sayratial

Not gonna lie, I’ve started other Boys Over Flowers adaptations before, but this is the first one I actually finished, and that alone says something. It was a fun ride for the most part. I especially enjoyed the first 8 episodes, everything felt fresh and engaging. but somewhere along the way it started leaning into that makjang-ish drama territory (you know the type), and I didn’t vibe with that as much. Still, I’m glad I watched it.

It had that nostalgic energy without being as toxic as older versions (though let’s not kid ourselves, there was still some). But overall, it felt more palatable, and the storytelling + character work really helped. I wouldn’t call it outstanding, but I get why it got the hype. Visually, the show was gorgeous too.



Gorya

I really liked her. She was understanding but not unrealistically saintly. She didn’t go around trying to change the world, just wanted to survive school and not get stomped on, and honestly, relatable. She had a backbone when it counted (especially for her friends), and Tu portrayed her in such a grounded way. Only complaint? Someone please tell her people can hear her even if she doesn’t shout when talking, but it added charm.

Thyme

Okay... he’s a mess. An adorable mess, but still a mess. I know he’s supposed to have character development, and sure, he stopped the red cards, quit the bullying, but let’s be real: it kinda felt like his growth was very dependent on Gorya being there and not rejecting him. Like, this is a boy who threw a chair after a breakup argument. If they broke up after the series timeline? I’m betting he’d throw another tantrum.
But somehow, I still adored this little stupid boy. Bright really was made for this role, he played it with so much charm and chaos, I couldn’t look away.

Ren

Too good. Too calm. Too emotionally available. I loved him. Minor flaws, but nothing major. Him and Gorya honestly felt like a better fit to me, especially around episode 15. Their dynamic gave mature couple vibes, and the show was lowkey pushing it too with the way they framed them together. That fire alarm scene? Gorgeous. But I also liked their friendship, it was comforting to watch.

Kevin & Kanninga

To be honest I didn’t care much about them. Kevin’s backstory was fine, but the romance wasn't selling to me. That being said, the bar fight scene for him? A moment.

MJ

MJ didn’t need a backstory or a romance arc. he just existed and that was enough for me. He was hilarious, his hand gestures were iconic, his expressions were everything and whoever gave him that hairstyle deserves a raise. He was like the good boy of the group who quietly did cool stuff (hacking, clubbing) and looked fabulous doing it.

F4 Friendship

One of the best parts of the show. Their chaotic friendship was so fun to watch, minus the bullying part (ew). The way they cared for each other, or better said the three solving problems for Thyme, the child of the group! and especially how the other three would abduct Thyme and force him to be a functioning human being, I can't.

Thyme's mom was so brutal both as a woman and a mother, but she is so classy doing that I started rooting for her to break up her son and Gorya at times.

Costumes

The wardrobe team did not play! Everyone looked incredible. But someone please get those boys a fan, they were wearing furs and jackets in tropical heat. That’s commitment.


F4 Thailand wasn’t perfect, and I’m not about to pretend it didn’t have its problematic bits, but it was entertaining, had a solid cast, and managed to make a classic story feel more digestible for modern audiences. I had fun, I yelled at my screen, I swooned a bit, and that’s all I really wanted.

Glad I finally watched it. No regrets.