Is it just me, or was this just kind of okay?
Second-chance romances are not something I'm terribly familiar with, so I wanted to give this one a shot. Plus, I liked the general premise of a cross-country romance.The actors' chemistry is undeniable, particularly in the flashbacks when they met in Japan. The drama sets up their relationship very well, and also does a good job of showing why they didn't work out. Tbh I am on the FL's side here... idk why he couldn't be bothered to text or call to tell her he was busy, but whatever. Anyway, what ultimately ended up not working for me was the present-day stuff. I think there was too much avoidance on the FL's part of the ML; not that that's unrealistic, but it was difficult to see their chemistry re-ignite in the present. They both were just kind of sad around each other and didn't have any meaningful conversations until the last episode. Maybe this drama could've benefited from more episodes? The ending was a tad underwhelming, as other reviewers have noted.
I'll give a shout out to the OST because it was truly very good. Normally I don't notice the music all that much, but it really worked here. The cinematography was kind of mixed, as it had a lot of scenes that were very dark and it was hard to see what was going on. On the other hand, there were some very pretty scenes.
Overall, it wasn't bad, but I wasn't blown away by it. I think it kind of has unfulfilled potential. I don't know if I'm just missing something, because other people seem to really like it, but it was just kind of okay to me.
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All the Feels
What Comes After Love is not your typical romantic K-drama, and it may not be for everyone. Clocking in at just six episodes, the story unfolds at a slow, deliberate pace. It's very different from other more fast paced J-Dramas with few episodes, and is much more mellow in its vibe compared with other K-Dramas. The leads spend very little time together in the present, with most of the narrative told through flashbacks. The result is a nuanced story focused less on plot and more on the feelings of loneliness and love—themes that gradually build throughout the series until it resonates deeply with you as a viewer.What sets this drama apart is its emphasis on the subtlety of emotions rather than grand gestures. In a way reminiscent of Japanese storytelling, What Comes After Love is more about exploring the feeling of love than showing it through big, dramatic scenes. This approach may resonate especially well with viewers who have experienced similar feelings, like living in a foreign country and facing cultural differences with a partner. For others, however, the slow pace and understated approach might feel a bit tedious.
While the show excels at building a quiet, melancholic atmosphere, it’s not without its flaws. Certain characters, like the female lead's sister, felt underdeveloped and unnecessary, and the leads' current relationship could have used more depth. Given the short episode count, though, it’s understandable why some relationships weren’t fully fleshed out. Despite the overall mellow vibe, I found myself yearning for a few more significant, emotional moments between the leads.
Still, What Comes After Love is a uniquely moving experience with a classical romance feel—perfect for those willing to sit back, slow down, and immerse themselves in the emotions at its core.
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girl get up!!!!! men aren't all that :/
what comes after love is (subjectively) a very bad show. the lovey-dovey scenes aside, i dislike the "bright and cheerful woman gets cold and uncaring after a breakup" trope cos choi hong girl get off the floor he wasn't all that like jungo was a mid man at best minjun is better...he chose his career over her? i also dislike the "can't move on from my one true love that happened 300 years ago" trope in straight dramas for some reason like it's not that serious move on lol, lmao even. i get that her mother's marrying her off due to societal expectations but i HATE when they portray milquetoast heterosexual relationships as forbidden love bffr he's from japan ur from korea it's not like ur moving to atlantis.
i DON'T want her to get back with that man. she's finally unburdened from the weight of not one but two men and u want her to get back with jungo? all for a love she has already tried and knows isn't worth it? that was what happened in little woman have we not evolved since 1868
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This review may contain spoilers
the burn and angst is what you find
Being in a far from home country i feel related to this story mainly the FL. The angst and the loneliness she feels is what am connected to. This drama is a great dd to your watchlist as it has some lingering feelings at the end. I am waiting for the happy ending but somewhere am okay with whatever ending they decide on...because reality always sucks and this drama is close to reality.Was this review helpful to you?
Not a popular opinion, but I did not like it.
This series tell the story of a couple, that were madly in love, and life happened to them. I might say this is why we do not watch what comes after love. I've been married, for quite some time I must add, I'm pretty aware that the honeymoon phase is not that long, just like anyone who's married or in a long term commited relationship. The problem of this series is the story is told in a very boring way. The only thing one's looking to see is if they're going to get back together, but as of episode 4, I'm not curious even about that. Would have been better if it was a movie. If you've liked this, you might like Now We're Breaking Up. If you're wondering what comes after love AND don't want to be bored I would recommend Between Him and Her.Was this review helpful to you?
Love Is Its Own Reward
What comes after love? - a pensive title for a nostalgic story. What indeed comes after love? In asking, it is already considered that the love has ended. Now, questions arise. Why did it have to end? Was there no way to fix it? How heartbroken will I get?Such were my questions when I encountered this title. I was hesitant to venture, however, seeing the trailer, I knew I needed the poetics that came with it. Like I predicted, I fell for it right away... but like love, it's easy to fall, it's a struggle to stay. And these are why.
What I Love:
1. As a romantic, my need for a poetic storytelling was fulfilled: a) The use of flashbacks and symbolism (Beni's hair being curly in her in-love phase and being straight in her moved-on phase), b) The use of quotations from Dongju Yun's Counting the Stars at Nights to introduce and conclude the story, c) The use of snow and sakura adds much-needed drama, and d) a soulful melody to sing the melody your heart wants to play. So much love.
2. Lovable casting. I guess they're one of the pairs you would watch even if, theoretically, the plot is a flop. Seyoung is so yeppeoda. I love her in all her phases, even when she's angry. Kentaro plays as his character requires on top of being striking of course.
What Are Lacking:
1. Story Pace.
I said I loved the poetic storytelling with the flashbacks, but hey, too much flashbacks is annoying. This could have been done in one movie - 2 hours only. Show the past, show the present, then show the ending. Use in-medias-res, sure. Use flashbacks too, just not too much. There are a lot of poetic movies that executed excellently - The Lake House or August Rush. This took an unnecessary 6 episodes and weeks. I go whaaaatttt happpeeeennneeddddd? did the story progress? at episodes 3 to 5. Move!
2. Characters. Ugghhhh!
Jungo. I can't believe it. I went to the point of hating how timid he was. I have high expectations from him because he was supposed to love her which meant fight for her. But, he didn't. I guess he didn't love her enough to pack the bag and bring it to Korea. She basically gave him a chance by giving him her address. Also, yes, I have the same question as Beni, why did he just let her go? And the most annoying part about him is, he can learn English and be so fluent at it, but how come he did not consider to learn Hangul????? If he ever considered reconnecting with her, he could have tried to find a way to talk to her, so then, he could be the one to try to understand her like she understood him? I'm so annnnnooooooyyyyyyeeeeeeddddddd!
Secondly, fate gave him a plenty of chances to talk to her, but, he mostly just ended up riding the taxi away or her driving away. Then, when given the chance during his last night, he just had to flunk it. Why can't he just tell her that he loves her still? He should have held her hand and begged her to stay.
Lastly, I wondered if he ever planned to find her. What if the publisher of his book wasn't her father? What was the goal of him writing the book at all? Just to reminisce? If he ever thought the book would get to her, why did he not prepare? If this were real, I hope he truly learned to keep her.
Beni. Alright! So, maybe I was a too harsh on Jungo, but he deserved it. I am naturally on Beni's side, not because we're both women, but because, she was very giving without getting back what she deserves. She was in a foreign country. Initially, she was happy because she's hyped up by all the excitement and that her friend was there. However, loneliness soon got to her because, well, she was technically alone. It could be depressing to a lively character such as herself. Some call her needy, but not without reasons.
What I love about Beni is her spontaneity. She jumps on the plane to escape her family. She falls in love. She doesn't hold anything back. However, because of this, she jumps back to the plane, buries everything, and acts like she moved on already. I don't even know where she left her shame to make Jungo pack all her belongings and send them to her. Lol. I wonder if she left some cash for the transport. Haha. Kidding aside, she has indded changed a lot, but her love for him never changed.
Comment on the Ending:
So, I was seething about the ending of Episode 5 because hey, where are we headed? The last episode is almost here. Halfway through Episode 6, I was like, ok, I think this will end in mutual and happy separation (60%) and Jungo will stay (40%). Although, in my heart, I was hoping he will stay, because hey, love could also be what comes after love. My mind was made when she started running. I just know (hope actually) Jungo got down from that taxi and would soon come running with (not after) with her. And he did. And my poetic heart understood. That was worth all the frustration.
Overall:
If put on a scale, the lacking will surely outweigh the loves. However, this is still recommendable. To all poetic authors - for inspiration. To all who experienced the same - for a deeper appreciation of what comes after every failed journey. To all romantics - to feed your hearts.
Theme:
Love is its own reward. Love is what comes after love. It's the consolation prize, but, it is also the ultimate prize. A consolation for a love that is lost. Ultimate for a love that was treasured whether it was lost or kept. For a love as pure and true as they both have experienced, there are no regrets. That love will be a part of them. For that, their life is worthwhile.
One star for memory.
One star for love.
One star for sorrow.
One star for longing.
What comes after love is all of the above. Now, I see, the lines that open, close.
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10 OUT OF 10!!!!!!
This drama is EVERYTHING. I usually watch kdramas so I'm familiar with the Fl and i love her acting, however I'm new to the ml and didn't know what to expect but he blew me away with his acting.Less than 2 minutes into the drama where the main leads meet i knew i was going to be hooked. The Chemistry between them just staring at each other is off the charts. I love the gentle nature of the ml and how the fl balances him out. They sort of give calm bf and hyper but reserved gf energy.
Gosh their love is so apparent even in the way the look at each other and even the way their dialogues are written. Very much giving soft love
The Angst too is another level. Like i can cut through the tension between them that's how good it is. The actors just go together and it's obvious that they do not have to do too much to establish the emotions between them.
Also the directing of this drama is chef's kiss. The progression of scenes, the colour grading is well thought of and does a good job potraying the central idea & emotion of each scene.
I don't want to go into too much details but if you're reading this, you have to go watch What Comes After Love. Rooting for Juno and Beni and i hope the story unravels in their favour?
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Another special matter of this drama is the collaboration of south korea and japan. The drama delves into themes of fate, love, and the idea of whether relationships have an expiration date. The drama's central theme revolves around the aftermath of a passionate relationship. It portrays the raw emotions individuals experience when their romantic connections dissolve—sadness, confusion, and a search for closure. The film is introspective, with a focus on character development and emotional depth. Its storytelling is intimate, often using flashbacks to provide context for the characters’ pasts and how those pasts shape their present.
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So far it is good to see Japan and real Japanese actors plus the language not being sabotaged.
In saying that, this drama is all about a Japanese man and Korean woman and their relationship followed by a break up then meeting again in Korea 5 years later which is in the synopsis.
So...
What hasn't been good to see in just the first 10 minutes is all the luggage the main female character is carrying every step of the way from Narita airport when it could have easily been delivered directly from airport to door. Hassle free!!!!.
Unless of course that has changed...
Wonderful memories have been brought back with the bridge scene and what could have been a drone shot of Shibuya, Shinjuku or Akihabara.
Looked more like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Winner so far just for giving me a walk down memory lane.
The story line isn't original when it comes to man meeting woman or woman meeting man, but what is refreshing is seeing more of a backbone when it comes to speaking ones mind or standing ones ground rather than apologising for everything whether the person is right or wrong.
Don't think there is any excessive bowing either...not yet anyhow.
Just so you know it does go back and forth between the past and present which for some will probably teeter on annoying whereas others won't mind. It has only been two episodes so this could change, of course.
I reckon the chemistry is a bit better between "Beni" and the Korean guy rather than her and the Japanese guy, "Yun Oh", although both act their parts well.
It is slow and not upbeat like some yet has it's light moments and own story to tell.
One thing I wish would change is all the drinking and getting drunk because in the first 30 minutes there is a number of scenes with drinking going on - maybe 2 or 3 so I hope this isn't going to be in every episode.
I think AA is needed in Korea and Japan like yesterday.
The piano music at the very start reminds me of that famous composer who composed Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, Ryuichi Sakamoto.
The piano has been pleasant to listen to throughout and I would buy it if it is ever made available to buy.
Am crossing my fingers that there will be one or two hit songs that will be good as Butterflies or Stay With Me. Even just one!
Early days yet so will be back to write more as only two episodes have been released so far.
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Poetic, beautiful and haunting
I have never felt more immersed and invested in a drama in my life.The acting, cinematography, music and direction was transcendent.
This is not a plot-driven drama, rather it’s an all-encompassing emotional journey of contrasts and symbols. The story is multi-layered and weaves in flashbacks effortlessly. You believe in the intensity of their love and the deep regret that haunts them five years later. You see the initial hurt, betrayal and fear that prevents honest communication and how their misunderstandings slowly melt away, showing growth in only six episodes. Each rewatch provides additional details and context that enables a different interpretation of the story.
Lee se yong is superb at showing the transition from a youthful, lively student to a taciturn, business-like professional five years later. Kentaro Sakaguchi does an excellent job of conveying micro expressions and reactions, without being cheesy or giving too much away.
Overall a fantastic drama and character study.
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Love between a Japanese man and a Korean woman!
finished 9/10 ✨?full-blown romantic melodrama ?
Awesome chemistry between Lee Se Young and Kentaro Sakaguchi... a nice surprise especially since they don't share the same language, that speaks volumes about the great work they did ?
Special mention to Lee Se Young who alternated between Korean and Japanese in the different scenes, she deserves all the awards I loved her ✨
I don't give it 10 points because I felt that the ending was missing "something" maybe with a couple of chapters to explain things better it would have been perfect but you can enjoy it
I hope both countries do more collaborations like this in the future. ?
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This review may contain spoilers
Silence can sometimes be loud.
Of course, we haven't reached the end yet, but it's clear that this drama is completely an adaptation of a book. I haven't read the book, but I'm almost certain that the story closely follows its original flow. This series isn't suitable for those with traditional expectations of drama. That said, it wouldn’t be accurate to say it's entirely free of clichés. For now, it's exciting to see how this quickly igniting romance will end. However, based on the way the story is presented, I can say that they don't have to give us a happy ending. We can somewhat understand where their passionate and enthusiastic love is headed. Especially their discussions about what "eternal love" means and their eagerness for it show us the inevitable from the very beginning.As for the characters, we have a more introverted male character who keeps his thoughts to himself, contrasted with a female character who is much more energetic and has a stronger expectation of love. However, I'm finding it quite difficult to empathize with the female character; I still haven't figured out what her problem is.She moved to a foreign country with her friend, defying her family, and we thought she was quite brave—at least that's what was shown to us. She quickly settled in a culture that was unfamiliar to her, found a job, and fell in love. She moved in with her boyfriend, got along well with her coworkers, and everything seemed fine in her education. So, what’s the problem? Why does she feel so foreign and alone? I couldn't understand that. For these reasons, she left her boyfriend and is still very angry with him even after five years. But why??? Yes, the male character might be a bit reserved about sharing his thoughts, but he was always open about his love for her. She could have built a social circle in the country she moved to, but she chose to cling to Jungo and be alone with her, effectively shutting herself off from the outside.
Now, she's about to marry someone else with whom she shares friendly feelings, yet she’s still in love with the man from five years ago. I’m curious to see how the lack of communication from their separation will play out in the final chapterAside from that, the cinematography and music are amazing. Despite all these dead ends, it has become a drama worth watching for me.
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