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1Caught between two lovers, feeling all confused.
If Only It Weren’t You is a provocative and emotionally charged drama that walks a fine line between romance and discomfort. At times, its sensual tone pushes the boundaries of what one might expect from a mainstream series, and had it gone any further, it could easily have tipped into something far more explicit - pornography. That said, the physicality in the story is not without purpose—it underscores the emotional entanglement and psychological pull between the characters.At the centre is Onuma, a woman at a vulnerable turning point in her life. Having just ended a relationship and entered her thirties, she is confronted with the sudden reappearance of Ureshino—a man with whom she shared a physical and morally complicated past. Their relationship, even a decade ago, was built on betrayal, as both were involved with other partners at the time. This history casts a long shadow, making their reunion both charged and deeply uncomfortable.
Onuma’s initial instinct is to distance herself, to maintain composure and bury the past. However, Ureshino’s persistence quickly erodes that resolve. His presence is unsettling not only because of what they shared, but because of how easily he reawakens something in her that she cannot fully control.
In contrast, Kusaka represents stability and sincerity. His growing interest in Onuma offers a clear, healthier alternative—someone dependable, respectful, and emotionally available. Yet, despite recognising this, Onuma finds herself drawn back into Ureshino’s orbit, reigniting a relationship that is as intoxicating as it is destructive.
This creates a deeply toxic dynamic. Onuma is caught in a painful push-and-pull—wanting to break free, yet repeatedly falling back into Ureshino's arm (or bed). While it may be easy to judge her as indecisive or lacking resolve, the drama invites a more compassionate perspective. It reflects a reality many can recognise: the difficulty of escaping emotionally manipulative or addictive relationships. Much like real-life toxic attachments or affairs, the pull is not always rational, nor is it easily resisted.
Ureshino is a particularly compelling, if troubling, character. His behaviour raises constant questions about his true intentions. Does he genuinely care for Onuma, or is he simply exerting control and indulging his carnal desires? When he senses her drifting toward Kusaka, he shifts tactics—suggesting a more “serious” relationship, which only deepens the ambiguity. His ability to manipulate both Onuma and the situation reveals a calculating, narcissistic streak that makes him both fascinating and unsettling to watch.
What makes the drama engaging is how it places the viewer in Onuma’s position. You are drawn into her confusion, her hesitation, and her internal conflict. Even as you recognise the toxicity of the situation, there is a lingering curiosity—perhaps even hope—that Ureshino’s feelings might be genuine. Yet, the memory of his past actions casts doubt over everything, creating a constant tension that drives the narrative forward.
Ultimately, If Only It Weren’t You is less about romance and more about emotional vulnerability, flawed choices, and the complexity of human relationships. It explores how desire, history, and unresolved feelings can blur judgement, leading individuals into situations they know they should avoid.
One thing, however, remains clear throughout: Ureshino’s manipulative tendencies and self-serving behaviour make him a deeply problematic figure, and the drama does not shy away from showing the damage such personalities can inflict.
Setting aside the emotional aspects of the drama, I felt that the male lead’s hairstyle did not quite suit him. It fell heavily over his eyes, making his face appear smaller and somewhat obscured. If the intention was to create an air of mystery or suggest a more elusive, unreadable character, it did not quite achieve that effect. A neater style, perhaps brushed slightly aside, would have been more flattering and effective on screen.
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This review may contain spoilers
Drama to pass the time.
ML is narcissistic, I thought there would be some twist and the J-drama would show an acceptable reason (if there is such a thing as an acceptable reason for betrayal), but the J-drama didn't delve into ML's past relationship, why he betrayed his girlfriend, but from what I understood ML was very manipulative with FL, when he realized he was going to lose her to someone else, he tried to be more romantic, I was surprised by FL's maturity, she realized that she would always be suspicious of him, and that their relationship is based on being "accomplices" in the betrayal. And that ML wouldn't make a good husband, I thought they would stay together, but she preferred to be alone, I liked her choice.Was this review helpful to you?
Such unlikable characters
This is a story that was painful to watch. I found myself rooting against both protagonists. Neither one have any set of morals. Lying, cheating, and betrayal are their characteristics ... and yet somehow we're supposed to watch and enjoy this relationship deepen and develop through each episode. I just couldn't do it. I watched it, hoping for a different outcome, but it never happened. Nothing against the actors Hina Higuchi or Masachi Ikeda, but the people they portrayed were just awful individuals.Neither one of them felt remorse for hurting other people around them, just as long as they ended up in bed together. The character of Makoto Kusaka, played by Naoya Kusakawa, was so good in nature, making for an even more difficult watch as he was just cast aside by Mihono.
I'm glad there were only eight episodes to watch ... it was seven episodes too much.
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Messy reality
If Only You Weren’t the One is a short yet emotionally gripping romance that explores the complicated pull of past relationships. The story follows a woman whose life is disrupted when a former forbidden lover reappears, forcing her to confront unresolved feelings and difficult choices.What makes the drama engaging is its mature approach to romance. Instead of idealizing love, it focuses on messy emotions, temptation, and the lingering impact of past decisions. The performances feel natural and intimate, which helps the emotional tension land despite the series’ short runtime.
Overall, it’s a quick but compelling watch. Perfect for viewers who enjoy romantic stories that are a little more bittersweet and realistic than the typical love drama.
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Better than the rating suggests
I don’t know what’s with all the negative reviews on here but this is a great little drama. Seems people are mad it’s not the neat and tidy romance they wanted, but it never claims to be. A solid story about a toxic relationship between very human characters with a fitting ending, and the actors have great chemistry (physical and emotional). If you don’t require cookie cutter happy endings in your dramas I recommend it.Was this review helpful to you?
The struggle between lust and thought can be entertaining
This is an easy binge high speed train in to the minds of the lustfull and confised. To be fair Somewhere between a 7,5 and 8. The story is told compleatly from our slightly guiltrudden female lead who seems to have been wearing a mantle o shame for way to long. I would have loved to hear the male leads side of the story as I find myself feeling that there is a lot more to this story that could have been so much better... But then again part of this dramas charm is the invite in to the female leads mind... makes it a bit more real I guess.Male lead is mysterious playful, charming... However bothe leads completely lack verbal communication skills, while there is nothing wrong with their lips ability to moove they seem to need to be attached to some type of skin to actually move, and they do move a lot. But then again why speak when you can kiss and hold someone up against a wall?
A decent binge that will fulfil all your skinship needs...
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