With the rise in popularity of Boy’s Love shows from Thailand, like ThamePo, the public is increasingly scrutinizing their plots, characters, themes, and ideals. Producers and writers often capitalize on this fact, creating and writing shows that are emotionally driven, morally impactful, and even politically motivated. They bring to the foreground topics considered controversial and, in some cases, inherently problematic—apropos of today’s biggest relationship issues couples often face.
The Show
A recent addition to Thailand’s entertainment zeitgeist in the form of a romance drama named ThamePo has now added itself to the minute number of Asian dramas that directly target both their own industry and idol culture in general. Shining the spotlight on the difficulties artists and idols must overcome regarding their fame, agencies, and the industry itself, ThamePo argues that one should not sacrifice love simply for fame. Stating emphatically that being alone for the rest of their lives is not the price any idol should ever pay just to be successful.
Plot
ThamePo tells the story of a 20-something young man named Po, who overcomes a previous toxic relationship and is trying to restart his life after years in personal and professional limbo. Through the help of a friend, the aspiring director manages to get a job working on a special project at an agency that represents Thailand’s popular boyband, MARS. On his first day at the company, Po meets Thame, the band’s leader.
At first, they are adversarial, as Thame’s years in the industry have made him cautious, bitter, and distrusting of anyone other than his bandmates. Throughout the show, Thame and Po eventually grow closer until love begins to bloom. After the two finally realize their feelings for each other and begin to date, the pair start to navigate the intricacies of living under the ever-suspecting gaze of the public and press.
The romance seems picturesque and pre-destined, but soon, it’s unceremoniously interrupted when a scandal breaks out about a member of MARS dating in secret. This expected plot twist triggers a whirlwind of drama, wherein Thame and Po must decide whether to fight the system that demands they break up or give in -all for the sake of MARS and Thame’s career. Leading to an ending that is both emotional and poignant.
Scrutiny
Given the plot and its overarching narrative, it’s not hard to see why audiences have zeroed in on ThamePo and its meta-commentary on the idol industry. The difficulties and interpersonal struggles endured by artists, actors, and celebrities have been well-documented for years. With hundreds of instances of controversial dating scandals, incidences of abuse, criminality, suicide, and even attempted murder plaguing the industry, fans and audiences alike have scrutinized every decision made by industry leaders a hundred-fold.
The themes explored in ThamePo emphasize the seemingly inherent corruption in many aspects of the idol industry. Similar to and reflecting the severity of disparity in the K-pop and J-pop industries, as well as the obsessiveness pushed onto celebrities of all kinds, the counternarrative often mirrors many of the complaints from artists and fans alike.
The inability to date openly, having no creative control, meticulous schedules that leave no room for sleep, drastic diets, scripted narratives, and predatory pay structures are all reflected in the show. With the strict emphasis on the loneliness and isolation often felt by artists despite their legions of fans taking center stage, the audience is confronted with how much celebrities truly go through for their careers and how much of a toll it takes on them -both physically and mentally.
Reaction
From the first weekly episode, released on GMMTV’s official YouTube channel in late 2024, ThamePo’s commentary on the idol industry struck a chord. Giving audiences a new look at some of the biggest issues idols face, the show sparked furious debate among fans. Discussions on the morality of supporting an industry notorious for being shallow, callous, and money-obsessed brought to the forefront many of the old grievances held by fans. Juxtaposed with the willingness to support actors and artists just trying to do what they love, it added fuel to the fire, sparking more outcry for needed reforms.
