Cherry Magic is a popular Japanese drama that aired in 2020. The series is based on a manga of the same name by Yusuke Yoshida. It tells the story of a 30-year-old salaryman named Adachi who has the ability to read people's thoughts by touching them. However, when he touches his coworker, Kurosawa, he discovers that Kurosawa is in love with him. The drama received positive reviews for its heartwarming story and great chemistry between the two main leads. It was praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and for promoting acceptance and understanding.
Commentary: The Thai Adaptation of “Cherry Magic” and Why There’s Room for All
I am very much looking forward to the Thai adaptation of Cherry Magic starring Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom. For one, because they were the first Thai BL pairing I ever watched and followed. And seeing them reunited finally in a new project is very exciting. But also two, I watched (and enjoyed) the Japanese series adaptation of the manga a few years ago because it starred Eiji Akaso who I knew from Kamen Rider Build, one of my favorite seasons of that franchise.
So when my two worlds collide like this, it is very exciting. But the news of the Thai adaptation definitely brought about some mixed reactions from people. And really, reactions on the exact opposite sides of the spectrum too.
The original Cherry Magic story, written by Toyota Yuu, centers around Kiyoshi Adachi, a 30-year-old virgin who wakes up on his 30th birthday to find that he can hear people’s thoughts just by touching them. Though this strange power, he learns that his co-worker Yuichi Kurosawa is actually in love with him. And the story continues as Adachi struggles with what to do with this information while Kurosawa does what he can to be near Adachi, even if that means just helping and admiring him from afar.
The story is of course a romantic tale for our two leads. But it also touches upon overcoming insecurities and learning how to open oneself to be able to connect with others. Especially in a world where it seems like that can be the most difficult thing, particularly for salarymen like Adachi and Kurosawa.
The Japanese series adaptation really hit the jackpot with Eiji Akaso and Keita Machida as Adachi and Kurosawa, respectively. Their great chemistry and their respective talent as actors definitely helped to successfully bring the fun, cute and meaningful story to vivid life.
It’s easy to see why the series became so popular when it first aired. And to this day, as evidenced by the varied reactions to the announcement of the Thai adaptation, it still enjoys a large, dedicated fanbase. It was a really fun and enjoyable series.
Being a Filipino-American, I definitely can understand the fear, worry and apprehension of a local adaptation of a foreign concept or format. (I wrote about the Philippines’ mixed bag on such adaptations here.) And being a toku fan as well, I too have experienced disappointment and regret by adaptations of a Sentai or Kamen Rider.
But in the last couple of years, I’ve come to also understand that an adaptation’s creative success or failure should have no bearing on the original work. Now, disrespecting that source material is another story. But having an adaptation that is not to your liking isn’t necessarily disrespecting the original. It’s really more on annoying your own feelings using boundaries you’ve set on your own. It is a bit of gatekeeping for something that should be shared with and enjoyed by all.
So when it comes to Cherry Magic Thailand, even if I don’t agree, I can understand where some are coming from when they are horrified that this adaptation will somehow harm the original series that they loved.
What I can say from my own experience is that no matter how this Thai adaptation turns out, nothing will take the original series you loved so much away from you. It will still be there and still be the awesome thing you love and care about. A Thai, or any country’s adaptation of it will not change that fact.
It’s also worth noting (and I’ve seen conveniently ignored online) that Cherry Magic Thailand is adapting the manga and not the television series, which itself had differences from the source material. So if anything, this Thai adaptation could be completely different. And that should be a good thing. An “adaptation” requires one to adapt the source material to fit the audience it is being created for and even the cast and crew that will be working on it.
Again, that’s not disrespecting the original work or other adaptations of it. It’s just something different.
There will of course be universal themes that all different Cherry Magic versions will have. Whether it is the idea of tackling insecurities or making friends or facing the uncertain world or just simply falling in love for the first time; those will still be there. But there will also be different touches and approaches. And if you keep an open mind, those twists can be just as refreshing and enjoyable as whatever you might have read or watched before.
Without even a trailer yet for the Thai adaptation. It’s hard to see how some fans on the internets have already managed to judge it and dismiss it. But even more so, it’s hard to judge a television series that hasn’t even started production yet.
Ultimately, the manga’s creator is looking forward to the Thai adaptation and even many Japanese fans are excited as well. That’s of course in addition to the fans of Tay and New and others who are just looking forward to a fresh new series to enjoy. I guess I just want to hope that everyone can have an open mind. And remember that no one is taking what you have loved away from you. There’s plenty of wonderful, great stories for everyone to enjoy. And Cherry Magic, whether in a manga or on Japanese television or in a Thai series, is just one of those stories. In three different ways, of course.
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Cherry Magic TH: A TayNew Comeback
Japan’s hit TV drama ‘Cherry Magic’ will be having its Thai remake starring one of the It-CPs: TayNew!
Toyota Yuu’s manga series ‘Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!’ announced will be having its Thai adaptation under GMMTV Production starring Tawan Vihokratana and New Thitipoom Techaapaikhun. It was first adapted into a TV drama that became a hit in Japan and internationally starring Keita Machida and Eiji Akaso in 2020 followed by its blockbuster movie sequel in 2022.
‘Cherry Magic 30ยังซิง’ is the much-awaited comeback series of one of GMMTV’s 4 Pillars, TayNew, after being paired in ‘Kiss The Series’, ‘Kiss Me Again’, ‘Our Skyy’, and their last BL series together was ‘Dark Blue Kiss’ that aired last 2019.
Depicts having never had sex in his life, after Kiyoshi Adachi (Achi) reaches his 30th birthday he becomes a “wizard”: he develops an ability to hear the thoughts of other people by touching them. One day, he discovers that his popular co-worker, Yuichi Kurosawa (Karan), is in love with him. While dealing with the awkwardness of being able to hear Kurosawa (Karan)’s rather forthright feelings towards him, Adachi (Achi) comes to terms with how much Kurosawa (Karan) values him and starts to develop reciprocal feelings of his own.
Also starring Junior Panachai Sriariyarungruang, Mark Jiruntanin Trairattanayon, Jan Ployshompoo Supasap, and Sing Harit Cheewagaroon as Jinta, Min, Pai, and Rock, respectively.
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© CherryMagicTH | Twitter
After 3 years of waiting, we all know that Polcas are very excited and looking forward to this.
Cherry Magic
Cherry Magic Thai Drama Release date on 9th December 2023. Watch Cherry Magic Thai drama Episode 1 will be broadcasted on the official network.
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It was praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and for promoting acceptance and understanding. Recently, it was announced that Cherry Magic will be remade in Thailand. The Thai remake will be titled "Cherry Magic: Secret Love" and will star popular Thai actors Chimon Wachirawit and Pattarasaya Kreuasuwansiri in the lead roles.
Drama Info
Cherry Magic 2023 (แค่อยากบอกรัก) is an upcoming romance Thai drama. Cherry Magic Thai Drama Cast Tawan Vihokratana, Thitipoom Techaapaikhun, Jiruntanin Trairattanayon, Junior Panachai Sriariyarungruang lead roles and many other supporting roles. The Series director is X Nuttapong Mongkolsawas and Pawis Sowsrion. Cherry Magic Thai Drama Release date on 9th December 2023. Watch Cherry Magic Thai Series Episode 1 will be broadcasted on the official network.
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09 Dec 2023
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Thailand
Fans are excited about the Thai remake as it will introduce the story to a new audience and provide a fresh take on the beloved characters. Many are looking forward to seeing how the Thai actors will bring their own charm and interpretation to the roles. The Thai remake is expected to stay true to the heartwarming and comedic elements of the original series while also adding its own unique flavor. Production for the Thai remake has already begun, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release. The announcement has generated a lot of buzz and anticipation, and it is hoped that the Thai remake will be able to capture the same magic as the original series. Overall, the Cherry Magic Thai remake is an exciting development for fans of the series. It will give them a chance to revisit the beloved story with a new cast and potentially introduce the series to a new audience..
Reviews for "The Chemistry Between the Leads: A Look at the 'Cherry Magic' Thai Remake"
1. Thomas - 2 stars
I was extremely disappointed with the Thai remake of "Cherry Magic". The original Japanese version was a delightful and heartwarming story about a young man discovering his true self and finding love. However, the Thai version lacked the same charm and depth. The acting felt forced and the chemistry between the actors just wasn't there. The storyline also felt rushed and lacking in development. Overall, I found this remake to be a disservice to the original and would not recommend it.
2. Emily - 1 star
I regret wasting my time watching the Thai remake of "Cherry Magic". The characters lacked depth and were poorly developed compared to the original version. The acting was also subpar, with most of the cast delivering their lines in a stiff and unnatural manner. The chemistry between the main characters was non-existent, leaving me feeling unmoved by their supposed love story. The changes made to the plot were unnecessary and took away from the heartwarming aspects of the original. I would not recommend this remake to anyone who enjoyed the original "Cherry Magic".
3. Jessica - 2 stars
As a fan of the original "Cherry Magic", I had high hopes for the Thai remake. Unfortunately, it fell short in many aspects. The acting felt forced and lacked the emotional depth that made the original so special. The chemistry between the leads was also lacking, making their romantic moments feel awkward and contrived. The pacing of the story was off, with important plot points rushed through, leaving little time for character development. Overall, I found this remake to be a disappointment and would suggest sticking to the original version for a truly enjoyable experience.
4. Alex - 2 stars
Having loved the original "Cherry Magic", I was excited to watch the Thai remake. However, I was left feeling underwhelmed and dissatisfied. The Thai actors failed to capture the charm and charisma of the original cast, making it difficult to become invested in their story. The dialogue felt lackluster and lacked the emotional impact of the original. The changes made to the plot were unnecessary and only served to weaken the overall narrative. I would not recommend this remake to fans of the original "Cherry Magic", as it fails to capture the magic of the original.