I’ve seen this trick before—the shy, bullied kid who finds solace in a video game, only to grow up and cross paths with the very person (or corporation) that created his digital sanctuary. It’s a familiar arc, one that Dating Game leans into with the kind of earnestness that could easily tip into cliché. And yet, there’s something disarmingly sincere about the way this Thai BL series approaches its premise.
It doesn’t just use the romance game as a gimmick; it treats it as a lifeline, a mirror, and eventually, a battleground for its protagonist’s self-worth.
Hill (Chutavuth Pattarakampol) is the kind of character who makes you wince in recognition. As a kid, he was the target of relentless bullying, his only escape the pixelated warmth of Yuka! Love Me Please, a romance sim where the heroine, Yuka, adored him unconditionally.
Now an adult, he’s landed a job at the company that made the game, only to discover it’s being shut down. The CEO, Junji Sakurai (Koji Mukai), is a man of few words and even fewer smiles, the kind of boss who might as well have “emotionally unavailable” stamped on his business card. Their first meeting is a masterclass in awkward tension: Hill, wide-eyed and desperate to save the game that saved him; Junji, all sharp edges and corporate detachment, offering a deal that feels more like a dare.
What follows is a slow-burn romance that’s equal parts workplace comedy and emotional excavation. The show’s strength lies in its refusal to rush the chemistry between its leads. Hill and Junji don’t fall for each other because the script demands it; they circle each other like wary animals, each revealing vulnerabilities in unexpected moments.
There’s a scene in the third episode where Hill, after a particularly brutal day, finds himself alone in the office with Junji. Instead of the usual barbed exchanges, Junji—without a word—slides a cup of coffee across the desk. It’s a small gesture, but the way Hill’s fingers linger on the cup, the way his shoulders relax just a fraction, tells you everything you need to know about how much this means to him.
(And how much it might cost Junji to admit he noticed.)
The series is at its best when it leans into these quiet, observational moments. The writing team—led by director Chakree Rujiviphat—has a knack for finding humor in the mundane, whether it’s Hill’s mortification at being caught talking to Yuka’s AI like she’s real or Junji’s deadpan reactions to his employees’ antics. But the show’s real emotional core lies in its exploration of parasocial relationships.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.5/10
"A charming blend of romance and self-discovery with standout performances, though its pacing and predictability hold it back."
The heart of the series is Hill’s journey as he gains confidence through the romance game, and strong performances from the lead cast add depth. The storyline leans too heavily on familiar tropes, though, and the pacing occasionally drags, making it slower than its premise promises.
What viewers praise
Engaging lead performanceChutavuth Pattarakampol’s Hill convincingly captures the transformation from bullied geek to confident programmer.
Strong chemistryThe dynamic between Hill and Junji, the cold CEO, adds tension and intrigue to the romantic subplot.
Heartfelt themesSelf-discovery and overcoming past trauma are handled with emotional depth.
Unique premiseThe romance game concept is a fresh take on workplace and romantic dramas.
Common complaints
Predictable plotThe storyline follows familiar tropes, so many twists and developments are easy to anticipate.
Uneven pacingSome episodes are sluggish, particularly mid-season, slowing the momentum.
Underdeveloped side charactersSupporting cast members lack depth, and their arcs feel shallow or rushed.
Recommended for
Romance drama fans Coming-of-age story lovers Fans of workplace comedies Fans of character growth arcs
Buzz & Rumors
Public reports
Behind the Scenes of Dating Game (2025): A Thai BL Drama with a Star-Studded Cast and
The upcoming Thai BL drama Dating Game (2025) is generating buzz for its unique premise and star-studded cast, featuring some of Thailand’s most popular actors. Directed by Chakree Rujivipat, the series follows Hill, a former bullied geek who gains confidence through a romance game called "Yuka, Love Me Please." After becoming a programmer, he joins the game’s company, where he meets the cold CEO Junji. latestnetflix.com's read is that the dynamic between the two leads—played by Chutavuth Pattarakampol and Koji Mukai—has already sparked fan interest, especially given the series' LGBTQ+ themes and workplace romance setting.
A Star-Studded Cast with LGBTQ+ Themes
Dating Game boasts a cast of well-known Thai actors, including Natouch Siripongthon (Fluke), Tantachj Tharinpirom, and Chatchawit Techarukpong. The series is described as a workplace romance with LGBTQ+ content, blending comedy and drama. The inclusion of gay male leads and a co-produced format suggests a fresh take on BL (Boys' Love) dramas, which have gained popularity in Thailand and internationally.
The cast also features Japanese actor Koji Mukai, adding an international dimension to the production. Mukai’s role as Junji, the icy CEO, is expected to create tension with Hill, the former bullied geek turned programmer. The chemistry between the two leads is a key selling point, with fans eager to see how their relationship evolves in the workplace setting.
A Unique Premise: Romance Game Meets Workplace Drama
The series revolves around Hill, a former bullied boy who gains confidence through a romance game. After becoming a programmer, he joins the game’s company, where he encounters Junji, the cold CEO. The premise blends elements of a romance game with workplace drama, offering a mix of comedy and romance. The show’s tagline—"When his favorite romance game is axed, a reformed otaku must team up with its icy CEO to save it—if they don’t destroy each other first"—hints at a dynamic filled with tension and potential romance.
The series is set to air in July 2025, with 12 episodes planned. It will air on Mondays, with each episode running for 50 minutes. The combination of a workplace setting, LGBTQ+ themes, and a star-studded cast has already generated excitement among fans of Thai BL dramas.
Thin Behind-the-Scenes Coverage
While the series has generated buzz for its premise and cast, behind-the-scenes coverage remains thin. There are no confirmed reports about filming challenges, on-set chemistry, or directorial insights. The lack of detailed behind-the-scenes anecdotes means fans will have to wait for the series to air to see how the story unfolds and how the cast’s chemistry translates on screen.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as
unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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