Natsu Hyuuga, the mind behind The Apothecary Diaries, has offered rare insight into the delicate balance she faces while writing. Her series—praised for its detailed court intrigue and headstrong lead—has naturally sparked a strong desire among fans for romance. Yet for Hyuuga, love is a distant luxury in the dangerous world her characters inhabit.
The unlikely bond between Maomao and Jinshi has become a quiet obsession for the fandom. Their chemistry—rooted in intellect, mistrust, and mystery—makes every glance feel loaded. Still, Hyuuga admits that she never intended romance to be the focus. Survival, secrecy, and politics shape the tone. Anything beyond that, she says, would be unrealistic.
In an interview shared by X user @keiuzuki , Hyuuga offered a candid comment: “In a situation like this, there is no time for romance (laughs). But people around me tell me to add more of it. Not only the readers, but even my aunt says, ‘Won’t they get together soon?’ It’s like I’m being threatened while writing.”
This humorous confession hints at her growing dilemma. While her personal vision sticks to realism, she also hears the voices clamoring for something softer. The romance may not be central to the story, but it’s clearly become central to the fan experience—making her job more layered than ever.
Romance Amidst Poison and Politics
The Apothecary Diaries (Credits: Toho Animation)
Maomao and Jinshi are far from a typical pair. She is blunt, scientific, and emotionally detached. He is cryptic, elegant, and surrounded by mystery. Their personalities clash and connect in ways that stir tension, but never quite land in full affection. Hyuuga prefers it that way. In her world, romance should be rare, subtle, and risky.
The imperial court is filled with schemes and deadly power plays. There’s no time for dreamy affairs or love confessions. For a character like Maomao, who studies poisons and observes people clinically, it would be jarring to suddenly fall into emotional vulnerability. That realism keeps the tone consistent, even if it sometimes tests fan patience.
Reader Expectations
The Apothecary Diaries (Credits: Toho Animation)
Despite her careful restraint, Hyuuga doesn’t ignore her audience. She has found ways to compromise—slipping in romantic crumbs that feel earned rather than inserted. A glance that lingers too long. A touch that says more than words. These tiny moments satisfy the fans while still honoring the tone of the setting.
She compares romance to seasoning. “Not the main dish,” she implies, but something that adds richness when used sparingly. And yet, with each passing volume and fan comment, the call for more grows louder. Even those closest to her—like her own aunt—want the slow-burn to catch fire. It’s a pressure that’s both amusing and persuasive.
A Careful Dance Between Chemistry and Timing
The Apothecary Diaries (Credits: Toho Animation)
The connection between Maomao and Jinshi isn’t imagined. Their scenes crackle with hidden meaning. Jinshi’s fixation on her, and Maomao’s refusal to treat him like anyone special, flips courtship upside down. It’s their differences that attract. Readers don’t just want a romance—they want these two specific minds to collide in a meaningful way.
By keeping their development ambiguous, Hyuuga maintains suspense. Both characters continue to evolve on their own paths, which makes the story more engaging. When romance does arise, it feels more potent. The rare emotional beats shine brighter when surrounded by restraint. It’s a long game, and Hyuuga is playing it intentionally.
Real Love Takes Its Time in The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries (Credits: Toho Animation)
Hyuuga’s approach won’t please everyone, but it reflects the story’s integrity. Love, in a court filled with danger, must be quiet and careful. Maomao and Jinshi may never get a dramatic confession, but each small gesture adds depth to their bond. Their dynamic isn’t about passion—it’s about possibility.
Whether the romance ever fully blossoms remains unknown. But the author’s growing awareness of reader hopes means we’re likely to see more emotionally charged moments as the story unfolds. Just not all at once. As Hyuuga says with a laugh, sometimes even the smallest romantic scene feels like giving in to a loving threat.
The cultural wave of K-pop in Japan has reached another high point, thanks to an animated short film based on BTS’s webtoon 7Fates: Chakho. As K-pop becomes more entrenched in Japanese media, this new project marks a notable moment where two powerhouse entertainment forces—anime and K-pop—collide. The result is a polished visual product that expands BTS’s storytelling while tapping directly into Japan’s thriving anime fandom.
Produced by renowned studio CloverWorks and helmed by Shin Wakabayashi, this 11-minute anime not only offers an artistic interpretation of the 7Fates: Chakho narrative but also serves as a landmark example of cross-industry creativity. With Wakabayashi’s signature flair for emotion and bold direction, the short brings a mythic world to life through the lens of K-pop’s largest icons.
Korean Myth Meets Japanese Animation
7Fates: Chakho
The 7Fates: Chakho universe, originally created in partnership with WEBTOON, follows seven protagonists based on the BTS members, each navigating a city plagued by monsters called “beom.” Rooted in Korean mythology, the story delivers a blend of gritty action, dystopian visuals, and themes of identity and brotherhood. These ideas translate smoothly into anime, allowing for moments of stylized combat, introspective character work, and emotional tension.
Through animation, these symbolic and action-packed sequences take on new meaning. The short not only captures the spirit of BTS’s lore but also adds a cinematic flair only achievable through this medium. For long-time ARMY and anime fans alike, it’s a union that feels both fresh and familiar—bridging fantasy, culture, and music in an accessible format.
BTS’s Expanding Narrative Legacy
BTS has consistently experimented with multimedia storytelling, from webtoons like Save Me to interactive games like BTS Universe Story. These efforts are more than side projects—they form a rich fictional universe tied to the group’s music and personal arcs. With this anime short, BTS adds another layer to that narrative, giving fans another portal into the emotionally charged world they’ve cultivated over the past decade.
This isn’t just fan service. It’s an evolution of how K-pop groups build identities and forge emotional connections. By engaging respected anime creators and delivering high production value, BTS shows that their universe isn’t confined to music—it’s a living, visual mythology. As K-pop’s global reach expands, ventures like this signal a future where stories told through music can take shape in any format.
K-Pop and Anime’s Creative Fusion
7Fates: Chakho
The merging of anime and K-pop is no longer experimental—it’s becoming a major creative lane. From EXO’s anime-themed concepts to TXT’s fantasy visuals, groups are increasingly weaving anime elements into their brand. This crossover brings new layers to fandom, allowing audiences to experience their favorite idols through dynamic story-driven content that goes beyond stage performances.
The Japanese anime market, always receptive to innovation, has proven an ideal partner. Projects like 7Fates: Chakho offer something that resonates across linguistic and cultural boundaries. They also reflect a wider shift: fandoms now seek multimedia engagement. Music isn’t just heard—it’s seen, felt, and experienced across genres, platforms, and dimensions.
The Future of Hybrid Pop Culture
The success of 7Fates: Chakho could be a model for what’s to come. As anime studios continue collaborating with K-pop agencies, we may see more groups creating animated storylines, voice-acting roles, or full-length anime tie-ins. With the global anime fanbase already deeply engaged online, and K-pop audiences constantly seeking new ways to connect with idols, the synergy is undeniable.
This blend isn’t just a stylistic trend—it’s a new entertainment blueprint. By combining anime’s narrative power with the emotional resonance of K-pop, future artists can create immersive universes that stretch far beyond concerts or albums. 7Fates: Chakho is more than a short film—it’s a clear sign of where global pop culture is heading next.
