The latest episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'For First Love' (directed by Yoo Je-won, written by Sung Woo-jin, produced by Studio Dragon and Showrunners) aired on the 8th, delivering warm and touching moments as Lee Hyo-ri (played by Choi Yoon-ji) prepared for her brain tumor surgery. The episode showcased the support and encouragement from Lee Ji-an (played by Yeom Jung-ah) and others, including Ryu Jung-seok (played by Park Hae-joon) and Ryu Bo-hyun (played by Kim Min-kyu), as well as the residents of Cheonghae Village. The episode achieved a viewership rating of 4.4% on average in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 5.0%, and 3.9% nationwide, peaking at 4.5%, ranking first in its time slot across cable and general programming channels, according to Nielsen Korea's paid platform data.
The advancement of Lee Hyo-ri's long-awaited surgery was a relief, yet Lee Ji-an felt a mix of emotions. Jung Moon-hee (played by Kim Mi-kyung) comforted her, saying, "I'll be by your side, so let's protect Hyo-ri together," understanding her unspoken worries and fears.
Lee Hyo-ri, more concerned about her mother Lee Ji-an than herself, used a date with Ryu Jung-seok as an excuse to share the surgery news. She indirectly asked him to take care of her mother, summarizing her mother's life as a "struggle." Ryu Jung-seok silently embraced Lee Ji-an, offering her a shoulder to lean on.
Ryu Bo-hyun pondered how he could support Lee Hyo-ri. When she candidly expressed her fears about the surgery, he confessed, "One thing is certain. I love you the most in this world, next to Aunt Ji-an," revealing his unwavering affection.
Lee Hyo-ri headed to the hospital for pre-surgery admission with Lee Ji-an, Ryu Jung-seok, and Jung Moon-hee. Lee Ji-an felt grateful for the visible love from Ryu Jung-seok, Jung Moon-hee, and others, realizing she was no longer alone in the world with Hyo-ri. Missing her friend Han Cho-rong (played by Geum Min-kyung), she visited her columbarium for the first time in a long while, tearfully asking, "Please watch over our Hyo-ri," in front of Han Cho-rong's photo, moving viewers to tears.
The day of Lee Hyo-ri's surgery finally arrived. Lee Sook (played by Yang Yoo-jin), who had been laughing and joking with her until the day before, burst into tears upon seeing Hyo-ri's shortened hair. Kim Sun-young (played by Kim Sun-young), who was physically in Cheonghae but emotionally with Hyo-ri, and Ryu Bo-hyun also shed tears in private, evoking sympathy.
In the closing moments of the broadcast, Lee Ji-an, who had tried to remain composed until the surgery room doors closed, couldn't hold back her tears after watching a video message from Hyo-ri. Hyo-ri's confession, "The only certain thing in my life is that you're my mom, and I'm so grateful and happy for that," left a deep and lasting impression on viewers.
The final episode of tvN's 'For First Love' airs at 8:50 PM.
Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr