A Japanese-Korean remake of a 2010 French-Belgian rom-com has quietly become Netflix’s newest international sensation — and it’s all about chocolate, love, and a touch of social anxiety.
Released on October 16, Romantics Anonymous reimagines the 2010 film of the same name, which originally charmed audiences with its awkward yet heartwarming story of two people who fall in love despite their emotional hang-ups. The Netflix remake follows Sosuke Fujiwara, a chocolate shop director who struggles with physical contact, and Hana Lee, a gifted chocolatier who can’t make eye contact.
Starring Japanese actor Shun Oguri and Korean actress Han Hyo-joo, the series has struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Within a week of release, Romantics Anonymous climbed to Number 6 on Netflix’s Top 10 non-English language TV shows, clocking 13.5 million viewing hours from 2.1 million viewers. In Japan, it’s already the platform’s Number 1 show.
The original Romantics Anonymous was a critical darling in its own right — grossing $14.7 million at the box office and earning an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The remake, while born from familiar material, has been praised for feeling “fresh and comforting,” with viewers highlighting its tender performances and soft-focus storytelling.
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So far, the 2025 version holds an 8.1 rating on IMDb and positive early reviews from critics. Beyond Japan, the series has entered the Top 10 across 13 countries, including South Korea — a testament to Netflix’s growing success with cross-cultural collaborations in Asia.
As Romantics Anonymous continues to melt hearts globally, it joins a growing list of Asian co-productions reshaping how romantic stories are told on screen — bridging languages, cultures, and audiences one episode at a time.
