Premier Date: September 27, 2024
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
Cast: Lee Se-Young, Kentaro Sakaguchi, Hong Jong-Hyun,
What Comes After Love is a new 2024 K-drama that has quickly captured the hearts of romance lovers. This melodrama stars the talented actors Lee Se-young and Kentaro Sakaguchi, and it’s already gaining attention on platforms like MyDramaList and Viki. What sets What Comes After Love apart is its unique focus on a cross-cultural romance, blending Korean and Japanese storytelling in a way that feels fresh and compelling.
Available on Viki and Coupang Play, it’s quickly become the drama to watch in 2024, and it’s no wonder why.
The show is based on the novel Sarang Hue Oneun Gotdeul by Gong Ji Young and Hitonari Tsuji, and it’s packed with all the drama, passion, and depth we crave from our favorite Korean series. Imagine the emotional rollercoaster of a first love that leaves you totally shattered, but then plot twist, fate brings you back together years later.
Here’s everything you need to know about this emotional roller coaster of a series.
Synopsis: A Story of Love, Separation, and Second Chances
Choi Hong is a South Korean student studying in Japan. She’s your relatable, down-to-earth girl, dealing with all the struggles and culture shock that come with being far from home. Then, enter Aoki Jungo, the thoughtful, charming guy from Japan with dreams of becoming a writer. The chemistry between them is off the charts from the start. Even though they come from totally different backgrounds, their connection is undeniable. Their love blossoms like a perfect K-drama scene under cherry blossoms.
But, of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. They face some major challenges, not just from their cultural differences but also from misunderstandings, the pressures of young adulthood, and personal struggles. Eventually, they break up, and it’s heart-wrenching. Fast forward five years later ,and Hong and Jungo cross paths again, this time in Seoul. Suddenly, all those emotions, the memories come rushing back, and they’re forced to face everything they left unresolved. This is where the story really takes off and digs deep.
Why What Comes After Love Kdrama Will Steal Your Heart
It’s Deep and Relatable—No Cliché Romance Here
This isn’t just a fluffy romance about holding hands under pretty lights. This show goes straight into the real, gritty parts of love, things like regret, forgiveness, and those emotional scars that never quite fade. Hong and Jungo’s story isn’t some glossy, fairytale romance; it’s real and raw. It reminds us of how complicated love can be and how sometimes, people need to grow apart to understand what they really had.
For anyone who’s ever wondered about an old flame or had that “What if?” feeling, this show speaks to you. What Comes After Love brings out that familiar ache of first love, but it’s balanced with a sense of growth and maturity. It’s a drama that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about romance, and it’s refreshing to see characters who are allowed to be complex and flawed.
A Unique Blend of Korean and Japanese Culture
One of the best parts of this series? The cultural mix. Seeing Hong and Jungo navigate their relationship with both Korean and Japanese perspectives is eye-opening. It’s not just a cute cross-cultural romance, it’s a reminder of how love can bridge even the biggest divides. In a lot of dramas, we don’t often see such an in-depth, respectful blend of two cultures, but What Comes After Love handles it beautifully.
The series switches between Korean and Japanese dialogue, making it feel authentic to the characters and their experiences. Watching Hong adjust to life in Japan and Jungo later adapting in Seoul brings an interesting twist to the usual K-drama setup. Plus, the locations themselves, beautifully shot scenes in Tokyo and Seoul, add even more depth to their relationship, with each city becoming a silent witness to their love story.
Stellar Performances by Lee Se-Young and Kentaro Sakaguchi
We have to talk about the casting here because Lee Se-Young and Kentaro Sakaguchi absolutely deliver. Their chemistry is insane, and it makes every emotional moment hit that much harder. Lee Se-Young brings such depth to Hong, you can feel every ounce of her love, pain, and growth. And Kentaro Sakaguchi as Jungo? Perfect. His quiet, thoughtful presence balances her energy, and he has a way of portraying emotions that feels totally natural and heartfelt.
These two make you believe in their love story. It’s a joy to watch them on screen together, and they’ve already been getting tons of love from fans on AsianWiki and MyDramaList. Their performances really elevate the show and bring out the emotional weight of the story in a way that feels honest and raw.
What’s Working (And What’s Not) in What Comes After Love
What We Love
Chemistry Galore: From the first scene to the last, Lee Se-Young and Kentaro Sakaguchi share a chemistry that makes their characters’ romance feel real and powerful.
Beautiful Cinematography: This show doesn’t just look good, it’s gorgeous. The scenes shot in Tokyo and Seoul are stunning, capturing the vibe of each city perfectly. Every frame adds to the mood and story.
Deeply Relatable Themes: The story doesn’t shy away from exploring love’s complexities, and it’s not afraid to get a little messy, making it easy for anyone to connect with
A Few Hiccups
Predictable at Times: If you’re a die-hard K-drama fan, you might see some plot points coming. There’s a bit of that familiar love story setup, so don’t expect too many shocking twists.
Cultural Nuances: Some aspects of Japanese culture may fly over the heads of viewers unfamiliar with them. But honestly, that’s a small price to pay for the authenticity this show brings.
So, Is What Comes After Love Worth Watching?
Absolutely. What Comes After Love is more than just another Korean Drama, it’s a journey that dives deep into the parts of love we often don’t see on screen. If you’re looking for a story that’s heartfelt, a little bittersweet, and full of depth, this is it. And with only six episodes, it’s a quick watch that packs a punch, making every episode count.
This isn’t your typical happy-ending romance; it’s something much richer. What Comes After Love is about finding closure, learning to forgive, and understanding the things that come after love. It’s a show that will make you think about your own relationships, the people you’ve loved and lost, and the moments that stay with you long after love has ended. So, get cozy, grab your snacks, and get ready to fall into a beautiful, unforgettable story.
Watch What Comes After Love Trailer Here
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Love, Heartache, and Second Chances: What to Expect from What Comes After Love