When Netflix drops a cross-cultural romance that’s soft, heartwarming, and deeply emotional, the internet can’t help but binge. The new Japanese-Korean collaboration, Romantics Anonymous, has taken over the streaming world, climbing the charts and even surpassing thrillers like Alice in Borderland Season 3.
Fans everywhere are now asking with hopeful hearts, “When will Romantics Anonymous Season 2 arrive?” With Han Hyo-joo and Shun Oguri leading this tender confectionery romance, the series has quickly earned its title as “the most comforting and feel-good drama of 2025” — perfect for anyone craving warmth, love, and maybe even a little chocolate-induced joy.
A Delicious Replacement for ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’
It hasn’t even been a month since Bon Appétit, Your Majesty wrapped up, but Netflix didn’t waste time filling that sweet void. Romantics Anonymous, the new Japanese adaptation of the 2010 French-Belgian rom-com Les Émotifs anonymes, has become the platform’s latest sensation. Within a week of release, it debuted at #6 on Netflix’s global Top 10 non-English shows list, sitting right next to Typhoon Family and Alice in Borderland Season 3 — no small feat for a gentle romantic drama about chocolate and vulnerability.
Food-themed love stories always find their way to people’s hearts, but Romantics Anonymous gives an emotional depth which can be both healing and easy to relate to. It combines Japanese minimalism and Korean emotional weight to create a true cross-cultural treasure.
The Story—Love, Chocolate, and the Courage to Heal
The drama centers on Lee Hana (Han Hyo-joo), a talented but socially anxious chocolatier who cannot even make eye contact with others, and Sosuke Fujiwara (Shun Oguri), a brilliant but germophobic confectionery heir. When fate brings them together at a chocolate shop called Le Saveur, something magical happens—they feel at ease with each other, and for the first time in years, they break a cycle of fear and isolation.
The way Romantics Anonymous discusses mental health with care is what makes the show lovely. It doesn’t romanticize anxiety; it celebrates small victories — like holding a hand, sharing a smile, or tasting chocolate without fear. Every scene is like a soft melody, and every frame feels dipped in warmth (and cocoa powder).
A Joint Korean-Japanese Production with Heart
This isn’t your usual J-drama or K-drama. Romantics Anonymous is one of Netflix’s most unique co-productions — blending two cultures that have long influenced each other’s entertainment landscapes.It unites talent from both countries, from its award-winning lead actors to its production team that includes creatives who previously worked on Parasite.
The show was filmed in beautiful locations across Japan, and the choice of pastel colors, vintage bakeries, and cozy interiors collectively reflects the internal growth of its characters. In short, it is a visual and emotional indulgence!
Meet the Stars of ‘Romantics Anonymous’
Han Hyo-joo as Lee Hana
K-drama royalty Han Hyo-joo delivers a quietly powerful performance as Hana — a woman who pours her emotions into chocolate but trembles in social situations. Known for Dong Yi, W, and Moving, Hyo-joo brings her trademark emotional depth to the role. Her trilingual skills shine here too, as she navigates both Korean and Japanese dialogue seamlessly.
With past accolades like “Best Actress” at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Singapore International Film Festival, Hyo-joo continues to prove she can carry any role — even one as delicate as a shy chocolatier afraid of her own brilliance.
Shun Oguri as Sosuke Fujiwara
Japanese heartthrob Shun Oguri is no stranger to complex characters, but Sosuke might be one of his most layered. A man who can’t stand physical touch due to germophobia, Sosuke finds unexpected solace in Hana. Oguri, known for Gintama, Rich Man, Poor Woman, and Japan Sinks: People of Hope, balances charm with vulnerability perfectly.
Having worked in both Japanese and Hollywood films (Godzilla vs. Kong), Oguri brings global star power to this role — his chemistry with Hyo-joo feels effortless, grounded, and deeply human.
Jin Akanishi as Hiro Takada
A fan favorite, Hiro is the jazz pianist who owns Bar Brush — the place Hana secretly admires from afar. Actor-singer Jin Akanishi adds charisma and emotional rhythm to every scene he’s in. His storyline offers a sweet secondary romance that fans are begging Netflix to explore in a spin-off.
Yuri Nakamura as Irene
As Hana’s counselor and Sosuke’s old friend, Yuri Nakamura plays the calm, understanding therapist who becomes the emotional bridge between the leads. Her portrayal gives the series a sense of maturity and grounded empathy.
The ensemble also includes Ryo Narita as Sosuke’s loyal cousin, Ayumi Ito as the chief chocolatier Motomi, Eiji Okuda as the wise shop owner Kenji, and Koichi Sato as Sosuke’s father — all veterans who add texture and warmth to the story.
Why It’s Overtaking ‘Alice in Borderland’ Season 3
At first glance, it’s surprising — how can a slow, tender romance surpass the adrenaline-fueled Alice in Borderland? But that’s exactly the magic of Romantics Anonymous.
In a world oversaturated with thrillers and survival games, this drama offers the opposite: calm, comfort, and emotional sincerity. The chemistry between Hyo-joo and Oguri has sparked viral clips across X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with fans calling it “a hug in drama form.”
Critics have praised its cinematography, subtle humor, and heartfelt writing. The Busan International Film Festival even premiered its first two episodes — a rare honor for a Netflix rom-com.
A Celebration of Vulnerability and Connection
What sets Romantics Anonymous apart is how it celebrates imperfection. Hana and Sosuke aren’t your typical confident leads — they’re two broken souls trying to heal through chocolate, courage, and compassion.
Their story says that love isn’t about grand gestures — it’s about being seen, even when you’re trembling. Whether it’s a nervous smile across a counter or a simple shared dessert, the series reminds viewers that vulnerability is a kind of strength.
The Global Buzz and What’s Next
The internet has already crowned it “the best comfort drama of 2025.” Fans are now begging Netflix for a Season 2 or at least a Hiro-Irene spin-off. While the story wraps neatly with Hana and Sosuke’s happy ending, there’s room for more — especially with that surprise cameo by Song Joong-ki and Kentaro Sakaguchi in the finale.
For now, Netflix hasn’t announced renewal plans, but given its soaring viewership numbers and cultural buzz, a continuation wouldn’t be shocking.
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The Sweet Takeaway
Romantics Anonymous is more than just another romance — it’s a reminder that empathy is universal. Through chocolate-making and emotional healing, the show quietly builds a bridge between Korean and Japanese storytelling, proving that love — in all its forms — truly speaks one language.
So, if you’re looking for something warm, gentle, and achingly human to watch after a long day, Romantics Anonymous might just be your new favorite binge. And who knows — it might even make you crave a little chocolate and courage of your own.
