My Love Mix-Up!

Lighthearted does not mean childish. The hate for this series seems forced.

I originally wanted to leave a simple happy review, but after seeing so many oddly harsh and dismissive takes, I want to share a more thoughtful perspective.

From the start, it’s clear that this Thai remake of the Japanese drama leans more into humor. The editing choices that some people criticize aren't that hard to understand as stylistic decisions to emphasize lightheartedness. The sound effects aren’t “cheap”...they add charm, rhythm, and energy to scenes, and they fit the playful tone the show is aiming for. Friendly reminder that not every adaptation has to mimic the original beat-for-beat.

Atom and Kongthap’s characterizations are literally consistent and intentional. Atom is portrayed as sincere but hesitant, someone who struggles with conflict yet wears his heart on his sleeve. Kongthap is calm, kind, and thoughtful, but still learning how to process romantic feelings. This dynamic makes sense: they’re TEENAGERS, still figuring themselves out, and the drama reflects that beautifully. Expecting them to act with perfect maturity misses the point of the story. The character design also does not owe it to you to be easy to digest, Atom is allowed to be confused or scared, and Kongthap is allowed to say or do things that can feel annoying.

As a remake, this series actually adds depth compared to the Japanese version. The extended runtime gives Atom and Kongthap more space to explore their emotions, to hesitate, to reflect, and to grow. Their relationship feels more layered because we see them wrestle with uncertainty, rather than rushing through key beats. Gemini and Fourth embody these roles with nuance; Gemini brings quiet confusion and gradual realization to Kongthap, while Fourth presents Atom's openness, vulnerability, and flashes of courage with good expressive detail.

One point that deserves emphasis: queer characters can be portrayed in lighthearted, tender ways without undermining their authenticity. Suggesting otherwise is unfair and restrictive. This drama never trivializes Atom and Kongthap’s journey at any point. It balances humor with sincerity, giving them breathing room to navigate what is, for both, their first experience of same-sex attraction. At the end of the day, the series is not just about romance. It’s also about friendship, self-discovery, and most importantly, the awkwardness of falling in love for the first time paired with the uncertainties that come with growing up. ALL THAT to say that this series isn't even technically lighthearted with all the themes it presents, but it presents them in wholesome ways that will leave you feeling hopeful and giddy.

Remakes are meant to reinterpret, not replicate, and this one succeeds by offering a newer lens on familiar characters. I've given it high rewatch because I've watched it twice already lol.

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This series is a Thai adaptation of the manga Kieta Hatsukoi by Wataru Hinekure.

Honestly, I don't really understand the culture in Thailand, and sometimes it's hard to catch the jokes implied in this Series. Some of the plots are different from the manga, but that's okay because this series is an adaptation. What I don't like is the scripting and the scenario that is lacking to be made into a series.
In terms of the cast, I really like the acting of the main characters. They are all talented actors. They are able to lift this series that is lacking in terms of production to trending in every episode.
If you are looking for a funny show without having to think too much. Watch this series immediately!

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GemFot deserve better

I'm sick of it. This is already the third BL with perfect cast and a perfect promise, from which something so terrible has turned out. Okay, maybe "terrible" is a bit of an exaggeration, but it definitely wasn't good. Genimi and Fourth are awesome. I love them as actors, I love their chemistry, I love their friendship, I love their projects so far, I love their interactions, I love their catch-up, I love how they support each other, but I'm not going to be less critical this time just because of the amazing actors, and honestly, I don't care this time whether someone scolds me in a hater or tells me that I should stick my opinion somewhere (because that happened with We are a Love sea).

I could extol the talent of the mentioned actors to the heavens and it still wouldn't be enough. As far as my information is correct, this series was written for them. Bought from Japan and modified for them to be exact. And that's exactly where the problem lies. They were originally supposed to play a supporting couple in 23.5, and I honestly think they would have starred there much more than here.

Thus, MLMU was not exactly bad. It was, but at the same time it wasn't. I'll try to explain. I can imagine how the series would look if Japanese production had it under its thumb. I have not yet seen or read the original version of Kieta hatsukoi or the manga with the same name, but I plan to do at least one of the above. I can't explain it, but Japan puts something into its production, thanks to which you already know at a glance that it is Japanese, and this is especially true for works based on manga. It was said in BTS that the Thai version will have both Thai and Japanese elements in it, which I was really looking forward to and was curious to see how it would turn out. Hah... So it didn't turn out well in my eyes. Again, I can imagine it could look good, but it doesn't.

Each episode contains about a million product placement ads, but I personally didn't mind that much. I got used to them over the years.

The story wasn't bad, but some... how would I call it?... elements, ruined the artistic experience. To the letter and to the letter. Some scenes had me melting like ice cream in the sun, but the scene was momentarily ruined by Atom's screams. On the contrary, it also happened that I was bored during the whole episode, but something happened towards the end, thanks to which I completely forgot about the previous 40 minutes. I experienced this, for example, in the episode where they were in the camp or where they started to figure out how they should treat each other in a relationship. And many others.

As I read the comments on MDL, I realize that I am not alone. I wanted to write a long review, but I guess I'm not going to get upset about it unnecessarily... It could have been good, it wasn't, Thailand should stop making remakes and focus on their own projects. Don't tell me they don't have enough to draw from.

Like this... The story itself wasn't really bad. It pointed to the typical problems of teenagers in love, which I liked, but I'm damn sure it could have been done differently and better. Some scenes could really be forgiven, but as for the emotional ones, they succeeded one hundred percent. For example, the one where Thap and Atom were tying ribbons or the one where Atom was mad because Thap was bitten by a snake... The first kiss, the second kiss... All of that was amazing, but I don't think it was the quality of the script, but the acting of the actors .

As for the side couple, Mudmee and Half stole my attention at times. The only thing that bothered me about them were Mudmee's friends, who I still think wanted to split them up, because otherwise she wouldn't have such kohlrabies pushed into her head.

Overall, it wasn't exactly bad, but it was also far from perfect. I haven't seen the Japanese version yet, but something tells me it's much better. I hope GemFot gets a better project in the future. They mentioned in an interview that Gem would like to play the bad boy and Fot the twins, so I strongly believe that their next series will fulfill their wishes.

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Good as a standalone.

Overall, this was a very cute series.

This part is about the series as a standalone without any comparison to the Japanese adaptation of the manga. This was a very enjoyable series and had a good script. However, the execution was not always the greatest at times. For the positive aspects, the cast was great and did an incredible job with their characters. It also had a great sound track. As for the negative, the pacing was a little rocky at times. There were many episodes that were spot on and then others that dragged on. The main problem for me was the overuse of sound effects. I’ve become use to sound effects in Thai series and even appreciate it when done strategically for a purpose. Unfortunately, this series overused it to the point that it really became annoying.

This part is comparing the Japanese adaptation. Again, I know this is not a remake but I would be lying if I didn’t compare both. Just like Cherry Magic, I like that this was not a carbon copy of the Japanese version of the manga. I thought the changes they made were great and help the story/character progression. I also like how they went further into the relationship development with both couples. The ending was perfect and helped bring everything to a full circle. Although I did enjoy this series, it was somehow missing the same whimsy that the Japanese version had. Again, I think it was the overuse of sound effects that caused this. I also think 12 episodes was too much. This easily could have been done with 10 episodes.

Random Note:

Sin’s café is the same café location used in the series “Why R U”.

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CAN'T ERASE THIS LOVE!!

My Love Mix-up, originally coming from a manga series written by Wataru Hinekure and illustrated by Aruko, which depicts the love story between two boys who seem to of had a mistake of who likes who.

If you haven't read the manga or seen the Japanese adaptation, then you may have went into this blind. I didn't. Probably about a week before this began to air I finally decided to watch the Japanese version, which no doubt, I will never regret because it was just such a sweet and genuine love story. That being said I knew the overall premise of the story, but that didn't stop me from wanting to watch this. I haven't read the Manga, so I'm not too sure about how it fully goes, but in my opinion, this showed a pretty decent adaptation.

This story depicts when a boy accidentally makes a different boy think that he likes him.

Atom borrows an eraser from a girl named Mudmee, the girl he likes, to his surprise he sees the name Kongthap written on it. The saying that goes around is that if you write your crush's name on an eraser, if you use it enough, you might be lucky enough for that special someone to like you back! Atoms heart is crushed, but he's determined to help her! Things go south when Kongthap sees this eraser and mistakes it for his, leading to his thought that Atom liked him. Kongthap had never had a crush nor been with someone before, therefore, he takes Atoms feelings into consideration because he doesn't know it's not his. What will Atom do when he begins to like his crushes crush? Or is it even Mudmees crush?

I have seen positive ratings about the Japanese version, and I can agree on it. Watching this made me feel.. happy? I guess you can say that. It's just like a cutesy High School relationship. It didn't really make me feel embarrassed, besides that one Mudmee scene.. But this is just a bittersweet romance that I would recommend to those that don't want anything too.. Hardcore?

The acting was great, the story has always been great, and it's just amazing overall. Some may say that this is two childish or just doesn't fit Fourth and Gem, but I honestly disagree. Most people know them from My School President, it wasn't the same as MSP, but was surely sweet just like it.

HONORABLE MENTION...

Chokun (Half) and Pahn (Mudmee)????? I LOVE YOU!! They were so cute together and I really want to see them together again! Chokun is so cute and silly and so is Pahn!! Hope to see them more!!

As I finish my review, over the course of these 12 weeks, I have written down every quote, and I'm going to pick one to five a little deeper into. (I'll put the quotes in the comments.)

From episode 8,the quote:
"For certain things, the question is not when, but why."

All the quotes in this series have spoke to me, but this one.. I don't know what it is about it, I just feel like it wraps all of the quotes into one. The quote itself is saying that the reason and why you want to get through it is the most important thing, whether it comes to challenges, love, or just anything in general. It suggests that understanding the reason behind them is more important than knowing the timing that it should happen. It's like it comes naturally and you'll know for yourself when it's the right time. As we know, this series is about high school romance, therefore this quote, when it comes to love, is meaning the love is more important than when it happens. It could be a time where you're the happiest in life, or it could be a time when you're the lowest in life, but that isn't important, it's the way it comes into your life and brings you that feeling in your heart. It shifts the focus to the deeper emotions and connections that make the love meaningful.

Thank you My Love Mix-Up, and thank you to the cast, for making these past 12 Fridays meaningful to me.

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A charming Thai adaptation of a romance series, blending humor and heartfelt emotions beautifully.

Overview: "My Love Mix-Up! Thailand" is a charming adaptation that brings the beloved Japanese story to a Thai setting. The series revolves around a high school love triangle involving a shy, awkward boy, a seemingly indifferent yet caring love interest, and a close friend with hidden feelings. The Thai adaptation maintains the core elements of the original story while incorporating local cultural nuances.

Storyline: The plot follows the protagonist, who accidentally ends up with a girl’s eraser and becomes the subject of gossip. This misunderstanding leads to complex feelings and romantic entanglements involving three main characters: the protagonist, the love interest, and the friend who harbors unspoken affection. The series skillfully explores themes of identity, love, and personal growth.

Character Development: The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and growth arcs. The protagonist's journey from uncertainty to self-awareness is portrayed with depth. The love interest's complex emotions and the supportive friend’s quiet strength add layers to the narrative, making their interactions compelling and genuine.

Acting and Chemistry: The cast delivers strong performances, bringing authenticity to their roles. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, which enhances the romantic and emotional scenes. The actors effectively convey the subtleties of their characters' feelings, contributing to a more engaging and immersive experience.

Cultural Adaptation: The Thai version successfully adapts the story to fit local cultural contexts while staying true to the essence of the original material. The incorporation of Thai societal norms and high school dynamics adds a fresh perspective, making the story accessible to a Thai audience while maintaining its universal appeal.

Production Quality: The production quality is impressive, with attention to detail in both the visual and auditory elements. The cinematography captures the emotional tone of the series beautifully, and the soundtrack complements the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Themes and Emotional Impact: The series handles themes of love, self-discovery, and friendship with sensitivity and depth. The emotional highs and lows are well-executed, creating a narrative that resonates with viewers. The series’ ability to blend humor with poignant moments makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Final Thoughts: "My Love Mix-Up! Thailand" is a heartfelt and engaging adaptation that succeeds in translating the charm and emotional depth of the original Japanese series into a Thai context. Its strong performances, well-crafted story, and cultural relevance make it a standout romantic drama. Fans of the genre and newcomers alike will find something to appreciate in this thoughtful and well-executed series.

If you enjoy romantic dramas that explore complex emotions and relationships with a touch of humor, "My Love Mix-Up! Thailand" is definitely worth watching.

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a show that even gem4th couldn't save.

it started out fine imo, I actually enjoyed it for the first 5-6 episodes. Fourth did a great job as atom. but then it got so so so stagnant at one point, almost sickeningly so.

the product placement might be the most annoying part, if I see one more euro cake ad, I will flip my table over.

I also feel like they could have expanded more on kongthap's character, especially when they do give a lot of depth to Atom's. it feels like an imbalance, where kongthap became a side character in his own story.

mudmee and half stole the show, although half just played the role of "Huh, what's happening here? I'm lost." for two thirds of the series.

it's just incredibly funny that at the end of the day, mudmee, a side character, had more depth to her than kongthap, the lead character.

I held hopes for this series even when most people dropped it, but it did kind of disappoint me.

one plus point is that I absolutely love the music for this series <3

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My sons never disappoint me

I liked the japanese original, but I was so damn happy to hear Gemini and Fourth would be doing the Thai version. I just love Thailand so much dude.
First, they removed all the homophobia from the original and I loved that!!!!! I'm so tired of homophobia being a plot - everytime - to make the story go wrong, it's 2024 I want these cute gays being cute and having problems without having to be victims of hate, duhh.
Kieta Hatsukoi was good and innocent, I think that's why they chose GeminiFourth for the roles because they were always great at being teenage shy lovers, and they proved that you can have that and also have lil kisses.
I wasn't such a fan of the straight couple in Kieta Hatsukoi, the boy was very annoying and didn't seem to be a nice guy either. Half, on the other hand, was perfect. A saint, even. It was very funny how two chill guys like him and Kongthap were able to easily deal with such melodramatic and paranoid teens like Mudmee and Atom.
I don't think I have to go into detail about the main casts' acting, Fourth and Gemini always bring everything they have to the scene and make it really emotional because they act and match so well.
I really like everything and I even loved the straight couple 'cause they were really cute, attractive and had great chemistry. I hope to see Pahn and Chokun again soon (not necessarily together), especially Pahn (I fell in love with her).

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A frustrating story that squanders its potential to be something great

It's frustrating because this show squanders its potential to be a great story. It never tries to be more than a cute, sometimes silly, low-stakes teen romcom, even though the creative team for this show had access to good source material, good actors, and even some good ideas.

Let’s face it. This show was written for Gemini and Fourth. Its purpose is to promote them, advertise merch by capitalizing on their popularity, sell products they endorse, reference their past work, and even showcase their talents. The characters and story suffer because of this.

Fourth portrays a teenage mess, albeit exaggerated, by putting in actual effort to create a character. Atom is frustrating and flawed at times, but also sweet and thoughtful. He’s the only one who shows proper vulnerability in this show. Fourth gives it his all in the conversations with the moms. In the final ep, he felt like the sole main character of this show.

The creative team, and to some extent Gemini, did the bare minimum to create the character of Kongthap. The screenwriters allow him to show some interesting sides for very brief moments but never actually fully commit to any of them, for example, him getting frustrated with Atom for the first time in ep 7, him getting jealous of Atom being close to Sin, or even his yearning for Atom. We never explore the “can’t leave people in need alone” part of his character as was part of the original story. In the end, he felt like a secondary character in the story.

The writers do not seem to understand intimacy. Small moments that make a relationship feel real are few and far between which is frustrating because they spend two whole episodes showing us the fact that Atom craves physical intimacy and Kongthap is comfortable with it. Long stares and head pats can only portray so much. Also, Atom takes all the initiative in their relationship. He even has to come out to Kongthap's mom for him which is a shame because a conversation between Kongthap and his mom would have given his reserved character some growth.

One of my favorite moments is in ep 10 when Atom holds Kongthap's hand in public on the train and gets all giddy and shy. This moment is consistent with what we learned about their characters and the story being told. I wasn't even surprised to find out that this moment was improvised because it was more intimate than anything the writers came up with.

At least this show is a positive watch for teen LGBTQ+ viewers as it deals with internalized homophobia and coming out, and does it fairly well. I will always support high school BLs because shows like these are positive representations of queer youth in Thailand and can provide teens like this who are figuring themselves out the proper language to verbalize, even indirectly, their feelings and identities. I just hope the characters and their stories are the priority for the writers next time.

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So... what happened?

I noticed the low ratings before starting to watch this series, so all my expectations lowered from the beginning. I wasn't expecting MLMU to be exceptionally good or exceptionally bad: I just hoped I would enjoy it at least a little.
In the end, I did enjoy it, but I also feel like that enjoyment came from a handful of different moments here and there, all engulfed of very long and draggy segments. Oh, and lots of different product placements - probably the most invasive case of advertisements I've ever seen in a GMM series.

I don't think anything reached its true potential here.
- The main plot points of Kieta Hatsukoi worked in the Japanese drama, which consisted in 10 episodes of about 20 minutes each, but it felt very diluted in these 12 episodes of about 40 minutes each. After enjoying the first three or four episodes, I started getting impatient and frustrated while watching, and often found myself too bored to even pay attention during the important bits.
- The characters felt flat. The acting was amazing and I'm not taking it back, but it was hard to watch such good actors work with characters written so poorly. At their best they felt like caricatures, and they felt like cardboard cutouts at any other moment.
- Kongthap and Atom felt more like classmates who get along rather than potential lovers, and even their friendships with other characters didn't feel as sincere as they should have. Some scenes were heart-fluttering, but they felt like they were put there to make the relationships work, when it should be the exact opposite: the rest of the story was supposed to make the romantic moments hit the spot, but they never delivered fully for this exact reason.
- There were multiple themes for the series that could have been included and explored much better, but they weren't. Whoever wrote this didn't put any true passion into the story and didn't care to fix any continuity issues.

In theory, this series is supposed to work. The director and the main actors are the same as in My School President, which I've enjoyed A LOT, and the source material is a pretty good Japanese BL. In practice, it really looks like the production team threw these elements together (Fourth, Gemini, several MSP references, and the Kieta Hatsukoi plot points) and just expected things to work fine without putting extra work into it.
Since I don't like to make comparisons between series in my reviews, I'd rather avoid making them here, but it's truly hard not to. The main reason why I felt so frustrated is because I've watched Fourth and Gemini in My School President and Moonlight Chicken before, so I know that they can truly shine when the production team puts actual care in the quality of their work.

If this is your first Thai series, or you never watched My School President nor Moonlight Chicken, this can work as a cute, low-effort rom-com, as long as you have no high expectations for it. If that's not the case, then you're probably going to be very disappointed.

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