Netflix’s upcoming romantic comedy Romantics Anonymous, starring South Korean actress Han Hyo Joo and Japanese actor Shun Oguri, will premiere globally in October 2025. The series, a collaboration between Japanese and Korean filmmakers, adapts the French film Les Émotifs Anonymes into a story about love, chocolate, and overcoming social anxiety .
A new still featuring the leads was released alongside the premiere announcement, heightening excitement for the unique cross-cultural project.
Plot: A Chocolate-Fueled Love Story Between Two Anxious Souls
Romantics Anonymous follows Sosuke Fujiwara (Shun Oguri), a germophobic heir to a confectionery empire, and Hana Lee (Han Hyo Joo), a socially anxious chocolatier. Their shared love for chocolate sparks a connection, but their struggles—Sosuke’s fear of touch and Hana’s inability to make eye contact—create hurdles in their budding romance .
“Their mutual love for chocolate brings them together, but their anxieties make every interaction a challenge. It’s a story about finding courage through vulnerability,” said director Sho Tsukikawa .
The series reimagines the original French film with a focus on cultural nuances from Japan and Korea, blending humor and heartfelt moments.
Cast & Crew: A Japanese-Korean Collaborative Effort
The project unites talents from both countries:
Shun Oguri (Sosuke): Known for Godzilla vs. Kong and Boys Over Flowers .
Han Hyo Joo (Hana): Star of Happiness and Moving .
Yuri Nakamura (Irene): A psychologist grappling with her own struggles .
Jin Akanishi (Hiro): A bar owner and Sosuke’s childhood friend .
“Working with a cast and crew from different backgrounds highlighted the importance of communication. Han Hyo Joo’s positivity inspired us all,” shared Yuri Nakamura .
Director Sho Tsukikawa and screenwriter Kim Ji Hyun led the production, which wrapped filming in mid-fall 2024 after six months of shooting . Han Hyo Joo marked the end of filming with an emotional Instagram post in October 2024, writing:
“Instead of saying ‘goodbye,’ I write ‘we will meet again.’ Hana will rest a bit now. Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly on this project” .
Behind the Scenes: A Decade in the Making
Showrunner Lim Seung Young revealed the series took 10 years to develop, combining Korean storytelling with Japanese direction. The production involved extensive discussions to balance cultural perspectives, with the phrase “Let’s do our best until the very end!” becoming a rallying cry on set .
“This project is a testament to how collaboration can create something universal. We hope it resonates globally,” said Lim .
What’s Next for Romantics Anonymous?
While an exact release date remains under wraps, Netflix plans to share trailers, promotional events, and additional cast details closer to October 2025. The series joins Netflix’s 2025 Japanese slate, which includes Alice in Borderland Season 3 and Last Samurai Standing .
Fans of character-driven romances and cross-cultural narratives are eagerly awaiting this heartfelt journey of love and self-discovery.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
