4 Reasons To Watch Romantic, Second Chance J-Drama “Welcome Back, First Love.”
Some love stories don’t have to last long to be very meaningful. In the middle of work life and adulthood, the sweet but extremely shy Yamane Shiori (Hayashi Meari) fatefully meets again the once rebellious Taguchi Ryosuke (Higuchi Kohei), the person who meant the most to her during her first year in high school. After 10 years apart, they now have the chance to fulfill their past teenage dreams, embarking on an endearing romance and opening their hearts to new but familiar feelings, bringing us a charming story. Here are some of the reasons why you shouldn’t miss the new J-drama “Welcome back, First love.”!
Warning: spoilers ahead.
1. An endearing friends-to-lovers storyThere’s something quite unique in friends-to-lovers stories, especially when its characters are completely different from one another. While Shiori has a reserved and timid nature, Ryosuke is bold and nonchalant to the max. But as opposites attract, their friendship develops naturally when they meet during their first year in high school. Shiori’s sweet and unprejudiced personality easily melts down all of Ryosuke’s walls, making him unable to push away the only girl who can see past his fierce looks and sharp tongue.
Spending every break together, getting to know each other, and freely opening up, their short time together leaves a deep mark in their hearts, even after they abruptly separate. Fast forward 10 years, Shiori is still the same shy woman, but she has settled into a comfortable life. So, when she meets Ryosuke again, now a mature and professional man far from the unruly boy she remembered, the bond that they once shared rekindles with even more strength. Combining the emotional longing from the past, while holding all hope about the future, their story carries the innocence of their friendship and the intensity of their love.
The dynamism of this story is reflected in the way they show us both Shiori’s and Ryosuke’s adult lives as office workers and, in between, their days as teenagers. These parallels in certain special moments are very important because they show us how much things have changed, or not. Aside from the minor changes in hairstyles and wardrobe, what stands out the most is how much more mature they appear, both in their expressions and attitudes.
At the same time, that comparison allows us to see the importance each other holds in their memories, since they ultimately separated after Ryosuke transferred schools and cut all communication with Shiori. However, despite time and distance, they are still very much the same people, and their feelings remain the same as well. That makes the development of their relationship not feel rushed at all, despite the shortness of the episodes.
This might be a romance show, but it’s not all about romantic relationships; it also gives friendships great importance. For Shiori, her bond with her brother Yamane Nagisa (Fujibayashi Yasunari) and her budding friendship with her coworker Ohata Jun (Asakura Aki) are vital for her. At first, Jun appears as a cold and distant person, but she eventually shows her genuine concern for Shiori and, surprisingly, has a very cute and funny side.
On the other hand, we don’t know much about Ryosuke’s life after high school, but we get to know a bit thanks to his close friend Inooka Taiki (Endo Yuto). At first glance, Taiki seems like a bit of a weirdo but he sincerely appreciates and cares for Ryosuke as they’ve been each other’s support since college. These two people, Jun and Taiki, in their own special way, turn into essential support for the main leads, who, despite their strong feelings, are still too insecure in the topic of love.
Through its bright and cinematic scenes, this show gives off a very fresh vibe that makes you feel as warm as if you were in the middle of summer, enjoying the sunlight, and surrounded by the sound of cicadas chirping. In such a unique setting, it’s no surprise that a young love would be born. In a sense, it feels as if the innocence and brightness of Shiori and Ryosuke match their surroundings.
As they meet again, the fresh vibe remains, but it is enhanced with a shy and intense romance. Once they start dating, each person takes a step at a time to get closer, slowly but surely building their love story. This J-drama might not have the most complex of plots or overly dramatic plot twists, but the charm of its simplicity and ease is what makes it so worth watching. Don’t miss out on the chance to fall in love with this story and tune into “Welcome back, First love.” now!
Find “Welcome back, First love.” here:
Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. Find her on Instagram @wuaitboni.
Currently watching: “Summer Vacation” and “Welcome Back, First Love”
Plans to watch: “Make Me Tingle“
PLAVE Makes Generous Donation To Support Children In Need Around The World
PLAVE has made a meaningful donation! On November 2, the UNICEF Korea Committee shared, “PLAVE has donated 100 million won (approximately $74,600) to support children around the world. The donation will be used through UNICEF to provide children around the world who are facing difficulties due to conflict, disasters, poverty, and other hardships with essential Continue reading PLAVE Makes Generous Donation To Support Children In Need Around The World PLAVE Makes Generous Donation To Support Children In Need Around The World Soompi. ...
Read more
Shin Sae Kyeong’s Agency Announces Prison Sentence For Individual Who Threatened And Defamed Her
Shin Sae Kyeong’s agency has shared the outcome of its legal action against an individual who repeatedly made threats and malicious defamatory remarks against Shin Sae Kyeong. On November 2, THE PRESENT COMPANY announced that the defendant had received a final sentence of eight months in prison after the appellate court dismissed their appeal and Continue reading Shin Sae Kyeong’s Agency Announces Prison Sentence For Individual Who Threatened And Defamed Her Shin Sae Kyeong’s Agency Announces Prison Sentence For Individual Who Threatened And Defamed Her Soompi. ...
Read more
Miyeon, Han Hye Jin, Code Kunst, Jonathan, And Patricia Return As Panelists In “My Sibling’s Romance 2” Poster
Upcoming dating reality show “My Sibling’s Romance 2” has unveiled its first poster! First aired in March 2024, “My Sibling’s Romance” is a family-meddling dating show where siblings help each other find romantic partners. Its fresh format combines romance with family dynamics, offering both entertaining moments and heartfelt emotions that set it apart from other Continue reading Miyeon, Han Hye Jin, Code Kunst, Jonathan, And Patricia Return As Panelists In “My Sibling’s Romance 2” Poster Miyeon, Han Hye Jin, Code Kunst, Jonathan, And Patricia Return As Panelists In “My Sibling’s Romance 2” Poster Soompi. ...
Read more
Sung Hoon, Oh Se Young, And Lee Jung Shin Are Entangled In A Love Triangle In “What A Boss Wants”
MBN’s upcoming drama “What a Boss Wants” has shared new stills featuring Sung Hoon, Oh Se Young, and CNBLUE’s Lee Jung Shin! Based on a web novel, “What a Boss Wants” is a romance drama starring Sung Hoon as Kwon Do Hyuk, a chaebol boss with zero sense of taste who sets out to find Continue reading Sung Hoon, Oh Se Young, And Lee Jung Shin Are Entangled In A Love Triangle In “What A Boss Wants” Sung Hoon, Oh Se Young, And Lee Jung Shin Are Entangled In A Love Triangle In “What A Boss Wants” Soompi. ...
Read more
EXO’s Kai And Sehun Confirmed To Debut As New Unit In December
EXO’s Kai and Sehun are teaming up for a new unit! On November 2, Newsen reported that the two members are set to make their official unit debut in December. SM Entertainment confirmed the news, stating, “Kai and Sehun will release their first mini album this December as a new unit of EXO. We ask Continue reading EXO’s Kai And Sehun Confirmed To Debut As New Unit In December EXO’s Kai And Sehun Confirmed To Debut As New Unit In December Soompi. ...
Read more
Cha Kang Yoon, Bae Hyeon Seong, Park Yoon Ho, And More Navigate The Dangerous World Of College Entrance Exams In “The Substitute” Poster
Upcoming series “The Substitute” has unveiled a new poster! “The Substitute” is a crime thriller about three young men whose conflicting desires and personal struggles lead them toward an irreversible crime on the day of the college entrance exam. At the center is a top-ranking student from a low-income family who attends a prestigious private Continue reading Cha Kang Yoon, Bae Hyeon Seong, Park Yoon Ho, And More Navigate The Dangerous World Of College Entrance Exams In “The Substitute” Poster Cha Kang Yoon, Bae Hyeon Seong, Park Yoon Ho, And More Navigate The Dangerous World Of College Entrance Exams In “The Substitute” Poster Soompi. ...
Read more
Watch: Nam Ji Hyun And Kim Jae Yeong Showcase Adorable Chemistry On Set Of “Make Me Tingle”
“Make Me Tingle” has released a new behind-the-scenes video for episodes 7 and 8! The newly released making-of video depicts the bright atmosphere on set. Between filming, Nam Ji Hyun folds paper cranes, and when the staff filming compliments, “What can’t you do?” Nam Ji Hyun modestly responds with a smile, “There’s a lot. It’s Continue reading Watch: Nam Ji Hyun And Kim Jae Yeong Showcase Adorable Chemistry On Set Of “Make Me Tingle” Watch: Nam Ji Hyun And Kim Jae Yeong Showcase Adorable Chemistry On Set Of “Make Me Tingle” Soompi. ...
Read more
Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Yun Seok, And More Deal With Unforeseen Events During Heavy Snowfall In New Film “White Blast”
The upcoming film “White Blast” has unveiled new stills! “White Blast” is a mystery thriller that follows Gap Soo (Kim Yun Seok), a stationmaster nearing retirement, and his newly appointed successor, Hyun Taek (Koo Kyo Hwan), who discover a mysterious body at a rural train station isolated by a heavy snowstorm. The newly released stills Continue reading Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Yun Seok, And More Deal With Unforeseen Events During Heavy Snowfall In New Film “White Blast” Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Yun Seok, And More Deal With Unforeseen Events During Heavy Snowfall In New Film “White Blast” Soompi. ...
Read more
Ahn Bo Hyun And Lee Sung Min Clash As Young And Veteran Commanders Forced To Join Forces In “Sacred Jewel”
JTBC’s upcoming drama “Sacred Jewel” has teased the unlikely partnership between Ahn Bo Hyun and Lee Sung Min! “Sacred Jewel” is set in the year 1258 during the Goryeo Dynasty, when the kingdom is on the brink of defeat after 30 years of war with Mongolia. The story follows the heroic fight of an expedition Continue reading Ahn Bo Hyun And Lee Sung Min Clash As Young And Veteran Commanders Forced To Join Forces In “Sacred Jewel” Ahn Bo Hyun And Lee Sung Min Clash As Young And Veteran Commanders Forced To Join Forces In “Sacred Jewel” Soompi. ...
Read more
SEVENTEEN’s Agency Takes Legal Action Against Malicious Posts
On November 2, SEVENTEEN’s agency PLEDIS Entertainment released an official statement regarding updates on legal action against violations of artist rights. Source (1) SEVENTEEN’s Agency Takes Legal Action Against Malicious Posts Soompi. ...
Read more
Kim So Hyun And Choo Young Woo Face An Awkward Reunion In “Between Steps”
“Between Steps” has unveiled new stills ahead of its upcoming episode! “Between Steps” is a romance drama directed by the late Ahn Pan Seok, who helmed the hit dramas “Something in the Rain,” “One Spring Night,” and “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.” The drama tells the love story of Park Min Jae (Choo Young Woo), Continue reading Kim So Hyun And Choo Young Woo Face An Awkward Reunion In “Between Steps” Kim So Hyun And Choo Young Woo Face An Awkward Reunion In “Between Steps” Soompi. ...
Read more
Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon, Lee Jong Suk, And Lee Se Young Face Love And Betrayal In “The Remarried Empress”
“The Remarried Empress” has previewed the first four episodes! Based on the popular web novel of the same name, “The Remarried Empress” is a fantasy romance that tells the story of Navier (Shin Min Ah), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire. When her husband Sovieshu (Ju Ji Hoon), the emperor of the Eastern Empire, Continue reading Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon, Lee Jong Suk, And Lee Se Young Face Love And Betrayal In “The Remarried Empress” Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon, Lee Jong Suk, And Lee Se Young Face Love And Betrayal In “The Remarried Empress” Soompi. ...
Read more
Yim Si Wan’s Fiancée Choi Hee Jin’s Sudden Appearance Catches Seol In Ah Off Guard In “Love In Disguise”
“Love in Disguise” has unveiled new stills ahead of its upcoming episode! “Love in Disguise” is a romance thriller drama about Yoon Yi Jun (Yim Si Wan), an arrogant chaebol heir who becomes a murder suspect, and Kang Jae Hee (Seol In Ah), a former special forces officer who goes undercover as his personal secretary Continue reading Yim Si Wan’s Fiancée Choi Hee Jin’s Sudden Appearance Catches Seol In Ah Off Guard In “Love In Disguise” Yim Si Wan’s Fiancée Choi Hee Jin’s Sudden Appearance Catches Seol In Ah Off Guard In “Love In Disguise” Soompi. ...
Read more
Watch: Jisoo, Uhm Ji Won, Ahn Eun Jin, And Heo Sung Tae Work Alongside Park Bo Gum As Part-Timers On “The Village Barber 2” Teaser
Upcoming tvN variety program “The Village Barber 2” has introduced its one-day part-timers! “The Village Barber 2” is a variety show in which Park Bo Gum runs a barbershop in a small seaside village together with his close friends Lee Sang Yi and Ko Kyung Pyo. The newly released teaser reveals BLACKPINK’s Jisoo along with Continue reading Watch: Jisoo, Uhm Ji Won, Ahn Eun Jin, And Heo Sung Tae Work Alongside Park Bo Gum As Part-Timers On “The Village Barber 2” Teaser Watch: Jisoo, Uhm Ji Won, Ahn Eun Jin, And Heo Sung Tae Work Alongside Park Bo Gum As Part-Timers On “The Village Barber 2” Teaser Soompi. ...
Read more
Watch: Jisoo, Uhm Ji Won, Ahn Eun Jin, And Heo Sung Tae Work Alongside Park Bo Gum As Part-Timers In “The Village Barber 2” Teaser
Upcoming tvN variety program “The Village Barber 2” has introduced its one-day part-timers! “The Village Barber 2” is a variety show in which Park Bo Gum runs a barbershop in a small seaside village together with his close friends Lee Sang Yi and Ko Kyung Pyo. The newly released teaser reveals BLACKPINK’s Jisoo along with Continue reading Watch: Jisoo, Uhm Ji Won, Ahn Eun Jin, And Heo Sung Tae Work Alongside Park Bo Gum As Part-Timers In “The Village Barber 2” Teaser Watch: Jisoo, Uhm Ji Won, Ahn Eun Jin, And Heo Sung Tae Work Alongside Park Bo Gum As Part-Timers In “The Village Barber 2” Teaser Soompi. ...
Read more
ifeye Announces Change In Management
All of the members of ifeye have parted ways with Hi-Hat Entertainment. On November 2, Hi-Hat Entertainment officially announced that it would no longer be managing ifeye, who first debuted under the agency in 2025. Starting today, the group will be managed by Chorokbaem Music and continue promotions under the same group name. Hi-Hat Entertainment’s Continue reading ifeye Announces Change In Management ifeye Announces Change In Management Soompi. ...
Read more
Kim Woo Bin, Seo Eun Soo, Cha Been, And Han Si Hyun Embrace Different Baseball Philosophies In New Drama “GIFT” Posters
tvN’s upcoming drama “GIFT” has unveiled new character posters! Based on a popular webtoon, “GIFT” is a sports drama starring Kim Woo Bin as Jung Min Yong, a former professional baseball pitching coach. After an unexpected accident leads him to gain a special ability, Jung Min Yong winds up becoming the head coach for the Continue reading Kim Woo Bin, Seo Eun Soo, Cha Been, And Han Si Hyun Embrace Different Baseball Philosophies In New Drama “GIFT” Posters Kim Woo Bin, Seo Eun Soo, Cha Been, And Han Si Hyun Embrace Different Baseball Philosophies In New Drama “GIFT” Posters Soompi. ...
Read more
Former T-ara Member Soyeon Announces Pregnancy
Former T-ara member Soyeon and her husband and national soccer player Cho Yu Min are becoming parents! On November 1, Soyeon took to her Instagram account to share her pregnancy news. Read the full post below: Today, November 1, marks our fourth wedding anniversary, and I want to share some incredibly grateful, precious, and joyful Continue reading Former T-ara Member Soyeon Announces Pregnancy Former T-ara Member Soyeon Announces Pregnancy Soompi. ...
Read more
Jin Young And Cho Yi Hyun Share Emotional Reunion After A Shocking Incident In “Summer Vacation”
“Summer Vacation” has unveiled new stills ahead of its upcoming episode! “Summer Vacation” is a teen romance drama starring Cho Yi Hyun as Kim Ha Yeon, an ordinary high school student who has a mysterious experience during her summer vacation before returning to reality. Jin Young stars as Jo Yu Gyeom, a boy the same Continue reading Jin Young And Cho Yi Hyun Share Emotional Reunion After A Shocking Incident In “Summer Vacation” Jin Young And Cho Yi Hyun Share Emotional Reunion After A Shocking Incident In “Summer Vacation” Soompi. ...
Read more
Yim Si Wan Feels Flustered As Seol In Ah Doesn’t Remember Their Accidental Kiss In “Love In Disguise”
tvN’s “Love in Disguise” has shared a glimpse of the chaotic situation that follows Yim Si Wan and Seol In Ah’s unexpected kiss! “Love in Disguise” is a romance thriller drama about Yoon Yi Jun (Yim Si Wan), an arrogant chaebol heir who becomes a murder suspect, and Kang Jae Hee (Seol In Ah), a Continue reading Yim Si Wan Feels Flustered As Seol In Ah Doesn’t Remember Their Accidental Kiss In “Love In Disguise” Yim Si Wan Feels Flustered As Seol In Ah Doesn’t Remember Their Accidental Kiss In “Love In Disguise” Soompi. ...
Read more