Han Hyo Joo and Shun Oguri are leading the cast of the upcoming Netflix series Romantics Anonymous, a Japanese-South Korean production based on the 2010 French-Belgian film. Han Hyo Joo recently expressed admiration for her co-star, calling Shun Oguri “amazing” as they work together on this romantic comedy. The series tells the story of two people with social anxieties who find connection through their shared love of chocolate. It is set to premiere on October 16, 2025, on Netflix globally.
Han Hyo Joo’s Comments on Shun Oguri
During the production of Romantics Anonymous, Han Hyo Joo shared positive words about working with Shun Oguri. She described him as an “amazing” actor, highlighting their strong collaboration. This partnership brings together two major stars from South Korea and Japan, adding to the excitement for the series. The show is directed by Sho Tsukikawa, known for his work in romance genres, and features a team of creators from both countries.
Han Hyo Joo’s agency confirmed her casting in March 2024, noting the start of filming and her role alongside Shun Oguri.
Story and Characters of the Series
Romantics Anonymous follows the story of Sosuke Fujiwara, played by Shun Oguri, who is the director of a chocolate shop called ‘Le Sauveur’. He has a fear of touching others due to past trauma. Hana Lee, portrayed by Han Hyo Joo, is a talented chocolatier who struggles with making eye contact. They meet by chance and bond over chocolate, discovering that they can interact comfortably with each other despite their anxieties. The series explores their growing relationship in a sweet, comedic way.
The cast includes Yuri Nakamura as Irene, a psychologist and author, and Jin Akanishi as Hiro, the owner of a jazz bar. Other actors like Ryo Narita, Ayumi Ito, and Koichi Sato play supporting roles, adding depth to the story. The production involves creators from hit projects like Parasite, with Lee Ha-jun handling production design and Jin-mo Yang serving as editor.
Production and International Collaboration
The series is a collaboration between Japanese and South Korean production companies, including Yong Film and Ryu Film. Filming began in early March 2024 and brings together a team experienced in both markets. The soundtrack is composed by Dalpalan, a respected music director from South Korea. This international approach aims to create a relatable story for global audiences, focusing on themes of love and personal challenges.
Romantics Anonymous is based on the film Les Émotifs Anonymes by Jean-Pierre Améris and Philippe Blasband. The adaptation maintains the core story while adding cultural elements from Japan and South Korea. The first two episodes will be screened at the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 19, 2025, as part of the ‘On Screen’ section.
Release Details and Fan Excitement
Netflix will release Romantics Anonymous worldwide on October 16, 2025. The series will be available in Japanese with subtitles in multiple languages. Fans of the actors and romantic comedies are looking forward to this release, especially after the teaser and announcements from Netflix. Social media reactions have shown interest in the unique storyline and the pairing of Han Hyo Joo and Shun Oguri.
The series is part of Netflix’s effort to produce more Asian content, following the success of other cross-border projects. It offers a mix of romance, comedy, and emotional depth, making it accessible to a wide audience. Viewers can expect a heartening story about overcoming personal struggles through connection and love.
Credits: Netflix Newsroom, Wikipedia, IMDb
