Reviews

Only Friends Dream On is pure emotional chaos and I loved every second of it

I went into Only Friends: Dream On expecting chaos, drama, and emotional damage… and somehow it still exceeded my expectations. This series really feels like a beautiful disaster in the best possible way. GMMTV took everything fans loved about the original Only Friends universe — messy relationships, toxic attraction, heartbreak, jealousy, and intense chemistry — and turned the emotional tension all the way up. What makes Dream On so addictive is that nobody is completely innocent. Every character is flawed, emotional, selfish, vulnerable, and painfully human. One moment you’re screaming at them for making terrible decisions, and the next moment you completely understand why they did it. The writing keeps you emotionally trapped because every relationship feels unpredictable. The chemistry between the cast is INSANE. EarthMix brought so much emotional weight to Jack and Dean — every scene between them feels loaded with unresolved feelings and history. Meanwhile, AouBoom and JossGawin added their own flavor of tension, longing, and heartbreak that made the entire friend group dynamic feel explosive. Nobody is safe in this show emotionally. I also loved the theater setting because it mirrors the characters perfectly: everyone is acting, hiding feelings, performing for others, and slowly falling apart behind the scenes. The “Romeo & Romeo” storyline was such a smart metaphor for doomed love and obsession. It made the emotional scenes hit even harder. And honestly? This series understands BL fans who enjoy emotionally messy stories. It’s dramatic, spicy, chaotic, frustrating, heartbreaking, and impossible to stop watching. Every episode leaves you stressed but desperate for the next one. That’s the magic of Only Friends: Dream On — it doesn’t try to give you perfect love; it gives you complicated love that feels dangerously real.
For me, this is one of those BLs that stays in your head long after the episode ends. A total emotional rollercoaster — toxic, tender, and unforgettable. 🔥

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unfortunately, i guess i will have to drop, i find myself pushing myself to watch so thats a sign that im not much interested in whats happening, i think the ml Zhai Qiu Yu is extremely annoying (im talking about the character behaviors obviously), overall i think its an execution problem, i feel bored? im sure it could have been made in a way that can be more interesting,
i find myself liking the second couple more, but i dont feel like anything is captivating me enough
but anyway i wish success for every cbl as they work hard to make them in the conditions that they are in ^^
note: i heard that its Jinx manhwa live action without the acknowledge, im not sure how much true it is as i didnt check the manhwa but if its true then i hope they give credit to it

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Wrong Title and bland plot

Only Friends: Dream On has two main issues: being tied to Only Friends and having boring characters. While the series boasts a great selection of talented actors, the plot and the characters themselves are lackluster.
However, the biggest hurdle is simply existing in the world of Only Friends. OFDO would benefit so much from being called Romeo & Romeo and existing as a standalone story. The appearance of original Only Friends characters every couple of episodes (and specially Boston's involvement in the plot) didn’t add anything to the story; it only served to remind the audience of a more interesting set of characters. I’m not even the biggest Only Friends fan, but you can’t compare the two series when this one can’t even handle showing two characters kissing if they aren't in an established ship.
To top it off, the ending was boring. For a second, I thought the show would do something daring and split Dean and Jack up, but of course, they didn't. It’s a case of wasted potential and a wasted cast

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Good story, but the romance timing was just off

I had high hopes for this drama/series because I have seen Pit Babe and Pit Babe Season 2, both of which I really liked. In Goddess Bless You From Death, Pavel (as Singha) plays a detective who has to solve a case involving ritual killings. This role suits him perfectly, and he plays it convincingly. Pooh (as Thup) plays an orphan who can see ghosts. This role also suits him well, and he delivers a convincing performance.

The story starts off with seven bodies hanging from a tree in an abandoned mall, and from there on, it remains engaging and interesting. The visuals, makeup, props, and cinematography really make the scenes shine. I didn't find it particularly scary, but I have watched a lot of thrillers. It did, however, have plenty of suspense and twists that weren't too predictable.

However, while I really liked the connection and chemistry between Pavel and Pooh in their previous work, it just isn't as strong in this drama. That largely has to do with how the romance is integrated into the plot. It feels as if the writers didn't quite know where to fit the romance into the series and just ended up dropping it in randomly. That was such a missed opportunity; the dangerous situations and high-pressure circumstances provided the perfect setup for heightened physical attraction or intense romance. I could have seen this getting pretty passionate, but apparently, the writers or directors didn't see it that way. The potential was definitely there, especially since this isn't the couple's first drama together, so things could have been even more intense than before—but unfortunately, it felt dialed back.

Apart from that, it is a good show, and I think others will definitely enjoy watching it.

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Plot

The Price of Confession ini honestly SO GOOD 😭 the vibe is super addictive. every episode feels like a mind game where you keep changing your theory again and again because literally everyone looks suspicious in some way. aku nontonnya tuh kayak “ok this is the killer” but then the drama is like NOPE 😭 and everything gets twisted again. especially the murder case of the dentist’s child… THAT PART WAS CRAZY. the clues are so subtle but also misleading, so you’re always second-guessing yourself. it’s not just a thriller, it feels like psychological manipulation for the audience too 😭 like you’re forced to think deeper but still end up wrong most of the time. dan jujur pas nonton, rasanya itu campur banget: tense, curious, and kinda anxious at the same time. setiap ending episode tuh bukan “relief”, tapi malah “WAIT WHAT JUST HAPPENED??” 😭 i also love how slow-burn it is. it doesn’t rush, but every small detail matters later, so you’re constantly overanalyzing everything. bener bener tipe drama yang bikin kamu jadi detective dadakan, but you’re always one step behind. overall, it’s addictive, smart, and super frustrating in the best way 😭🔥

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A Masterful, Gut-Wrenching Triumph

Dylan Wang and Pan Yueming both delivered in this drama. I watched on Youku with SVIP and hosted discussions for this drama, and I think it's underrated because of the one-episode releases and the hiatus viewers had to put up with on Netflix and VIP... who makes people wait four days before they can continue with a mystery show? Anyway, while some parts of the drama felt slower paced, I think overall, the drama did masterly well portraying realities - if you're frustrated with some parts, that's because all of our characters are flawed in their own ways, and nothing goes smoothly because that's human behaviour. I found myself more invested as I kept watching, and enjoyed very much sharing theories with other viewers. I also found the transitions between the timelines smoother than I would have anticipated, and overall, was very impressed with the directing for this drama and how it draws out your emotions. Very happy to see Dylan Wang step out of his idol drama role and showcase his acting range. As a rookie watcher for cdrama crime/thriller/suspense, I highly recommend for starters, but I can't comment against other dramas.

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A Perfect Blend

The Wonderfools is such a warm and enjoyable drama with the perfect mix of mystery, comedy, emotion, and nostalgic vibes. Park Eun-bin was incredible as always, and Cha Eun-woo honestly surprised me the most. His acting has improved so much. he felt more natural, expressive, and emotionally connected to his character. The chemistry between both leads was beautiful and made every scene more enjoyable to watch. And of course, Cha Eun-woo looked effortlessly cute and insanely handsome in every episode. Definitely one of the most memorable K-dramas for me this year Just because of Cha eun woo.

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it was rlly wonder of Fools in it ??

Wonderfools it's a refreshing K-drama that mixes mystery, comedy, and emotional moments really well. The story feels unique, and the characters had unique roles because of their natural chemistry and realistic emotions. What makes the drama stand out is how it balances fun scenes with deeper messages about friendship, struggles, and hope. The cinematography and soundtrack also add a warm vibe that keeps viewers engaged. Some episodes may feel slightly slow, but the strong performances and interesting plot twists make up for it. Overall, Wonderfools is an entertaining and heartfelt drama that feels both comforting and exciting, making it worth watching for K-drama fans who enjoy emotional yet fun storytelling.

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More Emotional, Hotter bodies, Fewer hookups

Season 2 of “Only Friends” gives us more plot, like real plot (and not just face cards and shirtless hot bodies), but less sexiness compared to the first season. Is that a good or bad thing, that depends on what you are looking for.

“Dream On” has an excellent cast who can act (well, most of them). It explores more emotions, friendships and relationships, and fewer non-fixed pairing hookups. This is actually quite disappointing because you know who is going to end up with who, and there are no surprises, even with the appearance of shit stirrer, Boston. The lack of Boston and the chaos he brings are an injustice to those of us who like him very much in season 1. He’s a shit stirrer for sure, but at least he never tries to hide who he truly is.

Acting wise, Mix is my MVP. His character is chaotic, but real, charming but layered. Mix performed really well showing Dean’s changing emotions, even with subtle facial expressions. Despite Joss being so smoking hot, I have to say his acting is the worst of the 6 main leads. Granted, he was so much better than in “My Golden Blood”, but his frowning continues to make frequent appearances. Having said that, each pairing has excellent chemistry thus, even if the acting is not up to par, you can clearly see the actors know each other well and enjoy working together. When romance is front and center, having great chemistry is important to demonstrate all the sexual tension, jealousy, longing and seduction.

The pairings:

Dean + Jack
Dean deserves someone way better than the uber manipulative and selfish Jack. I was rooting for Dean to not end up with Jack in the end. Jack always has an upper hand in their relationship, when things are going well or not. Additionally, I get annoyed with Jack pushing up his glasses every few seconds. I know I am not going to get the ending that I want with this pair, but that’s OK. In life, there are lovers just like them.

Rome + Raffy
Something about playing Rome that makes Aou super sexy in this drama. I have never found him attractive until now. From the first moment Rome tries to seduce Raffy, to him being a dedicated non-backup, Rome has my heart. Similar to Dean, I also think Rome deserves someone better than that spoiled child. I don’t think Raffy grovels and suffers enough towards the end to deserve Rome.

Tua + Arnold
At least we get a cute and sweet pairing, after two toxic relationships. Their friends-to-lovers journey is a breath of fresh air especially when they both really seem like great guys. But this pair also has the weakest acting amongst the 6 main leads. Also, what is up with Tua’s stylist? How can a costume designer wear ugly shorts, white socks and black shoes all the time?

“Dream On” also tries to bring back characters from season 1 for different guest appearances. They are welcoming, though don’t always make sense and at times under-utilized. I realize I actually don’t miss most of them. With the ending of Season 2, doesn’t it mean Season 3 is in the works? Is GMMTV going to bring all the ships into this “Only Friends” series?

*edit*
I thought about my rating and lowered it to a solid 8.0 instead of 8.25. My love of Mix’s acting, Aou, the all-around somewhat decent acting and sexy hot bodies from Earth and Joss prompted me to give “Only Friends: Dream On” an 8. I am stingier and more critical than 3 years ago.


Completed: 5/16/2026 Review #688

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"You have made your bed, now lie in it."

Back to the Origin is a 40-episode drama available on iQIYI that dives into the world of influencers, digital agencies, the real price of ambition and what that means for your ordinary life.
The premise is already interesting: Zhang Ran quits her simple overseas job as an international buyer to accept a very lucrative offer from an MCN in China, the kind of company that manages content creators, and pulls her husband into the influencer world with her, facing misunderstandings, fame, and unrealistic expectations.
As the story moves forward, you realize this series is not about shocking plot twists or over-the-top events, it is about people. The script lets the characters feel human instead of turning them into stereotypes, and there are no magical surprises, only the consequences of small everyday decisions. It is "literally" about reaping what you sow.

At the beginning, the main couple feels like the kind of partnership that supports each other through hard times, but once they enter the world of digital fame, their personas slowly replace who they really are. The socialite persona is fake, the personal shopper persona is fake, his job as a chemistry PhD becomes a facade, his degree starts being used like an empty symbol, and internet celebrities in general feel fake. The protagonists basically trip over the same stone twice in two different countries, and the more they try to fix their lives, the worse everything gets, showing that the idea of starting over is often just self-deception, pride, and the human tendency to run away from reality when it becomes too hard.

The second couple’s relationship also starts showing cracks as the series progresses. They seem harmonious, but they want completely different things from life. She dreams of comfort and stability while he wants recognition and success. Even though they love each other, their values about work, family, and the future are incompatible. She stayed with him because she once wanted the life he had, while he always wanted the life she had, and that mismatch eventually comes at a high cost.

In the end, the series delivers a very realistic and harsh message. The characters never understood the essence of their failures. They only remembered how they failed, not why, and that is why they repeated the same mistakes.

There is also a younger group of characters that works as a contrast to the two couples. They make mistakes too, but they have time, support, and the willingness to learn. The two storylines barely connect, which feels intentional because the show wants to highlight the difference between repeating patterns and breaking the cycle.

By the end, you realize that for ordinary people, every decision has the potential to make life better or worse. That is exactly what makes this story so intriguing. It does not try to comfort the audience, it simply shows life as it is, both melancholic and satisfying at the same time.

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And the Oscar goes to....

Many say Season 2 is better than Season 1... But I disagree. It was different, less toxic but more bitchy.

We have a couple Jack & Dean which overshadowed anyone and we have one actor who did overshadow all of others: Mix. This was a role written for him and it pays off. He is the overwhelming star of this show and everyone else looks pale compared to him. We have Rome & Raffy and they are decent but nothing which made me gasp. And finally we have a couple with Arnold and Tua and they are misplaced. The do not fit in this series, they look out of place and I could not give a rat's ass about them.

Then we got Boston back for about three episodes, herding a couple together which is so against his nature when you have seen Season 1. We also got Nick aka Mark back to reconcile with Boston, so there are no bad feelings anymore. Mark did that beautifully, as expected. Of course TopMew are back for a bit and SandRay to give fans a sense of continuity. Nothing this series really needed but I consider it a fanservice.

Of course we have two "villains", first Raffy chasing Jack and not be very successful with it and Pete who wants to get Rome but Rome has already decided that Raffy is the man for him. Pete gets even worse when he took money from the theater production and caused harm to JackDean & ArnoldTua by releasing a bit of a video which gives viewers a wrong impression. While Raffy confronts Pete in the episode before the final, as in usual GMMTV tradition we don't know what happened to him and this scene was also not emotional enough. I would have thought he would be gone after he took the money, but no all the others are too forgiving and kept him in the theater production.

Also in typical GMMTV tradition everything must be a happy end. Jack & Dean seperating would have been the perfect ending for this season. They could have done a special to get them together again, but no, it had to be done in the final epsiode. As usual the script is lacking and the direction is "wobbly".

Regardless this series was for the most parts entertaining, but my quite high rating is only because of Mix. This is quite the same as with the first season where Mark left a lasting impression. Those two can act in a big variety and there are only a few other actors who can reach them. So for a GMMTV production this was good. For a thai BLs it was better than most. But the script quality was all over the place ranging from stupid to very good in the whole series.

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promising start that devolved into terrible communication

Overall: I thought I had found an obsessed ML I could vibe with, but the series is lost me with neither lead able to talk to the other for many episodes. 10 episodes about 40 minutes each. Aired on YouTube

Content Warnings: past violence & blood, coercion, near suicide, kidnapping, violence, non con kissing/touching, mental health struggles, beginning sexual assault, manhandling

Watch Suggestions
- at whatever point you start to lose interest skip to episode 10 15:55 minutes and watch until the end

What I Liked
- visuals
- the initial set up of an obsessed ML
- the brother relationship

Room For Improvement
- I've heard from several people that this is plagiarism of Jinx. Instead of boxing it's tennis, instead of a grandma it's a brother but the plot is practically identical including some dialogues. The production either needs to say they bought the rights to Jinx or they should have written their own story.
- characters were continuously stupid and refused to communicate, a 1 minute conversation would have cleared everything up
- characters went hot and cold
- choppy at times

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