Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love

Behind the Scenes of Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love—Japan’s Steamy Webtoon Adaptation

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love (2024) has been one of the most anticipated Japanese dramas of the year, not just for its star-studded cast but for its bold adaptation of a popular South Korean webcomic. The series, directed by Ryutaro Nakagawa, marks a rare crossover between Japanese live-action and Korean source material, blending romance, emotional ambiguity, and the picturesque setting of Kamakura. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what we know about the making of this eight-episode drama—and why it’s already turning heads.

From Webtoon to Screen: A Cross-Cultural Gamble

The series is based on Algoitjiman (알고있지만), a South Korean webcomic by Jung Seo that gained a cult following for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of modern relationships. While Korean dramas have frequently adapted webtoons, Japanese live-action rarely ventures into foreign source material—making Nevertheless a notable exception .

The original webcomic’s themes of emotional detachment and fleeting connections translate seamlessly to the screen, but the shift from Korean to Japanese cultural context adds a fresh layer. The drama’s Kamakura setting, with its historic temples and coastal vistas, provides a dreamy backdrop that contrasts with the characters’ internal turmoil . Rumor has it that the production team deliberately chose the location to mirror the webcomic’s melancholic yet romantic tone, though details on the creative process remain scarce.

The Cast: A Mix of Rising Stars and Veteran Talent

Leading the ensemble is Ryusei Yokohama (The Naked Director, Alice in Borderland), who plays Ren Kosaka, a talented but emotionally distant artist. Yokohama’s casting was announced in late 2023, with sources confirming his involvement in the ABEMA-Netflix co-production . His portrayal of Kosaka—a character who attracts people effortlessly but keeps them at arm’s length—has been a major talking point, especially given Yokohama’s reputation for playing brooding, introspective roles.

Opposite him is Sara Minami (My Boss, My Hero), who takes on the role of the enigmatic woman who disrupts Kosaka’s carefully constructed solitude. The chemistry between the two leads has been a focal point in early promotions, though neither actor has publicly discussed their approach to the characters .

Supporting the leads is a mix of rising stars and seasoned actors:

• Reo Sano (First Love: Hatsukoi), playing a key figure in Kosaka’s past.
• Jun Murakami (The 13 Lords of the Shogun), whose role remains under wraps but is rumored to be a mentor or rival to Kosaka.
• Shinobu Nakayama (Godzilla vs. Kong), a veteran actress adding gravitas to the ensemble .

The cast’s diversity—spanning idols, actors, and industry veterans—suggests a deliberate strategy to appeal to multiple demographics, from younger webtoon fans to older drama enthusiasts.

Streaming Wars: ABEMA and Netflix’s High-Stakes Bet

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love is a joint production between ABEMA, Japan’s leading streaming platform, and Netflix, marking another step in the tech giant’s push into Japanese originals. The series premiered on ABEMA on December 9, 2024, before rolling out globally on Netflix later in the month .

The collaboration is a strategic move for both platforms. ABEMA, known for its edgy, youth-oriented content, gets a polished, high-budget drama to compete with Netflix’s growing slate of Japanese originals. Meanwhile, Netflix gains access to ABEMA’s built-in audience, particularly younger viewers who might not typically engage with traditional J-dramas .

Early buzz suggests the series is leaning into its webtoon roots, with a visual style that mirrors the original artwork—soft lighting, intimate close-ups, and a color palette that shifts with the characters’ emotions. Whether this approach will resonate with audiences remains to be seen, but the streaming giants are clearly betting big on its success.

What’s Next? Rumors and Unanswered Questions

Despite the hype, details about the series’ production are still limited. Here’s what’s unclear—and what fans are speculating about:

• Episode Count and Runtime: Sources confirm the series has eight episodes, each running roughly 31 minutes . However, there’s no word on whether a second season is planned, though the webcomic’s popularity makes it a strong possibility.
• Behind-the-Scenes Drama: No reports of on-set conflicts or creative differences have surfaced, but given the cross-cultural adaptation, tensions may have arisen during scripting or casting.
• Awards Buzz: With its star-studded cast and high production values, Nevertheless could be a contender at next year’s Japanese drama awards, though nothing has been officially announced.

For now, fans are left to dissect the first few episodes, which have already sparked debates about the leads’ chemistry and the faithfulness to the webcomic’s tone. One thing is certain: Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love is a bold experiment, and its success—or failure—could shape the future of Japanese adaptations of Korean source material.