Close to You (2025)
A heartfelt Chinese youth drama about two wounded souls finding healing and love at an elite academy, streaming on iQiyi.
Close to You - Series Information
- Original Title: 偏爱靠近你
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 31
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: May 20, 2025 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: iQiyi
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: Рык (RU), Growl (US), Pian Ai Kao Jin Ni (CN), 편애고근니 : 너에게 가까이 (KR)
Close to You - Plot
Yu Mingxi, an ordinary girl with a gift for sports, enters the elite Jingcai Academy to honor her late father's dream. There, she meets Jiang Bohan, a brilliant student hiding behind a rebellious front. As their lives intertwine, they peel back each other's masks, confront past wounds, and begin to heal through an unexpected connection.
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Close to You - Cast & Crew
Writers
- Liu Feng Rong
- Jiu Jiang
- Cao Yu
Main Cast
- Liu Xiaobei
- Bubble Zhu
- Li Ruotian
- Wu Bowei
- Chen Jianing
- Chen Siyu
- Hu Xiaolong
- Lv Yihao
- Liu Haoyuan
- Jia Shuyi
Close to You - FAQs
Who plays the lead roles in Close to You?
Liu Xiaobei takes on the role of Jiang Bohan, the brilliant but guarded student at the heart of the story, while Bubble Zhu plays Yu Mingxi, the spirited and athletic girl who gradually breaks through his walls. Their on-screen chemistry is central to the series' emotional appeal.
What is Close to You about?
Close to You follows Yu Mingxi, a sports-gifted girl who enrolls at the prestigious Jingcai Academy to fulfill her late father's wish. There she encounters Jiang Bohan, a top student masking pain behind a rebellious exterior. Together, they slowly dismantle each other's defenses and discover healing through an unexpected bond.
Where can you stream Close to You?
Close to You originally aired on iQiyi, the major Chinese streaming platform. Availability outside China may vary by region. Check your local streaming services or the JustWatch platform to find the most up-to-date viewing options available in your area.
Is Close to You based on a novel or true story?
Close to You is a fictional story, not based on real events. The series draws on the popular Chinese youth romance genre, blending school-life drama with emotional character arcs. Its themes of grief, identity, and healing through connection are crafted from original storytelling rather than any single source novel.
How many episodes does Close to You have?
Close to You consists of 31 episodes across its single season. The series concluded in 2025, giving the story a complete and self-contained arc. With a relatively generous episode count, the show has ample room to develop its characters and explore the emotional journey at its core.
What makes Close to You stand out among Chinese youth dramas?
Rather than relying purely on romantic tension, Close to You places emotional healing at its center. Both leads carry genuine wounds — grief, pressure, and hidden vulnerability — and the series takes its time letting them connect authentically. The elite academy setting and sports backdrop add fresh energy to a familiar genre.
What are some shows similar to Close to You?
Fans of Close to You may enjoy Meteor Garden (2018) and The Rise of Phoenixes (2018) for their blend of romance and emotional depth. My Life with the Walter Boys (2023) and From Scratch (2022) offer comparable themes of healing and connection, while Ode to Joy (2016) delivers rich character-driven storytelling.
Who wrote the screenplay for Close to You?
The screenplay for Close to You was written by Liu Feng Rong, Jiu Jiang, and Cao Yu. The collaborative writing team crafted a story that balances youthful energy with emotional sincerity, weaving together themes of loss, ambition, and the transformative power of genuine human connection within a competitive school environment.
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