Romantics Anonymous

Special. What makes this eight-episode series special is its focus on dramatic drama with humorous undertones. The shocking dramatic event in the very first episode sets the serious but authentic tone for the rest of the series that still consists of lighter moments bringing together a balanced, harmonic blend of entertaining genres. This tightly scripted Japanese-Korean production offers two brilliant romantic relational encounters. But even more boldly, this Asian co-production includes principal characters with phobias against direct eye or physical contact with others which typically would be unheard in Asian society, societies that traditionally have looked down on individuals with distinctive and culturally disabling features. Even the psychotherapeutic elements in this series are captured with care and respective. With the joint cooperation between two former nationalistic entities of Japan and Korea the series demonstrates the capacity of reconciliation at both the individual human level and between countries themselves. The great execution and continued reminders of human connectiveness, corporate politics, and even the sweet, nuanced nature of chocolate itself all come together making this television series one of the most wholesome, enlightening, and loving entertainment delights of the year.

What can I say, this drama is so good! You feel the magic of this drama in the first episode. The way the people genuinely cared for each other truly touched my soul! I've seen so many dramas dealing with chocolate/candy but this is by far the best. The leads did an exceptional job of providing romance/love in its purest form. If I continue to write I will tell the story and I definitely don't want to spoil it for the viewers.

I love this series right know. Omg just basic and cute. I'm in love with whoever put two grown people together cause I can't see it anymore when an old artist acts with a 10-15 years younger artist.

Thank you I missed series like this. We saw many people with different personal struggles. You never know what people in your workplace are fighting with. Be kind to your surroundings. Take the help if you need it and don't be ashamed.

Arigato/Gamsahamnida <3.

A+ in all aspects of creating a drama - well-acted, tightly written script, beautiful production design and filmography, plus the soundtrack is lovely too.

This is a rom-com done well, with meaningful, realistic messages. At 8 episodes, there isn't any meandering plot or storylines that feel draggy. Short and sweet like a bite of chocolate, it's an easy watch and there's plenty of rewatch value too IMO.

Han Hyo-joo is back to her best following her masterful performance in Moving (2023), this time acting very naturally in a foreign language. Apparently she spent a year living in Japan to prepare for this role, which speaks to her impressive commitment as an actress.

Yesterday binged Japanese - Korean drama 'Romantics Anonymous'

It's a rom-com based on the 2010 French-Belgian romantic comedy film of the same name.

But the story also has a similarity with the recent kdrama Tastefully yours.

Here, a talented chocolatier who begins working at a small chocolate store despite her extreme shyness (scopophobia), which makes daily life challenging. Her boss, the company's MD is also struggling with his anxiety issues. Both's life gets entangled with each other.

This drama is comforting, feelgood, swoon-worthy, healing. The montage of chocolate making at the beginning of each episode was tempting. Drama has some beautiful cinematography which captures some of Japan's scenic locations as well as chocolate cooking beautifully.

Lead pair, Shun Oguri and Han Hyo-joo (famous Korean actress) has very good on-screen chemistry. They played their parts well. Drama also has cute side characters who are supported well.

Drama addressed some important mental health issues carefully and maturely.

Though drama has all the rom-com cliches n tropes, also is predictable yet I enjoyed it thoroughly.