What Comes After Love: Kentaro Sakaguchi

This fall, “What Comes After Love” (사랑 후에 오는 것들) has emerged as a surprise hit on Coupang Play, quickly gaining a devoted fan base. Starring Lee Se-young, Kentaro Sakaguchi, and Hong Jong-hyun, this emotionally charged drama explores the complexities of love, loss, and the difficult process of moving on. If you enjoy deeply emotional storytelling combined with stunning cinematography, this series is not one to miss.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes this drama so captivating, from its powerful storyline to the unforgettable performances that have viewers eagerly awaiting each new episode.

사랑 후에 오는 것들
The final eight Chefs

A Story of Love and Heartbreak That Transcends Borders

At the core of What Comes After Love is the tragic love story between Hong (Lee Se-young) and Jungo (Kentaro Sakaguchi), a couple whose relationship ended five years earlier. As fate would have it, they cross paths again, and old feelings are rekindled. Their romance, complicated by their cultural differences—Hong is Korean and Jungo is Japanese—adds another layer of depth to the narrative. Adapted from a popular novel by Gong Ji-young and Hitonari Tsuji, this cross-border romance delves into the challenges of loving and letting go.

As the episodes unfold, the characters’ past love is revealed through flashbacks and present-day interactions, with each episode drawing viewers deeper into the emotional journey of the protagonists. Episode 4, in particular, has stood out with a heart-wrenching revelation during Jungo’s book launch, where he confesses that his book was inspired by his memories of Hong. This scene has resonated strongly with audiences, making it a key turning point in the series​.

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Stunning Visuals and Direction by Moon Hyun-sung

One of the reasons What Comes After Love has captured the hearts of viewers is its masterful direction by Moon Hyun-sung. His portrayal of the raw emotions that come after love—the nostalgia, regret, and lingering attachment—has struck a chord with audiences. The beautiful cinematography heightens the emotional impact, with sweeping shots of past memories and symbolic visual cues that reflect the internal turmoil of the characters.

Moon aimed to create a universal love story, one that doesn’t sensationalize heartbreak but instead portrays it with emotional sincerity. His vision for the series was to show the complexity of relationships and the enduring pain of love lost.

Why What Comes After Love Is a Must-Watch Melodrama

Since its release, What Comes After Love has been consistently topping Coupang Play’s viewership charts and receiving rave reviews. This is not just another melodrama—its nuanced storytelling, emotional depth, and strong character development set it apart. Whether you are a fan of Lee Se-young’s powerful acting, the stunning chemistry between the leads, or the heart-wrenching storyline, this drama offers a deeply moving experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

If you’re looking for a drama that explores the bittersweet reality of what happens after love, this is it. Each Friday, new episodes air exclusively on Coupang Play, keeping fans eagerly awaiting to see how Hong and Jungo’s story unfolds.

“What Comes After Love” has proven to be one of the most compelling Korean dramas of the season. With its powerful performances, beautiful direction, and emotionally resonant storyline, it’s no wonder that it has quickly become a favorite among viewers. Whether you’re tuning in for the heartache, the romance, or the stunning production quality, this drama is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss it—catch new episodes every Friday evening on Coupang Play.

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