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| Hagiwara Riku Reunites with Yamashita Mizuki in Chilling WOWOW Drama "Koroshita Otto ga Kaette Kimashita" (WOWOW) |
Here’s a pairing that’s bound to spark intrigue – and probably a few goosebumps. Actor Hagiwara Riku has been confirmed to star in the upcoming WOWOW drama Koroshita Otto ga Kaettekimashita (translated as, The Husband I Killed Came Back), airing from 11 July 2025 at 11pm. This late-night thriller, running for 6 episodes, sees him team up once again with ex-Nogizaka46 ace Yamashita Mizuki – only this time, things get very complicated.
The two have shared the screen twice before, but this reunion pushes their on-screen dynamic into new, darker territory. Yamashita plays Suzukura Mana, a woman who has seemingly escaped a traumatic marriage, only to have her world turned upside down when the husband she thought she killed – yes, really – shows up alive. And with no memory of their past life together.
That eerie, soft-spoken husband? Hagiwara Riku.
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Hagiwara portrays Kazuki, a man who used to be violent and controlling behind closed doors, ultimately leading Mana to take matters into her own hands. But years later, just as she’s settled into a peaceful life and chasing her dreams in fashion design, Kazuki returns – completely changed, or so it seems. He’s calm. Gentle. Kind. Almost... like someone else entirely.
The series toys with the question: can someone truly change? Or worse – is it all just a twisted act?
Hagiwara, reflecting on the role, shared that he was immediately hooked when offered the part. “I started reading the original novel before bed, and ended up pulling an all-nighter,” he admitted. “I knew straight away it was going to be a difficult role, but that’s exactly what made me want to do it.”
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Though Kazuki is labelled as a “dead husband,” Hagiwara points out that most of his scenes involve the “new” Kazuki – the man with no memory.
“I had to approach him neutrally, without bias, and let his character rebuild naturally through his interactions with Mana. But at the same time, there had to be that feeling of unease, like he’s holding something just out of sight. Balancing that tension was the biggest challenge.”
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The pair's past collaborations include the 2019 drama Video Girl Mai and 2024’s Oritsumore Kodoku na Shi yo. This marks their third project together, and Hagiwara says the trust they’ve built really helped them dive into such intense material. “Even though we’re playing this heavy relationship, Yamashita-san herself is incredibly cheerful. She can go from laughing to fully immersed in character in a heartbeat – it’s something I really admire.”
Adapted from Sakurai Mina’s suspense novel of the same name, this marks the first TV adaptation of her work. Scripted by Hamada Hideya and Ichinohe Yoshino, and directed by Kato Ayaka, the drama promises a tightrope-walking thriller that keeps viewers guessing till the very end. The teaser already hints at an emotional rollercoaster, including one unforgettable moment where Mana pushes Kazuki off a cliff in the pouring rain. (Drama, much?)
Will the truth behind Kazuki’s “return” ever come to light? Is Mana’s hard-won happiness about to be snatched away? And is the man in front of her really someone new… or just the same monster in sheep’s clothing?
Get ready – Koroshita Otto wa Kaettekimashita premieres Friday, 11 July 2025, on WOWOW.
Lock your doors and keep the lights on. This isn’t your usual domestic drama.