
To all my obsessive BL fans, please hold onto your heartstrings because Mandee Work has brought us a show for the ages. Love Upon a Time (ภพเธอ) was released on March 27, 2026, and completely took over my nights until June 12. This historical fantasy series had me hooked from the start. I expected a standard time-travel story, but I ended up completely smitten by the protagonists.
The story follows a 20-year-old modern college student named Nakun (JJ Radchapon Phornpinit), who is suddenly thrown nearly 400 years back in time. He finds himself in the ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya. He has no belief in the supernatural, which makes his situation both hilarious and chaotic. Almost immediately, he is mistaken by the locals for the missing young man, Klao. Taking on Klao’s identity, Nakun tries to survive, figure out what really happened to Klao, and find a way back home.
Klao’s childhood best friend, Phop (Net Siraphop Manithikhun), becomes the biggest obstacle in his way. He takes one look and immediately senses that something is very wrong with the “Klao” he once knew. What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse, slowly building into an intense emotional connection set against a richly detailed historical setting.

My Thoughts on Episodes 1–12
The opening scene is a perfect introduction to Nakun’s modern life, but with a big dose of chaos. In Episode 1, we meet Nakun (JJ Radchapon Phornpinit) and his hilariously unlucky streak. I laughed out loud when he literally took off running to catch a purse snatcher. He is very relatable, and the energy he brings, compared with the traditions of the past, makes the first few episodes really fun. The comedic element is reduced in Episodes 2 and 3 to strongly highlight the atmosphere of the Ayutthaya era.
Episodes 4 and 5 bring an even more puzzling situation as Nakun discovers that the historical figures around him resemble his modern-day friends. In the past, he also sees his modern-day friends Thee (Latte Thanutchon Chankaewarmorn) and Pun (Kim Pongsaton Sittipan). The pressure builds as Phop (Net Siraphop Manithikhun) keeps a close watch on Nakun. Every time Phop looks at Nakun, it feels like the screen is about to melt.

Episodes 6 and 7 completely destroy my emotional balance with their painfully slow-burn romance. We got a beautiful confession scene and a late-night kiss that had me crying on the couch. At this point, the story also brings in deeper emotional weight, especially as Nakun starts missing his mother back in the present time.
The search for the real Klao reaches its peak in Episodes 8 and 9. The story smoothly connects the past with the present and the present with the future through a mysterious prophetess’ prediction. Episodes 10 and 11 are emotionally heavy, with difficult choices and painful compromises. The entire cast is phenomenal, bringing out every tear-worthy moment.
The finale in Episode 12 wraps up the centuries-spanning mystery with a powerful ending. I was practically sobbing through the entire episode. It gives a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the main storyline, while also delivering the romantic payoff we had been waiting for after so much angst.
The Ultimate Green Flag Meets the King of Comedy
What makes this BL so special is the explosive chemistry between the two leads. Net Siraphop plays Phop, the ultimate protective “green flag” character. Even though his role carries heavy historical responsibilities, his gentle performance still shows deep warmth and devotion toward Klao. His presence is so strong that, honestly, his “face card” is a health risk, and half the time I was just distracted by his jawline.
JJ Radchapon is truly the heart and soul of the series. His comedic timing is excellent, and his expressive reactions and eye rolls add so much charm to Nakun. He perfectly balances a slightly awkward, out-of-place modern guy in the 1600s with moments of real emotional vulnerability. Together, Net and JJ create fiery, intense chemistry that carries the emotional core of the story.

Jom and Kaew also form a very realistic and heartbreaking side story. Jom is a traditional healer who is deeply afraid of the consequences of his emotions. To protect them both from ruin, Kaew chooses to step away and make a clean break. Their storyline is heavy and emotional, and it adds a painful layer to the series as Jom struggles with regret and forgiveness.
Stunning Visuals with Slow Pacing
The production design has earned an award in my books, at least. Through Mandee Work, a beautiful world is created with Thai patterned silks, detailed traditional architecture, and stunning lighting throughout the series. The score is also gorgeous, with a strong instrumental soundtrack and a memorable main theme by FirstOne that plays in many scenes and enhances the feeling of longing.
However, there are pacing issues in the second half of the series. Some historical plotlines drag at times, and certain political discussions feel repetitive. At times, too much focus is given to smaller side subplots instead of the main Phop and Nakun storyline. The humor of the early episodes also contrasts sharply with the more tragic and emotional tone of the mid-season episodes, which can feel a bit uneven.
The Emotional Ending Explained
The final episode wraps up the story in a meaningful way, completing a cycle of cosmic time. Episode 12 finally brings closure to Nakun’s journey. He realizes that he needed to be in the past to correct a history that left the souls of Jom and Kaew restless and in pain. Once his duty is complete, the ancient portal awakens in a powerful cosmic moment, and his departure becomes inevitable.

Pobmek embraces this change wholeheartedly and builds a loving, structured routine that makes space for both sides of his partner. The final scene shows two teachers walking hand in hand through an empty schoolyard at sunset while a beautiful acoustic version of the OST plays softly in the background. It delivers a powerful message about loving someone even after they have completely changed, and it is the moment that truly makes the series feel like a mature masterpiece.
✦ Watch This If You Loved
Highly recommended for romance fans who love soul-stirring slow burns, time-travel mysteries, and rich historical settings. If you loved the destiny and reincarnation themes in “I Feel You Linger in the Air”, this series will completely sweep you off your feet.
Drama Info
TitleLove Upon a Time (2026) [ภพเธอ]
Total Episodes12 (Complete)
Review12 Episodes
GenreRomance · Fantasy · BL
Release DateMarch 27th to June 12th · 2026
Stream
🎬iQIYI
Main Cast
MAB Score
8.9/10
Overall Rating
Story
Acting
Chemistry
Cinematography
Emotional Impact
Rewatch Value — 7.5/10
The explosive chemistry between Net and JJ makes the romantic highlights highly rewatchable.



























