The second episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'To The Moon' (directed by Oh Da-young, Jung Hoon/written by Na Yoon-chae) aired on the 20th, featuring the struggles of the 'Munani' trio: Jung Da-hae (played by Lee Sun-bin), Kang Eun-sang (Ra Mi-ran), and Kim Ji-song (Jo Ah-ram) under the theme 'Between Effort and Inferiority.' The episode delivered a mix of humor and poignancy, showcasing the trio's growing camaraderie and the unpredictable tension between Jung Da-hae and 'Hambaksa' Ham Ji-woo (Kim Young-dae).
Continuing from the previous night, Eun-sang proposed to Da-hae and Ji-song to join the 'coin train.' Da-hae, swayed by Eun-sang's words, bought coins worth 10,000 won but was conflicted the next morning about selling them. Her past struggles, caused by her father Jung Yong-jik's (Seo Hyun-chul) repeated business failures, resurfaced.
Kim Ji-song faced a setback when her new shoe heel broke due to a colleague's (Oh Seung-ah) scheming. On the way home, Eun-sang, holding Ji-song's cart with trembling hands, expressed her concern, "I can't watch you fall apart like this. Is there nothing left in our lives but to crumble?" revealing her genuine care for her younger colleagues.
A promotion opportunity finally came for Jung Da-hae, who had faced repeated disappointments in company evaluations. She and Jung Da-hee (Hong Seung-hee) were finalists in a Children's Day promotion plan contest. Having tasted failure for three years, Da-hae was reinvigorated, exclaiming, "Even a mouse hole sees the sun someday. Let's go for the promotion!" The office atmosphere heated up further with the legendary Hambaksa judging the contest.
On the eve of the presentation, Da-hae, who was working tirelessly, faced a crisis when an intruder broke into her home, causing her to lose her files. Despite staying up all night to recreate her work, the final selection went to Da-hee. Without time to process her disappointment, Da-hae was called to sing at a team dinner by her manager, Ko Dae-young (Eum Moon-suk). While everyone else ignored her, Hambaksa watched her performance with a meaningful gaze.
Da-hae later learned that the contest was essentially rigged for full-time employees, leading her to lament, "After three years of enduring with a sinking heart, my efforts have turned into inferiority," as she wandered the streets.
Amidst her crumbling world, a small sign of hope appeared for Da-hae. The coin train she boarded on Eun-sang's suggestion miraculously rose in a 'J-curve.' Though the profit was only '500 won,' Da-hae treated herself to tteokbokki, regaining her smile.
The episode ended with an unexpected 'forehead bump' between Da-hae and Hambaksa. Hambaksa, bothered by Da-hae's song at the dinner, asked her how she knew it. Da-hae, feeling provoked, retorted, "Are you going to judge my taste now?" When Hambaksa suggested, "Try harder next time..." Da-hae, irritated by the word 'harder,' shouted, "I won't try hard anymore!" and headbutted Hambaksa. This cathartic moment left viewers feeling relieved, raising curiosity about how this clash will affect their relationship.
The realistic and poignant episodes of the 'Munani' trio have heightened viewer engagement. Their growing solidarity warms the hearts of the audience, while the witty dialogue, reflecting a bittersweet reality, brings both laughter and resonance. Interest in the 'Munani' story continues to grow.
Meanwhile, MBC's 'To The Moon' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr