in how nuanced and naturalistic they were. Even the looming "bad guy" of the series, from the very beginning, there's a sense that there's more to her. That she's not just evil. There's a reason she is the way she is and why she's doing this. Eventually the story will give us those answers. And they are heartbreaking. I was really looking forward to seeing how they found a resolution. Especially after a certain death, things really seemed to be ramping up for a big emotional climax.

But then the show stumbled in the last 2 episodes. It didn't do anything stupid or really awful, but all of a sudden that masterful pacing was gone. After introducing new characters and elements at the last minute, there's suddenly a lot of jumping around in time and space. Things are revealed to the audience pretty out of order, leading scenes to lack proper impact. Characters suddenly do complete heel turns on decisions they were very clear on before for the sake of momentary drama. and worst of all, the big resolution to the problem is rushed, happening within a few minutes, and not tying in to our main characters' arcs at all. Again, the answer itself is not… BAD, but it wasn't properly integrated into the story. There were a lot of things in the last 2 episodes that felt like deus ex machina. For any other series it probably wouldn't be that noteworthy, but when this series was SO great at pacing and storytelling to this point, it was a definite let down.

I initially had this series as 9-9.5 stars. The ending isn't bad enough to ruin it, but enough to bring it down to just an 8 for me.

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BEST ONE

I am not really the 'type' who leaves reviews under drama, but Khemjira the series has made me feel like I have to.

It was one of the best dramas, or should I say 'Top drama' of this year, and there was never a boring episode in the series.I could even go back and re-watch them all without skipping any episode or scene, and can ever feel the same excitement, fear and every emotion I have gone through. That's what this series has made me do. Every week I am seated for a new episode and enjoy every single dialogue, acting and every scene..From the start to the end, no regrets.THE DIRECTION, THE CINEMATOGRAPHY...

THESE DAYS, I HAVE BEEN SEEING MANY COMMENTS ABOUT ACTING AND ALL, SO I WANT TO SHARE MY OPINION ON THAT ONE: I THINK THE ACTING WAS PRETTY FINE AND WELL-EXECUTED BY NEW ACTORS. FOR SOME OF THEM, IT'S THEIR FIRST PROJECTS, WHICH MEANS A NEW EXPERIENCE AND DESPITE THAT, THEY STILL MANAGED TO CAPTIVATE US - THE VIEWERS LIKE ME. I AM NOT TELLING YOU GUYS NOT TO SHARE WHY YOU DON'T LIKE, BUT IT WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU DON'T COMPARE ACTORS TO EACH OTHER FOR ACTING SKILLS.

AS SOMEONE WHO HAS READ THE NOVEL FOR SEVERAL TIMES, I CAN SEE THE SIMILARITY BETWEEN THE CHARACTER OF KHEMJIRA IN THE SERIES AND THE NOVEL. KHEM'S CHARACTER IS PRETTY SHY, RESTRAINED OR RESERVED ONE...AND THAT MAKES REAL SENSE, WATCHING HOW NAMPING PORTRAYS THE CHARACTER.IT REALLY SUITS HIM WELL(REMEMBER THIS SERIES WAS THE BIGGEST BL PROJECT FOR HIM, WHICH ALSO CAN BE CONSIDERED AS HIS FIRST ONE)SO THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, BUT I SEE NO PROBLEM IN HIS ACTING. AND ACTORS ACT ACCORDING TO DIRECTION SO IT CAN BE ANOTHER FACTOR WHY IT IS LIKE THAT SO NO NEED TO CRITICISE MENTIONING ABOUT PAIRING AND ALL...YOU ARE FREE TO SHARE YOUR OPINION, BUT "THINK FIRST BEFORE YOU SPEAK IT OUT" AND "NOT EVERYTHING YOU THINK HAS TO BE SAID OUT LOUD" BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT CAN BE A POISON OR DISRESPECT TO OTHERS.

ANYWAY, FOR ME I ENJOYED IT AND WILL RE-WATCH IT AGAIN AS I WAIT FOR THEIR FUTURE PROJECTS..HOPE SHIPS IN THE SERIES ( KENGNAMPING AND TLEFIRSTONE) LASTS LONG AND GIVES US MANY EXCITING PROJECTS.

LOVE YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FOR BRINGING SUCH A MASTERPIECE SERIES.

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