Han Hyo Joo is returning with a new Netflix series.
Netflix raised anticipation with the release of the official teaser for the romantic comedy series 'Romantic Anonymous,' starring Han Hyo Joo and Japanese actor Shun Oguri. The teaser has already left a strong impression as soon as it was revealed, despite its short length. The teaser begins with Shun Oguri saying, "It'll be a problem if you fall for me," with Han Hyo Joo retorting, "No, that will absolutely never happen." This opening scene instantly raised expectations for the unique chemistry the two stars will create.
Shun Oguri plays Sosuke Fujiwara, the heir to a confectionery company with extreme germophobia. Han Hyo Jii takes on the role of Lee Ha Na, a genius chocolatier who fears being in the spotlight. The story follows how these two characters, each with very different struggles, gradually grow closer through chocolate.
The series is based on the 2010 French film of the same title, which touched audiences in Europe with its portrayal of an awkward yet heartfelt, sincere love. With two top stars, Han Hyo Joo and Shun Oguri, reinterpreting the original, the project is expected to garner much attention in the global streaming market.
The drama is directed by Sho Tsukikawa, acclaimed in Japan for the visually striking and heartfelt 'I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.' The script is penned by Korean writer Kim Ji Hyun, maximizing the strengths of a Korea-Japan collaboration. Experienced staff from both countries have also joined the production, further raising expectations for high-quality storytelling and cinematography.
The teaser also includes lighthearted moments. One scene shows Sosuke running alone under an umbrella on a rainy day, saying, "Sorry, but could you walk home in the rain? I don’t want to get wet!" a witty depiction of his obsessive character. Lines like "Why can my eyes see you?" and "Why are we okay with each other?" add a lyrical tone, hinting at the characters’ evolving emotions.
The background music is also gaining attention: singer Park Hye Kyung’s classic hit "Confession" was remade in Japanese and featured in the teaser. Familiar to Korean viewers yet new to Japanese audiences, the song enriches the show’s emotional atmosphere.
The Korea-Japan collaboration itself has amplified the buzz. While there have been joint productions before, such a star-studded pairing from both countries is rare. Shun Oguri has built an unrivaled presence in Japan, while Han Hyo Joo is celebrated in Korea for her strong performances across romance and action.
The teaser’s release quickly went viral online and on social media. Fans reacted with astonishment and excitement. They commented, "Wow, I never imagined this pairing. Even for a Korea-Japan collab, Han Hyo Joo and Oguri Shun together is crazy," "Han Hyo Joo has such emotional depth in romance roles, and now with Oguri Shun? Unreal," "A collaboration of top Korean and Japanese stars? Totally unexpected but so refreshing," "I never thought this pairing would happen, but here it is. Amazing," and "Han Hyo Joo and Shun Oguri together is making my heart flutter."
Another factor backing its success is its inclusion in the 30th Busan International Film Festival. 'Romantic Anonymous' has been officially selected for 'On Screen,' a special section that showcases drama series on the big screen. As one of six titles chosen, it will have its world premiere in theaters during the festival.
'Romantic Anonymous' carries meaning beyond being a simple rom-com. By putting leading stars from Korea and Japan at the forefront, Netflix is presenting a new model for Asian content collaboration. After the global rise of K-dramas, the project represents a serious attempt to merge Japan’s cinematic aesthetics and acting strengths with Korea’s storytelling success, drawing strong industry interest.
The drama will premiere worldwide on Netflix on October 16. It tells the story of two people clumsy in love and in life, slowly entering each other’s worlds through chocolate. Simple yet universal, this narrative, combined with the powerful performances of two of Asia’s top actors, could reshape the romance drama landscape in the second half of the year.
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