Get ready to fall in love with chocolate and heartwarming romance as Netflix drops a captivating new teaser for “Romantics Anonymous,” starring Han Hyo Joo and Oguri Shun. This upcoming romantic comedy promises to melt hearts when it premieres on October 16, 2025.
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Han Hyo Joo A Love Story Born from Fear and Chocolate
“Romantics Anonymous” follows the love story of a chocolatier who suffers from scoptophobia—an extreme fear of being stared at—after she gets hired at a small chocolate store. This unique premise, based on the 2010 French film “Les Emotifs anonymes”, brings together two souls battling their own psychological barriers.
The chemistry between the leads is immediately apparent in the newly released teaser, showing how their worlds collide—but in a twist of fate, they discover they’re exceptions to each other’s fears: Hana can meet Sosuke’s gaze, and Sosuke can hold Hana’s hand.
Meet the Characters Who Will Steal Your Heart
| Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Hana | Han Hyo Joo | A gifted chocolatier who hides behind anonymity due to her crippling fear of social interactions and eye contact |
| Sosuke Fujiwara | Oguri Shun | The new owner of a renowned chocolate shop whose traumatic past has left him unable to endure physical contact |
| Hiro | Jin Akanishi | Jazz bar owner and Sosuke’s close friend |
| Irene | Yuri Nakamura | Therapist who adds complexity to the romantic dynamics |
The Perfect Cast Chemistry
Han Hyo Joo, known for her compelling performances in dramas like “Happiness,” brings her signature emotional depth to Hana’s character. Meanwhile, Oguri Shun, famous for his role in “Boys Over Flowers,” showcases his mature acting range as the trauma-affected chocolate shop owner.
Director Sho Tsukikawa, known for his work on the Japanese film ‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’, which garnered immense popularity in Korea, helms this cross-cultural production, ensuring authentic storytelling that resonates with both Japanese and Korean audiences.
More Than Just Romance: A Complex Love Square
What sets “Romantics Anonymous” apart from typical romantic comedies is its intricate relationship dynamics. A love square begins to take shape with Hana harboring unspoken feelings for Hiro, while therapist Irene adds another layer of complexity.
This multi-layered approach to romance reflects real-life relationship complexities, making the drama more relatable and emotionally engaging for viewers seeking authentic storytelling.
Why This Drama Matters in 2025
“Romantics Anonymous” arrives at a perfect time when audiences crave stories about mental health awareness and overcoming personal struggles. The drama’s sensitive portrayal of anxiety disorders—germophobia and scoptophobia—provides representation for viewers dealing with similar challenges.
The international collaboration between Korean and Japanese entertainment industries also represents the growing trend of cross-cultural productions that appeal to global audiences on streaming platforms like Netflix.
Production Excellence and Global Appeal
The first two episodes of the series will premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, highlighting the drama’s anticipated quality and international recognition. This prestigious screening demonstrates Netflix’s confidence in the series’ potential for global success.
For fans of romantic K-dramas and Japanese productions, this series offers the best of both worlds with its bilingual cast and cross-cultural storytelling approach.
The series joins Netflix’s growing collection of high-quality Asian content, following the success of other international collaborations that have captured worldwide audiences.
Stay updated with the latest Asian drama releases and reviews by following our comprehensive entertainment coverage. Don’t miss out on more heartwarming stories and stellar performances in the world of international television.
FAQs
Q: When and where can I watch “Romantics Anonymous”?
A: “Romantics Anonymous” is set to premiere on October 16, 2025 exclusively on Netflix. The series will be available for streaming globally, making it accessible to international audiences interested in this unique Korean-Japanese romantic comedy collaboration.
Q: What makes the characters’ relationship special in “Romantics Anonymous”?
A: The relationship is unique because both main characters suffer from specific phobias that typically prevent them from connecting with others. Hana can meet Sosuke’s gaze, and Sosuke can hold Hana’s hand, making them exceptions to each other’s fears. This creates a profound emotional connection where they find healing and comfort in each other’s presence, turning their relationship into a therapeutic journey of mutual support and understanding.
