KBS 2TV's new daily drama 'Intimate Ripley' premiered on Monday, the 22nd, with a perfect synergy of acting, directing, and script, setting the stage for an addictive narrative. The first episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 8.2% according to Nielsen Korea, securing the top spot across all channels in its time slot.
The debut episode introduced viewers to Cha Jeong-won, played by Lee Si-ah, who faces the hardships of being abandoned by her mother and falsely accused of murder due to her father. She reunites with her high school friend Joo Young-chae, portrayed by Lee Hyo-na, and experiences a thrill by impersonating Young-chae at a party. The episode also featured a tense encounter between Jeong-won and Han Hye-ra, played by Lee Il-hwa, in a rain-soaked street.
The episode opened with a flashback to 25 years ago, showing Cha Ki-beom, played by Park Cheol-ho, being taken away by the police as a young Jeong-won cries. Her mother, Han Hye-ra, promises to return but never does, leaving Jeong-won stigmatized as a murderer's daughter. Despite her struggles, including being rejected at job interviews and working odd jobs, Jeong-won perseveres.
The narrative then shifts to the present, where Jeong-won, now dressed in luxury clothes and using the name 'Joo Young-chae,' marries Se-hoon and is embraced by her mother-in-law, Han Hye-ra. In a chilling montage, Jeong-won vows to bring down Hye-ra, even if it means living a lie.
The story flashes back six months, showing Jeong-won working as a personal shopper at a department store. She encounters Young-chae at a VIP client's house, leading to a tense confrontation involving Hye-ra, Gong Nan-sook, played by Lee Seung-yeon, and Jin Tae-seok, portrayed by Choi Jong-hwan, over Young-chae's marriage to Jin Se-hoon.
Jeong-won, wearing Young-chae's designer clothes, attends an exclusive club party, where Young-chae introduces her as 'Joo Young-chae,' causing confusion. Meanwhile, Hye-ra, longing for her daughter Jin Se-mi, played by Choi Da-eum, looks at old belongings of young Jeong-won, stirring emotions.
The episode concludes with Jeong-won escaping a dangerous situation during a job interview, only to break down in tears in the rain. Hye-ra appears, offering Jeong-won an umbrella, as memories of their past flash by, leaving viewers eager to see how their relationship will unfold.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr