In a surprising twist, Seohyun's character has decided to stake her remaining screen time on the male lead, played by Ok Taecyeon.
On the latest episode of KBS 2TV's Wednesday-Thursday drama 'The Night I Took the Male Lead's First Night' (directed by Lee Woong-hee and Kang Soo-yeon, written by Jeon Sun-young, produced by StudioN and Monster Union), which aired on the 19th, the character Cha Seon-chek, played by Seohyun, finally accepted her changed fate after a relentless pursuit by the male lead, Ibeon, played by Ok Taecyeon. The episode garnered a nationwide viewership rating of 3.3% according to Nielsen Korea.
During a gathering, Cha Seon-chek prepared a modern game, Jenga, with fun questions written on the back. If players refused to answer, they had to drink as a penalty. However, Ibeon threw a curveball by asking when her last kiss was and then publicly announced that they were actually engaged, causing a stir.
Cha Seon-chek's father, Cha Ho-yeol, played by Seo Hyun-chul, opposed the marriage, not wanting to send his daughter to the royal family due to its power and rumors. In contrast, her mother, Yoon Deok-jeong, played by Yoon Yoo-sun, secretly supported the union, saying, "Living with a handsome man will make you happy." This left Cha Seon-chek feeling conflicted.
Meanwhile, Cha Seon-chek formed a connection with Mark, played by Justin Harvey, a foreigner who was shipwrecked. Despite rumors that foreigners spread unknown diseases, she took care of him, even taking him on a city tour.
However, Mark's suspicious behavior was revealed when he visited the home of the villainess, Do Hwa-seon, played by Ji Hye-won, right after parting ways with Cha Seon-chek. To make matters worse, Cha Seon-chek suddenly fell ill and collapsed, coughing up blood. She was quarantined by soldiers, and upon hearing this, Ibeon rushed to her side.
Ibeon comforted Cha Seon-chek, who blamed herself for changing the story and facing a tragic end. Despite the risk of the epidemic, Ibeon personally brewed medicine and cared for her, causing a shift in her feelings.
Meanwhile, Do Hwa-seon, upon learning of Ibeon's intention to marry Cha Seon-chek, sought the help of the royal family's matriarch, Daebi, played by Nam Gi-ae, to push for a royal selection process for Ibeon's bride. This led to the start of the selection process across the capital, unbeknownst to Ibeon and Cha Seon-chek.
Thanks to Ibeon's care, Cha Seon-chek recovered and, upon learning of the selection process, decided to stake her fate and feelings on Ibeon. Despite her lingering illness, she headed to the capital with determination, marking her transition from a supporting role to a leading one as the episode concluded.
KBS 2TV's 'The Night I Took the Male Lead's First Night' will return with episode 5 next Wednesday, the 25th, at 9:50 PM.
Reporter: Kim Se-a, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr