All You Need To Know Han Hyo Joo’s Japanese Drama Romantics Anonymous

In a world saturated with perfect, meet-cute romances, Netflix’s Romantics Anonymous offers something more authentic: a love story built not on grand gestures, but on the quiet, courageous act of showing up despite your fears.

This isn’t just another romantic comedy; it’s a nuanced exploration of anxiety and human connection, using the delicate world of chocolate as its backdrop.

Romantics Anonymous is a Netflix drama that mixes sweetness with struggle. It is a remake of the French-Belgian film Les Émotifs anonymes from 2010.

The series will stream worldwide on October 16, 2025, and runs for eight episodes. The story looks light at first, but underneath it speaks about fear, anxiety, and human connection.

At the center is Fujiwara Sosuke, played by Oguri Shun. He is the son of a confectionery giant and the new representative of “Le Sauveur,” a famous chocolate shop. His problem is not simple.

He suffers from germophobia, a fear rooted in trauma. Touching people is almost impossible for him. Still, he must face the world of chocolate, where warmth and sharing matter most.

Opposite him is Lee Ha Na, played by Han Hyo Joo. She is a gifted chocolatier. But she hides her identity from most of the team at Le Sauveur. Her challenge is different but just as heavy.

She has social anxiety. Eye contact terrifies her. Speaking openly feels like an uphill climb. This setup moves beyond a simple quirky character trait.

For viewers who live with social anxiety or OCD-spectrum disorders like germophobia, this portrayal could feel incredibly validating.

The drama has the potential to explore how love isn’t a magical cure, but a patient space where two people can navigate their challenges together, with chocolate as their common language. Despite her talent, fear makes her shrink back.

Their meeting is not flashy. It starts with chocolate. Both share a love for it, and that spark makes them move closer. The irony is striking. He cannot touch. She cannot look. Yet, somehow, they find a way to see and feel each other.

Around them are people who add more depth. Irene, a psychologist and author, treats Sosuke but also guides Ha Na. She is brilliant in her field but broken in her own way.

She hides battles with alcohol and unstable romance. Her presence adds realism. Even experts struggle. Even helpers need help.

Then there is Takada Hiroshi, the owner of a jazz bar named “Brush.” Ha Na quietly likes him. He has been Sosuke’s friend since their school days. He also knew Ha Na’s mentor, the original owner of Le Sauveur.

This creates a silent triangle of feelings. The story hints that this may evolve into a four-way entanglement. The promotional poster shows Sosuke, Ha Na, Irene, and Takada standing together. The tagline hints at “an adult square relationship.”

Love, Fear, and Chocolate on Netflix

The series blends comedy, drama, and romance but in a way that is not typical. It is not only about two people falling for each other. It is also about two people learning how to face their fears.

The awkwardness between Sosuke and Ha Na feels realistic. Love here is not smooth. It is clumsy, slow, and fragile.

The teaser highlights this. It begins with Sosuke and Ha Na meeting over chocolate. Their fear is clear, but with each other, something shifts. He can touch her. She can look at him.

This does not mean their problems vanish. It means love sometimes works like a mirror. With the right person, fears look smaller, even when they remain.

The supporting cast expands the world. Sosuke’s cousin and business partner, Fujiwara Takao, played by Narita Ryo, stands at his side. Kawamura Motomi, the chief chocolatier of Le Sauveur, played by Ito Ayumi, represents the professional backbone of the shop.

Kuroiwa Kenji, the shop owner, played by Okuda Eiji, links the past and present of the store. Sosuke’s father, Fujiwara Shuntaro, played by Sato Koichi, brings pressure as the strict chairman of the family company. His presence is harsh, reminding Sosuke of duty more than love.

A surprising addition is a cameo by Song Joong Ki. His agency has confirmed his appearance. He already filmed his part in Japan. Netflix has not revealed his role, but his presence will surely attract fans. The mix of Japanese and Korean stars adds to the global appeal.

The drama is framed as a story of adults in their 30s and 40s. This is not about young love full of quick passion. It is about people already scarred by life, trying again despite fear.

That makes it stand out. The romantic comedy tag feels soft, but the psychological undertones may dominate.

The mix of Japanese actors like Oguri Shun and Korean stars like Han Hyo Joo makes it unique. Netflix aims to capture viewers across countries, and this release seems designed for that.

But questions remain. Will the show balance its romantic charm with deeper psychological weight? Or will it play too lightly with themes like trauma, germophobia, and anxiety?

Comedy mixed with such issues can feel forced if not handled carefully. There is always a risk that viewers may see it as either too sweet or too heavy.

Still, the early images suggest tenderness. Sosuke and Ha Na look awkward yet hopeful. Their interactions seem believable. The drama might work best if it stays grounded, showing small victories rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

A simple touch, a shared glance, a moment of laughter — these details matter more than big speeches.

Netflix will stream the drama every Thursday starting October 16. Each episode is 60 minutes. With only eight episodes, the story has little room for filler.

That can help keep the pace sharp. If well-written, it may leave a lasting impression, much like a bite of chocolate — small, sweet, but hard to forget.

Who Will Love This Show?

• Fans of nuanced romance like Crash Landing on You or It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.

• Viewers interested in mental health representation in media.

• Foodies and fans of shows like Chocolate (K-drama) or Somebody Feed Phil.

• Anyone seeking a character-driven story with a stellar Pan-Asian cast.

Practical Info for Your Diary:

• Release Date: October 16, 2025

• Episodes: 8 (Weekly)

• Episode Length: 60 minutes

• Where to Watch: Netflix (Worldwide Streaming)

• Key Cast: Oguri Shun, Han Hyo Joo, Song Joong Ki (cameo).

Ending

Romantics Anonymous is not just a love story. It is about fragility, connection, and the courage to try. Chocolate may start the bond, but what follows is more complex.

It asks whether two people broken in different ways can heal together. It also questions whether love can exist when fear defines daily life.

The ultimate success of Romantics Anonymous will hinge on its balance. Can it sustain its delicate recipe, blending the luxury of chocolate with the raw reality of private pain, and the warmth of comedy with the weight of trauma?

If the writing remains grounded and the actors—a true dream team—deliver on their potential, this series could be more than a binge; it could be a gentle reminder of the courage in vulnerability, leaving a lasting impression much like a perfect piece of chocolate: complex, bittersweet, and ultimately delightful.

Kavita Mishra

Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.

☕

We pour our hearts into every K-drama recap. If our work brings you joy, please buy us a coffee. Your support keeps us going ❤️

🛍️ Earn Cash Back

Sign up on Rakuten via my link to get cashback + bonus when shopping online.

Join & Get Cash Back

Referral link — you get a bonus too!