The Boy Next World (2025)

THE STALKER DOWNSTAIRS

But for real though, Cir needs therapy not a boyfriend, cuz this man has a master degree in stalking and graduated with honours in lying. Still, did y’all see that CAKE?? Lord have mercy. Anyway cake aside, what in all things confusing was 85% of this drama? Is that fine delulu stalker from a parallel universe or not?

Now, before we get into the review, let’s put the confusing plot, characters and the drama itself aside for a moment and talk about that CAKE… I meant, Cir, and kissing. The chemistry in this drama between the leads was insane, though, I’m still laughing at that scene in ep6 when Phu pulled down those pants and went into shock. LMAO what did that poor boy see with his eyeballs? Anyway, the CAKE, I mean Cir, makes kissing look like an art form. That stalker needs to give classes on kissing to some people. I don’t know who, but some… oh, who am I kidding, I already have a list of who:

PEOPLE WHO NEEDS TO ATTEND CIR’S KISSING CLASSES.
1. Who: PEEM. Drama: We Are. REASON: Y’all saw him kiss Phum at the beach right? Poor Phum would have had a better time making out with that canoe beside them instead.
2. Who: STYLE. Drama: The Heart Killers. REASON: I’m sure his twins Daonuea and Zo would agree with me, that you need to open your mouth to call it kissing, otherwise what’s the point?
3. Who: KONGTHAP. Drama: My Love Mix-Up! REASON: Boy was giving Atom nothing, and Atom was trying very hard.
4. Who: SAINT & SHIN: Drama: High School Frenemy: REASON: They gave us nothing, literally, nothing. Their faces and lips didn’t even touch, not once. Boooo, out there using the excuse of bromance. Talking 'bout we're just friends. Booooo.

That being said, imma also need either Joke, Bison, Joe or Third to teach Cir how to cry beautifully cuz… damn fam, he’s crying during that scene when he returned from the parallel world, and it’s all sad and I feel for him, sure the CAKE was like right there too, but for once it’s not the focus cuz my thoughts went: ‘damn, is that the crying we going with?’ Brotha, why?

Also, is every lead character allergic to the rain? Why these people out there acting like they’d die or melt if they get wet? Let us be serious in this life peoples! It’s just water, you will not die. Cir rushed in there, CAKE and all, wet himself, like Phu was seconds away from dying and if he didn’t bring him that umbrella he’d turn into the wicked witch and melt! Dude—W-A-T-E-R! Or am I just bitter no one brings me an umbrella? Whatever, it’s still h2o.

Anyway, not gonna lie, it took me days to watch the first episode of this drama, cuz it was so dull and boring it put me to sleep each time I tried. I read the novel, I knew what was happening, still, five minutes in and I was counting CAKE, sheep. It took about 3-4 episodes before I got into the rhythm.

First off, to me, this is genuinely the most interesting Me Mindy drama I’d ever watched, and that’s saying something cuz we got what we got here, lots of stuff, confusion and no glue to hold it all together. Even so, the premise was interesting, super confusing and lacked substances, yes, but interesting nonetheless. And apart from that we got a decent acting from Boss who’ve improved sooooo much. Applauds, dude, you did a good job with this CAKE, mhm, sorry, this character.

Listen, I read the novel before this aired, and like many of you was super disappointed when the conclusion was that Cir was a stalker this whole time. Immediately, I wanted to throw my tablet away cuz dafug? I’ve been rooting for a delulu stalker this whole time, and I’m supposed to be happy he got his happy ending? Nah fam, get that boy some help, don’t make him come add his trauma on top of Phu’s own. But—but, I was still happy they at least found each other, healing together and whatnot.

PLOT:
Interesting premise, but as mentioned, confusing, and they could have done so much more with the execution and the characters. All the back and forth of whether Cir was from parallel universe or not, only for episode 8 to say yes, and then episode 9 to completely undo it like: 'nope, he’s just a CAKE...mhm, sorry, a stalker. Like, pick a lane drama, what are you trying to sell me?

Side note: why the hell did Cir keep that book with pictures and evidence of his stalking? Child, at least be professional and hide it under the bed or something like a proper creep. It was like he wanted to get caught. And as for Phu, all those years and you telling me he didn't notice him once?? Literally, he was everywhere, close, stalking you. Come on child!

For anyone who is still confused, let me try and confuse you some more by explaining the plot how I understood it:
—The parallel universe thing is as real as that CAKE. When Cir got hurt in ep1 trying to stop those thieves from stealing Phukan’s car, his soul was exchanged with one of the Cirs', or at least he went to that white room where he saw the lives of the other CAKES, hmm, Cirs with their Phukans. He saw a similar universe to his own, where instead of not answering that cup telephone in his universe, in that universe he did. So, when he woke up, thinking it was only a dream, cuz he wished he’d answered that cup call, his lying arse was like, ‘damn son, I almost died, and I still don’t have this boy I’ve been stalking since high school, so let me rush over there and tell him I’m from another universe'. Either that or he was still high on the dream , or that CAKE he’s carrying around made him tired and he actually thought everything he saw in the parallel universe was his real life that's why he rushed over to Phu, but by the time he came to his senses it was too late, Phu already believed him, and he was closer to his heart desire now and didn’t want to loose him. So then, the lying games begun.

So yeah, parallel universes exists, the CAKE is real too, and Cir just thinks they are his dream cuz it’s the lie he told Phu and he thinks it's why he’s dreaming about it. Cuz the P’Payu looking Cir did not have a scar and stalker Cir had a scar, so there must be a parallel universe, right? or at least some soul/body changing stuff going on. Plus I think in the finale they eluded to Cir himself knowing/believing the parallel universes exists.

Anyway, that’s what I understood from both the drama and the novel, and it make sense in my head, so yaay for me. Also, I was happy the writers decided to give us more indepth-ish explanation of the parallel universe than we got in the book, cuz it helped explained a thing or two. Another difference between the novel and the drama is, the novel was sadly devoid of any CAKE. For shame.

CHARACTERS
I liked Cir and Phu together when all is said and done, cuz they needed each. After the truth came out, they realised they were the light in each other's lives. Yes, Cir was a lying stalker with trauma the size of the iceberg that sunk the titanic, but underneath it all he was a caring boyfriend. I’m not excusing his behavior, just stating facts, cuz when he did get Phu he treated him right, like he was the most precious thing in the world, which he was, to him.

Still, Cir was a stalker. Yes, he was handsome and had CAKE, but what we won’t do is excuse his actions. He did stalk Phu for years, asked about where he'd attend uni, and even moved into the same building as him. Like?? and how the eff did he know about Phu's private stuffs and the passcode and whatnot? This dude manipulated Phu into thinking they were together by knowing so many private things about him, and some of y’all don’t find that alarming? Sure Cir was scared of what his crazy mother would do if he went after Phu, still, he didn’t need to turn into a professional stalker. Plus even when he pretended to be from a parallel universe so they could be together, the mother still tried to have people ran Phu over with a car, so…?

Phukan on the other hand was very demure to the point of naivety and needed to be slapped with a rubber chicken a few times, cuz who would even believe that parallel universe nonsense? But then again, if that CAKE, I mean, Cir, had shown up on my doorsteps soaking wet and saying we were dating, heck I’d have done the same. I’d have been like: ‘Yep, I super remember. You're my boyfriend. You went out to get me bread and didn’t come back. I thought yous was dead, glad you aint though, welcome back baby boo.’

When all is said and done, they both needed each other. Phu is alone, his mommy gone cuz she couldn’t handle the father’s death. Cir is whatever he is now cuz his mother is a psycho and his father is whatever. Together I’m sure after all the trust have been rebuilt, they’d healed each other and be amazing together. Acting wise Boss improved from what I saw in LITA. Noeul... well, there’s always the next drama. But when it comes to chemistry, hands down these two are one of the best in the bl world. WOW.

Secondary Characters:
I liked Jin and Wim, so straight to the point, refreshing. Though that mind reading powers did Jin so dirty when he needed it. I’d watch a whole drama with them if they give us one. They could have done more with Jin though, he just smiled and stared at people and that was it. What a waste of an interesting power. I'm glad they had their happy ending, though in the finale when Wim was confessing with all that mmms and his back to Jin, I was like, 'Well, congratulations Jin, I guess you're now dating the back of his head.' LMAO, I get he was shy, but it made me laugh. Also, Wim was a good friend to Cir.

The two girls were very protective of Cir, but like, a bit chilling please. Then again Cir was so naive, like you’re in uni, you’ve been letting Cir and his CAKE do stuff to you, start acting your age so your friends don't treat you like a child who needs protecting all the time.

Achi, dude was self obsessed and so dumb, then again a beautiful girl was involved, which brings me to the wannabe fiancée. I am sorry, but if I looked like a tall beautiful goddess like she did, I would definitely, 100% not be chasing after any person. Sure the CAKE was a plus when it came to Cir, but like, to look like that and have people labeling you crazy cuz of some dude who don’t even want you is next level sad and pathetic. And Cir's mother... that woman needs jail or rewiring. Cir's parents were the worse. Not his brother though, he's the best. Saw Ozone and went... 'Omg X, what you doing here? Is Namping still dead?' nooo Nampinggggggg :(((.

One thing this drama did very well was their soundtrack. Already the title truck was so dope, I didn't skip it once, loved the way Boss started it, and how Noeul came in. Loved it. That 'Shiver' song in ep5 while Cir did that thing with his mouth and the CAKE was like right in our faces... well, it's been on repeat, the song I mean. Thanks for the song rec drama, though having to remember Cirs work and Phu's reaction each time it plays is...? And what did Cir do in that bathroom after that scene? You know what, am too innocent, don't tell me.

FINALE:
I went into the finale with a list of questions waiting for answers, so I jumped when Jin was like:
Jin: Oh, I can read minds, so I know Cir wasn't lying to Phu.
ME: OMG, really? then explain it to us, slowly, in baby language!
JIN: So 20 something years ago, I was born... *insert him telling us his life story.*
ME: Oh no, so sad. Real sad for you. *Me on the inside* DUDE JUST TELL ME WHY ALREADY THIS AINT ABOUT YOU.
JIN: *Proceed to talk about his feelings and tries to get himself a boyfriend*
ME: OMG, FIND LOVE ON YOUR ON TIME SHARON. Peoples, we only have an hour and we've wasted half on Phu's brooding!

Of course, the biggest question of the finale was if Phu would forgive Cir. So during the video, when Cir said he knew Phu might think he's a disgusting psycho, which well... and he was explaining stuff, I felt bad for Cir. Yes, he's hurt, but it's by his own actions so, do the crime, do the time. Still, I was all emotional and feeling sad for him and going 'Come on Phu, forgive the stalker, he loves you so much, get that CAKE,' then this dude, start's singing/crying. And normally I'd cringe, laugh and skip like I did that first time he sang to Phu, but he was just so sad and pathetic, it would have been cruel to laugh, so I just sat through the whole thing with confused emotions. The whole scene was just so awkwardly...sad, both in an emotionally and 'I'm judging you-ing-ly' way.

But of course, as it is with these dramas, after the video, boom, Phu forgives him, and even end up saying he's sorry. Oh love, love, love, love, how I wish I could throw rocks in your eyeballs. This boy, later was even asking about all the ways Cir stalked him, and smiling like...child??? Love is indeed blind, or dumb as eff depending on how you look at it. I'm not saying anything, but I'm sure the CAKE made Phu's decision to forgive him a little bit easier.

And that Mother calling her children properties. Some people don't deserve a family. And although I saw it coming, watching Cir leave his brother in his place to their psychotic mother was wild. Homeboy left with Phu, and while Phu was getting his back blown against the wall, I was like... so you're just gonna throw your brother to the defected wolf like that, huh? No effs were given by them, whatsoever.

Anyway, everything ended happily for our two pairs. Well, Ozone's stuck with that mother. Someone better check on him, he might be out there stalking someone too to stay sane. Oh, and we also got to see a glimpse of the next world with the P'Payu looking Cir, so I'm guessing there might be more coming our way.

Overall, this was a decent show, some confusing things we’d never get answers to, some cringy acting we’ve learned to accept, very good chemistry between the leads and an interesting premise, but that was about it. It felt rushed towards the end, and many things could have been done differently or explained better, but overall, it was an enjoyable show. Stay with it, even if like me, in the beginning, you find it boring, it is, but it gets better. I’ll recommend it to bl lovers, cuz it’s worth at least a watch.

I’m looking forward to BossNoeul’s next drama, I'm sure it would be as interesting as this CAKE, I meant, premise... oh who am I kidding, y'all saw that CAKE too right? Like, it was right there, in every scene and... you know what, nevermind, let's leave it as it is. CAKE.

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The multiverse that never was!

The drama was disappointing dive into unfinished realities. It had all the right ideas but honestly, it missed the mark in a big way. The whole concept of parallel universes and shifting timelines sounded interesting at first, but instead of exploring those alternate reality possibilities, the show spends way too much time on the love story part which didn't land well for me either.

The writing felt all over the place and by the last episode I wondered if this could just have been a university BL and worked better instead of this mess of an over-ambitious multiverse project.

The pacing of the drama was another issue for me. The first half drags with too much focus on romance, while forgetting that they introduced a subplot of parallel timelines. We barely get to see them explore that side. When the drama finally decided to dive deep , it was too late. The final episode didn't tie any lose ends for me leaving too many whys unanswered.

The chemistry between the leads doesn't save this sinking ship for me either. They had good chemistry in another project I have seen of them but here it felt sort of forced and flat. The NC scenes were good and spicy , but not enough to convince me they were lovers in each and every world if it exists.

Second couple was sweet but not enough attention and screen time was given to them to make their relationship feel genuine. The pace was way too fast leaving questions in my head as to when did they actually fall in love or started liking each other. Very random but I liked their chemistry between than the mains.

Overall, pretty disappointing because this could have been so much more. The potential was there, but it ended up feeling like a bit of a letdown, never quite figuring out what it wanted to be.

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Whaaaaat?

Let's get straight into it.
BNW is a big pile of doodoo. Whatever they're trying to achieve is lost in a stale and inconsistent storyline. Now the only interesting things were the mind reading and existence of the alternate world. There were factors that spoiled what could've been a unique story. Factors being bad acting, unrealized plot and irritating main and side characters.

Noeul has not grown as an actor. Like the LITA cast, they are stuck at that level with no maturity besides the added years. Noeul is basically acting the same role - innocent and clueless. Boss being the exception was the only reason to reach this far. They do nc scenes well which is a poor selling point as actors who are not in the porn industry. Admittedly, there is a level of comfort between them that some others don't have. Side characters aside, Noeul's delivery of his lines are part of his character but really irritating to hear. Phu slept with Cir twice before running away confused about his feelings which only resolves after Cir got in an accident. One word, boring. What was this incessant need to keep repeating their names? The tally of this might account for half the script.

Cir, in the alternate world (dream world unconsciousness) meets the previous version of himself and learns the reason of the past lives. Their endings have not been happy. He's trapped there until Phu cries out his deep love for him and only then is he returned to his physical body. Here's where it gets tricky. The Cir that Noeul loves has a scar on forehead. The other Cir does not. So does the scar disappear and materialize depending on which version of Cir's consciousness inhabits the body? Make it make sense. Even at the end there is no explanation for this inconsistency.

It is revealed that Cir has been his protector and stalker for a few years which leaves to beg, why the pretense? Phu seems to be a kind hearted gentle neurotic soul and would have accepted him, so why the pretense. If this is to protect from his mother, why did he eventually contact him? The deal with his mother was one final year of freedom before joining the company. Why contact Phu when the relationship had a deadline? To confuse him more?

Phu meets Cir's unwanted fiancé, gets slapped, is saved by Cir who rebuffs all the parties that caused their meeting and is taken away to safety. Directly after, whilst sitting in the apartment, Phu asks Cir if he has met with the fiancé and how did it go? 😳 My confusion level had me thinking that I probably napped here. Was Cir not next to him when the fiancé show down happened, so what is he asking here? Was there a telepathic meeting the viewer didn't see? Inconsistent and poor editing. Throughout the series there have been other repetitive nonsensical conversations, but this being the most glaring.

Genuine question here, do all female side characters have to sound like harpies? Why can't they be seen as even tempered beautiful women? They are either physically aggressive, delusional or erratic. Can't this be banished and more multilayered characters be written? This would be a welcomed change. Though it was great to see his Phu's friends so protective of him except that one idiot.

Now to the mind reading. Unless I've missed it, it's not clear how Jin acquired the ability to do so. It is interesting and since meeting Wim, he has liked him and still was able to use it. When he confesses to him, it's suddenly lost. So verbalizing his thoughts took them away and he is like everyone else, guessing his way through the relationship. Wim, the most polarizing character with his incessant need to speak, doesn't believe him. Upon confirmation from Cir, he is willing to be let Jin in. Honestly, their story would have been more entertaining that what this was. Nine episodes of lies, and one full of repetitive declarations.

Cir's mother is displayed as deranged and despicable. Now, we see why Cir needs an alternate universe to survive. The solution to her wanting to trade one property for another is not met with a white padded room and restraints but entertained. The fiancé, what was her motive to marry someone who clearly despised her? Money? On meeting her intended mother in law, any sane person would refuse. Conclusion: they all need the white padded room and restraints.

This series left me wanting more than just great nc scenes. The plot needed to be tightened, the acting upgraded and the characters likeable. This was 10 episodes of boring, unimaginative lies and unlikeable characters save Jin and Ramil. Will not be re-watching. Once is more than enough.

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I'm disappointed but not surprised.

Okay, I'm not going to lie: this series disappointed me. I've like the two leads since Love In The Air and let me be so clear, their performances are not the issue with this series. The plot is the problem here. From stalking to parallel worlds (when there weren't any in the book to begin with), the plot is riddled with bad story arcs and decisions. Also, the side couple who I enjoyed had next to no development. The chemistry and performance of the leads couldn't save this series in my eyes, and I typically enjoy semi-toxic romance stories. I honestly think the problem with this series wholly lies in the script, but this is typical of a work by Mame.

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Im soo Done

This is just soooo sad ,im done with MAME and clikbaits stories.
To be honest when the story it self is soo bad then you have to relay on clickbait of of sexy scene and cutness of Actors, you've lost the way.
This goes for this serie and Love sea , because after LITA(love in the air) i wish these young Actors would have improuved.
The sad part of it is not showcassing improuvement of these Actors, i think instead of intensifiying how you ship these couples and somehow they only seen while acting for fan service acts ,make sure to invest in their acting skills and evolvement in that Carrier they trying to have.
It's undisirable and damiging for these Actors, to only be seen and be admired for that fact only.
Im sorry but my comment is addressed to all those companies behind these Actors, because i do believe that these kids are genuinely trying ,but you are not helping.
Make sure that the audience (we the fans) knows that these are Actors and they acting (is a job as any other) stop shipping and pairing them ,so they can have more opportunity to act and learn on multi lever .
I apologise if if cross the line but is my opinion.

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Good Idea but Terrible Execution

This series had an excellent and new idea for the plot, but the overall execution was terrible. I wished that they would have delved more into the parallel world and its mysteries. However, the story was more about a shallow love story with no depth in their love for each other. I couldn't feel any chemistry between the main leads this time, which is very shocking considering how hot they looked in Love in the Air. At the end, it became another weak BL series that uses porn as fillers. I am ok with using sex to sell the series, but I don't think that would work if viewers couldn't feel the love between the leads. Overall, it's just another one-time watch that everyone will forget soon.

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I am hooked

Another new concept ✨️, I am so happy that I am starting my new year with an amazing drama.

This is the story of two parallel worlds, both of them were a couple but for some reason they were separated and forgot each others memories. But one day the ML ( Played by Boss ) suddenly recalled some nostalgic memories about him and the MC ( Played by Noeul ) and was trying to fix everything.

This drama is going to be a masterpiece definitely, their acting skills are improving day by day , most healthiest part is the supportive friends of both ML & MC , they are like " I can do anything for my friend " . Cinematography is chef's kiss 💋, the way they are portraying their characters, is definitely outstanding 👌

No more talking, just try one episode, you will understand.

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The Boy Who Never Was

Let me preface this by saying, I think Boss and Noeul are great! They have fantastic chemistry and I think their acting overall is solid. However, this series was probably one of the biggest misses of this year I'm predicting. Everyone was waiting for a series from just these two, since we already got LoveSea. However, it didn't deliver. The plot made no sense, there were so many loose plot threads. The parallel universe thing still doesn't make sense if its real or not, literally what was all the visions in the head and supposedly swapping bodies once on about? I also take serious issue with Cir's character. He's a stalker, period. It doesn't matter that he's hot or its not in ill intent, its still stalking and lying. He is clearly a very troubled character and his parents are to blame for much of that. However, it doesn't excuse that entire part of the story with him stalking Phu since high school. That's not love, though I do think they had it at the end. What a mess, watch 'Love in the Air' like I did for the tenth time instead of this.

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Why the mind twist?

Undoubtedly, this would have worked much better as a fantasy. Instead, they tried to fool us into thinking it is and then wildly twisting the plot into making it fit into our ‘reality’ only to fail miserably on all fronts. This series is a complete mess, Painful as it is for me to say this, this story should never have been made. This relationship is based upon two individuals who live in an illusion. One created it while the other wants it. It does not mean necessarily that their love is not real or could learn to be real. But it does mean that the foundation and its development were based on false premises and no amount of ‘feel good’ bedroom scenes can make it real. The real notion is they barely KNOW each other! There is nothing normal and in fact real about this series. If only this series had been a fantasy!

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Well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I watched that, it was something that could have been great but just wasn't. Like how gullible was Phu, Cir was from a parallel universe but had friends and family drama in this one, hmmmmmmm red flag. It was stalking and stalking is stalking even if they are handsome.
The Thing that got me the most and no-one has commented is Phu’s best friend knew about Cir but never told him and kept it to himself to get a date. Man find new friends.

Was in invested in second couple until I wasn't. Wim was a whiny thing and Jin thought being scolded all the time was cute, no just no.

What was Rome character???? Attracted to fish 🤷🏿

Non of the friends were great except the two girls for Phu, and the way they spoke to each other wow who needs enemies. (It also could be the translation).

I watched Love Sea and skipped all Boss’s and Noeul’s parts, thought they were terrible. But omg they were brilliant in this. Their chemistry, their eye contact, their being around each other was so natural. Best I mean best S$x scenes ever, brilliantly done, they spoke about it and how you can be sore, but also talked after about it, just didn't move on. Also their facial expressions during it was real very real, like they were really enjoying it, really well done. Kissing fantastic, Noeul tried so hard to match Boss’s. They really did their characters proud.
Will watch them again but hopefully a better story next time.

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Felt like we abandoned the plot somewhere

The Boy Next World was a show I was really looking forward to based on the trailer. Boss and Noeul have great chemistry, and I was excited to see them try out something a bit different - except, it didn't feel any different. The characters felt oddly similar to their roles in Love in the Air, and the parallel world plot somehow felt like an afterthought even though that's the entire premise of the show.

After Cir (Boss) is hit by a car, he wakes up in the hospital in search of his boyfriend, Phukan (Noeul). However, it seems that Phu isn't his boyfriend at all, even though he knows everything about him as if he were. Cir must convince Phu that he's from a parallel world and win his heart in this world too, all while dealing with an overly controlling mother.

I was SO excited to see the parallel world aspect of this show play out, but was very disappointed with it! We barely got anything on it (or the whole mind reader thing?) and it left me wanting so much more from this show. I feel like they were banking on people watching for Boss and Noeul, and didn't bother putting in much effort to the storyline of the show. The worldbuilding just felt so underwhelming, and the ending didn't feel satisfying at all. I feel like they tried to smash too many ideas together, and didn't have time to truly explore the one really unique aspect of this show, which is this idea of multiple versions/timelines of Cir and Phu. I think this is only worth watching if you're a fan of Boss and Noeul.

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