In the latest episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Annoying Love', aired on the 4th, the fiery rivalry between Im Hyun-jun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and Wi Jung-shin (played by Lim Ji-yeon) took center stage. Amidst their childish bickering, Wi Jung-shin started binge-watching 'Good Detective Kang Pil-gu' and found herself captivated by the character. By the end of the episode, her thoughts of Im Hyun-jun began to overlap with the drama's Kang Pil-gu, hinting at a potential shift in their relationship.
The second episode of 'Annoying Love' achieved a nationwide household rating of 4.8% on average, peaking at 5.6%, and a metropolitan household rating of 4.8% on average, peaking at 5.5%, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. (Based on Nielsen Korea's paid platform data) The first episode had previously recorded a nationwide household rating of 5.5% on average, peaking at 6.5%, and a metropolitan household rating of 5.2% on average, peaking at 6.5%.
Im Hyun-jun struggled with the shadow of his past roles, particularly resisting the idea of 'Good Detective Kang Pil-gu Season 5'. However, the scripts he received were few and far between, and they often typecast him as a detective. Frustrated by the limitations of his role as Kang Pil-gu, Im Hyun-jun longed to showcase a different side of his acting.
Wi Jung-shin, on her first day at Sports Eunsung's entertainment department, was assigned to cover the arrival of a popular singer at the airport. Swept up in the crowd, she inadvertently made a memorable debut, even mistakenly getting involved with Lee Jae-hyung (played by Kim Ji-hoon), unaware that he would become her boss. Her chaotic first mission was filled with humor and unexpected twists.
The playful animosity between Im Hyun-jun and Wi Jung-shin continued. Realizing that the person who ignored her desperate SOS at the airport was Im Hyun-jun, Wi Jung-shin was determined to make amends. She volunteered for an exclusive interview with Im Hyun-jun at Sports Eunsung.
Misunderstanding Wi Jung-shin as an imposter, Im Hyun-jun received an apology from CEO Hwang (played by Choi Gwi-hwa), seemingly shifting the power dynamic in Wi Jung-shin's favor. However, her lack of preparation led to a series of clueless questions, turning the tables once again. Defeated, Wi Jung-shin plotted her own comeback.
Im Hyun-jun wasn't one to back down either. Despite attempts by Manager Yoon Hwa-young (played by Seo Ji-hye) and CEO Hwang to mediate, tensions remained high. Yoon Hwa-young's sharp critique prompted Wi Jung-shin to reflect on her approach. Taking advice to heart, she decided to learn more about Im Hyun-jun, even bringing a TV into her home for the first time to watch 'Good Detective Kang Pil-gu'. Unexpectedly, Im Hyun-jun's performance captivated her.
Having binge-watched up to Season 4, Wi Jung-shin realized how much Kang Pil-gu had influenced her life. When she encountered Im Hyun-jun outside Sports Eunsung, she couldn't help but see the resemblance to Kang Pil-gu, creating a new dynamic between them. The evolving relationship between the once-bickering duo leaves viewers curious about what changes lie ahead.
By Sojung Lee, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr