Lee Jun-young's character has fallen in love.
In the 10th episode of KBS 2TV's drama '24-Hour Fitness Club,' aired on the 29th, Do Hyun-jung (played by Lee Jun-young), who was once only focused on exercise, finds his heart racing for Lee Mi-ran (played by Jung Eun-ji).
The episode revealed a rumor spreading that Kang Sol's (played by Park Hae-in) death was due to Hyun-jung's excessive training. Overcome with grief at the news of Kang Sol's passing, Hyun-jung quits exercising and disappears.
Mi-ran and the gym members defended the gym from relentless YouTubers seeking sensational content. As public criticism of Hyun-jung grew, Mi-ran retraced their steps to find him but to no avail.
Eventually, Mi-ran spots Hyun-jung working as a delivery driver outside a company. After a challenging reunion, Mi-ran pleads with him, "We're taking shifts to protect the gym 24/7. Without you, we're losing muscle mass, and I really missed you," urging him to return.
Determined to comfort Hyun-jung, Mi-ran repeatedly orders tteokbokki to see him again. She feeds him the dish, despite his previous disdain for it, bringing them closer and warming viewers' hearts.
Meanwhile, trainers Rosa (played by Lee Mi-do), Alex (played by Lee Seung-woo), and Yoon Bu-young (played by Lee Ji-hye) host a live broadcast with a YouTuber aiming to expose Hyun-jung. During the broadcast, Alex shares how Hyun-jung saved him from despair, leading him to a new life. Touched by the sincerity of those around him, Hyun-jung returns to his role as the gym director.
Now tteokbokki mates, Hyun-jung and Mi-ran meet alone in front of the gym. They sneak into an alley to confess their feelings. Mi-ran asks, "Director, do you like anything besides tteokbokki?" to which Hyun-jung replies, "Yes, I think I do," sparking excitement. Their intimate ending raises anticipation for the final two episodes, where a full-fledged romance is expected to unfold.
Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr