I went into My Sweetheart Jom expecting a light, slightly chaotic romantic comedy with a countryside twist. What I found instead was a slow burn gem with a gentle heartbeat, one that’s surprisingly grounded, deeply charming, and quietly thoughtful in how it builds character and community.

The setup is familiar on paper: city boy Yothin (Yo) ends up in rural Bang Pho after getting mixed up in city drama, where he’s placed under the supervision of Jomkhwan (Jom), the respected and quietly magnetic village head. But what unfolds across the first five episodes is far more nuanced than I expected.

Let’s talk about Yo. With a plot like this, I braced myself for a “spoiled brat turns soft” arc but that’s not what we get at all. Poom Nuttapart plays Yo with balance and surprising warmth. Even when Yo is clearly out of his element, he’s never truly unbearable. He’s observant. Curious. He pushes boundaries, yes, but more out of youthful energy than arrogance. And perhaps most importantly, there’s a maturity in Yo that makes his connection with Jom feel earned and real, not forced.

Which brings me to the chemistry between Yo and Jom. Saint Suppapong brings a quiet strength to Jom that grounds every scene he’s in. Together, their energy is restrained, but rich. There’s no lightning bolt moment, no over-the-top trope that throws them together in a flurry of passion. Instead, there’s a steady draw, a feeling that they see each other clearly in ways others don’t. That they listen to one another, even when the words are few. It’s refreshing.

Their relationship isn’t fueled by instant attraction or convenient tropes, it’s built on respect. A friendship slowly taking root in a place where trust has to be earned. The show does a fantastic job of letting the community around them, such as the school kids, elders, farmers, and neighbors, feed into that relationship, making the town itself feel like a character in its own right.

Episode 5, in particular, feels like a turning point. The lighthearted village rhythm we’ve grown used to is suddenly disrupted, and in that disruption, we see Jom and Yo’s concern for each other begin to deepen. There’s a shift, not just in how they see each other, but in how they carry the weight of what’s happening around them in the town and in their personal lives. It hints at a story that may be far more poignant than its rom-com packaging lets on.

And while I haven’t read the novel this is based on, there’s something undeniably tender in the theme of found family here. The way the town rallies behind Jom. The way Yo, despite being a newcomer, starts to earn his own place. There’s a softness to it that never strays into cringey or overly sweet, even with the humor and occasional innuendo. Every character serves a purpose, and somehow, the show juggles an ensemble cast without ever feeling overcrowded.

In a sea of BL dramas that lean hard into attraction first, My Sweetheart Jom stands out for its choice to start with community, care, and connection. It’s not just about falling in love, it’s about belonging.

If you’re looking for a romantic drama that sneaks up on you with heart, humor, and a deep sense of place, My Sweetheart Jom is worth your time. It might just surprise you the way it surprised me. I’m looking forward to the next episode.

Check My Sweetheart Jom out now on YouTube.

Rating- 4 out of 5