Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Love Is For The Dogs, which has been capturing hearts with its unique blend of Japanese and Korean storytelling elements. This heartwarming romantic drama brings together three talented actors from different backgrounds in a story that proves love knows no boundaries.
Love Is For The Dogs premiered in 2025 and consists of 10 episodes with an average runtime of 50 minutes per episode. The series is available for streaming on TBS in Japan, TVING in Korea, and internationally on Max (HBO Max). Based on the webtoon “Doghan Romance” by Bo-Hyun and illustrated by Moon Suni, this Japan-Korea co-production marks TBS and Studio Dragon’s first collaborative effort, making it a truly groundbreaking project.
The series follows three individuals whose lives become intertwined through a mysterious pet dog, exploring themes of healing, friendship, and unexpected love. What makes this drama special is its cross-cultural approach, combining the emotional depth of Japanese storytelling with the romantic intensity that Korean dramas are known for.
The story revolves around three very different individuals
The story revolves around three very different individuals: Woo Seo Ha (Na In Woo), a third-generation chaebol from Korea, Kai Shirosaki (Ryo Narita), a Japanese veterinarian, and Aiko Hanamura (Kaya Kiyohara), a divorce lawyer, whose lives become entangled through a pet dog that harbors a mysterious secret. As they navigate misunderstandings and conflicts, they gradually build a friendship and begin to heal from their past wounds.
The drama skillfully weaves together the professional and personal lives of these three characters, with each episode revealing more about their individual struggles and the mysterious connection that brings them together. The pet dog serves as more than just a plot device; it becomes a catalyst for personal growth and unexpected relationships.
Aiko Hanamura: The Guarded Divorce Lawyer
Aiko Hanamura (Kaya Kiyohara) is a lawyer who specializes in divorce. She is a perfectionist, but she is also a warm-hearted person who sympathizes with her clients going through marital problems. In her personal life, from growing up with parents who didn’t get along well with each other, she doesn’t believe in love. She enjoys her single life with her pet dog Sakura, whom she really loves.
Kaya Kiyohara brings nuanced depth to Aiko, portraying a woman who has built walls around her heart due to her childhood experiences. Her journey from cynicism about love to gradually opening her heart forms the emotional core of the series. The actress masterfully balances Aiko’s professional competence with her personal vulnerabilities.
Kai Shirosaki: The Compassionate Veterinarian
Ryo Narita plays Kai Shirosaki, a dedicated veterinarian who runs an animal hospital. His character serves as the emotional anchor of the trio, with his genuine care for animals extending to his relationships with people. Narita’s warm and natural performance makes Kai instantly likeable, and his character’s pure intentions create a beautiful contrast to the more guarded personalities around him.
The veterinarian’s profession allows the series to explore themes of healing and care, both for animals and humans. Kai’s interactions with both Aiko and Seo Ha reveal different facets of his personality, from professional dedication to personal loyalty.
Woo Seo Ha: The Chaebol with Hidden Depths
Na In Woo portrays Woo Seo Ha, a third-generation chaebol from Korea who brings complexity to what could have been a stereotypical rich heir character. His presence in Japan and connection to the mysterious pet dog adds intrigue to the storyline while his developing relationships with Aiko and Kai provide opportunities for character growth.
Na In Woo’s performance adds the Korean drama flair that international audiences love, while his character’s arc explores themes of responsibility, family expectations, and finding genuine connections beyond wealth and status.
Success on Max
Love is for the Dogs, a prime-time drama series co-produced between Japan and Korea, is set to roll out on TBS, TVING and Max. The series has gained significant attention for being the first collaboration between TBS and Studio Dragon, marking a new era of cross-cultural drama production. The international release on Max has allowed global audiences to experience this unique blend of Japanese and Korean storytelling styles. The drama’s focus on healing, friendship, and the special bond between humans and animals has resonated with viewers across different cultures, proving that some stories are truly universal.
If you love heartwarming romance stories, cross-cultural dramas, and stories about the healing power of pets, Love Is For The Dogs is the perfect series to binge on Max. The combination of excellent performances, unique premise, and emotional depth makes it a standout in both Japanese and Korean drama landscapes.
Love Is For The Dogs successfully combines Japanese and Korean storytelling elements to create a heartwarming tale about love, healing, and the special bonds that connect us all.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Platform: Max (HBO Max), TBS, TVING
- Rating: TBD (newly released)
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Main Characters: Kaya Kiyohara (Aiko Hanamura), Ryo Narita (Kai Shirosaki), Na In Woo (Woo Seo Ha)
- Antagonist: Past traumas and emotional barriers (character-driven conflicts)