"Kimbap and Onigiri" starts airing today, featuring a love story between a Japanese and a Korean character, starring Eiji Akaso.

Starting today (12th), TV Tokyo will air the drama premiere 23 "Kimbap and Onigiri - The two in love are similar yet different -" (every Monday at 11:06 PM). Just like "kimbap" and "onigiri," which look similar but taste different, this work depicts the romance between two people of different nationalities, starring Eiji Akaso in a pure love story. It has also been decided that it will be exclusively available worldwide on Netflix, starting at the same time as the terrestrial broadcast of each episode. This love drama aims to reach not only Japan but also people around the world. On the day of the first episode's broadcast, the second visual featuring the lead Eiji Akaso and heroine Kang Haewon from IZ*ONE was released. The visual, which romantically expresses the beginning of their love, was shot in a location that appears in the first episode, with the two characters, Taiga (Eiji Akaso) and Rin (Kang Haewon), cuddling in a train adorned with colorful lights at night. The scene where the two accidentally meet and their relationship begins on the train is a must-see in tonight's broadcast. Last week, a press conference for "Kimbap and Onigiri" (Korean title: 첫입에 반하다) was held in Seoul, South Korea, attended by about 80 Korean media representatives, indicating high interest in the drama. During the conference, Akaso was asked, "What did you feel in Korea?" He replied, "This is my fourth visit to Korea, and I think the culture of hospitality is amazing. Everyone is welcoming, and the spirit of service is wonderful. I learn a lot from the kindness towards others." Kang Haewon was asked, "There are many Japanese lines in the work; how did you prepare?" She responded, "I received a recording file of the Japanese pronunciation and listened to it as soon as I woke up in the morning. I listened to it constantly until I got used to it." She had been preparing for two months before coming to Japan and commented, "Despite the language differences, Akaso-san was very considerate and helped me get used to this environment," indicating their good chemistry. Additionally, it was announced today that the theme song for this work will be aespa's new song "In Halo," which is very popular in Japan. This is the first time aespa has provided a theme song for a Japanese drama. aespa is a global group that debuted in 2020, and the song "In Halo" will emotionally color the fateful meeting between Taiga and Rin. The song features a floating synth sound and vocals that convey a strong will, dramatically expressing the feelings of the two falling in love. "In Halo" will have its world premiere in tonight's first episode. Furthermore, a comment from Eiji Akaso, the lead of the drama, who listened to "In Halo" by aespa, has arrived. Starting today, a collaboration page for "Kimbap and Onigiri" has launched on "Weverse." "Weverse" is a global platform operated by HYBE, where artists from various genres, including K-POP and J-POP, open communities and receive high support from younger generations. The collaboration page on "Weverse" will be a must-see portal site for the drama. ◆ aespa Comment: We are honored to be in charge of the theme song for "Kimbap and Onigiri." We poured our feelings into the theme song while aligning with the drama's theme of "Even when apart, we are connected in the same light." We hope it becomes a song that can be embraced after watching the drama. ◆ Eiji Akaso (as Taiga Hase) Comment: I feel that this wonderful song makes the world of "Kimbap and Onigiri" even more attractive. I hope you enjoy the drama while listening to this song, which has a gentle, warm, and soft atmosphere. Look forward to the broadcast of the first episode. ■ Work Information: Drama Premiere 23 "Kimbap and Onigiri - The two in love are similar yet different -" Starts January 12, 2026, every Monday from 11:06 PM to 11:55 PM. [Starring] Eiji Akaso [Cast] Kang Haewon, Mun Jiho, Maiko Fukagawa, Rin Kataoka, Shodai Fukuyama, So Heawon, Eunhee Pan, Ryo Uii, Hiroko Nakajima, Makoto Miura, Makiko Watanabe, Mitsuru Fukikoshi. Broadcasting Stations: TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TV Setouchi, TV Hokkaido, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting. Distribution: Exclusively available worldwide on Netflix starting at the same time as each episode's broadcast! Catch-up distribution on ad-supported free streaming services like TVer! Real-time streaming on TVer. Series Composition: Yukiko Sotete, Noryu Yamada. Script: Na Won Lee, Noryu Yamada, Chitose Yokoo, Miyuki Hatanaka. Directors: Hirokawa Hayashida, Miyuki Hatanaka, Ryota Koyama. Theme Song: aespa "In Halo" (Warner Music Japan). Insert Song: NCT WISH "Same Sky" (avex trax). ED Theme: Masanori Oda "Color of Happiness". Music: Jeon Jin Hee. Producers: Kan Nakajima (TV Tokyo), Shiwa Kojima (TV Tokyo), Koki Gokaku (BABEL LABEL), Tatsuya Mukai (Lineback). Production: TV Tokyo, BABEL LABEL. Copyright: "Kimbap and Onigiri" Production Committee. ■ Related Links: Official HP of "Kimbap and Onigiri - The two in love are similar yet different -" Weverse collaboration page for "Kimbap and Onigiri".