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We have complied some of the most problematic moments from various versions of F4, proving that the series normalizes—even promotes—harmful behaviors ranging from bullying, kidnapping to sexual abuse, and why the plot should be heavily improved if there is to be a Thai version.
In the opening scene, the show introduces F4, a powerful group of school bullies that threatens whoever crosses or irritates them. The target has a "red note" on their locker, and they are not to be helped. In the Korean F4, one of their victims is so hurt she attempts suicide.
In Taiwanese F4, Ming Si (lead guy) once forced a kiss on Shan Cai (lead girl). It was so violent that her clothes were ripped. Even though the show tries to show Ming Si's remorse, he never apologized. The only thing he said was "Don't cry", and the bullying continues.
In Korean F4, when Jan-di (lead girl) would not listen to Jun-pyo (lead guy), he takes revenge by sending his minions to "scare/warn" her. While waiting, Jun-pyo said "I bet her clothes are off by now," intending sexual assault. Fortunately, Jan-di was rescued by an F4 member.
In Chinese F4 (2018), Daoming Si intentionally orders too much food from Shancai's mother's restaurant and uses it to insult her: "I paid for it. I can do anything I want with it.". When Shancai gets angry and calls out his mean behaviors, he throws the boxes of food at her face.
In Korean F4, after a friend of Jan-di trips and the ice cream she's holding falls onto Jun-pyo's shoes, he rejects her apologies and instead tells her, if sorry fixes it, why do we need police?". When she says she's willing to do anything, he demands "lick my shoes."
In Japanese F4, when Tsukushi (lead girl) is excommunicated, fake news about her is painted on the cafeteria's walls: "Tsukushi has had abortions five times", "Whore." Not only does it perpetuate slut-shaming, it also asserts a questionable standpoint that abortion is shameful.
In Taiwanese F4, Ming Si orders the "kidnapping" of Shancai (a crime, btw) so that he could give her a makeover. He later implies that she would be happy to be spoiled and offered luxuries, which promotes the idea that girls can be bought, and rich guys are always sought after.
Possibly one of the biggest problems with all versions of F4 is that people simply stand by and watch when there's bullying or violence going on. Reinforced here is the belief that it is not your responsibility to intervene, that it's okay let the victims be hurt and traumatized.
In short, the premise of F4 and its romance revolve around the harassment of a woman by a privileged man, further promoting the notions that "no means yes" or "woman falls for her bully". It is this misogynistic pattern that in 2020 we should be working to combat, not reinforce.
It's difficult to see how the Thai producers are going to fix a show that is outdated and toxic at its core. Because F4 obviously does not fit the current climate of political awakening, it raises the question of whether this show is better off not being remade ever again.
