Only For Love, the highly acclaimed Chinese drama of 2023, captivated audiences worldwide with its exploration of love, ambition, and friendship in a relatable modern context. The drama resonated with viewers as the story reflects real-life situations, drawing fans into its heartfelt narrative. Starring Dylan Wang and Bai Lu, two prominent figures in the Chinese entertainment industry, the drama has garnered widespread attention.
With its growing popularity, Only For Love is now ranked sixth globally (excluding China) on V-Pulse over the past 90 days, achieving an impressive score of 84,437. This insight is gathered based on public data from social media and video platforms and analysed through V-Pulse’s research model.
As indicated in the chart, Only For Love consistently attracted interest from Chinese drama viewers globally:

For you to keep up with the latest trends in the entertainment industry, explore Audience Analytics to get in-depth, real-time insights into the most popular Chinese dramas today!
2023 & 2024 comparative analysis of IP trends in Southeast Asia
This data explores the popularity of various types of content in Southeast Asia, comparing the reception of Only For Love to a similar romance genre based on V-Pulse’s popular Chinese drama rankings. By analysing audience preferences in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, our goal is to gain insight into the performance of Only For Love among viewers in these regions.
1. Indonesia
- Only For Love vs. When I Fly Towards You

Popularity scores collected from V-Pulse show that Only For Love has a higher score of 8,707 compared to When I Fly Towards You in Indonesia. This strong performance has positioned Only For Love as the number one Chinese drama in the romantic storytelling chart in the last 14 days.
Comparison for both search IPs as of September 3, 2024:

2. Thailand

- Only For Love vs. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love
Meanwhile, in Thailand, Only for Love is also renowned as the top Chinese drama in the region, competing with Amidst a Snowstorm of Love for a heartfelt narrative. V-Pulse data indicates that Only For Love gained a popularity score of 13,633 in the last 14 days, making it the number one and highly rated Chinese drama in the rankings.
Comparison for both search IPs as of September 3, 2024:

3. Vietnam
Only For Love vs. Till The End Of The Moon

Last but not least, in the current Chinese drama rankings on V-Pulse, Only For Love is ranked 4th in Vietnam with a popularity score of 3,759. Outpacing Till The End Of The Moon, it continues to draw interest in the region, proving its enduring popularity over the last 14 days.
Comparison for both IP trends as of September 3, 2024:

Through this entertainment analytics, not only can audiences get a pulse on trending Chinese drama globally, but producers, marketers, and distributors can make an informed decision to enhance audience engagement.
Keep reading as we explore the world of Only For Love to understand why it has gained immense attention.
Plot overview
This romantic drama centres around Zheng Shu Yi, a talented and ambitious reporter, and Shi Yan, a young, enigmatic CEO leading a successful venture capital company. Their paths cross when Shu Yi seeks an exclusive interview with Shi Yan for a financial magazine to showcase his innovative approach to supporting startups. As Zheng Shu Yi delves deeper into her investigation, her professional rivalry with Shi Yan gradually transforms into a complex and emotionally charged relationship. Despite their initial clashes, the two are drawn to each other, leading to a romantic entanglement.
Only For Love’s theme showcases power dynamics, ambition, and sacrifices in deal-making in the finance industry. Alongside its corporate intrigue, it also delves into the collision of personal and professional lives as the characters struggle to balance their career aspirations with personal happiness.
The inevitable breakup
Zheng Shu Yi betrays Shin Yin in the course of this story. Despite their mutual love, their relationship becomes strained due to trust issues, a lack of communication, and the burden of past actions. These factors add tension and lead to their eventual breakup.
What is each episode about?
Only For Love consists of 36 compelling episodes. Each episode builds on the emotional tension, revealing more about the characters’ backstories and their internal struggles, leading to the dramatic highs and lows of their relationship.
Here’s the breakdown of the story arcs:
- Introduction and conflict (Episodes 1-8): The initial encounters between Zheng Shu Yi and Shi Yan and it is fueled by professional and personal interests.
- Growing attraction (Episodes 9-16): The relationship gets deepened, but trust issues and external challenges arise.
- Crisis and separation (Episodes 17-24): An eventful crisis that leads to a painful breakup driven by misunderstandings.
- Reconciliation and Conclusion (Episodes 25-36): They confront their past, reconcile, and ultimately reunite.
Cast
Only For Love features an exciting pair of leads, combining well-known stars in the Chinese entertainment industry.
1. Dylan Wang as Shi Yan
Shi Yan, played by the charismatic Dylan Wang, is a young and enigmatic CEO leading a successful venture capital company. His character is ambitious and determined, maintaining a cold and unapproachable expression. However, beneath this icy exterior is a man with deep emotions, trying to balance his personal and professional life.
Off-screen, Dylan Wang is a rising star known for his good looks and acting prowess. His fame goes beyond China, placing him a spot among the top 8 popular actors globally over the past 90 days. With a notable score of 11,761, he solidifies his standing as a key figure in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Dylan Wang’s popularity according to V-Pulse data as of August 29, 2024:

Here’s what fans are buzzing about Dylan Wang:

2. Bai Lu as Zheng Shu Yi
On the other hand, Zheng Shu Yi is portrayed by Bai Lu, an ambitious reporter working for a financial magazine. Her character is driven by her passion for uncovering compelling stories and her sharp instinct for news. Besides her professional life, her compassion for those she cares about adds depth to her character, making her a well-rounded and relatable character.
Outside of her role, Bai Lu maintains a solid presence in the Chinese entertainment industry. Over the last 90 days, she has consistently ranked among the top 2 actresses globally, achieving a popularity score of 208,394. Her engaging personality and versatile acting skills have earned her a strong fanbase far and wide.
Bai Lu’s popularity as seen on V-Pulse data on August 29, 2024:

Fans often refer to Bai Lu as:

Want to track the rankings and updates for your favourite Chinese stars like Dylan Wang and Bai Lu? Head over to V-Pulse’s Top10 Ranking to discover their latest drama and popularity trends while staying connected to the world of Chinese entertainment.
Where to watch Only For Love Chinese Drama online?
You can stream Only For Love on multiple platforms tailored to different regions, each providing a range of subtitle options to enhance your viewing experience.
- China
- Malaysia
- Platforms: Viu Malaysia
- Subtitles: English
- Thailand
- Platforms: TrueID
- Subtitles: Thai
- International
- Platforms: Rakuten Viki and Apple TV
- Subtitles: English, including other options (availability varies by region)
Some streaming platforms allow you to watch for free, while others may require a subscription. It’s best to check their platforms or official websites to understand what your viewing experience is like.
Why should you watch Only For Love Chinese Drama?
Only For Love stands out as a top pick for several compelling reasons. From the outstanding chemistry to the realistic romance and global appeal, Only For Love offers a viewing experience that will keep you hooked. Here’s why:
- The on-screen chemistry between the main cast: Dylan Wang and Bai Lu, delivers performances that are both heartfelt and captivating, making their characters’ complex relationships feel genuine and relatable.
Fans rave about their chemistry, giving it a perfect 10 out of 10!

- Its global community makes a strong fanbase: The popularity has transcended borders, cultivating an international fanbase that eagerly discusses and celebrates the drama online. It allows one to connect with others who share the same passion.
Fans are sharing their interest in the drama with each other:

The romance genre has timeless allure: The drama’s exploration of love and relationships speaks to the universal experience that many viewers can relate to as it often occurs in real life.

Fans are giving authentic reactions: Based on V-Pulse analysis of fan comments, Only For Love was described as “good, beautiful, and happy,” highlighting why they were invested in the characters’ journey.

You can sign up for V-Pulse and join for free to gain insights on what is trending in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Is Only For Love drama worth watching?
Yes, it is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a well-rounded drama that offers more than just romance. The story entails love, growth, and the challenges that come along, making it a drama that leaves a lasting impression on Chinese drama audiences.
Which country is famous for the Only For Love Chinese drama?
While Only For Love is a Chinese drama, its popularity extends far beyond China’s borders. The drama has garnered a significant following in numerous countries, making it a global phenomenon. Southeast Asia is one key country contributing to its popularity.
Countries such as Thailand and Malaysia have demonstrated significant interest in Only For Love, which is driven by the region’s growing fascination with Chinese dramas and their availability on streaming platforms.
Even though the series premiered in 2023, Only For Love is still at number 1 in the top 10 shows on Viu streaming platform in Malaysia as of August 26, 2024:

And Only For Love is also ranking at 9 in the top 10 series on TrueID streaming platform in Thailand as of August 26, 2024:

Conclusion
Only For Love delivers an enthralling viewing experience that will leave you craving more. With its engaging storyline, exceptional performances, and undeniable on-screen chemistry, this drama has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
For those who appreciate romantic dramas with depth and charm, Only For Love is a must-watch. Its universal themes and captivating plot set it apart as one of the highest-viewed Chinese dramas within the romance genre.
You can effortlessly track your favourite dramas by joining V-Pulse for FREE today as we provide real-time insights into top Chinese drama entertainment, keeping you informed about what’s trending in the world of C-dramas.
FAQs about Only For Love Chinese Drama
1. How can I watch Only For Love with English subtitles?
For international viewers, Only For Love with English subtitles is available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, or iQIYI.
2. How many episodes does Only For Love have?
Only For Love has 36 episodes and is released weekly. Check the official streaming platforms for accurate dates and times.
3. Who are the main actors in Only For Love?
The lead actors in this trending Chinese drama Only For Love are Dylan Wang, who plays Shi Yi, and Bai Lu, who portrays Zhen Shu Yi.
4. Will there be a season 2 of Only for Love Chinese Drama?
Currently, there is no official announcement of making the second season of Only For Love. But keep an eye on social media to get future updates!