What happens when a man terrified of physical contact meets a woman who can’t stand eye contact?
At first glance, it appears to be a setup for disaster. But in Romantics Anonymous, streaming globally on October 16, these two guarded souls discover that love has a way of sneaking past even the strongest defenses. The series, led by Shun Oguri and Han Hyo Joo, offers a refreshing, heartfelt take on romance that feels equal parts awkward, funny, and deeply moving.
At the center of this cross-cultural collaboration between Japan and Korea are Sosuke and Hana—two adults who have spent much of their lives tiptoeing around intimacy. Sosuke, newly appointed as president of the renowned chocolaterie Le Sauveur, struggles with his crippling fear of physical touch. Hana, on the other hand, is the shop’s hidden gem: an anonymous chocolatier whose dazzling creations are matched only by her inability to meet someone’s gaze. For years, both have kept their vulnerabilities tucked away, carefully avoiding situations that might expose their fears.
Their first meeting is anything but smooth, setting the tone for a relationship filled with clumsy encounters and misunderstandings. Yet as the story unfolds, a curious pattern emerges—together, they seem to disarm each other’s anxieties. Sosuke finds himself less paralyzed by touch when Hana is near, while Hana manages fleeting moments of eye contact with Sosuke. This unexpected compatibility sparks an unusual arrangement: the two become “romance-practice partners,” a quirky pact that allows them to rehearse dating while fumbling through their fears. What begins as an awkward experiment gradually blossoms into something real, pulling them into the unfamiliar territory of vulnerability, courage, and love.
But Romantics Anonymous is more than just a sweet two-person story. The newly released key art hints at the drama’s deeper layers: a “love square” takes shape when Hana’s unspoken affection for Hiro (Jin Akanishi), a charming jazz bar owner and Sosuke’s close friend, comes into play. Meanwhile, therapist Irene (Yuri Nakamura) enters the picture, bringing both guidance and unexpected complications. Suddenly, Sosuke and Hana aren’t just navigating their own fears—they’re tangled in a web of relationships that challenge them to confront what they truly want, and whether they’re brave enough to reach for it.
The series shines a spotlight on characters who aren’t often front and center in romance dramas: adults who have lived long in solitude, who wear masks to conceal their vulnerabilities, and who quietly yearn for connection despite their fear of being exposed. It’s in their hesitations, stumbles, and small victories that Romantics Anonymous finds its heart. By showing that love isn’t always glamorous or easy, the drama reminds us that even the most imperfect people deserve their chance at happiness.
Adding to the anticipation, Romantics Anonymous was invited to the prestigious On Screen Section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, where audiences got an early glimpse of its first two episodes. The warm reception at BIFF only heightened the buzz, positioning the series as one of this fall’s most anticipated global releases.
With its blend of humor, tenderness, and a dash of bittersweet longing, Romantics Anonymous promises more than just a love story—it’s a celebration of growth, courage, and the quiet magic that happens when two broken people find the courage to fit together. Starring a powerhouse cast and crafted by acclaimed Japanese and Korean creators, this rom-com is set to be one of Netflix’s sweetest offerings of the year.
Mark your calendars: Romantics Anonymous streams worldwide on October 16, only on Netflix. Get ready for a perfectly imperfect love story that will melt your heart like chocolate.
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