As far as this show goes regarding queer-baiting — I don't think it's queer-baiting in the usual sense, because GMMTV made it very clear from the start that it was going to be a bromance. They're not trying to turn it into a will-they-won't-they. However, GMMTV does use queer-baiting as a marketing tactic, constantly entertaining the idea of Sky and Nani in a BL, knowing damn well they're not going to act in one.
Comparing HSF to WU, HSF had an actual reason to be as "gay" as it was. Saint and Shin's love for each other had to be so intense it bordered on romantic, since it added emotional depth to the story. It would have been very hard for viewers to care as much about their relationship if their friendship had been presented the same way most male friendships are in media. But in WU, their "gayness" feels a bit forced. I love the setup of their relationship and Niran and Pete do share a deep, genuine connection. But there are also a lot of moments mixed in with the authentic ones that are clearly only added for fan service. This is most likely because, after the success of HSF, GMMTV realized how much money they can make by making something somewhat gay without having to commit to an actual queer storyline. That said, I'm still very much enjoying WU, I just think it would be better if they tuned down the fan service a bit.
I get that they only have eight episodes, so yeah, they have to move fast. But why does it feel like nothing is actually happening? Each episode has maybe one semi-important moment, and the rest just feels like filler. We’re five episodes in… something should’ve happened by now. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying Arisa and Wei Ling’s whole push-and-pull rivalry. The romance is cute, and I’m really anticipating the angst to come. The acting is fine, and Faye and Atom do have good chemistry. But the story just feels kinda shallow. Five episodes in and I still barely know these characters, so it’s hard to really care about any of them.
Lalita Lakorn on YouTube posts most of Mew's dramas with Thai subtitles on her channel. You can use those subtitles and auto-translate them into any language you want.
Comparing HSF to WU, HSF had an actual reason to be as "gay" as it was. Saint and Shin's love for each other had to be so intense it bordered on romantic, since it added emotional depth to the story. It would have been very hard for viewers to care as much about their relationship if their friendship had been presented the same way most male friendships are in media.
But in WU, their "gayness" feels a bit forced. I love the setup of their relationship and Niran and Pete do share a deep, genuine connection. But there are also a lot of moments mixed in with the authentic ones that are clearly only added for fan service. This is most likely because, after the success of HSF, GMMTV realized how much money they can make by making something somewhat gay without having to commit to an actual queer storyline. That said, I'm still very much enjoying WU, I just think it would be better if they tuned down the fan service a bit.