With Lee Se Young and Sakaguchi Kentaro delivering Oscar-worthy performances, a heart-wrenching second-chance romance, beautiful cinematography, and a well-paced story, “What Comes After Love” is a drama that may be hard to replicate for some time. However, if you’re already feeling the withdrawal symptoms, here are two K-dramas, one J-drama, and one K-J-Drama to get you through the week.
“The Law Cafe” – Lee Se Young
“The Law Cafe” is the perfect show if you’re missing Lee Se Young and craving a fluffier romance after the slow-burn melodrama of “What Comes After Love.” Based on the web novel “Love According to Law,” the story follows Yu Ri (played by Lee Se Young), a hot-tempered lawyer who cannot stand injustice. In her quest to fight against evil, she quits her job at a law firm and opens her own law cafe. But when she meets the landlord of her cafe’s location, she realizes he’s none other than Jung Ho (Lee Seung Gi), her high school friend, famously dubbed “The Monster Genius of the Prosecution.” This reunion rekindles their old friendship, which soon blossoms into love.
One thing that “What Comes After Love” showcased is Lee Se Young’s ability to express emotions through her eyes without needing to speak. “The Law Cafe” presents another side of her skillful acting with a fierce, headstrong character who’s the opposite of Hong, yet equally delightful to watch on screen. And the heart-fluttering romance is just the cherry on top.
Start watching “The Law Cafe”:
“Only Just Married” – Sakaguchi Kentaro
If you’re missing Sakaguchi Kentaro on screen, it’s time to watch “Only Just Married.” Originally titled “Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga,” this Japanese drama follows 27-year-old Ookado Akiha (Seino Nana), who had sworn to stay single for life, until she receives a proposal from 30-year-old Momose Shuu, played by Sakaguchi Kentaro. The twist? Shuu doesn’t love Akiha; he simply wants to be married for the social status. The question is, will this fake marriage turn into true love?
Though the fake marriage trope has been used hundreds of times in the past, “Only Just Married” feels refreshingly unique. In typical stories, the couple marries out of convenience and eventually falls in love but hesitates to admit it, with jealousy leading to a final confession. Here, however, Sakaguchi Kentaro’s character is atypical, exhibiting neurodivergent traits. His tendency to take things literally, lack of communication skills, and overly logical mindset make it hard for him to express love, often frustrating viewers. Yet his unique character makes for a more realistic and authentic portrayal, making audiences root for Momose Shuu.
Start watching “Only Just Married”:
“Our Beloved Summer” – second chance romance
There’s a special beauty in second-chance romances — two people who were once deeply in love but broke up, yet can’t fully erase each other from their hearts. Years later, fate brings them back together, as if they were always meant to be. If you’re looking to dive into more second-chance romances, “Our Beloved Summer” is a must-watch.
Inspired by the webtoon of the same name, “Our Beloved Summer” follows Choi Woong and Gook Yeon Soo, who attended the same high school and were cast in a documentary showcasing their contrasting lives: Choi Woong (Choi Woo Shik), the lowest-ranked student, and Gook Yeon Soo (Kim Da Mi), the top-ranked student. During filming, they fall in love, but for unknown reasons, their relationship falls apart. Years later, they find themselves forced to work closely together once again, making the part two of the same documentary. Can they rekindle their lost love?
One of the reasons “What Comes After Love” became iconic was its lead actors’ ability to capture hearts through their expressive gazes. While “Our Beloved Summer” isn’t as melodramatic, Choi Woong and Gook Yeon Soo’s constant yearning for each other, masked by their failed attempts at acting indifferent towards each other, keeps this slow-paced drama captivating until the end.
“The Secret Message” – inter-country romance & beautiful cinematography
This story of this inter-country drama revolves around a Korean man, Woo Hyun (T.O.P), and a Japanese woman, Haruka (Ueno Juri), who, despite living completely different lives in separate countries, share the same pain from the scars left by their first loves. Haruka lives in Seoul and works as a stage actress, while Woo Hyun is in Tokyo, striving to make it as a film director. It all begins with a LINE message; before they realize it, they become more than just two strangers on the internet.
The cinematography of “What Comes After Love” took many viewers by surprise, as it deviates from the highly saturated and crisp look that’s typical of most K-dramas, instead leaning towards an indie Japanese style. “The Secret Message” is another K-drama that offers a similar vibe in terms of aesthetics and cinematography.
Hello ers! Are there any other dramas you would like to add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below.
Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
Currently watching: “Family by Choice,” “Brewing Love,” and “Lovely Runner.”
Looking forward to: “Squid Game Season 2,” “Good Boy,” and “Reborn.”