Secret Admirer (2022)

questo bl è un pezzo del mio cuore

Quando ho realizzato che mi mancava solo l’ultimo ep non ci ho creduto, ero convinta dovesse uscire il penultimo, sta cosa mi ha reso triste ma che ci posso fare, questa è la situazione, prima o poi doveva finire.
Sono molto attaccata sentimentalmente a questo bl anche se non lo reputo uno dei migliori mai guardati, poteva essere migliorato in molti modi ma allo stesso tempo mi ha preso.

È molto raro che tutte le coppie vengano trattate a dovere, ne ho viste molte di serie eppure giuro che questa è la prima volta che vedo tutte le coppie trattate nel modo giusto, per quanto abbia visto molte serie dove venivano trattate bene, questa è la prima serie che guardo dove sono trattate nel modo più completo in assoluto, letteralmente in 12 episodi mi hanno dato una visione completa di tutte e quattro le coppie, pensare al fatto che siano 4 coppie trattate in modo completo in 12 episodi mi fa rabbrividire, sembra impossibile eppure è stato fatto, hanno fatto un ottimo lavoro al riguardo.

Parlando di Kim e Mek, all’inizio mi erano un pò cringe e bho non mi piacevano molto assieme, si odiavano ma comunque non li vedevo bene, mi risultavano un pò alla bho, non mi prendevano. Poi col passare degli episodi ci sono stati molti miglioramenti e la loro relazione era veramente carina, peccato che poi ci è stata la situazione di Mek, lì ero arrabbiata con lui ma non avevano ancora detto della situazione del viaggio all’estero di conseguenza non lo capivo, poi quando è stato detto mi sono sentita veramente triste per lui, la scelta era veramente difficile da prendere e anche per questo non ne ha parlato con Kim. Ha lasciato che tutto andasse via per rimanere con lui, fortunatamente Kim l’ha scoperto e ha deciso di lasciarlo, peccato che l’ha lasciato in un modo veramente brusco, è stato un pò cattivo aiuto però lo capisco, doveva accertarsi che Mek non avesse rimpianti e robe del genere, l’ha fatto per il suo bene, menomale che poi Bomb e Bear hanno detto di ciò a Mek così tutto è ritornato normale, Mek ha realizzato il suo sogno e loro alla fine si sono messi insieme.
Ho amato la loro coppia nonostante l’inizio titubante e le difficoltà, alla fine tutto ciò che è successo è stato fatto per amore e cura dell’altro.

Riguardo Lee e Park, loro sono la mia coppia preferita, li ho amati sin dall’inizio, la loro storia mi ha emozionato e mi è dispiaciuto che Lee non volesse dire della relazione a nessuno con l'aggiunta del fatto che avesse abbandonato tutte le sue passioni a Park per invidia finita per essere il non credere di essere sufficientemente bravo, lì mi è dispiaciuto un botto per entrambi ma fortunatamente sono stati maturi da parlarne e tutto si è risolto.
Quando poi Park pensava che Lee lo stesse tradendo ci sono rimasta un pò perchè essendo che stanno insieme da 7 anni la domanda viene da sè…”cosa avete imparato in materia di fiducia verso l'altro in questi 7 anni?”, non credo che la risposta sia “tanto” ma neanche “nulla”, è “un pò”. Però alla fine lo capisco in quanto è anche vero che dati questi 7 anni si ha paura che l’altro si sia annoiato o robe del genere e purtroppo questa paura è sempre presente, per quanto tu ti possa fidare del tuo partner, c’è sempre il dubbio esistenziale.
Poi quando si sono sposati aaaaa ho amato, non mi aspettavo facessero vedere il matrimonio e io ho un debole per i matrimoni, piango sempre.

Riguardo Bear e Bomb, penso che questa relazione sia la carineria assoluta, è stato bello vederli avvicinarsi sempre di più anche se l’inizio non mi è tanto piaciuto, intendo il loro primo bacio, ricordo che la mia reazione era alla tipo “what? siamo seri?”, non me l’aspettavo e bho non mi aveva trasmesso nulla, però andando avanti li ho amati sempre di più.
Quando poi è successo il fatto dell’anniversario dimenticato, ho capito molto Bomb, per quanto ti sforzi a capire il tuo partner c’è comunque la situazione in cui l’anniversario una volta l’anno viene, deve essere vissuto bene perché per quanto vi possiate amare, nessuno dice che il prossimo anno state ancora assieme, purtroppo può succedere di tutto quindi il momento deve essere vissuto bene. Vabbè che alla fine Bear si è fatto perdonare e quella scena mi ha ricordato un botto Theory of Love, i pianti.

Infine parliamo della coppia Tim-Mai, loro sono stati il casino assurdo, Mai ha sofferto molto a dovergli stare vicino pur sapendo che i sentimenti non erano ricambiati e Tim era un demente a non capire i suoi stessi sentimenti, ci è voluto veramante tanto e vai a vedere ha capito di più i suoi sentimenti proprio quando Mai aveva fatto la bella scelta di lasciare andare Tim e vivere la sua vita amorosa, mi è dispiaciuto che è andato a finire proprio con uno che lo stava usando ma fortunatamente Tim l’ha fatto uscire da sta situa con la sua gelosia, il loro fidanzamento neanche l’avevo capito perchè Mai era ubriaco quel giorno e bho si so ritrovati fidanzati ma vabbè almeno ce l’avevano fatta; alla fine tutto bene, amati anche loro.

In generale non so se sono l’unica ma giuro che secondo me il nome dato alla serie non c'entra una beata minchia con ciò che succede, secondo me potevano dare benissimo un altro nome.
La storia mi è piaciuta, la chimica è stra buona, sono scioccata da come abbiano sviluppato la storia di tutti magnificamente e in modo equo, consiglio molto questa serie.
Vale veramente la pena di guardarla.

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KelpiView : They are my secret love too.

Overall impression:
Hmm. My initial impression of the show is just that. Honestly, when it first started, it wasn't really on my weekly list at all. Though at this point, i do not know when i became so invested in it. The show itself starts slow, that i must say. getting past that slow start, is all it takes to make me into a obsessed fan and I truly appreciate the production crew in producing this gem of a show.

What I liked about it:
Great cast!
A good story meets a great cast, that is what i think My Secret Love is. Despite some of the cast member not having any experience under their belt like Bew (Park) and Por (Bear), as well as Kenji (Mai) and boat (Tim). They did exceedingly well portraying their characters. The leads are not very lovable at the start, that i must say. But the more i watch each week, the more that i like them for their character portrayals. However the supporting couples of this show totally stole my heart. all 3 of them lol.

Evolving Genre!
I initially thought this show could be tagged as a comedy due to the amount of laugh i had for the start of the show. As i mention, it started slow, but the only reason i continued watching it was because of the comedic elements that is present throughout the show. Tho, it was very comedy centric at the start which really helped in my opinion. As the story progresses, they showed glimpses of each couples backstory and trouble and that sets the mood for a concrete scenario in my opinion. The show should definitely be tagged as a rom com.

Awesome OST
As Im typing out this review, the ost from Jeff Satur (look) is playing in the background. That is how much i would love to give this song an honorary mention. It helps that its jeff satur. But the mood of the song itself fits well with the show that every time i hear the song, i would immediately associate it to the show.

What I disliked about it:
Slow Start.
No show is perfect in my opinion. as people we can never be satisfied fully. But that's really ok. One small detail that i wish could be done differently was the slow start, but that being said, its not a deal breaker for me as i enjoyed the comedy route that they begun with.

Inadequate ParkLee scenes.
Okay, this may be pushing it a little bit, BUT. hear. me. out. I just felt that there should be more ParkLee scenes in the show.... because.. just because.. i wanted more of them. lol. one of my favourite on screen secondary couple by far. their backstory was so cute. i wish they would make a story of park and lee in another series.

Did I enjoy it?:
I really enjoyed this one. as i mentioned, it started slow but really stuck on to me and i really enjoyed the ride.

Would I recommend it to others?:
Definitely. Though some people might be a lil bored of the university setting, but if you are ok with that and like a multiple couple show like me. and appreciate a good show, i think you should definitely give it a try! To me, a certain setting might not deter me to try a show because even though the setting is the same, its the cast that brings the character and story to life and that makes a whole lot of difference. So, if you have time and wanna be emotionally invested, give My Secret Love a try!

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a solid rom com

Overall: this was an enjoyable rom com and with a few changes I would have given it a 10/10. If Mek annoys you the first episode, please keep watching. Watched on YouTube.

Content Warnings: non con video recording/posting, non con/dub con kisses (sleeping), blackmail, punch

What I Liked
- Mek's parents are adorable and the discussion of blended families and marriage equality line were absolutely amazing
- funny moments
- sweet and caring moments
- managed to balance four couples pretty well but I think if they had cut it to three it would have been even better
- an established couple
- some character growth with Mek but I did still get annoyed at him a few times in the final episodes
- the ending was lovely
- realistic and continuous physical affection (instead of 1 kiss at the very end)
- Jeff Satur's OST/singing

Room For Improvement
- the chancellor was stupid/not funny, I wish it had been the guys' idea like in the original pilot and they removed the chancellor character entirely
- the cliche drama point at the end with Mek/Kim
- Kim didn't grow as much as I had wished
- the sisters were involved a bit too much at the beginning but then they oddly vanished at the end
- unknown time passed in the time jumps

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A lot of secrets, a lot of love... an lot of cringe...

This is a drama that made me wonder, is this a parody or are they for real?

The acting ranges between really bed (intentionally?) and mediocre. The dialog is cringe, cringe and well more cringe... and the music is catchy, there is a lot of kissing but most of the kisses have less chemistry than a 1st grade math class and are puppy meets dead fish. So this is basically a pretty awful low quality drama in every way possible... other than some abs and gorgeous smiles... here and there... yet I found this oddly addictive and entertaining...

There is just so much stupidity in this but it is not the annoying type of stupid so it kind of works. The PPL and K-drama references are present in every single episode making me wonder if this is a BL gone K-drama gone bad... Hate to Love possessive male lead changes when he meets organised mature male lead...

With jealousy, shippers and fall on your lips kisses... Not a healthy relationship in sight, and a whole lot of odd pacing... So I would say this is so bad it is mediocre but entertaining, worth a watch if you are in need to just let your brain go and just watch the cringe as it unfolds in front of you...

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Tropes: jock/nerd, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, reunion romance, secret romance, LTR

Y-novel adaptation originally slated as Secret Admirer (teaser) about an “ordinary guy still in love with the older boy he lived next door to during university,” starring Earth Teerapat (Wayo in 2 Moons 2) opposite Fluk (seasoned but not done BL). Plot entirely changed from novel to an absurdist: boys are forced by their university to be a BL couple for promo - although this conceit did give the show license to lampoon BL tropes (which I kinda enjoyed). But the show was VERY awkward with poor chemistry across the board.

Lead couple had a tom/jerry vibe with the uke too stiff and serious and the seme a prankster immature idiot - one of my least favorite dynamics (it always seems mean-spirited). They reminded me of My Boy (which I DNFd) X BonDuen from My Engineer (who I dislike).

Other pairs include BearBomb, TimMai, and ParkLee (LTR whom use ter with each other - cute). The domesticity with the side couples was somewhat engaging, and the medium heat sex scenes were descent, but that’s it. The main couple is a little better after the time jump, mostly because Mek in now understandably arrogant. I guess.

I ended up fast forwarding everything that didn’t have the Tim storyline in it because I am a shallow shallow person. I also kept thinking that the actor playing Tim would’ve made a great Dr Pha in 2 Moons.

The worst thing about this show (aside from leads chemistry) was that the chemistry of the friendship groups felt off too. Normally, Thailand can handle friendship groups well. But these 2 different groups? I didn’t believe they were friends at all.

This drama suddenly got sensible and interesting in the finale after the time jump, and the reason for the split turned out to be a decent one. But frankly, that was just frustrating. Because I got a glimpse that this could’ve actually been, if not a GREAT show, at least a passable one. But they saved this for the last 2 eps? That’s just annoying. Another wedding makes me feel like this trope is becoming ubiquitous in Thai BL. Who knew Grey Rainbow would end up with us here?

In the end I can't really recommend this. There's much better Thai BL these days, and tons of it.

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surprisingly turned out to be the best thing ever

I can hardly express in words how much I loved this series. The first few episodes set a tone that ends up being much different from the rest of the show, but it gives a lot of key details and backstory that become important later. There were realistic, yet interesting twists, funny dialogue, well-timed inserts of the music and effects, and an overall consistency that some shows just lack.

The characters are all so lovable. Even ones you may dislike at some point still grow on you by the end. Each couple brings something different to the plot, and I think that makes them all feel like key ingredients to the dynamic. I love how all characters were connected somehow, and it didn't feel like some of them were living on a different planet. Everyone was friends or at least close enough, and it makes you feel like you're watching a group of besties live out their lives.

The writing is by far this drama's strongest area, although it is really strong in every other aspect as well. The dialogue and details were so well done I found myself screaming at times.

I want to say it is simplistic, even though there's always a lot going on, but that is just the vibe here. Well done simplicity with some comedic elements and tasteful use of some classic tropes. 10/10, I really REALLY recommend this.

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Kind of a guilty pleasure

This is not good. It's not terrible, but the writing is unimaginative and derivative. It's almost saved by its cast, but there is a glaring problem that prevented this from being the best execution of this plot type.

The problem is the main couple, which is a pointless and cliched story that is poorly written throughout, which is unfortunate, because none of the side couples (and there are three of them) have this issue. Even then, it might have been saved if the actors were fanastic with electric chemistry. And Fluke as Mek has a certain charm. But Earth... his acting is wholy lacking in authenticity - everything he does looks fake, even blinking (how can blinking look fake you ask? I don't know. But Earth manages it). He's not assisted by the writing, which makes Kim a prissy, grumpy and unpleasant person, who has no character developmen at all. As opposed to Mek, who turns 180 degrees from who he was like a light switch being flipped - he goes from a charming carefree prankster into a featureless dullness which paired with Kim makes you resent the amount of time spend on them in the finale.

The side couples are some of the best you'll ever see. Lee and Park are rather unusual in the way they meet and get togther, which is refreshing and interesting, and allows the story to examine a much different set of issues. Acted by two beautiful and talented actors, Daniel Cheng (Marco from Call It What You Want) and Bew Sitthikarn, a newcomer who I hope we see a lot more of, this is a compelling couple.

Bear and Bomb are a high-contrast couple, played by the lovable Por Patsakon and the pouty-sexy Yut Kritsadayut, with great chemistry and complimentary personalities. Tim and Mai don't get much screentime, but they also become interesting later on as the brooding popular boy and the perfect man for him in his taken-for-granted best friend who's always at his side encouraging him.

This series is too full of tropes and cliches to give it a high score, but if it had dispensed with the main couple and focused on the other three pairs, perhaps with Lee & Park as the main, this could have been an 8.5 or 9. I'm not sure why this keeps happening - I think maybe it's because the main couple has a "gimmick" and ends up having its story constrained by it, while secondary couples have more freedom. Also, for reasons that I'm not sure I understand, rookie actors are cast as mains, relegating the experienced and talented actors to side roles.

Anyway, despite the above, I do recommend this series - it was a guilty pleasure for me, but for the side characters. The cast is unusually attractive and charming, and I did get a lot of pleasure from it even if I had to put Kim & Mek on 2x to get through their tiresome scenes.

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Not overly impressed

Well I am sort of glad this drama has come to an end. it was neither good or bad, it was for me kind of immature and not what i was really expecting from it.

The dialog was cringe, there was no chemistry between the leads, and for me that was really putting off, was a high school principal encouraging this kind of behavior instead of setting an example etc ... So this is basically a pretty awful low quality drama in every way possible, that was not leave very much to remember about.

The friendship groups were for me a complete disaster how on earth are friends with someone , and not realize that they have been in a relationship for over 7 years , and too keep that a secret for so long as well is really surprising for me too.

Overall: I can't really recommend this. There's much better Thai BL these days, and tons of it.

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A cute pleasant surprise

When I originally started this series, I was not expecting too much for it. I basically started watching this series to fill my Saturdays. However, as each week passed by, this series grew on me.

This series had not one, not two, not three, but FOUR couples. And somehow they were able to give them enough screentime so that all four relationships can be developed. And that's a rarity. I'm still in shock that they still somehow manage to do this actually.

While I didn't like the beginning of the storyline for the main couple, it grew on me. Each week I was actually eager to watch this series to see what was going to happen next.

And yes, maybe this series has so much BL troupes in them, but hey! It somehow worked for this series.

I know that I am going to miss this series. If you want a cute, fluffy light BL series to watch- give this one a go. Don't pay to much attention to the rating, though. It does deserve a higher score than 7.6.

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It's one big cliché

The longer I'm thinking about this series, the lower score I want to give it. Each part of it is just... not good? And somehow out of blue? Not really forced, but you'll literally find out what's gonna happen the second it starts (4 seconds it lasts) and for the most part, *le sighs* will be the most authentic response. Don't expect to be surprised. Actually, don't expect anything. It's better that way.

I'm going to skip all that information about couples, plotlines, symbols and whatnots. It wouldn't help you decide either way. Here, have some random tags instead : Enemies-to-lovers. Best friends-to-lovers. Inhaler. Plant abuse. Cooking. Hotel. Shipping. Fans. Kangaroo. OISHI (you wish). Shrimp paste. SOTUS. Zombies. Bears. Neighbours.

To say what I liked about this - product placements. They go ALL OUT! You wouldn't believe how many people use the same product seemingly independently of each other in this show.

To say what I didn't like about this - it was so wasteful as a story. It told nothing interesting, and whatever it told was shallow enough to be mixed with product placements at any given moment (so at least some plus to that "plot"). It watches okay-ish-ish-ish, but it won't bring you anything new. Nothing goes too deep, because any story arc has but a few minutes until another trope's lined up and fired.

Who would I recommend this for - You simp over one of the actors and have nothing better to spend your time on. You're just looking for something to vibe with while you're cooking dinner or doing chores. You're feeling catatonic and just need something to mess with you, a little bit.

Who would I not recommend this for - You're looking for something at least slightly unique. You prefer fewer, deeper plots compared to mutliple fractured ones. You value your time.

Overall, I'm just surprised this was even made. It's hard to find something so uninspired, yet utterly filled with (copied) ideas that go nowhere. It's like they tried to develop something, only to give up midway. Tried again. And again, not clearing up the previous attempts. I guess we're just rolling with it.

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An ordinary story that still manages to be intriguing!

This is the sweetest ending i have seen this year… i might have developed diabetes just watching this series and particularly this episode.

1. Writing is still impeccable. Each story line (with the exception of TimMai) were given enough attention and air time. Best lines were of Kim and his mom - how he has his entire life planned and somehow expectations weren’t met. That he felt insecure and afraid he is failing his mom… i cried a bit because that is one of the realest fear a young adult faces.

2. The couples - they all were adorable and lovely.

TimMai: though i love that they are still boyfriends until now, i wish there was a little more scenes with their story.

ParkLee: they are truly the couple to emulate. That wedding is beautiful. And Park’s vow was short yet poignant. I just wish we heard Lee’s vows.

BearBomb: they stole this episode. All their scenes were emotional. The BearBomb cake was adorable (too bad, Bear didn’t make it to their anniversary dinner to enjoy it). But Bear’s apology is one of the cutest yet sincerest apologies i’ve watched. Bear stood true to himself in that apology…

MekKim: the now Kings of PDA. They are now no longer secret lovers. And the flower engagement ring at the end was a very nice touch to end the episode.

Additionally:

1. Mith perfume product placement was so funny as it was blatant
2. Kim wanted to move in with Mek with all his luggage and just moving on the other side of the townhouse is also hilarious
3. The wedding is really gay with all the muted pastel colors and minimalist flourishes
4. I wish the chancellor would have made an appearance and screamed “Allez Cuisine!!!”one last time.
5. Q and Dao too are missing.. i miss my captain shippers

I will miss watching this series every Saturday night. One of the sleeper hits this 2022.

I love this series. It rarely happens that a show gives good amount of time to all of its couples and forwards their storylines every episode. I love the whole cast for this show.

Let me start with Bomb and Bear. OMG, how cute is Bear when he fake cries lol. I love the chemistry between these two. I love the fact that Bear knows Bomb is the fan he was looking for. I also love the fact that Bear went to Bomb when he got pissed with Mek. How freakish.

Coming to Park and Lee, after all the UPS and downs finally you two cute lovely birds are married.

Next up Tim and Mai just makes me sad ? and happy ? the two resolved their differences but they didn't get enough screen time like the three other couples.

Finally our lead couple Mek and Kim. Gotta say Mek has grown on me so much over the episodes. And I already loved Kim the most among all cast. The chemistry between these two was amazing.

I am glad this show exists and is so much fun. It's full of silly fights and romances.. and I am here for it! ❤️

Edit: I forgot to mention two key things lol. Both the sisters with their one scene respectively with their brothers killed it. They were great. And that hilariously trashy show **Fame Hunger** I can say proudly now that My secret love is over that one thing My secret love has succeeded in doing just like Not me, Triage, Unforgotten night, Triage and Old Fashion Cupcake is that just like the rest it's on a class of it's own!

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