VIP (2023)

Still recommended

Both Korean and Thai series have issues, mainly viewers are expected to read the mute male lead's mind in both scripts. Writers in general in this version (Thai) kept that oppressive black-hole (silent-stoic male lead) of the original intact while not skimping on the lighter side stories to soften the main topic. Sadly, they did nullify a perfectly good outcome in favor of the Thai penchant for forgiveness. I seriously wanted to see those original scenes played out in full, with Pong's character as 'apathy's' target. But it wasn't meant to be.

Strictly as a lakorn and under its own production; "VIP" with its seasoned cast follows the original Korean story nearly line for line, while fulfilling that need for the dramatic that some Thai soap operas are well known for. Long awkward moments for emphasis, overly played dramatic music, split screen longing, a second female lead that will not stop crying, a male lead's stare instead of dialogue, and flashbacks a must. Closure going far beyond the original; tying up loose ends in a neat future bow. A life lessons script; that needed to be itself, but didn't quite make it. Loosing the original's final impact in the transition. I blame production. An average series, with a few too many episodes. Still recommended. Watch accordingly.

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