The premiere of MBN's Wednesday-Thursday miniseries 'First Lady' delivered a shocking twist as Eugene's character demanded a divorce from Ji Hyun-woo's character right after his presidential victory.
The first episode, aired on the 24th, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 2.2% with a peak of 2.5%, according to Nielsen Korea.
'First Lady' opened with a dramatic scene where Hyun Min-chul (played by Ji Hyun-woo), an activist turned politician, and his wife Cha Soo-yeon (played by Eugene) faced a life-threatening situation due to a fire at 'H Chemical.' As Hyun Min-chul lay on the brink of death, Cha Soo-yeon took to the campaign trail, passionately declaring, "My husband always said we must change ourselves to change the world. He showed it through actions, not words," earning her a standing ovation and solidifying her role as a political partner.
Fifteen years later, Hyun Min-chul ran for president. As party members awaited the election results, he mysteriously disappeared, raising questions. Meanwhile, Shin Hae-rin (played by Lee Min-young) searched for him desperately. Hyun Min-chul was found identifying a body named 'Um Soon-jung' in a morgue, suppressing his emotions. Returning to the party, he thanked his wife in a speech and unexpectedly proposed a special law for the 'H Chemical Fire Incident,' surprising everyone.
As the anchor announced, "Candidate Hyun Min-chul of the Participation People's Party is confirmed as the 23rd President of South Korea!" supporters, including Cha Soo-yeon's fan club 'Iron Lady,' erupted in cheers. Hyun Min-chul celebrated his victory, and Shin Hae-rin tearfully presented him with flowers.
As the nation gathered to celebrate Hyun Min-chul's victory, Cha Soo-yeon arrived, and the couple held hands amidst cheers and camera flashes. Suddenly, Yoon Ki-joo (played by Kim Ki-bang) threw a tomato at them, staining Cha Soo-yeon's white dress. Despite her attempt to console him, Yoon Ki-joo accused her of causing his brother's death and spat in her face.
After Yoon Ki-joo was escorted away, the couple raised their hands in triumph and shared a kiss. However, in a shocking twist, Hyun Min-chul whispered, "Let's divorce. Let's get a divorce," leaving viewers in suspense.
The day before the election, Cha Soo-yeon attended her daughter Hyun Ji-yoo's (played by Park Seo-kyung) school entrance ceremony, where Ji-yoo revealed, "Dad has another woman. I saw her." Cha Soo-yeon coldly replied, "That's your dad's business. Just forget it," showcasing her pragmatic nature and shocking Ji-yoo. As cracks appear in the seemingly perfect family of the newly elected president, tension and uncertainty loom.
'First Lady' Episode 2 airs on the 25th at 10:20 PM.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr