The 4th episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'A Tale of Youth' (written by Jeong Hyeon-jeong/directed by Lee Jong-jae/planned by Studio Dragon/produced by Writing & Picture Media) aired yesterday (14th) recorded an average viewership rating of 4.2% in the metropolitan area and a peak of 5.2%, making it the best cable and general programming channel in the metropolitan area. It ranked first in viewership ratings in the same time slot (based on paid platforms integrating cable, IPTV, and satellite/provided by Nielsen Korea).
On this day's broadcast, Lee Hwan (played by Park Hyeong-sik) and Min Jae-i (played by Jeon So-ni) found another hidden circumstance in the murder case and got one step closer to the truth. The fresh harmony between Lee Hwan and Min Jae-i, who came to trust each other little by little as they dug into the case, made viewers happy.
The conversation between Lee Hwan and Min Jae-i, who were sharing childhood memories, moved on to Min Jae-i's fiancé, Han Seong-on (played by Yoon Jong-seok), whom they met that day. A strangely pouty look appeared on Lee Hwan's face as he watched Min Jae-i, who fell in love with Han Seong-on at first sight. However, Lee Hwan soon remembered Han Seong-on, who was excited about going to pick up his fiancé before the incident occurred, and said, “They are a well-matched couple.”
As the two slowly became closer, their cooperation in trying to find the criminal who had sent the secret letter impersonating Lee Hwan's name also accelerated. Lee Hwan guessed that the person who shot him with an arrow at the hunting ground a year ago, the person who killed the messenger who went to deliver the wedding gift, the person who sent the curse, and the culprit who played a prank on Mujang Kang's congratulatory message were the same person. Accordingly, Lee Hwan had Min Jae-i ask coroner Kim Myeong-jin (played by Lee Tae-seon) to find out why the messenger died.
Min Jae-yi, who met again with Jang Garam (played by Pyo Ye-jin), a friend whom she had longed for so much at Jeonjeondang, unraveled the past memories and at the same time, with the help of Kim Myeong-jin, found out that the reason for the messenger's death was the poison of the magpie viper. This is the same poison as the arrow that stopped Lee Hwan's right arm in the past. Moreover, considering the fact that Min Jae-i never saw the face of the dead messenger, it was assumed that someone killed the messenger who was on his way to deliver the gift and disguised himself as him to deliver the secret message.
Through this, Lee Hwan and Min Jae-i discovered an important clue that the ghost's curse and the Kaesong murder case may all be the work of the same person. However, it is still unclear what the criminal's purpose is. At the same time, through a conversation between Han Seong-on and Han Jung-eon (played by Jo Seong-ha), it was revealed that the compass owned by the prime suspect who played a prank on Commander Kang's congratulatory letter was a gift given to the Samjeongseung and the Sixth Minister when an envoy from the Ming Dynasty visited, leading to the suspicion. The line gradually narrowed.
In addition, the true nature of other murder cases pursued by Min Jae-i gradually began to be revealed. Min Jae-i, who met her fiancé Han Seong-on as an eunuch at Seoyeon, where they gathered to catch a criminal who committed three murders in a row in the city, hid his trembling heart and slowly unfolded his thoughts. Lee Hwan, who was struggling with the conflicting claims of the two people, strengthened his guard as Han Seong-on said, and at the same time ordered Min Jae-i to complete his reasoning, giving strength to her claim.
Lee Hwan then gave Min Jae-i a lovely apple, saying, “This is an award for a good performance of the seoyeon,” and Min Jae-i could not hide his excitement at finally being recognized. Lee Hwan, who looks at Min Jae-i with kind eyes, and Min Jae-i's bright smiles meet, forming a warm atmosphere. As we get closer to the truth, we are becoming more curious about the next story of 'A Tale of Youth' and whether Lee Hwan and Min Jae-i, who are opening their hearts, will be able to overcome fate and save each other.
tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Youth's Tale' is a fusion creative drama based on the mystery romance novel 'Jamjungrok', which has gained popularity in many countries including China and Korea. It airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM.
Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr