Stimulates nostalgia for the paranormal romance of the 2010s

The Paranormal Romance (PNR) genre of the 2010s, represented by 'Twilight', 'The Vampire Diaries', and 'Shadowhunters', has returned in a new form through Chinese dramas. The new Chinese drama 'Affinity' adopts the sci-fi setting of genetic engineering instead of vampires or demons, but still captures the essence of the dark and fateful love that enthralled fans at the time.

Set in 2051, this work tells the story of Wu Nong-yu (played by Bang Jin), a genetic engineering graduate student, and Xue Xin-shi (played by Choi Ok-shin), an emotionally closed man with a dark secret. The two people, who first met five years ago through a tragic incident, are destined to be drawn to each other at the genetic level due to the 'affinity virus' revealed through a mysterious artifact discovered on a planet similar to Earth.

The return of bold dark romance

'Affinity' tackles relationships in moral gray areas head-on. It explores relationships where possessiveness, emotional dependence, and the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and shows a complex and sometimes uneasy romance that is not an ideal or healthy love.

There is tension in the air from the first meeting of the main characters. The first time Nongwi sees Xinxu is when he is arrested for the murder of his parents. Even when surrounded by police, his gaze does not leave her, and obsession drips from his eyes. During their second meeting, Xin Xu saves Nong Wei, who is addicted to hallucinogenic mushrooms, but catches her and tells her, "You are mine." His obsession deepens as they meet each other.

Structure suitable for the short-form era

The short 18-20 minute episode structure makes this drama content optimized for binge-watching. The rapid development and cliffhangers placed at the end of each episode leave no time for viewers to stop. The prevailing opinion is that it is a drama that starts lightly and is completed in one sitting.

The kissing scene was also quite bold and unrestrained for a middle-length film, so much so that one wonders how it passed the censorship. Although the development in the second half is somewhat slow, this is compensated for by the increased emotional intensity of the characters.

Why Paranormal Romance Now?

The emergence of 'Affinity' shows that demand for dark and complex romance is still strong, along with nostalgia for the PNR genre of the 2010s. The attempt to reinterpret supernatural attraction through a scientific setting suggests the possibility of the genre evolving. This work, which explores emotions, instincts, and the boundaries between humans and creation, is expected to be a sweet treat for viewers who want an overwhelming, dangerous, yet unstoppable love.