The highly anticipated What Comes After Love, starring Lee Se Young and Sakaguchi Kentaro, made its premiere on September 27, 2024. A beautifully crafted romance melodrama, the series delves into the complexities of love, separation, and the haunting power of fate. Directed by Moon Hyun Sung and adapted from the novel Sarang Hue Oneun Gotdeul by Gong Ji Young and Tsuji Hitonari, the first two episodes leave viewers with much to ponder. Here’s a breakdown of the highs and lows of this emotional ride.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Choi Hong, a Korean student living in Japan, played by Lee Se Young, and Aoki Jungo, a Japanese man portrayed by Sakaguchi Kentaro. The two meet, fall in love, but eventually break up due to the harsh realities of life and the differences that arise between them. Fast forward five years later, fate brings them back together when Aoki travels to Seoul for work. The drama unfolds in both Korea and Japan, setting the stage for a rekindled romance that questions whether love can endure the test of time and distance.
The first two episodes establish the lead characters with a delicate, nuanced approach. Lee Se Young and Sakaguchi Kentaro’s chemistry is electric, yet tender, capturing the uncertainty and excitement of young love. Lee Se Young delivers a standout performance as Choi Hong, embodying her character’s inner turmoil as she navigates both personal ambition and the complexity of love. Sakaguchi Kentaro’s portrayal of Aoki Jungo adds a grounded warmth to the storyline, his sweet demeanor and gentle presence complementing Hong’s more conflicted personality.
Visually, the series leans into anime-esque aesthetics, giving the drama a whimsical feel, enhancing the story’s themes of youthful innocence and heartbreak. The cinematography beautifully contrasts the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo with the softer tones of Seoul, reinforcing the duality of the protagonists’ lives. The use of familiar romantic tropes may feel predictable at times, but they are handled with enough freshness to keep the audience engaged.
Negatives:
However, some of these anime-inspired elements could feel over the top for viewers unfamiliar with Japanese storytelling styles. The pacing in certain moments can feel a bit slow, and the show risks falling into predictability, especially when it comes to the use of familiar romance tropes. While the first two episodes successfully set up the core of the story, the lack of originality in some plot devices might make it harder for seasoned drama watchers to be fully surprised.
Final Review:
What Comes After Love strikes a tender balance between romance and melodrama, keeping viewers emotionally invested. The initial episodes paint a poignant picture of the highs and lows of first love, laying a strong foundation for what promises to be a compelling exploration of love, loss, and reconnection. The palpable chemistry between Lee Se Young and Sakaguchi Kentaro is the beating heart of this drama, elevating even the most familiar narrative beats with heartfelt emotion.
While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking in terms of innovation, it succeeds in capturing the raw emotions of love that audiences can easily relate to. The pain of separation and the hope of rekindling a lost love resonate strongly, drawing viewers into the personal stakes of the characters.
Episodes 1 and 2 provide an emotionally rich setup, heightening anticipation for what lies ahead in this six-episode journey of rediscovered love.
Final Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Where to Watch: Streaming on Viki and Coupang Play Language: Korean, Japanese Genres: Melodrama, Romance Cast: Lee Se Young, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Hong Jong Hyun, Nakamura Anne Director: Moon Hyun Sung Adaptation By: Jung Hae Sim
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