Synchonicity

Hey, a quick question, which has been on my mind for a long time...

I've noticed that in every Asian BL story, when someone is confessing their love to another, they always say "I like you." Maybe it a cultural thing but, at least in the USA, "I like you" is something you would say to a friend, not so much to a love interest. "I'm in love with you" or "I think I'm falling in love with you" is what you would say. (Well, maybe an 11-year-old would say "I like you" to a crush.)

Is there a difference, in Asian languages, between "I like you" and "I love you?" And what if you just want to tell a friend "I like you?" Is that a different phrase?

Thanks for any responses!

Really enjoyed this series! JC (Mico) is one of the best BL actors I've ever seen. Great chemistry with Tony (Xavier), too. Loved the friends and Ms. Tina. Terrific cast. My only small complaint from the finale is that I could have done without the song at the end. I mean, it was cute but it fell flat, at least for me. (Didn't help that they had a piano accompaniment in the background, while the guys sang in an entirely different key... I would have rather heard them a cappella.)

I'm giving it a 9.0.

You and I are exactly on the same page! Thanks for your great comments.

Thank you for your post and your insights.

Wow, what did his parents do?

Fair enough.

I'm sorry to hear that Tony is being bashed. I do like him in the series. For me, I have no problem with any BL actor's personal status -- straight/gay/bi -- but it does seem insensitive to come across as "I just want everyone to know that I am 100% straight, okay?" It shouldn't need to be discussed or defended at all.

Fan service is something I don't like, but I understand that it is what it is. Can't blame the actors for that.

I once saw an interview with the cast of Make It Right, and they were all quick to say that none of them were gay. Then the interviewer (a woman) asked "So, when you have to kiss another guy, does it make you want to vomit?" They answered professionally, saying that it was just part of the performance. But we are still dealing with a lot of homophobia out there. Sad.

You're welcome!

I totally agree with you. Of course, I understand that, just as gay actors often play straight characters, straight actors sometimes play gay characters. No problem. What I do have a problem with is actors trying to make it clear that "sure, I love gay people... as long as you all realize I'M not gay!" Very condescending and insulting.

Almost all the Thai BL actors say similar things (with the exception of a handful that have come out as gay themselves). Krist (Arthit in SOTUS) has been very vocal about how straight he is in real life. There have even been some Thai BL directors that have said that they will ONLY hire straight actors to play BL roles. Ridiculous.

I guess they are trying to cater to the straight female fujoshis that fawn over them. But still, it's really disappointing.

I agree with you 100%! Like you, I've been hesitant to trash talk almost any BL because... well, it's BL! It's so refreshing to have gay-themed series making their way into the general public.

But, as you've mentioned, the genre is popular now, so we do have the option to pick and choose what we like. (Seriously... how popular would SOTUS really be if it just appeared now?)

I'll admit to being disappointed with My Day, for the reasons you mentioned, but I will keep watching and see how/if it develops.

This link will take you to all the episodes of "My Brother," a Vietnamese BL (all with English subs). It's from 3 years ago, low-budget, the plot is kind of all over the place but I enjoyed it. 14 episodes, each around 15 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jda6p2tqpek&list=PLS3YhF8zMhGT4ZLux0A7l55dst62uXxyf

I heard Tony mention (in an interview) that he was happy to be playing the role but knew in advance that he "wouldn't have to make out with a guy or anything." (His words.) He did say that he appreciated the BL community. So take that however you will (I took it to mean that he would be quite uncomfortable doing a kissing scene with a guy.)

Lol!

Agreed! Gay guy here as well. If my partner ever said that to me I'm pretty sure I would slap him, lol.

Anyone else wish they would translate Sarawat's signature line from "I want to grab your boobs" to "I want to grab your pecs" or "chest?" Hell, even "tits" would be better. I cringe every time I read it.

Great post.

Sorry if this is a weird question, but...

Is COVID-19 not a concern in Thailand anymore? I mean, if they've got it under control, I'm really happy. I'm just a little concerned about all this closeness. Gameboys had to take a hiatus because their COVID numbers are still not under control.

I'd say somewhere in between, but I never rate a series until it's completed.

OMG, this is now being dragged out to 22 episodes? It feels like it's been going on -- and going nowhere -- since the beginning of time. I was willing to deal with 10 episodes but, sorry to say, this will now be one of the very few series I've ever dropped.

Exactly!