Club Friday Theory of Love: Merit Wins the Soul (2025)

Um… I liked the ending?

What I got from it is just because you’ve come across some really shitty people who don’t deserve your kindness, that doesn’t mean you should stop being kind. You’ll come across people who do deserve it.

The middle of the story is 7 layers of toxic, but you kinda have to watch it to appreciate the ending lol.

Namhom, this is a 4 eps series, so all we see is that chapter in her life from Fon’s POV. I think the girl is so damaged that unless she gets therapy, she’s gonna continue her self destructive ways. There are some people who have a lot going on that no matter how much love you throw at them, it’s not gonna help them unless they want to change themselves. And even for some people who do want to change, they can’t do it without professional help, guidance and social support. And while Namhom is the most toxic person in the story, she’s still a compelling character if you can see people on a greyscale instead of just black or white.

I’m going to assume that what Namhom said about her mom is true. So she’ll always be looking for the love that she didn’t get from her mom from people who resemble and treat her like… her mom. That’s why the ending hits the way it does.

That cycle breaks with her child who is able to embrace that love from Fon, the love Namhom can’t accept for herself.

As for Fon’s friend, Mint, I think Fon made the right decision. What Mint did is unforgivable as a friend imho. Although I thought to myself Namhom messes up how many times and sleeps with how many people? And yet Fon is always ready to forgive her and take her back. But Mint, who has always been by her side, makes one mistake, and it’s like immediate cut off. Like wh…????

Hopefully, Fon eventually meets the right person. She messed up with the previous person. Overcompensated with the next. After all that, I think she’s ready for the right person now. Don't you?

6.5-7/10

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With soul indeed, and no fear

This production struck me out of the blue, when I was just passing through titles in my favourite GL website... And I am thankful for that.
Since first episode we have character development and the plot flows smoothly, or even a little fast. This means you won't be bored or feel stuck (something I often feel in GL).

The plot follows a novelist who falls in love at first sight with a model. What a fantastic way to start a story! This is precisely what caught my attention at first because it seemed so personal. Later, I found out that it was based on a true story from a radio broadcasting, on which listeners shared their real life experiences.

But there are some downsides to this series: the toxic relationships, the lying, people humiliating Namhom, Fon being controlling and paternalistic towards Namhom, all the sl*t shaming every episode to the point it escalates to physical v1olence... And so on. Thus, as the series itself advises: don't go copying their behaviour in real life, it's very damaging.

For those who can enjoy this story sceptically, it can be very entertaining. I can honestly say that these four episodes are binge watch material!

Since it's based on true events, someone already went through this, so you won't have to. It is a cautionary tale, testing one theory of love: merit wins the soul, goodness conquers all. Does it? Just get ready to experience all your saviour fantasies, with a sour taste through and through. Let the ending message sink in; then just turn off your PC, and go back to developing your healthy relations. This way no harm will be done.

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