Looking for a drama with a unique plot line? There’s nothing more original than a story about two dogs falling in love at first sight.
Based on the webtoon “Dog-Like Romance” by Bo Hyeon and Mun Sseoni, “Love is for the Dogs” follows Aiko Hanamura (Kaya Kiyohara), a warmhearted divorce attorney who’s excellent at helping others navigate heartbreak but has little faith in love herself. Scarred by her parents’ constant fighting, Aiko finds solace in her new life as a single dog mom to Sakura. But when Sakura falls for a rescued dog named Shogun, sparks begin to fly between Aiko and the dog’s owner, the stoic and charming veterinarian Kai Shirosaki (Ryo Narita), who runs a 24-hour animal hospital and harbors emotional wounds of his own. Just as the two begin to grow closer, they are thrown off course by Woo Seo Ha (Na In Woo), a friendly Korean heir with a hidden agenda connected to Kai. As secrets surface and connections deepen, can love truly bloom where it is least expected?
Warning: spoilers ahead!
A unique romance sparked by doggie love at first sight
In “Love is for the Dogs,” fate doesn’t bring the leads together; puppy love does.
Aiko Hanamura and Kai Shirosaki first cross paths during a casual walk when Aiko’s dog, Sakura, is instantly smitten with Kai’s rescue pup, Shogun. Kai playfully suggests the dogs have fallen in love at first sight and proposes a playdate, but Aiko, skeptical about love due to her past, brushes it off as ridiculous.
Despite her initial reluctance, their pets keep drawing them back into each other’s orbit. The next time they meet at the beach, Sakura and Shogun run joyfully toward each other, and Kai again suggests a playdate, only to be gently refused. But when Sakura suddenly falls ill that night, Aiko rushes her to a 24-hour animal hospital, only to find that the attending vet is none other than Kai himself.
Moved by his kindness and reminded of how fleeting life can be, Aiko finally agrees to meet for playdates. With dogs as unlikely matchmakers, this charming setup adds a heartwarming twist to the classic slow-burn romance.
A cross-cultural twist with a mysterious mission
While “Love is for the Dogs” centers around the budding connection between Aiko and Kai (and their lovable pups Sakura and Shogun), a compelling cross-cultural subplot adds unexpected intrigue. Enter Woo Seo Ha (Na In Woo), a charismatic Korean heir who arrives in Japan under mysterious circumstances.
In the first episode, Woo Seo Ha is seen visiting his ailing grandmother in Korea. In a quietly emotional moment, she whispers something to him that the audience doesn’t hear. However, the camera lingers on a photo beside her bed, one that features a dog strikingly similar to Shogun. Soon after, Seo Ha travels to Japan and begins observing Shogun and Kai from afar, raising questions about his true intentions.
Is Shogun connected to his grandmother’s past? Could he be a long-lost pet or a symbolic link to a deeper family story? Adding to the mystery, Woo Seo Ha later interacts with Shogun using commands the dog seems to recognize, hinting at a possible shared history.
With its layers of emotional depth, international connections, and unfolding secrets, this storyline adds a refreshing twist that keeps viewers guessing and eagerly anticipating what Woo Seo Ha’s mission really is.
A healing journey
At first glance, Aiko and Kai couldn’t be more different. Aiko is a guarded, no-nonsense divorce attorney who has sworn off love and relationships. Practical and emotionally reserved, she’s content with her single life and loyal companion, Sakura. In contrast, Kai comes across as warm, open, and effortlessly charming, a man who believes in love and leads with his heart.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that beneath their contrasting exteriors lie unspoken wounds. Both Aiko and Kai carry emotional baggage, and it’s through their growing connection and the bond between their dogs that they begin to slowly heal.
“Love is for the Dogs” doesn’t just explore romantic love; it’s a gentle, heartwarming tale of emotional recovery, unlikely companionship, and the unexpected ways that people (and pets) can help each other mend.
One delightful surprise in episode one is a scene shown from Shogun’s point of view, raising hopes for more moments told through the dogs’ eyes. If the pups get their own perspectives or even voices, it could add a charming and heartwarming layer to the story that viewers won’t want to miss.
Start watching “Love is for the Dogs”:
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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: “Good Boy”
Looking forward to: “My Girlfriend Is the Man!“
